Using an Australian credit card in Indonesia

Going to Indonesia and want to take your Australian credit card with you?

While you can use an Australian credit card in Indonesia as you would at home, there are fees to be aware of. Scroll down to find out more about how much you could be charged.

Save up to 3% per transaction

Credit cards with no Indonesian currency conversion fees

On website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Enjoy 0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months (2% BT fee, 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases (reverts to 12.99% p.a.)
Up to 55 interest-free days.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 12 months.
0% p.a. for 12 months on purchases.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

There is no rewards program on this card.
There is a 2% BT fee.

On website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

No annual fee.
0% p.a. for 28 months on balances transferred (3% balance transfer fee applies). Reverts to 14.99% p.a. thereafter.
No foreign transaction fees and complimentary international credit card travel insurance.
New customers only. Limited time. Other fees and charges, T&Cs apply.

Pros

No annual fee to pay — ever.
Very long interest-free balance transfer offer.
No fees on purchases in a foreign currency.
Complimentary international travel insurance.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers.
You can't earn rewards points.

Thinking of hitting the shops?

Potential fees when shopping with a credit card in indonesia

When you shop in Indonesia with an Australian credit card, remember that there may be conversion and transaction fees to add on top of the price.

Currency conversion fee. If your card charges a currency conversion fee — and most do — you’ll be charged about 3% of the transaction amount to convert from Indonesian rupiah to Australian dollars. Therefore, you’ll be charged about $9 if you spend the equivalent of $300.
Merchant’s currency conversion fee. The merchant may charge a dynamic currency conversion fee if you choose to pay in Australian dollars at the checkout. The general rule of thumb is to pay in the local currency (Indonesian rupiah) instead of Australian dollars.

Need to pay with cash?

Using a credit card to get cash in Indonesia

Most merchants in Indonesia accept credit cards, including stores and hotels. However, there are times when you’ll need cash. You can withdraw cash from an ATM, but several fees can apply.

Overseas ATM withdrawal fee. The local ATM network may charge you a fee to withdraw cash from one of their machines with your credit card.
Cash advance fee. Banks treat a cash withdrawal as the equivalent of a cash advance. Therefore, you’ll probably be charged a one-off cash advance fee. This is usually 1%-3% of the amount withdrawn.
Cash advance rate. You’ll also begin to incur interest at the cash advance rate from the transaction date. There is no interest-free period on cash advances for most credit cards.

Want more help?

FAQs

Do I need to notify my credit card issuer about taking my card to Indonesia?

Although it is not mandatory, many credit card issuers prefer to know in advance that you will be taking your card with you. If you do not notify them, it is more likely that your card will be blocked for suspected fraudulent activity until you do notify them.

Is it safe to use a credit card in Indonesia?

Yes, it is safe to use a credit card in Indonesia. However, you should take the same precautions as you would when at home.

What credit cards are accepted in Indonesia?

Credit cards from American Express, Mastercard, and Visa are widely accepted, although acceptance varies depending on the merchant.

Is it better to pay in Indonesian rupiah or Australian dollars in Indonesia?

It is generally cheaper to pay in the local currency. If offered the choice between paying in Indonesian rupiah or Australian dollars, choose to pay in Indonesian rupiah.