Buying Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

You don’t need an excuse to plan a trip to Indonesia, with its historic temples, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife making it a desirable destination for many. Its proximity to Australia also makes Indonesia a favourite holiday spot for Australians looking to fill an itinerary with an unforgettable adventure.

To help your Indonesian trip run smoothly, you’ll most likely need access to foreign cash. Fortunately, Australia Post makes ordering foreign cash a hassle-free task, while our prepaid travel money cards maximise convenience. Get answers to all your IDR travel money questions below.

What currency is used in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s currency is the Indonesian rupiah, which uses the currency code IDR and the currency symbol, Rp. Sometimes called the ‘perak’, meaning silver in Indonesian, the country’s colourful banknotes feature national heroes and political figures alongside depictions of traditional dances and stunning natural landmarks.

Where can you buy Indonesian rupiah (IDR)?

As a beloved hotspot for Australian travellers, organising Indonesian rupiah for your journey should be relatively straightforward. You can order or exchange currency at bank branches, foreign exchange businesses and online services like Australia Post. Just know that each option has different exchange rates and fees, so you’ll want to understand the total cost before deciding.

How to buy Indonesian rupiah in Australia

Finding somewhere to buy euros in Australia should be straightforward, with thousands of businesses ready to trade currency. While the process for exchanging money can vary slightly between popular options, these simple steps should help you get the euros you need:

1. Have a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport
2. Fund your purchase with cash, a debit card or a credit card
3. Specify the amount you need in Indonesian rupiah and review how much it costs in Australian dollars (AUD)
4. Pay for the IDR in Australian dollars and receive your money

How to buy IDR online

Ordering online with Australia Post is how many travellers get IDR with minimal hassle. Just follow these quick steps to order IDR when your holiday's departure date approaches:

1. Review our exchange rates, place your order online and choose a participating Post Office to collect your cash.
2. After you’ve placed an order, make payment via BPAY, Pay ID or credit card within 24 hours.
3. We'll confirm when your cash is ready. You'll have a week to collect it from your chosen Post Office. Remember to bring your receipt and photo ID.

Where can I exchange AUD for IDR?

Finding a place to exchange AUD for IDR is simple for most, with bank branches and foreign exchange businesses equipped to handle the job. You can also order online with Australia Post and collect cash for your Indonesian getaway from 3,200+ participating Post Offices.

Why choose a travel money card instead of cash?

Prefer not to carry cash? Another preferred payment method when heading overseas is a prepaid travel money card. This simple solution works much the same as a regular debit card, where users load foreign currency like IDR to spend and withdraw as they please. Check out these reasons to decide whether a prepaid travel money card makes sense for you.

Secure spending: Prepaid travel money cards use separate funds from your everyday banking accounts, so you won’t have to worry if your card gets lost or stolen. Meanwhile, some prepaid cards include security features that offer greater protection than simply carrying cash.

Better budgeting: Worried about splurging too much overseas? As travellers choose how much to load onto their prepaid travel money card, some find it easier to control their spending using this approach. Plus, if you’re running low on funds, loading more onto your card is fast and simple.

Fixed exchange rates: Exchanging cash multiple times during your trip likely means encountering varying exchange rates and fees. Instead, loading IDR once for your entire journey means you won’t have to stress about significant currency fluctuations.

Review your spending: It’s easy to forget where you’ve spent cash. However, with a prepaid travel money card from Australia Post, you can use our convenient app to monitor your budget and review your transactions on the move.

What is the cheapest way to buy IDR in Australian dollars?

Indonesia is a beloved destination for affordable escapes, so finding the cheapest option for exchanging currency is ideal. Yet, as everyone has different options in their local area, finding the most reasonable one depends on what’s available.

However, online services like Australia Post are well-known for having low fees and great exchange rates. Review our exchange rates and place your travel money order using our useful currency converter tool today.

When is the best time to buy IDR in Australian dollars?

Foreign exchange rates constantly change, meaning there’s little chance of predicting the best time to place your order. Yet it’s possible to keep an eye on the exchange rate, especially if you have plenty of time before your departure date.

With a bit of luck, the exchange rate will work in your favour and you can get an even better deal when you exchange funds. Don’t forget you can use a prepaid travel money card to lock in an exchange rate for your trip.

Helpful money tips for Indonesian adventures

Indonesia is the perfect destination for a budget-conscious adventure, but you can save even more money during your visit with a few smart decisions. Here are some money tips to make your journey even more enjoyable.

Use local buses for transport: Buses are the cheapest way to get around Indonesia and operate 24/7, making them a budget-friendly and flexible option. Travel writer Lauren from Never Ending Footsteps was able to get around solely using public transport during her one-month stay.

Dine locally: While Indonesia is home to countless low-cost restaurants, you can find incredibly affordable meals at ‘warungs’ - small eateries serving traditional local cuisine. These shops might be simple, but the food is delicious and your wallet will thank you.

Choose shoulder season: You’ll save on everything from flights and accommodation to activities if you plan your Indonesian adventure outside peak dates. Avoid holiday periods like the New Year to benefit from lower prices and smaller crowds.

Bring some cash: While card payments are widely accepted throughout Indonesia, warungs and other small businesses sometimes only take cash. Plus, carrying a little cash with you is wise in case you encounter any emergencies.

Get Indonesian rupiah at Australia Post today

Time for a holiday? Visit Australia Post online or in-store at 3,200+ participating Post Offices to order foreign cash or purchase a prepaid travel money card. You’ll experience seamless spending after touching down in Indonesia.