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.

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Credit cards with no Indonesian currency conversion fees

Not available for application via this website

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

Get 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 24 months, with a 3% balance transfer fee (then 12.99% p.a. thereafter).
No foreign transaction fees.
Plus, complimentary overseas travel insurance for you and your family.

Pros

0% p.a. on balance transfers for 24 months.
Low ongoing interest rate of 12.99% p.a. on purchases.
Low annual fee of $59 p.a.
Add up to 3 additional cardholders at no extra cost.
Up to 55 interest-free days on purchases.
As low as a $6,000 credit limit.
Temporarily lock your card anytime using the Bankwest App.
Easy Instalment Plans let you spread up to 5 purchases over four monthly payments at 0% p.a.
Compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay.

Cons

No rewards program on this card.
There is a 3% BT fee.
Cash advance rate is 21.99% p.a.

Not available for application via this website

Bankwest Zero Platinum Mastercard

Highlights

0% p.a. for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers, with a 3% balance transfer fee. (Reverts to 18.99% p.a. thereafter.)
No foreign transaction fees, including when you're shopping at an overseas online store.
No annual fee to pay for the life of the card.
Put up to five eligible purchases on an interest-free payment plan with Easy Instalments.
Credit limits start from a minimum of $6,000.

Pros

No annual fee makes this an option for occasional or backup use.
Interest-free purchases and balance transfers for 6 months.
No foreign transaction fees for foreign currency or overseas purchases.
Interest-free repayments for up to five eligible purchases with Easy Instalments.
Credit limits start from a minimum of $6,000.
Up to 55 days interest-free when you pay the statement balance in full.
Balance transfers revert to the purchase rate instead of the higher cash advance rate.
Use up to 95% of your credit limit for balance transfers.

Cons

There is a 3% fee on balance transfers, which can be added to the balance if desired.
You can't earn rewards points, but that's not unusual for a no annual fee card like this.
There is a $500 minimum balance transfer amount, although most people transfer more.

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.

Do contactless credit card payments work in Indonesia?

Yes. You can use contactless cards to pay wherever contactless payments are accepted.

Can you earn points on what you spend with a credit card in Indonesia?

Yes. Depending on your card, you may even earn reward points at a higher rate per dollar spent while in Indonesia.

What do I do if I lose my credit card in Indonesia?

If you lose your credit card, call your bank and report it as lost. They can issue a replacement card and deliver it to your address in Indonesia.

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