Banking & Money: how it works in Indonesia — first-hand
Real experience of people from chats on «Banking & Money» in Indonesia — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
Be cautious with Indonesian bank cards (especially BNI). There are reports of unauthorized debit attempts that can push accounts into overdraft (negative balance) without OTP or confirmation prompts, often appearing as pending blocks rather than direct transactions in history. Users should avoid leaving cards in sight of cashiers to prevent skimming and refrain from keeping large balances on cards used for daily terminal payments.
To resolve SMS issues with GoPay, try setting up WhatsApp on your Indonesian number. Codes are often sent via WhatsApp. If SMS is still not coming through, wait for the SMS service to resume.
Bank Permata in Bali often requires a KITAS and a sponsor for opening new accounts or updating existing ones. Policies can vary significantly between bank branches and individual managers; if one branch denies service, it is recommended to try a different location.
Chinese Yuan (CNY) acceptance in Bali: While some exchange offices may accept CNY, it is not widely accepted. It is advisable to exchange currency to USD or EUR for better exchange rates and wider acceptance.
Tourists in Indonesia can use GoPay for cashless payments via QRIS. The GoPay wallet can be topped up with cash at Alfamart or Indomaret minimarts. Provide your registered phone number to the cashier; the transaction fee is negligible (approx. 2,000 - 5,000 IDR). This allows QR code payments without an Indonesian bank card.
When dealing with local vendors or roadside services in Bali, verify transaction amounts before confirming. Overcharging is common when using secondary payment terminals (e.g., at nearby salons). Being firm and mentioning local authorities is often effective in resolving disputes regarding unauthorized surcharges or short-changing.
If your Permata Bank card is frozen, it might be due to an internal system issue. Try accessing your online banking again after a short period. If the problem persists, contact Permata Bank customer service for clarification on account status and any new regulations that may have been implemented.
When visiting Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Bali, the official entrance fee is 50,000 IDR. Visitors must keep the printed entrance receipt. Some cafes and viewpoints along the terraces require proof of entry; showing this receipt prevents double charging.
To keep an Indonesian SIM card active long-term (useful for local bank notifications), buy "masa aktif" (active period extension) packages in the operator's app, which can extend validity for up to a year without high costs. Separately, unregistered foreign phones face network blocks via IMEI after 90 days of local network usage. If traveling outside Indonesia, the SIM will continue to work for receiving roaming SMS without IMEI registration.
Withdrawal fees for UnionPay cards at ATMs in Indonesia can vary. It is advisable to check with your bank for specific fee structures. Cash withdrawals may be possible, but fees should be confirmed.
Indonesian bank cards (BCA, BNI, OCBC, etc.) often have online and international transaction capabilities disabled by default. If payments fail on sites like Booking.com or airline platforms, users must manually activate 'Debit Online' or 'International Payments' and set transaction limits within their mobile banking application. Permata cards are generally more compatible with international online gateways, whereas Maybank cards may experience issues with 3D-Secure protocols.
Gojek's GoPay QRIS payment system generally requires a local Indonesian bank account or a verified local balance. Foreign bank cards linked to the app can be used for direct service payments (GoRide, GoFood) but often fail for merchant QRIS scans. Recommended workarounds include using apps like DANA, which may have better compatibility for foreign card top-ups, or using P2P exchange services to load local digital wallets.
Indonesian bank account management without a KITAS is restrictive. If a specific branch refuses a request (like updating a phone number), visiting a different branch can sometimes yield a different outcome due to inconsistent application of internal policies by branch managers.
To make payments in Bali, especially for services that may require verification, it's possible to use GoPay. However, be aware that verification might be necessary.
Some Indonesian ATMs (like Mandiri) now charge a flat fee of 50,000 IDR per withdrawal. BCA and Maybank are generally recommended for higher withdrawal limits per transaction.
If a UnionPay card reports a 'card limit' error during payment at a terminal, try inserting the card via the chip instead of using contactless payment. This often bypasses the transaction glitch.
Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) allows foreign tourists to open a Multicurrency Mastercard without a KITAS residency permit. Key specifications: managed via the 'Wondr by BNI' app; supports 12 major currencies with 1:1 local debiting; features BI-FAST transactions up to 250 million IDR; daily ATM withdrawal limit up to 15 million IDR and POS limits up to 100 million IDR. Opening requires a deposit of 1,000,000 IDR (accessible the next day) and a minimum holding balance of 150,000 IDR.
Permata Bank has become increasingly restrictive towards Russian passport holders, often requiring work contracts or residency permits (KITAS). While some branches may open accounts, policies vary significantly. Alternative banks for foreign nationals include BCA or OCBC, but banking requirements are subject to change. Always verify current branch policies before visiting.