Want to know more about the currency in Indonesia? They use the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and here’s more info about ATMs, money and exchange rates before your trip.
I will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about money and currency in Indonesia and Bali.
Quick facts about Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Name: Indonesian Rupiah.
- Year of introduction: 1965.
- Coins: 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Rupiah
- Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000 and 100 000 IDR
- Subunit: None
- Abbreviation: Rp
- Currency Code: IDR
Photo: Su noto/Shutterstock
Can you pay by card in Indonesia?
Luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and shopping malls usually accept payments by card. But Indonesia is a cash-based society, and you can’t expect that card payments will be accepted, and you should always carry cash.
Are US dollars accepted in Indonesia?
Yes, USD is widely accepted in Indonesia. However, the exchange rate you will get will likely be bad. It’s much better to pay in the local currency – Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Should you exchange money before your trip?
Indonesian Rupiahs are available to buy in various countries around the world, however, you’re likely to get a poor exchange rate and lose money if you exchange money before your trip.
The best option is to take out cash from a local ATM with a travel card without fees.
Exchange currency in Indonesia
You can exchange foreign currency in Indonesia at a bank, exchange office bureau, or local money changers. The best currency to take to Indonesia is either Euro or US dollars if you want to change money.
Stick to reputable exchange offices or go to a bank in order to avoid getting scammed. The rate can still be poor though, so always check the current online before you accept any offers.
ATMs in Indonesia
Indonesian ATMs can be found in all major cities and smaller towns. The ATMs in rural villages might not always work, so if traveling to remote places it’s a good idea to carry with you some extra cash to cover your needs in case it’s out of function.
In tourist areas and larger cities, you’ll find ATMs in many places, and they operate 24/7, which means you have access to withdraw local currency any time of the day. It’s recommended to use ATMs that are connected with a bank branch.
The Indonesian ATMs usually charge a small fee in addition to your own bank’s fees (usually €5 + 1-3% foreign transaction fee) when withdrawing money abroad.
While you can’t get rid of the local fee of 2-3 USD per withdrawal, you can avoid the fees from your own bank by using a travel card.
- Always choose to be charged in the local currency without conversion
- Use a travel card without ATM fees to save money
- Take out cash from cash machines connected to a bank branch
Money and Credit Cards in Indonesia
Luxury and mid-range hotels will usually accept debit- and credit cards. Some more exclusive shops and travel agents will also take cards, but it’s quite common to be charged a 3% foreign transaction fee.
It’s better to get cash from a local ATM, using a travel card without fees.
Bali has a problem with the skimming of cards, so you should always use caution and look for suspicious things before paying by card or taking out cash from an ATM. It’s best to use the ones that are connected to a bank branch directly, rather than free-standing cash machines.
More about Indonesia’s currency (IDR)
The new version of the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) was introduced in 1965 after a devaluation of the former currency with the same name. 1 IDR was worth 1000 old Rupiah at the time of devaluation.
The Indonesian currency is given out by the country’s central bank – Bank Indonesia / Bank Sentral Republik Indonesia – BI, which has its headquarters in Jakarta.
Back in time, Indonesia has also had the Netherlands Indies gulden, Javanese Rupiah, and the Netherlands NICA gulden as currency in Indonesia. Today, 100,000 IDR is worth about 6 Euro or 7 USD.
Indonesian Money in various denominations
- Coins: 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Indonesian Rupiah
- Banknotes: 1000, 2000, 5000, 10 000, 20 000, 50 000 and 100 000 IDR
- Subunit: None
Frequently asked questions about money in Indonesia
What is the currency used in Bali?
The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
How much cash can I take into Indonesia?
If you bring or take out more than 100,000,000,00 (one hundred million Indonesian Rupiah), you must declare it to the customs.
Do they Tip in Bali?
Tipping in Bali isn’t required, but it’s often appreciated by the locals since many don’t earn very much from their work. However, never tip if you receive rude service, and don’t feel obligated to tip in Bali.
What currency should I take to Indonesia?
If you want to exchange currency in Indonesia, it’s recommended to bring Euros or US dollars. But a better idea would be to keep your money in your bank account and use a travel card to withdraw money from a local ATM without fees.
How much money should I carry to Bali?
It depends on what you plan to do, but it might be a good idea to carry enough money to take a taxi from the airport. But there are ATMs in the airport that you can use to take out cash, which is a better option than exchanging money before your trip.
Can I use my debit card in Indonesia?
You can use a regular debit card in Indonesia, and a credit card isn’t required, but it might be a good idea to check with your bank so that there aren’t any restrictions to using the card abroad.
Can I use my MasterCard in Indonesia?
Yes, both VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted in Indonesia where card payments are accepted. However, a vast majority of Indonesian Businesses only accept cash payments.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Bali?
VISA and Mastercard are accepted in many supermarkets, hotels and high-end restaurants in Bali. However, most places don’t accept card payments.
Are ATMs safe in Bali?
ATMs are generally safe in Bali, but it’s good to use precaution in touristy areas because there are some problems with the skimming of foreign cards. Always check the ATM if you see anything suspicious before inserting your card.
It’s recommended that you only use ATMs in Bali that are connected to a local bank branch.
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