Currency in Indonesia IDR - Things to know
Foreign exchange guide to Indonesia and the Indonesian rupiah
What's in this Indonesia currency guide?
What currency is used in Indonesia?
The official currency of Indonesia (country code: ID) is the Indonesian rupiah, with symbol Rp and currency code IDR.
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Things to know about the Indonesian rupiah
The Indonesian rupiah is the world’s thirty-first most traded currency (as of 2016) and contributes to 0.2% of foreign exchange market turnover.
Having been ravaged by inflation for much of its history, the rupiah is now one of the least valuable units of currency in the world, requiring more than 13,000 of them to buy a single US dollar (as of 2017).
Officially, the rupiah is subdivided into 100 sen, although sen are not in active use in Indonesia since they are essentially worthless.
As an ‘exotic’ currency, participation in the market for rupiahs is naturally less than in the markets for more established currencies, such as euros or New Zealand dollars. For this reason, the price you will pay to change your money into or from rupiahs (the “price” being equivalent to a money changer’s buy-sell spread) will be significantly higher relative to the amount being changed than it would be for one of those other, more established currencies.
As an exotic, the rupiah is also considered riskier than currencies from major developed nations, which means that its value will fall against the FX majors (especially JPY, USD, CHF, GBP and EUR) during periods of economic uncertainty or when global geopolitical risk is elevated, or during bouts of high market volatility.
Since 1998, the rupiah’s lowest valuation against the US dollar came in June 1998 at the height of the Asian currency crisis, when USD/IDR reached 16,650. Its post-1998 high occurred in July 1999 when USD/IDR fell to 6,515.
Travel money for Indonesia
Save money and time by Ordering your Indonesian rupiah online from Travelex, you get better rates and can pick up the IDR cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Another popular option is to use a Pre-paid Travel Card. Your Debit/Credit Card provider will charge you 2% from market mid-rate, but your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash.
For card purchases if offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Indonesian rupiah otherwise you may get much worst exchange rates.
Travel Ideas and Money Tips for Indonesia
Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, making it the world’s largest island country. Indonesia is home to some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The country is also home to a wide variety of cultures, with over 300 ethnic groups. Indonesia is a fairly easy place to travel to, with good infrastructure and English being widely spoken. Travelers and expats can expect to find a wide variety of activities to keep them busy, from exploring the many temples and natural landmarks, to enjoying the country’s vibrant nightlife.
What currency is used in Bali and Indonesia?
The local money in Bali and Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), commonly also abbreviated to Rp. Tell your bank about your travel plans two weeks before you leave. Card activity in a foreign country could be mistaken for fraud and you could find your account frozen. Pack your credit card, but you'll probably only be able to use it in the more high-end hotels, shops and restaurants. Most businesses prefer to deal in cash.
ATMs are common in towns and cities, and you'll have no trouble finding them in Bali. When ATMs detect a foreign card, they'll offer you the choice of instructions in English or Indonesian. Remember that you'll be charged a foreign exchange fee and a withdrawal fee for every transaction - which can add up to as much as $20. You'll have no trouble finding money changers in tourist areas. Most will exchange Australian dollars, US dollars and Euros for Indonesian Rupiah. Once you go off the beaten path, your options become more limited so you'll need to make sure you have plenty of Rupiah already on you.
When changing to Rupiah in Bali you should be very careful. There are a lot of dodgy currency exchange providers looking to cheat you with a poor exchange rate. Consider ordering Rupiah online before you leave or if you must convert in Bali then check the exchange rates against the market rate below.
Best things to do and see in Indonesia
1. Visit the ancient city of Borobudur.
2. Take a hike up Mount Bromo to watch the sunrise over the active volcano.
3. relax on the beautiful beaches of Bali.
4. Explore the vibrant city of Jakarta.
5. Discover the ancient temples of Jogjakarta.
Top Travel tips for Indonesia
Indonesia is a country of many islands, and each island has its own unique culture and attractions. here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your trip to Indonesia:
-Plan your trip in advance and research the best time to visit each island.
-Book your accommodation and flights as early as possible to get the best deals.
-Pack light and comfortable clothes as the weather can be hot and humid.
-Make sure you have enough cash as many places only accept cash payments.
-Download offline maps of the islands you’re visiting so you can always find your way around.
-Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
-Try the local food, it’s delicious!
USD/IDR Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/IDR change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Indonesia?
The domestic currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah.
What is the Indonesian rupiah currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Indonesian rupiah is IDR — symbol is Rp.
Which countries use the Indonesian rupiah?
It is the domestic currency in Indonesia.
Is the Indonesian rupiah a closed currency?
No, the Indonesian rupiah is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and IDR?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to IDR (US dollar to Indonesian rupiah)*.
*Converted at the current USDIDR interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Send Money to Indonesia - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Indonesia you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Indonesia
When sending money to Indonesia it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Indonesian rupiah amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted IDR amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Indonesia.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Indonesian rupiah deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
Expat Money & Business Guide to Indonesia
Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.
By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in Indonesia.
How is the cost of living in Indonesia?
The cost of living in Indonesia is relatively affordable. Expenses such as food, transportation, and housing are relatively cheap when compared to other countries in Southeast Asia.
How is the expat life in Indonesia?
The expat life in Indonesia is quite good. Many people who come here find that the country has a lot to offer in terms of culture and lifestyle. The cost of living is also relatively low, which makes it an attractive destination for many people. There are a number of different neighborhoods and areas to choose from when living in Indonesia, so there is something to suit everyone's taste.
Any laws in Indonesia that foreigners should be aware of?
There is a law in Indonesia that foreigners should be aware of called the "Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism". This law requires all financial institutions to report any suspicious transactions to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
What is doing business like in Indonesia?
Business in Indonesia can be quite challenging due to the country's complex bureaucracy, lack of infrastructure, and Although Indonesian is the national language, English is also widely spoken in business circles.
How is the economy in Indonesia?
The economy in Indonesia is growing at a robust pace despite global economic headwinds. Indonesia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 5.0 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2016, after registering a 5.2 percent growth in the previous quarter. This was the seventh consecutive quarter of economic expansion above the 5.0 percent mark. The main drivers of growth were private consumption and investment, which grew by 5.3 percent and 5.5 percent respectively. The Indonesian economy is expected to continue growing at a strong pace in the coming years, supported by continued favorable demographics, strong domestic demand, and an improving investment climate.
Managing your finances in Indonesia
Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in Indonesia:
Understand Indonesian rupiah currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the IDR exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Indonesian rupiah bank account: A local IDR bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in Indonesia. It may also be more convenient to use a local IDR bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in Indonesia. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in Indonesia. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in Indonesia, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.