Currency and Payment Options in Indonesia

Currency in Indonesia: A Simple Guide for Tourists

If you're planning to explore Indonesia from the beaches of Bali to the temples of Yogyakarta understanding its currency system will make your trip smoother. The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), symbolized as Rp. Currency in Indonesia is used everywhere, including local markets, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

While many tourist spots accept cards, small businesses still prefer cash, especially in rural areas. Knowing where to exchange money, which apps work, and how to pay helps you travel smarter. This guide covers all key details, including tipping habits and the latest payment options in Indonesia.

• 1 Rupiah = 100 sen (though sen coins are no longer used)
  
• Notes: Rp1,000, Rp2,000, Rp5,000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000, Rp50,000, Rp100,000
  
• Coins: Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, Rp1,000

If you want to explore Indonesia(Bali) Packages, do contact Gomayu.

Currency Exchange Options in Indonesia

You can exchange foreign currency at airports, authorized money changers, and banks. Rates at local money changers are usually better than those at airports. However, beware of scams use only certified outlets with proper signage. Hotels also exchange money, but usually at lower rates.

Where to exchange safely:

• Authorised money changers (look for “Authorized by Bank Indonesia” signs)
  
• Banks like BCA, BNI, Mandiri
  
• Airport exchange counters (convenient but costly)
  

Highlights:

• Bring clean and crisp USD notes for better rates.
  
• Avoid street changers or unauthorized stalls.
  
• Always count your money and ask for a receipt.
  

Digital Payment Options in Indonesia

Indonesia is rapidly going digital, especially in cities like Jakarta and Bali. Apps like GoPay, OVO, DANA, and ShopeePay are common. However, these apps usually require a local phone number and bank account. For tourists, contactless cards and QR payments via Visa or Mastercard are the most accessible options.

For tourists:

• QRIS (QR Indonesia Standard) supports many international cards.
  
• Some stores allow QR payments from Visa/Mastercard contactless apps.
  

Highlights:

• Major apps need local verification, not tourist-friendly.
  
• Carry cash for local stalls and taxis.
  
• Use contactless Visa/Mastercard where accepted.
  

Credit Card and Debit Card Payments

Cards are accepted in hotels, malls, restaurants, and supermarkets. Visa and Mastercard work best, with some limited support for Amex. Smaller vendors, rural shops, and public transport typically do not accept cards.

Accepted cards:

• Visa, Mastercard (most widely used)
  
• Amex and UnionPay in limited areas
  

Highlights:

• Use cash in markets and rural destinations.
  
• Expect a surcharge (1–3%) in some shops.
  
• ATMs are widely available across cities and islands.
  

Tipping Culture in Indonesia

Tipping is not mandatory in Indonesia but is appreciated for good service. Most upscale places add a 10% service charge automatically. Locals rarely tip in small eateries, but as a tourist, small tips are welcomed in many situations.

When to tip:

• Porters, drivers, and tour guides
  
• Hotel staff and restaurant servers (if no service charge)
  

Highlights:

• Rp5,000 to Rp20,000 is a common tip amount.
  
• Always tip in rupiah.
  
• Tipping is more expected in tourist-heavy areas like Bali.
  

Useful Tips for Tourists

• Always carry small bills for street food, buses, and local shops.
  
• Download a currency converter app for quick price checks.
  
• Notify your bank before using your card in Indonesia.
  
• Watch out for counterfeit notes feel the texture and check security strips.
  
• Use your hotel safe to store large amounts of cash.
  

FAQs About Currency in Indonesia

1. What payment method is used in Indonesia?
Cash, debit/credit cards, and QR-based mobile wallets are common in Indonesia. Digital payments are rising, especially in cities.

2. How do people pay in Indonesia?
Most locals use apps like GoPay, OVO, DANA, and ShopeePay. Cash is still used in small shops and rural areas.

3. What is the best way to pay for things in Indonesia?
Use a contactless Visa/Mastercard or bring enough cash. Digital apps are great but require a local account.

4. Which payment app is used in Indonesia?
GoPay, OVO, DANA, and ShopeePay are the most popular local payment apps.

5. What is the most used payment method?
Cash and mobile wallets dominate daily transactions. Urban areas lean more toward digital payments.

