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Useful Money Tips For Your Trip To Indonesia
Currency
The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). US Dollars may be accepted in some high-end hotels, but this is uncommon and you will almost always get a poor exchange rate . Always plan to pay in Rupiah.
Exchange on Arrival
It is generally best to withdraw or exchange money after arriving in Indonesia, where rates are better and Rupiah is easy to obtain. Finding or exchanging Rupiah abroad can be difficult and more expensive.
Cash vs. Card
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in large cities, hotels, malls, and some restaurants. However, cash remains essential for local eateries (warungs), markets, transport, small guesthouses, and especially on smaller islands.
ATM Availability
ATMs in major Indonesian cities typically accept foreign Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards. Look for machines from major banks and networks such as Link , Alto , or Prima if you have trouble with one machine.
Transaction Fees
Many Indonesian ATMs now charge IDR 20,000–75,000 (approximately $1.25–$4.75 USD) per transaction for foreign cards, though some bank-owned ATMs remain fee-free. Your home bank is also likely to charge foreign transaction and withdrawal fees , so check your account’s policy before you travel.
Always Pay in IDR
If an ATM or card reader asks whether to charge you in your home currency (USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, etc.), always choose “No” or “Charge in Local Currency (IDR).” Dynamic Currency Conversion almost always gives a worse exchange rate.
Withdrawal Limits
- Per Transaction: Withdrawal limits vary by bank and ATM model. Many machines dispense 1,250,000 IDR (50k notes) or 2,500,000–3,000,000 IDR (100k notes) per transaction, though this can vary by location.
- Daily Limit: For foreign cards , your daily limit is determined by your home bank , not Indonesian banks. If your card issuer allows higher limits, you can often perform several consecutive withdrawals.
Digital Banks (The Best Way to Pay)
Travel-friendly digital banks can save you money.
- Wise: Offers excellent conversion rates for spending in IDR. Tourists with non-Indonesian accounts can convert money before their trip and use their Wise card throughout Indonesia.
- Revolut: Offers strong rates for card payments. Note that Revolut does not support holding IDR balances, but you can convert and spend as you go.
Special Money Tips for Sabang (Pulau Weh)
Banking conditions in Aceh province — including Sabang and Pulau Weh — differ from most of Indonesia, and foreign cards are far less reliable here.
- The “BSI” Factor: The dominant bank in Aceh is Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) .
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- The Problem: Many BSI ATMs do not consistently accept foreign Visa or Mastercard cards . While some BSI ATMs at strategic locations (such as Banda Aceh airport and certain hotels) were upgraded to accept international cards, the issue persists at many locations across the province.
- The Solution: If a BSI ATM rejects your card, look instead for Bank Mandiri or Bank Aceh ATMs. These may work better — but are not common on the island.
- Withdraw Before You Sail: The golden rule for Pulau Weh is to withdraw your cash in Banda Aceh before boarding the ferry. The city has far more reliable non-BSI ATMs, especially around central areas like the Baiturrahman Mosque district.
- Bring Cash to the Islands: Once you reach Sabang — and especially if you travel to Iboih, Gapang, or Sumur Tiga — ATMs are scarce, unreliable, or sometimes out of cash . There are very few ATMs that work reliably for foreign cards on Pulau Weh (one at Iboih Beach and one at the ferry port in Sabang Town are sometimes available). Many accommodations, dive shops, and restaurants require cash , or charge 3–5% for card payments.
- Friday Midday Slowdown: Some banks and smaller businesses in Aceh may pause operations around Friday midday prayers. While not universal at all establishments, it’s wise to avoid banking or ferry-related transactions between roughly 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM on Fridays if possible.