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Currency & Credit Cards
Only rupiah (Indonesian currency) is acceptable at local stores and restaurants. . The Indonesian rupiah is available in note denomination of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100. Coins are available in denominations of 1,000, 500, 200, 100, and 50.
US dollars are the preferred foreign currency for exchange. Only bills printed from 1996 onward are accepted in payment or in exchange for local currency. Larger denomination bills earn a higher exchange rate, as do traveler's cheques. Most hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops accept certain foreign currencies and credit cards. You can buy rupiah at foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers on presentation of your passport. The exchange rate fluctuates regularly, so check your bank for the latest exchange rates. The exchange rate for US$1 is the same as Rp. 8,500. Most banks and hotels accept traveler's cheques. (this will need to be monitored)
The use of traveler's checks in Indonesia is as popular as in any other country. Diners Club and American Express, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, department stores, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. According to the Indonesian banking regulations, payment by credit cards is charged in local currency. Some merchants apply a 3-5 percent surcharge for credit card transactions.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are everywhere. Many connect to international banking networks so you can withdraw cash in rupiah from your home account. Look for those affiliated with your own ATM network, noted by signage on your card and the compatible ATM are everywhere.
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