Currency in Indonesia
The complete Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) travel guide
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, symbol Rp) is the official currency of Indonesia — the world's fourth-most-populous country and Southeast Asia's largest economy. Issued by Bank Indonesia, banknotes come in Rp1,000, Rp2,000, Rp5,000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000, Rp50,000, and Rp100,000 denominations; coins in Rp25, Rp50, Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, and Rp1,000. Like the Vietnamese Dong, IDR has large face values (Rp100,000 ≈ $6 USD) — a Rp1,000,000 dinner is about $60. Bali alone receives over 5 million international tourists annually.
Cash, cards, and ATMs in Indonesia
Indonesia is a cash-first country, especially outside Jakarta and Bali tourist zones. Beach warungs, motorbike-taxi (GoJek/Grab Bike), local markets, and most small businesses are cash-only. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at chain hotels, upscale restaurants, malls (Plaza Indonesia, Grand Indonesia), and tourist-oriented businesses. ATMs at BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and BRI branches accept foreign cards, with per-transaction limits typically Rp2.5–3 million ($150–200) and fees of Rp20,000–50,000 per withdrawal. Avoid Bali street-corner "money changer" shops that show inflated rates on signs — many use sleight-of-hand to short-count cash; use only PVA Berizin-authorized changers (the official sticker should be visible).
Tipping culture in Indonesia
Tipping in Indonesia is appreciated but not strictly expected. Restaurants: a 5–10% "service charge" plus 10% VAT (++ symbol) is added to most upscale-restaurant bills — both are already included in the listed total. No additional tip needed. Local warungs: rounding up is plenty. Taxis: round up to the nearest Rp5,000. Hotels: Rp20,000–50,000 per bag for porters at international chains. Drivers: Rp50,000–100,000 per day for full-day hires. Spa/massage: 10% is generous. Tour guides: Rp200,000–500,000 per person per day for private tours.
Best way to get Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
For USD-to-IDR, multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) deliver rates within 0.5–1% of mid-market. Avoid Bali airport (DPS) and Jakarta airport (CGK) currency exchange counters — spreads of 5–8% above mid-market are common. In Bali, use ONLY official "PVA Berizin" (authorized money changer) shops — Central Kuta Money Exchange, Bali Maspintjinra, and Dirgahayu are the largest reputable chains. Avoid alleyway "0% commission" booths in Kuta and Seminyak — many use bait-and-switch counting tricks. For substantial transfers, Wise and Remitly beat bank wires by 2–4% on total delivered amount.
Practical money tips for Indonesia
- •In Bali, use only PVA Berizin authorized money changers — look for the green sticker; avoid back-alley booths with inflated signs
- •Always count cash carefully after a money-changer transaction — sleight-of-hand short-counting is a common scam in Bali tourist zones
- •GoJek and Grab dominate ride-hailing — much cheaper and safer than street taxis (Bluebird is the trusted taxi brand if you must use one)
- •Carry small denominations (Rp10,000–50,000) — many small shops can't change Rp100,000 notes
- •Indonesia plug types C and F (same as EU); voltage 230V/50Hz — Americans need adapter
- •Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia — buy bottled or use boiled/filtered water
- •Bali has a "tourism levy" of Rp150,000 (~$10) for foreign visitors, collected at airport on arrival since 2024
Common money scams to avoid in Indonesia
Common tourist money scams in Indonesia (especially Bali) include: money-changer short-counting in Kuta/Seminyak alleyway booths (use only PVA Berizin shops); rigged ATM machines in tourist areas — use only bank-branch ATMs; motorbike rental "damage" scams where operators claim pre-existing scratches as new and demand cash; "rice paddy tour" or "free temple visit" approaches that turn into pressure shopping stops; and credit card skimming at restaurants (request the terminal at the table — never let your card leave your sight). Drug enforcement in Indonesia is extremely strict — possession of even small amounts can result in years of imprisonment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use US dollars in Bali?
Some Bali tourist businesses accept USD but at terrible rates (10–15% loss). Always convert to IDR. Use a PVA Berizin authorized money changer (Central Kuta Money Exchange is the largest chain) — never alleyway booths with inflated signs.
How much cash should I bring to Indonesia?
Plan on Rp500,000–1,500,000 ($30–90) per day in cash for warungs, GoJek rides, markets, beach activities, and small purchases. With cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants, your supplementary card spend covers the rest. Indonesian ATMs cap foreign-card withdrawals at Rp2.5–3 million per transaction.
Is the Bali money-changer scam real?
Yes — the Kuta/Seminyak money-changer short-counting scam is well-documented. Avoid alleyway booths with hand-written signs offering above-market rates. Use only PVA Berizin authorized changers (green sticker on storefront). Always count your cash carefully before leaving the booth — never let staff take it back to "recount" without you watching.
Why are Indonesian banknotes so large?
Decades of inflation. The rupiah has been redenominated only once (1965) despite continued depreciation. Bank Indonesia has discussed redenomination ("knocking off three zeros") since 2010 but no plan has been implemented. As a result, even small purchases involve large numbers — a Rp50,000 meal is about $3.
What's the cheapest way to send money to Indonesia?
For USD-to-IDR, Wise and Remitly consistently offer the lowest total cost (typically 0.8–1.5% margin). Western Union has higher disguised margins (3–5%) but offers cash pickup at thousands of locations. For Indonesian residents receiving USD remittances, BCA and Mandiri have reasonable inbound-wire fees.
Convert to and from IDR
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Exchange rates refresh hourly from Frankfurter (European Central Bank reference data). Travel money information was compiled in 2026 and reflects current cash/card culture, tipping norms, and common scam patterns.