How to Open a Bank Account in Bali as a Foreigner (2026)

Personal vs corporate accounts

As a foreign entrepreneur in Bali, you'll likely need both:

• Corporate account — for your PT PMA's business transactions, paying staff, receiving invoices
• Personal account — for salary payments from your company, personal expenses, ATM access

Both require specific documentation and in-person visits.

Which banks work with foreigners?

Not all Indonesian banks are comfortable opening accounts for foreigners. These three consistently serve the expat community:

BCA (Bank Central Asia)

The most popular choice among expats. Advantages:

• Excellent mobile banking app (m-BCA and myBCA)
• Wide ATM network across Bali
• USD savings accounts available
• Internet banking in English
• Relatively straightforward opening process

Bank Mandiri

Indonesia's largest bank by assets. Benefits:

• Strong international wire transfer capabilities
• Multiple currency accounts (IDR, USD, EUR)
• Good for larger business transactions
• English-speaking staff at major branches

CIMB Niaga

A Malaysian-Indonesian bank with international orientation:

• Easy online banking interface
• Competitive foreign exchange rates
• Faster international transfers
• Less bureaucratic opening process

Opening a personal account

Requirements

Process

1. Visit a branch near your registered address (some branches are more expat-friendly than others — ask your accountant which one)
2. Bring all documents as originals plus photocopies
3. Fill out application forms (in Indonesian, staff will assist)
4. Initial deposit
5. Receive ATM/debit card immediately or within 3 days
6. Internet banking activation within 1–3 days

Tips

• Go to the right branch. BCA Sunset Road in Seminyak and BCA Canggu are experienced with foreign clients. A branch in a rural area may not know the process.
• Bring your accountant. If you don't speak Indonesian, having your accountant or agent accompany you eliminates communication issues.
• Don't expect credit cards immediately. Foreign nationals typically need 6–12 months of account history before qualifying for a credit card.

Opening a corporate account (PT PMA)

Requirements

Process

1. Your agent or accountant schedules an appointment with the bank's corporate services department
2. The bank reviews your company documents (2–5 business days)
3. If approved, you visit for account opening and specimen signatures
4. Internet banking setup (corporate version)
5. Token device or digital token issued for transaction authorisation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks from initial submission to active account.

Choosing between IDR and multi-currency

Most PT PMAs open an IDR account as default. If you receive payments in USD or EUR:

• BCA and Mandiri offer USD savings accounts linked to your IDR corporate account
• Foreign currency receipt: incoming transfers auto-convert to IDR unless you have a dedicated foreign currency account
• Best practice: open both IDR and USD accounts to avoid forced conversion at unfavourable rates

International transfers

Receiving money from abroad

Wire transfers from Europe to Indonesia typically take 2–4 business days. You'll need to provide your sender with:

• Bank name and SWIFT/BIC code
• Account number
• Account holder name (must match exactly)
• Bank branch address

Fees: receiving banks typically charge IDR 25,000–100,000 per incoming transfer. Intermediary bank fees can add USD 15–30.

Sending money abroad

Outgoing international transfers from Indonesian banks require:

• Underlying transaction documentation (invoice, contract)
• Tax clearance for amounts above USD 25,000
• SKB (tax exemption letter) or proof of tax payment on the transferred amount

Alternative: many entrepreneurs use Wise (formerly TransferWise) for personal transfers. Better rates, lower fees, but not suitable for corporate transactions.

Common problems and solutions

Bank refuses to open account: some branches are unfamiliar with KITAS holders. Solution: try a different branch (the ones listed above) or ask your accountant to make an introduction.

Account frozen due to suspicious activity: Indonesian banks have strict anti-money laundering rules. Large incoming transfers without clear documentation can trigger a freeze. Solution: always have documentation (invoices, contracts) for significant transfers.

Can't activate internet banking: some features require in-person activation with the account holder present. Solution: complete all activation steps during your initial branch visit.