How should I handle money in my first days in Bali?

ATMs

Use machines inside bank branches or Indomaret and Alfamart stores. They are better maintained and far less likely to have skimmers than standalone street ATMs.

Cash vs card

Bigger restaurants, beach clubs and supermarkets take cards. Warungs, markets, small shops and many drivers are cash-only, so keep small notes on you.

Exchange offices

Only use authorised money changers with a proper counter and printed receipts. If a rate looks much better than everywhere else, it is a setup for the classic short-counting trick.