The currency
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), symbol Rp. It is a low-value currency with lots of zeros, which can be confusing at first. Common denominations include:
- Rp 1,000 (about $0.07 USD)
- Rp 5,000 (about $0.35)
- Rp 10,000 (about $0.70)
- Rp 20,000 (about $1.40)
- Rp 50,000 (about $3.50)
- Rp 100,000 (about $7.00)
Prices on menus often appear as "35k" or "35.000" meaning 35,000 Rupiah. A bowl of nasi goreng at a warung might be Rp 25,000 ($1.75) while the same dish at a tourist restaurant could be Rp 80,000 ($5.60). Simple mental math: divide Rupiah by 15,000 to get an approximate USD price, or by 20,000 for Euros.
Important: Check the exact exchange rate before your trip and adjust expectations. The Rupiah fluctuates against major currencies.
ATMs on the Gilis
ATM availability varies by island:
- Gili Trawangan: Multiple ATMs near the harbour and along the main strip. Most cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro). Expect queues in peak season.
- Gili Air: A handful of ATMs, mostly around the south coast harbour area.
- Gili Meno: One or two ATMs only. They frequently run out of cash. Do not rely on them.
ATM fees on the Gilis are high: typically Rp 25,000 to Rp 50,000 per transaction (about $1.75 to $3.50) plus whatever your home bank charges. The maximum withdrawal per transaction is usually Rp 2,500,000 (about $175).
Cash tips for the Gilis:
- Always bring enough cash from Bali or Lombok to cover your stay, plus a buffer
- Don't wait until your last day to check your ATM — they do run out
- Keep cash in multiple places (not all in your wallet)
- Tell your bank you are travelling to Indonesia to avoid card blocks
- Bring a backup card in case your main card is swallowed or lost
Money changers
You will find several money changers on Trawangan and Air. Rates are usually reasonable but always check the exchange calculation yourself before handing over your cash. Some unscrupulous changers use sleight of hand or confusing calculations to short-change tourists. Count your Rupiah carefully before leaving.
US dollars, Australian dollars, and Euros are the easiest currencies to exchange. British pounds and Singapore dollars also work at most places. Larger denominations typically get better rates than smaller notes.
Credit and debit cards
Cards are increasingly accepted at mid-range and upscale restaurants, dive shops, and resorts. However, many places still operate on cash only:
- Local warungs and small food stalls — cash only
- Public boats between islands — cash only
- Street vendors and market stalls — cash only
- Smaller massage parlours and spas — often cash only
- Small shops and art markets — cash only
- Cidomo (horse cart) transport — cash only
When paying by card, a 3-5% surcharge is sometimes added. Ask before assuming cards are accepted. Bring plenty of cash regardless.
Daily budget estimates
Backpacker ($25-45 USD per day)
- Accommodation: Rp 150,000-300,000 ($10-20) for a basic dorm or budget bungalow
- Food: Rp 150,000-250,000 ($10-17) eating at local warungs
- Drinks: Rp 50,000-100,000 ($3-7) for a few beers or fresh juices
- Activities: snorkel rental, maybe one boat trip over multiple days
Mid-range ($60-120 USD per day)
- Accommodation: Rp 500,000-1,200,000 ($35-85) for a nice hotel or bungalow
- Food: Rp 300,000-500,000 ($20-35) mixing warungs and tourist restaurants
- Activities: daily snorkel or dive trips
- Drinks and transfers included
Luxury ($200+ USD per day)
- Accommodation: Rp 2,000,000+ ($140+) at resorts like Pearl of Trawangan, BASK, Mahamaya, Slow
- Food: fine dining at upscale beachfront restaurants
- Activities: private dive charters, spa packages, private boat trips
Typical prices
Tipping culture
Tipping is not traditional in Indonesia but is increasingly common in tourist areas. It is appreciated but not expected, and visitors are not obligated to tip. Here are reasonable guidelines:
- Restaurants: Upscale restaurants often add a 5-10% service charge automatically (check the bill). At warungs and casual places, no tip needed. If service was excellent, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
- Dive instructors: A tip of Rp 50,000-200,000 ($3.50-14) per day of diving is a nice gesture if you had a great experience. Divemasters and instructors often rely on tips as part of their income.
- Massage therapists: A 10-15% tip for good service is standard and very appreciated.
- Hotel staff: A small tip for helpful staff (porters, housekeeping) is welcome but not mandatory. Rp 10,000-20,000 ($0.70-1.40) per service.
- Cidomo drivers: The fare is the fare. Tipping is not expected.
- Dive boat crew: If you felt well looked after on a dive boat, small tips for the crew are welcome.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected at art markets and for some services like cidomo rides when there is no fixed rate. It is not expected at restaurants, tour operators with set prices, or dive shops.
Some tips for bargaining well:
- Keep it friendly and with a smile
- Start around 40-50% of the initial asking price
- Walk away if needed — you can always come back
- Don't grind too hard — a few dollars means little to you and a lot to the vendor
- Agree on the price before the service or handing over the item
Avoiding scams
The Gilis are generally safe for money, but a few things to watch for:
- Money changer tricks. Count your Rupiah carefully. Some changers hide notes or use sleight of hand.
- Inflated taxi/boat charter prices. Agree on fares before getting in.
- Fake ATM skimmers. Rare but not unheard of. Use ATMs at major banks or hotels when possible.
- Bill padding. Check restaurant bills. Mistakes do happen, and occasionally extra items appear.
Emergency money backup
Bring a backup source of money in case your main card fails:
- A second debit or credit card from a different bank
- Some emergency USD cash hidden separately from your wallet
- A digital wallet (Wise, Revolut) with transfer capability
Getting stranded without money on a small island is stressful but usually solvable. Your best bet is to prevent it in the first place by bringing enough cash, using multiple backup options, and checking that your cards work before you arrive.