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Indonesia is a land of endless adventure. With more than 17,000 islands, there’s sure to be something to suit every taste. From the bustling streets of Jakarta to the idyllic beaches of Bali, Indonesia has something for everyone. And with a rich culture and fascinating history, there’s always something new to explore. If you’re looking for an unforgettable vacation, Indonesia is the perfect destination.
The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR).
Indonesian notes and coins are some of the most beautiful in the world. The country’s currency, the rupiah, is available in both paper and coin form. Paper bills come in denominations of Rp1,000, Rp2,000, Rp5,000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000, Rp50,000, and Rp100,000. Coins come in denominations of Rp50, Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, and Rp1,000.
The paper bills feature a variety of Indonesian landmarks and cultural scenes. The coins feature animals native to Indonesia and plants and flowers. The Indonesian currency is colourful and vibrant, making it a pleasure to use. And best of all, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other currencies.
The Indonesian economy is the largest in Southeast Asia and the 15th in the world. The country’s GDP is $1.05 trillion, and its per capita GDP is $4,038. Indonesia is a member of the G20, and its currency, the rupiah, is fully convertible. The country’s diverse economy has a large agricultural sector and a thriving manufacturing industry. Indonesia is also a major exporter of palm oil used in various products, from food to cosmetics, accounting for nearly 60% of the world’s palm oil exports.
Banknotes were introduced to Indonesia by the Dutch in the early 1800s through the United East Indies Company. Even after the Japanese occupation ended, these monetary systems remained in place. In 1943, Japan officially adopted the “roepiah” as the name of Indonesian currency.
During the fight for independence from the Dutch, the first rupiah banknotes were printed in 1946. The rupiah was then officially adopted as Indonesia’s national currency in 1949 when the Dutch agreed to leave and Indonesia gained its independence. Since then, Indonesia’s economy has flourished, and the country has become a major manufacturing base for Western businesses.
If you’re travelling to Indonesia, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for Indonesian rupiahs (IDR) before you leave. Read our guide on converting AUD to IDR here.
Generally speaking, if you’re planning to travel from Australia to Indonesia, exchanging your Australian dollars (AUD) for Indonesian rupiahs (IDR) in Australia is the better option. This is because you can get better rates and avoid fees charged by Indonesian currency exchange providers. Another thing is that you’ll know exactly how much travel money you have before leaving, which can be helpful when budgeting for your trip.
Authorities in Indonesia require any cash worth more than IDR 100 million (AUD $10,125) to be declared upon arrival. Still, there is currently no limit on the amount of foreign bank notes that can be carried into the country.
Crown Currency Exchange is a wise choice when converting your Australian dollar for travel money. With over 20 years of experience in the foreign currency exchange market, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible IDR exchange rate. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service, so you can be confident you’ll have a positive experience when you exchange currency at any Crown Currency Exchange location across Australia. What’s more, you can get your travel money on the spot with no hidden fees or commissions. Our stores are located in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, The Gold Coast, Adelaide, Tasmania, Melbourne & Perth.
Although tipping isn’t a common custom in Indonesia like it is in other countries, you could still leave a 5-10% tip to show appreciation if the service was great and above expectations.
Restaurants: When dining out, some restaurants automatically add a service charge to the bill. If this is not the case, be generous and leave a 10% tip or Rp10,000.
Guides and drivers: For a multi-day excursion, you can tip your guide AUD $8 to $15 per day on the final day. If there were a driver during the trip, giving them between AUD $2 and $8 per day would suffice. For free trips to major cities, depending on how good the tour was, you can give between AUD $8 and $15
Taxi drivers: Although all taxis are equipped with meters, some drivers may not carry coins or tiny bills or may be unable to locate them when needed. Several travellers round up their bills.
Hotels: Tipping isn’t necessary at hotels since they tack on a 10% service charge to the bill in addition to the 10% to 11% sales tax. However, you may choose to give your doorman, bellman, housekeeper, or concierge a gratuity for their efforts.
