ATMs in Indonesia: credit cards and fees

When traveling in Indonesia, you’re likely to run into parts of the country where plastic isn’t widely accepted. That means you’re going to need to have cash on hand during your trip. But how do you get your hands on Indonesian rupiah?

Using ATMs to get cash as and when you need it is a smart option, and if you use a low cost travel card like the Wise account and card you could even get some cash with no Wise withdrawal fees⁶, every month1. More on that later - first, let’s walk through how to find and use ATMs in Indonesia.

Where to find ATMs (mesin kasir) in Indonesia

ATMs in Indonesia are common in bigger cities and in tourist hotspots, like Bali. In more rural areas, though, you may have a hard time finding one. If you’re headed into Indonesia’s smaller towns, you may want to stock up on rupiah beforehand.

You can find some local bank ATMs by using the online locator tools for your card network. Visa®¹, Mastercard®² and Amex®³ all have locator tools which work globally, and Discover®⁴ has a handy page telling you which ATM symbols to look out for based on the country you’re in.

Will your credit or debit card work in Indonesia?

Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted in Indonesia, but credit and debit cards are mainly only used in bigger cities and tourist hotspots like Jakarta and Bali. Many places will only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to always have some on hand.

It’s also worth noting that Discover cards have emerging acceptance only in Indonesia. This means you might find it harder to pay - and in particular to use an ATM - if you’re relying on a Discover card.

Indonesian ATM PINs

Indonesian bank cards typically have “chip and pin” systems, meaning they are outfitted with a microchip rather than a magnetic swiping strip.

PIN codes in Indonesia are typically 6 digits. However, cards can still be swiped at merchants that accept them, and magnetic strip cards can be used at ATMs.

Indonesian ATM max cash withdrawal limits

Limits on individual transactions will vary, though few ATMs will allow more than 2.5 or 3 million rupiah per transaction.

Your home bank may also set a daily withdrawal limit for your account, and it’s important to check that with your bank before you leave for Indonesia, as you may want to temporarily raise your limit to make sure you can access enough cash daily to fund your trip.

Give your bank a heads up before you travel to Indonesia

In that same vein, it’s important to let your bank know ahead of time when you plan to travel abroad.

Otherwise, you risk having your card shut down for what the bank thinks is suspicious activity, which can leave you stranded with no money while you’re on your trip.

International money at the tip of your fingers: get the Wise card

Get fee free international ATM withdrawals, up to 100 USD/month, with the Wise card. Keep in mind that ATM operators may charge their own fees.

Open a Wise Account online or in the Wise app, to hold and exchange 40+ currencies, with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.41%.

Get cash conveniently around the world, with some fee free withdrawals every month, and low fees of 1.5 USD + 2% after that. That can work out cheaper than using your bank card for overseas withdrawals.

Check out these other handy Wise personal account features:

Hold and manage money in 40+ currencies from your phone Send and receive money internationally to 80+ countries with low fees from 0.41% Opt in to receive annual percentage yield (APY) on your USD balance with Wise’s interest feature (subject to change, certain limitations apply — see  Program Agreement for more information) Spend in 150+ countries with the Wise card, with transparent and competitive fees  Conveniently get  instant updates and track transactions on the go with the Wise mobile app Robust security measures and encryption to protect your funds and personal information.

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Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information

What are Indonesian ATM fees?

Nobody likes paying ATM fees, especially on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about

fees in Indonesia.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Indonesia (DCC)

When you use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Indonesia, you may be given the option to complete the transaction in your home currency instead of in rupiah.

This is called dynamic currency conversion, and allows the ATM to set its own exchange rate, which will often include a fee that’s impossible to spot in advance.

Instead, always choose to complete your transaction in the local currency. You’ll have to do the math on the conversion yourself, but you’ll save on hidden fees.

Credit card fees

If you’re considering using your credit card to get cash in Indonesia, make sure you’re clued up on the costs first. Usually credit cards charge cash advance fees for ATM use - which can be pretty staggering.

You’ll also often start to accrue interest instantly, and at a higher rate compared to using your card to make an in store purchase. All in all, this can be a very costly way to get your rupiah.

Other ATMs fees in Indonesia

ATMs in Indonesia can come with fees per transaction, and your home bank may also charge either flat fees or a percentage on your withdrawal as a withdrawal fee. Some bank cards also come with foreign transaction fees.

It’s important to check with your bank before you travel so you know what to expect and pay close attention at ATMs to see what fees you’re being charged.

Tips and tricks for avoiding ATM fees in Indonesia

Some banks offer to reimburse ATM fees for their customers. Some also offer cards that have no foreign transaction fees. By choosing the right card, you can definitely save on ATM fees, or avoid them altogether.

Here are a few handy tips:

Always pay in the local currency wherever you are - so IDR in Indonesia - to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees Understand your account and card fees in advance - if may be cheaper to make fewer withdrawals and store your money in a hotel safe, rather than making lots of small withdrawals, for example Don’t use your credit card in an ATM if you can avoid it Avoid ATMs in airports or at hotels, as they often have higher fees to target tourists. Get a Wise card for some withdrawals with no Wise withdrawal fee monthly, and low fees after that⁵

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Sources:

1. Global Visa ATM locator
2. Mastercard ATM locator
3. Amex ATM locator
4. Discover card international acceptance guide
5. Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
6. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

Sources checked on 02.02.2024