Whether you are heading to Bali for the beaches and temples, exploring Java, or venturing further across the Indonesian archipelago, getting your money sorted before you travel makes for a much smoother start.
What Is the Official Currency of Indonesia?
Indonesia uses the Indonesian rupiah as its official currency. The currency code is IDR and you will see prices displayed with the symbol Rp.
Like Vietnam, the numbers involved can seem startling at first. A meal at a local warung might cost 50,000Rp, a scooter rental a few hundred thousand more. Once you get used to the scale, it becomes straightforward. As a rough guide for UK travellers, around 20,000Rp equals about £1 at current rates, though you should always check the latest rate before you travel.
Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 rupiah. Coins exist but are low in value and rarely used for most transactions.
Can You Use Pounds or Other Foreign Currencies?
Day to day spending in Indonesia requires rupiah. Pounds are not accepted. US dollars are quoted at some upmarket hotels, resorts and tourist businesses, particularly in Bali, but you will usually get better value paying in rupiah rather than dollars, even where both are accepted.
For local transport, markets, warungs, street food, temple entry fees and most everyday purchases, rupiah is the only option.
Exchanging Money in Indonesia
Bali in particular has a large number of licensed money changers, known locally as PVA Berizin. Rates at these bureaux are often better than at banks, although still not as competitive as using Travel Cash before you travel.
Airports have exchange facilities on arrival, though as with most airports the rates are not the best you will find once you are in the country.
Using ATMs in Indonesia
ATMs are widely available in Bali and the main tourist areas of Java. In more remote areas, smaller islands and rural parts of the archipelago, access is much more limited. If you are planning to visit the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida or other smaller islands, it is strongly advisable to withdraw enough rupiah on the mainland or in Bali before you go, as ATMs there can run out of cash or experience technical issues.
For security, use ATMs attached to major banks such as BCA, Mandiri, BNI or BRI rather than standalone machines on the street. These carry a lower risk of skimming and tend to be more reliable with international cards.
Paying by Card in Indonesia
Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, beach clubs and shopping malls in the main tourist areas of Bali, particularly in Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. Step outside these areas and cash becomes far more important.
Warungs, local markets, scooter rentals, smaller guesthouses, temple donations, private drivers and most local transport all operate on cash. Even in tourist areas, connectivity issues can occasionally mean card terminals do not work, so having rupiah in your pocket is always a good idea.
As with any destination, if a card terminal offers you the option to pay in pounds rather than rupiah, always choose rupiah. Dynamic Currency Conversion is almost never in your favour.
Is Cash or Card Better in Bali?
For most trips to Bali and Indonesia, a combination works best. Cards are convenient for hotels and larger purchases in tourist areas, but rupiah in cash is essential for the majority of day to day spending.
Carry a reasonable amount of cash with you at all times, particularly if you are venturing away from the main tourist centres. Keeping smaller denomination notes handy (10,000Rp and 50,000Rp) makes tipping and local purchases easier and avoids the problem of vendors struggling to give change for larger notes.
For a broader look at how to approach this decision, our guide on whether to use cash or card abroad covers the key considerations.
Tipping in Indonesia
Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia but is appreciated, particularly in tourist facing roles. In restaurants where a service charge has not already been added to the bill, leaving 5 to 10 percent is a kind gesture. Hotel staff, drivers, tour guides and dive instructors will also appreciate a tip for good service.
Tip in cash and in rupiah where possible.
How Much Does Indonesia Cost?
Indonesia, and Bali in particular, covers a very wide range of price points. Local food and transport are very affordable, while luxury villas, beach clubs and high end experiences can rival prices in Europe.
For a mid range trip with a comfortable guesthouse or hotel, local meals and some paid activities, a daily budget of around £40 to £80 is a reasonable starting point. This will vary considerably depending on your travel style and which parts of Indonesia you visit.
Practical Money Tips for Visiting Indonesia
Withdraw rupiah from bank attached ATMs rather than standalone street machines
Stock up on cash before travelling for the best rates, and especially before heading to smaller islands where ATMs are scarce or unreliable
Keep smaller denomination notes handy for tips, local transport and market purchases
Always choose to pay in rupiah rather than pounds when given the option on a card terminal
Let your bank know you are travelling before you leave the UK
Split your cash between a few secure locations rather than keeping it all in one place
Get Your Travel Money Sorted Before You Go
Ordering your travel money in advance means you can arrive prepared rather than relying on airport exchange rates or scrambling for an ATM after a long flight. At TravelCash we offer competitive exchange rates with 0% commission on Indonesian rupiah and a wide range of other currencies.
Find your nearest TravelCash bureau and collect your rupiah before you fly.
