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 Facts For The Visitor Money
Currency Rupiah (IDR or Rp) is the official currency of Indonesia. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, hotels and money changers in major tourist destinations; US dollars is the most accepted currency. Cash often yields a better exchange rate than travelers cheques, which are not always accepted. It is recommended that travelers cheques also be in US dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and stores catering to the tourist trade. ATMs are available in the main centres. Small change is often unavailable so keep small denomination notes and coins for items like bus fares, temple donations and cool drinks. Exchanging Money Counterfeit notes are another problem in Indonesia. Very few Indonesians will accept Rp 100.000 or Rp 50.000 without first checking to see whether or not it's fake. Indonesia has several methods for checking the notes, including checking the watermark, the drawn line (more distinct in fake notes) & colour (more pronounced in counterfeit notes). The texture of a fake note also tends to be smoother than authentic notes. Examine large denomination notes if given to you as change by street vendors; they could well be dumping a forged banknote on you that even themselves didn't know about. Take Travelers Cheques with you. You should have no problem cashing them in Indonesia. Not only will they protect your money against theft or lose, but the exchange rate for travelers cheques is higher than cash (around 2% higher). You can make a large saving, especially if you have paid no commission for your travelers cheques in the first place. If cashing at banks, aim for the larger banks such as BCA, Bank Mandiri, BNI, BII, Bank Niaga, etc. Bear in mind that most hotels will only cash the cheques from their guests. Keep your exchange receipts so you can change your money back to its original currency when you leave. VISA & American Express travelers cheques are quite acceptable in Indonesia. For up to date information about exchanging money and other bank services you can click on any of the Indonesian leading bank websites listed below:
Carrying Money Costs Tipping & Bargaining The big cities have shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores where prices are fixed. They stay open from 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday and some even on Sunday. Meanwhile at the smaller shops, bargaining might be necessary but don't expect too much since their price is usually much lower than in department stores. Taxes Related Links in the Facts For The Visitor Section |
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