Indonesia

Currency in Indonesia

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp). The numbers are large — 1 USD ≈ 16,000 IDR, 1 EUR ≈ 17,000 IDR — which takes adjustment. For the best rates, use ATMs on arrival rather than airport exchange counters. Currency exchange offices (money changers) exist in Bali's tourist areas (Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud) and in Jakarta — reputable ones include Central Kuta, BMC, and Dirgahayu. Avoid money changers with ‚no commission' signs that use sleight-of-hand tricks to shortchange you — a well-known scam in Kuta and Legian. Banks exchange currency but with limited hours and paperwork. The best strategy: withdraw IDR from a bank ATM using your international card.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widespread in Indonesian cities and tourist areas — at banks (BCA, BNI, Bank Mandiri, BRI, CIMB Niaga), shopping malls, convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart) and airports. Most ATMs dispense either IDR 50,000 notes (lower limit, typically Rp 1,250,000 max) or IDR 100,000 notes (higher limit, typically Rp 2,500,000 max per withdrawal). BCA ATMs are the most reliable for international cards and tend to have higher limits. Always use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres — standalone street ATMs carry skimming risks. Many ATMs charge Rp 5,000–15,000 per withdrawal, and your home bank may add $2–5. In rural areas, outer islands and remote destinations (Flores interior, Raja Ampat, rural Sumatra), ATMs can be scarce or unreliable — withdraw enough cash before leaving major towns. Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion.

Card Acceptance

Card acceptance varies dramatically by location. In Bali's tourist areas (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Nusa Dua), most established restaurants, hotels, shops and beach clubs accept Visa and Mastercard. Some add a surcharge of 2–3% for card payments. In Jakarta, cards work at malls, hotels and larger restaurants. But across most of Indonesia — warungs (local restaurants), markets, small shops, transport, temple entrance fees, and the majority of businesses outside tourist zones — cash is the only option. The further you go from Bali and Jakarta, the more cash-dependent the economy. Carry Rp 500,000–1,000,000 (~$30–65) in mixed denominations at all times. GoPay and OVO (Indonesian mobile payment apps) are used by locals but require an Indonesian phone number and bank account.

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not traditionally part of Indonesian culture, but it has become common in tourist areas — especially Bali. In upscale Bali restaurants, a 5–10% service charge may be included on the bill; if so, no additional tip is expected. At warungs and local restaurants, tipping is not expected at all. For good service at tourist-oriented restaurants without a service charge, leaving Rp 20,000–50,000 is generous. Hotel porters: Rp 20,000–50,000 per bag. Taxi/Grab drivers: round up or add Rp 5,000–10,000. Tour guides and drivers: Rp 50,000–100,000 per person per day. Spa therapists: Rp 20,000–50,000. At dive centres, tipping the divemaster/instructor Rp 50,000–100,000 per dive day is appreciated. Outside Bali, tipping is less common but always welcome.