The unit of currency used in Indonesia is the rupiah (Rp). Coins of IDR 50, IDR 100, IDR 200, IDR 500 and IDR 1,000 are in circulation. Notes come in IDR 1,000, IDR 2,000, IDR 5000, IDR 10,000, IDR 20,000, IDR 50,000 and IDR 100,000 denominations. For change in amounts below IDR 50, expect to receive a few sweets.
Try to carry a fair amount of money in bills IDR 20,000 and under as getting change for larger bills is often a problem.
By government decree, all businesses are required to price goods and services in Rupiah. Many tourist outfits such as hotels and dive shops try to price in dollars or euros to avoid currency fluctuations.

Daily Costs

Budget (up to) IDR 500,000

  • Simple rooms less than IDR 200,000
  • Cheap street meals under IDR 20,000
  • Travel like a local through much of Indonesia outside of major cities and tourist areas

Midrange IDR 500,000–2,000,000

  • Double rooms with air-con and wi-fi around IDR 400,000-1,000,000
  • Cheap flights to shorten distances
  • Guides plus meals in restaurants (where they exist)

Top end (more than) IDR 2,000,000

  • Stay at resorts, often noted boutique properties in remote places
  • Use flights and cars with drivers to get around
  • Book special tours for activities like diving and visit top restaurants

Tipping

Tipping a set percentage is not expected in Indonesia, but if the service is good, you can leave IDR 5,000 or 10% or more.




  • Most midrange hotels and restaurants and all top-end hotels and restaurants add 21% to the bill for tax and service (known as ‘plus plus’). The service component is distributed among hotel staff (one hopes).




  • Hand cash directly to individuals if you think they deserve recognition for their service.



  • Tip good taxi drivers, porters, people giving you a massage or fetching you a beer on the beach etc; IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 is generous.