Credit Crads & Currency

CREDIT CARDS & CURRENCY

Like everywhere in the world, Credit and Debit Cards also have been commonly used as a method of payment in Indonesia. For practical and convenient reasons Indonesian people, especially those who are living in major cities, commonly keep less cash in hand and used to pay their purchase by Credit or Debit Cards instead. So foreigners traveling to Indonesia need not worry to use credit or debit cards for your traveling pleasure.

What kind of Credit or Debit Cards Acceptable in Indonesia?

Most international credit card networks are acceptable in Indonesia’s major cities and tourist hot-spots like Jakarta, Bandung, Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Yogyakarta, etc.

Cards such as JCB (Japan Credit Bureau) is acceptable in Indonesia because it is affiliated with some of Indonesia’s major well-known bank such as BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia), CIMB Niaga, Mandiri, BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia). While American Express (Amex) is also acceptable however Amex has fewer affiliated local banks in Indonesia. Bank Danamon is currently one of the local banks affiliated with Amex. The most widely accepted card in all merchants in Indonesia is Visa and Mastercard.

There will be instances where stores may not display the symbols of the cards they accept. Be sure to check with the salesperson in the store prior to using your card if your card is acceptable or not.

How Much Cash Can I Bring to Indonesia?

Although credit, debit and prepaid cards of well-known brands are generally accepted in the major cities, carrying rupiah in a sufficient amount at hand is highly advisable. Especially when traveling to smaller towns and remote areas, it would probably be quite a problem finding ATMs around and local stores could only accept cash.

The amount of cash allowed into Indonesia or taking it outside the country is at the amount of IDR100,000,000.00 (one hundred million rupiahs) or in other currency that equivalent to this amount. More than this amount, then travelers must declare it to Indonesian Customs.

Which ATMs Could I Withdraw Cash From?

ATM's are widespread throughout Indonesia’s major cities. Cards with Cirrus, Maestro, Plus network seems to be the most prevalent card accepted and could withdraw cash nationwide in most of Indonesia’s major bank ATMs. Cirrus and Maestro logo are associated with Mastercard, while Plus is associated with Visa. Be sure to check if the Cirrus, Maestro or Plus logo is displayed in the ATM machine prior to inserting your card.

JCB cardholder could withdraw cash in Indonesia’s affiliated banks such as BNI (Bank Negara Indonesia), CIMB Niaga, Mandiri, BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia). Be sure to check if the JCB or Cirrus Logo is displayed in the ATMs. While American Express cardholders could use the facility of express cash and withdraw cash from Danamon Bank ATMs throughout Indonesia.

Although it is practical to carry credit or debit cards around for your traveling pleasure, when traveling to remote areas and visiting local or traditional markets, it is highly wise and preferable to have some small change at hand for purchasing purposes. This way you are set to have a smooth and fun vacation in Indonesia.

What is the currency of Indonesia?

The official currency of Indonesia is Rupiah which is Issued and controlled by the Bank of Indonesia. The currency code for Rupiahs is IDR, and the currency symbol is Rp. By law, all transactions are required to be conducted in rupiah, and information on the daily exchange rate can be found in newspapers or from the internet and online apps. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and large stores.

Indonesian banknotes issued in denominations of IDR.1000, IDR.2000, IDR.5000, IDR.10,000, IDR.20,000, IDR.50,000, and IDR.100,000. Coins in circulation include IDR.1000, IDR.500, IDR.200, IDR.100, and IDR.50

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Where can I buy and exchange currency?

You can exchange foreign currency in major cities throughout the archipelago at banks and money changers. Most tourists’ resorts have money changer facilities; however, if you are traveling to more remote areas it is advisable to exchange your money beforehand. If you need a large amount of foreign currency, and you don't have a foreign currency account at your bank, it is best to order the money the day before. Local banks keep a limited amount of foreign currency in their smaller branches.

Are ATMs easily accessible?

ATMs on the international Plus/Cirrus or Alto networks are common in all major Indonesian cities and tourist destinations. Limitation withdrawal is depending on your respective home bank. Machines are loaded with IDR.50,000 denomination notes or IDR.100,000 denomination notes, as indicated on the machine; however keep in mind that the bigger notes can be harder to split, especially in rural non-tourist areas. It is also best to withdraw some money from an ATM in major cities before venturing onto more secluded destinations.