Rupiah is the currency of Indonesia (Rp). There are 7 major bank note dominations in Indonesia 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000. Coins do exist and are in circulation but are not generally used.
If you are using US dollars to Indonesia, you should note that major banks do not accept money that is torn, written on or looks generally worse for wear. Notes with serial numbers ending in CB and DB codes are not accepted. Generally, US notes with a series year before 2004 will not be accepted.
Currency Exchange Services
There are a number of small currency exchange services available on the island, some of which illegally operate. These services will hike up the exchange rate and will rip you off. Therefore, we recommend you change your money in banks or at your hotel.
If you do need to change your money at one of these shops ensure you:
- Bring your own calculator
- Count your money before presenting it to staff
- Calculate the exchange rate yourself
- Count Rupiah given to you by staff to ensure its accuracy
- If the amount is not correct ask for the correct amount or alert the authorities
