Indonesia Travel Money Guide
Everything a Malaysian traveller needs to know about the Indonesian Rupiah — how much to bring, when to exchange, and where to get the best rate in KL.
Whether you're heading to Bali's beaches or Jakarta's malls, Indonesia still runs largely on cash — especially warungs, markets and small drivers. The rupiah comes in big numbers, so it's worth understanding the notes before you go.
When to exchange
The rupiah is a high-denomination currency, so rates are usually quoted per 1,000 or 10,000 IDR — compare KL changers on the same basis. Lock in a good rate at home rather than relying on Bali's street booths.
Tip: Be careful with money changers in Bali's tourist areas — some advertise great rates then short-change you with sleight of hand. Exchange the bulk of your cash in KL before you fly.
How much cash to bring
A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:
- Food — Rp100,000–250,000/day (warungs are very cheap; tourist restaurants cost more)
- Local transport — Rp50,000–150,000/day with Grab/Gojek and drivers
- Attractions — Rp100,000–300,000/day
Our rule of thumb
For a 7-day trip, bring around Rp3,000,000–5,000,000 in cash and keep a card as backup. At today's rate that's roughly RM900–1,500.
Where to exchange in KL
These three changers currently post the best IDR rates. Tap to see their branches and live rates:
Payment tips on the ground
- Carry cash for warungs, markets & drivers — most are cash-only.
- Count your notes carefully — the many zeros make it easy to hand over Rp100,000 instead of Rp10,000.
- Cards work in resorts, malls and bigger restaurants, but not much beyond that.
- Use authorised money changers only if you exchange on the ground — look for "PVA Berizin" (licensed) signs and count before you leave.