Spas and Salons: Although it is not required to tip for services such as hair salons and body massages in Indonesia, it is common and expected. After the service, most Indonesians give their hairdresser or masseur a 5-10% tip of the total.
It’s part of the culture for many Indonesians to bargain, and getting a fair or low price is considered as a challenge. Vendors frequently quote a price based on the customer’s perceived ability to pay rather than the standard cost of goods. This makes it more difficult for foreigners, who are often quoted a higher fee. However, you can probably get up to a 50% discount, so start by cutting the seller’s initial asking price in half and then haggle from there until you reach an agreement somewhere in the middle. But be sure that the final price is fair for both of you.
ATMs in Indonesia are prevalent in major cities and tourist destinations, such as Bali. However, in smaller towns, you may have trouble locating one. If you’re visiting Indonesia’s tiny settlements, you might want to stock up on rupiahs beforehand. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Indonesia, although credit and debit cards are mostly used only in bigger cities and tourist destinations like Jakarta and Bali. Many locations will only take cash, so it’s a good idea to keep some on you at all times.
Budget
You can survive in as little as AUD $27 per day, but this budget won’t allow for much more than hostel dorm beds, cheap meals and local transport. On average, previous tourists have spent Rp75,231 (AUD $7.64) on one day’s meals and Rp32,019 (AUD $3.25) on local transportation. For hotel or hostel accommodation, you can expect to find a cheap room for Rp137,877 (AUD $14) per night, considering you’re only travelling alone. Although with this budget, you can still jump on the popular tours without spending too much.
Moderate
With a daily budget of around AUD $60 to $100, indulging in the odd restaurant meal or two will be well within your budget, as will transportation and tours! You’ll also be able to afford a little luxury from time to time, like the occasional drink. Accommodation will be a little more comfortable, too – you could even afford your own room in major cities.
Luxury
Premium travel in Indonesia is easy to find and surprisingly affordable. If you’re looking for luxury travel in Indonesia, you can begin at around AUD $200 per day. With this budget, you’ll be able to afford 5-star hotels and meals at the finest restaurants! You’ll also be able to take part in any tour or activity you want, as well as enjoy a few drinks each night. Over 17,000 islands mean plenty to see and do in Indonesia, and at this level of budget, the sky is really the limit.
| Currency: | Indonesian rupiah | Currency code: | IDR |
| Currency symbol: | Rp | Central bank: | Bank Indonesia |
| Nickname: | None | Currency sub-unit: | Sen = 1/100 of a Rupiah |
| Bank notes: | Rp 1,000, Rp 2,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 10,000, | Coins: | Rp 50, Rp 100, Rp 200, Rp 500, Rp 1000 |
Marvel at the famous Kuta beach, where the waves are perfect for beginners and experts alike. Don’t forget to haggle for a surfing lesson – it’s the best way to make the most of your time in Kuta! And if you’re not a fan of the water, you can always sunbathe on the beautiful sand instead.
Indonesia is home to many traditional markets, each with its own unique atmosphere. From the bustling night markets of Jakarta to the serene morning markets of Bali, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to haggle for the best prices, and don’t forget to try the local food!
One of Indonesia’s most popular tourist attractions, Mount Bromo, is a must-see. The active volcano is located in East Java and can be climbed relatively easily. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the climb can be quite strenuous. You can reach the summit in around two hours, and the views are definitely worth it.
Located at East Kalimantan, Derawan Islands is one of the best places in Indonesia to see turtles. From rare green giant turtles to endangered hawksbill turtles, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world entirely. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale shark or two! So be sure to snorkel or scuba dive to make the most of your time here! The best time to visit Derawan Islands is from March to October.
Borobudur is one of Indonesia’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is located in Central Java, one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples. With an entrance fee of Rp350,000 (AUD $36), it’s definitely worth a visit! Be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds, and don’t forget to bargain for a guide! And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top of the temple for an incredible view.
With so many things to see and do, Indonesia is the perfect destination for any traveller. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it all in Indonesia. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
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