Indonesia questions about tipping/gratuities

[TostitoBandito]

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

I'm sure you can find ATM's or exchanges in the airport, either with a higher/no limit, or enough of them to get what you need.

Sometimes dive guides are other nationalities, in which case yeah I imagine they wouldn't care as much. Some resorts/liveaboards are also foreign owned, so deal with multiple currencies routinely. The boat I'm going on for example takes USD, IDR, Euros, and Singapore dollars. I believe it's owned by a Singaporean, they obviously take IDR, and then I'm sure they get enough guests with USD and Euros to make it worth dealing with those.

 

[Lu Y]

I ordered IDR before my trip and picked it up at a currency exchange place. It looks like you're in a major city so just use Google to find one near you. Another option is to bring USD to the airport and exchange it at a currency exchange kiosk in your departure or arrival airport. You will pay a fee for either of these options but I prefer having the cash before my trip and having peace of mind all my tipping is covered. ATMs in remote areas can be scarce and also charge fees.

That's what I do when major currency is accepted for tipping in destination, however Travelex charges a very high fee of around 8% for IDR vs 2% for USD.

 

[Lu Y]

I'm sure you can find ATM's or exchanges in the airport, either with a higher/no limit, or enough of them to get what you need.

Sometimes dive guides are other nationalities, in which case yeah I imagine they wouldn't care as much. Some resorts/liveaboards are also foreign owned, so deal with multiple currencies routinely. The boat I'm going on for example takes USD, IDR, Euros, and Singapore dollars. I believe it's owned by a Singaporean, they obviously take IDR, and then I'm sure they get enough guests with USD and Euros to make it worth dealing with those.

Thanks! We are going to Lembeh Resort, Murex Bangka, and Siladen, I'll call them tomorrow to ask. We 2 dive guides allocated are locals unfortunately so probably won't use EUR or USD, but I'll ask if resorts offer exchange services.

 

[TostitoBandito]

Thanks! We are going to Lembeh Resort, Murex Bangka, and Siladen, I'll call them tomorrow to ask. We 2 dive guides allocated are locals unfortunately so probably won't use EUR or USD, but I'll ask if resorts offer exchange services.

Yeah, if the resort takes USD for things like drinks and whatnot, which isn't uncommon, they might be able to help you exchange some. Though they may not have a massive amount of cash on hand.

 

[Lu Y]

Yeah, if the resort takes USD for things like drinks and whatnot, which isn't uncommon, they might be able to help you exchange some. Though they may not have a massive amount of cash on hand.

Ill call them tomorrow to find out

 

[also_anon_dc]

That's what I do when major currency is accepted for tipping in destination, however Travelex charges a very high fee of around 8% for IDR vs 2% for USD.

I just pay the fee and then I'm set for my whole trip. ATMs in airports often charge 8-10% or more then an additional fee on top of that from your bank. I'm also a solo female traveler and am not comfortable being seen taking a ton of money out an ATM.

 

[Lu Y]

I just pay the fee and then I'm set for my whole trip. ATMs in airports often charge 8-10% or more then an additional fee on top of that from your bank. I'm also a solo female traveler and am not comfortable being seen taking a ton of money out an ATM.

Indeed peace of mind and safety definitely have a lot of value, thanks again for the advice!

 

[JonnieB]

That's what I do when major currency is accepted for tipping in destination, however Travelex charges a very high fee of around 8% for IDR vs 2% for USD.

DL the Wise app for inexpensive bank to bank international currency transfers, exchange pounds for rupiah at Jakarta Airport, or just tip in pounds/dollars.

 

[clownfishsydney]

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 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.

 

[CF L]

Thanks! We are going to Lembeh Resort, Murex Bangka, and Siladen, I'll call them tomorrow to ask. We 2 dive guides allocated are locals unfortunately so probably won't use EUR or USD, but I'll ask if resorts offer exchange services.

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.