6. Is PayPal available in Indonesia?
Yes, PayPal works for online payments. It's not widely used in physical stores.

7. Is GPay available in Indonesia?
Google Pay is not commonly accepted in physical stores. It may work online for some international services.

8. How do I pay someone in Indonesia?
Locals use QRIS, bank transfers, or wallet apps like OVO and DANA. Tourists can use cash or PayPal if accepted.

9. Is Indonesia using cash or card?
Both are used. Cash is more common in small businesses; cards are accepted in urban and tourist areas.

10. What is Indonesia’s fast payment system?
QRIS is Indonesia’s national QR-based fast payment system. It unifies all digital wallets under one QR code.

11. Can you pay with USD in Indonesia?
No, USD is not accepted for purchases. Always pay in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

12. What's the best way to pay?
Use contactless cards or bring IDR cash. Avoid relying on foreign apps for small daily expenses.

13. What is the top wallet in Indonesia?
GoPay and OVO are considered top digital wallets based on usage and features.

14. How do foreigners pay in Indonesia?
Tourists use cash, Visa/Mastercard, or sometimes QR via international cards. Local apps are hard to access without a local SIM.

15. Which app is mostly used in Indonesia?
Locals mostly use WhatsApp for messaging and GoPay or OVO for payments.

16. Can I use TNG in Bali?
No, Malaysia’s Touch ‘n Go (TNG) wallet doesn’t work in Indonesia. You need a local option.

17. What is the digital payment in Indonesia?
Digital payments include QRIS-based apps like GoPay, OVO, and DANA. Most are linked to local bank accounts.

18. How to use QRIS in Indonesia?
Open a supported app, scan the merchant’s QR code, enter the amount, and confirm the payment.

19. What is the online payment app in Bali?
GoPay, OVO, and DANA are popular apps across Indonesia, including Bali. Some tourist areas accept card-linked QR.

20. Is Cash App available in Indonesia?
No, Cash App is not available in Indonesia. Use alternatives like PayPal or Wise.

21. Is PayPal still blocked in Indonesia?
No, PayPal is now accessible again after earlier temporary restrictions in 2022.

22. Is PayPal available in Nepal?
You can send money from Nepal via PayPal, but receiving money is restricted.

23. Is there UPI in Indonesia?
No, India’s UPI is not available in Indonesia. Use QRIS or card-based methods instead.

24. Is there Apple Pay in Indonesia?
Apple Pay has limited availability in Indonesia. Only a few stores accept it.

25. Can you send PayPal to Indonesia?
Yes, you can send money via PayPal to someone with an Indonesian account.

26. How to send money to an Indonesian friend?
Use PayPal, Wise, Western Union, or a global remittance app. Local bank transfers work within Indonesia.

27. What is wallet in Indonesia?
A digital wallet like GoPay or OVO allows users to store money and pay via QR code or mobile number.

28. How to pay cashless in Indonesia?
Use a Visa/Mastercard with contactless or local apps supporting QRIS in supported stores.

29. Can I use ATM in Indonesia?
Yes, ATMs are widely available. Look for ones displaying Visa or Mastercard logos for foreign cards.

30. What is the best currency to use in Indonesia?
Always use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Foreign currencies are not accepted in shops.

31. How can I pay a person?
Locals use QRIS, bank transfers, or wallet apps. Tourists usually pay cash or via PayPal.

32. What is the best way to use money in Indonesia?
Use a combination of IDR cash and cards. Cards are good for cities, cash for rural areas.

33. Can I use Binance in Indonesia?
Yes, Binance operates in Indonesia, but for crypto trading only not regular payments.

34. Is there mobile money in Indonesia?
Yes, mobile wallets like OVO, DANA, and GoPay act as mobile money services.

35. Which wallet is BTC?
Bitcoin (BTC) wallets include Binance, Trust Wallet, and Coinbase. These are for crypto, not daily payments.

Will Gomayu help with currency guidance during the trip?

Yes! If you're booking an Indonesia tour package, we’ll guide you through currency tips, exchange support, and everything you need.