Indonesia questions about tipping/gratuities

[Lu Y]

You won't need anything like US$700 for tipping! We just go to a couple of ATMs, say one at the airport and one in town. Take out the maximum and that is more than enough for tips and other things.

Thank you, we probably won't be in town during this trip, so just ordered IDR from Travelex in London

 

[Luko]

You won't need anything like US$700 for tipping!

Very much agreed!
When Murex was really locally managed (at the time Dr.Batuna was still alive) tipping was not a customary practice out of exceptional services. It's only when the american stepson took the management that he started infusing a 10% tip idea to the guests. You may drink that Kool Aid or not.
Siladen/Coral eye, european managed resorts clearly state in their FAQ that tipping is not mandatory as their staff already receive the service charges that is inlcuded in your bill.

IIRC there is NO money changer (!) but a line of 4 ATMs at Manado airport, outside of the departure hall (hence you need to walk 200m right hand side from the arrival hall past the taxi stands and cross a lane) : some of them won't let you take cash with a Revolut card (personal experience I have one), the last ones will but no more than 2milDR or so, which is about 100£.
Best money changer downtown is near to Sheraton FourPoints, Muslim Bank money changer probably the best rates in all Indonesia (FYI religion prohibits making profits and interest rates on money, hence the very good rates).

Edit : Crossed posts. I read you now have your change.

 

[Lu Y]

Lembeh Resort and Murex Bangka use USD, they should be able to exchange USD to IDR for you.

Forex in the UK is not very competitive compared to Singapore. We always change our GBP in Singapore before going on to Indonesia as we always stop over in Singapore.

Thank you, I emailed them to ask but they advised to withdraw at airport, so to avoid any last minute problem we just ordered from Travelex

 

[Indah]

Hello,

We are late to this thread however just realised we have a cash issue for tipping next week.

We are going to North Sulawesi in 1 week, staying 13 nights. We have Revolut card so withdrawal is not an issue however I understand most ATM there have very low daily limits.

Do people have any recommendations on how to get 700 USD equivalent of IDR in cash for tipping? I'd like to tip in cash as we have private boat and guide for diving everyday.

Alternatively, can I tip the dive guide in USD?

Many thanks,
Lu

You could ask the resort what their policy is. Maybe they prefer, as we do, the add it to the bill.
'Tipping: We used to respond with "don't know" when guests asked about the appropriate amount for tipping our staff. However, we realize that it's not the most helpful answer. So, we've come up with a procedure: we add the tip you leave to the bill. With around 20 employees working here, tips are divided equally among them, ensuring each person receives the same amount. We suggest tipping between IDR 50.000 and IDR 125.000 per day, based on your level of satisfaction with our staff.
It's crucial to note that you should never tip any of our staff members individually, even if they managed to find the elusive pygmy mimic-whale shark for you.'