Money & Payments in Labuan Bajo (2026)

Local Currency: IDR

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: casadecapulet.com, explore.atmfeesaver.com

Good to know

Good to Know

Labuan Bajo runs on cash for most transactions, especially once you leave the main town strip. Carry sufficient IDR before heading to Komodo or surrounding islands.
ATM withdrawal limits vary by bank and card issuer; do not assume one large withdrawal is guaranteed. Make multiple withdrawals from different machines if needed.
Always decline currency conversion (DCC) at ATMs and choose to be charged in IDR for the best exchange rate—your home bank will convert at a much better rate.
Some businesses add a 1–3% surcharge for card payments; check before tapping instead of paying cash.
BNI, BRI, and Mandiri ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards in Labuan Bajo.
Tip in local currency (IDR), not foreign currency—service providers cannot easily exchange foreign coins or notes.
Many upscale restaurants and hotels automatically add 10% service charge; check your bill before deciding whether to tip additional.

Tipping Norms

Compulsory: No
Appreciated: Yes
Context: Tipping is not compulsory but is appreciated and common in tourism settings. Always tip in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), never in foreign currency. When tipping on card, check bill first—some establishments automatically add 10% service charge.

Guidance

Restaurants (with no service charge)
Restaurants (With No Service Charge)
IDR 50,000
5–10% if no automatic service charge; many upscale places already add 10% service charge to the bill
Range Rp 20,000–50,000 depending on service
Range Rp 20,000–50,000 Depending On Service
IDR 35,000
Tour guides (per day)
Tour Guides (Per Day)
IDR 75,000
Range Rp 50,000–100,000 per day; guides and boat crew are particularly appreciated
variable
Rounding up the bill is appreciated but not compulsory

Banking

Setup Overview: Standard Indonesian banking applies. Foreigners can open accounts at BRI and other major Indonesian banks; tourist accounts possible with passport only for limited transactions (USD 2,000–50,000); KITAS/KITAP residency permits enable unlimited accounts.
Documentation Typical: Passport, proof of initial deposit, completed application form; reference bank documents, residence address, domicile letter if seeking full account
Account Opening Summary: As a foreigner without KITAS, can open a limited-balance tourist account with passport; requires minimum USD 2,000 deposit. With KITAS/KITAP residency permit, can open unlimited standard accounts. English-speaking staff not guaranteed; interpreter recommended for non-Indonesian speakers.

Banks In City

Bank BRI (Bank Rakyat Indonesia) - KCP Unit Labuan Bajo
Type
Branch office (Kantor Cabang Pembantu)
Contact
+62 385-41054
Location
Labuan Bajo, Manggarai Barat, East Nusa Tenggara

ATM Situation

Availability: Multiple ATMs in town, mainly around the main harbour area and surrounding streets. Banks include BNI, BRI, and Mandiri, which travellers have best luck with.
Fees Local ATM: Most ATMs in Indonesia do not charge operator fees. Always decline currency conversion option (DCC) and request to be charged in IDR for better rates.
Withdrawal Limits: Typically IDR 1,250,000–3,000,000 per transaction, depending on the bank and your own bank's limits.
Fees Note: Your own bank may charge foreign transaction fees; check with your bank in advance.
Note On Running Out: ATMs can run out of cash, especially on weekends. Withdraw before heading to islands or remote areas.

Local Currency

IDR

Card Acceptance

Overview: Cards accepted at hotels, tourist-facing restaurants, and established tour operators. Smaller warungs, market stalls, and many local transactions require cash. Some businesses may add a card surcharge.
Estimated Acceptance Pct: partial—mainly tourist-tier and formal businesses

Money Changer Locations

On the main street (Jalan Soekarno Hatta), near Starbucks and the Meruorah hotel area. Rates are acceptable for top-ups rather than large exchanges; if passing through Bali or Jakarta first, those are better places to change larger amounts.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About Labuan Bajo

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Labuan Bajo

Good to know

Good to Know

Tipping Norms

Guidance

Restaurants (with no service charge)

Range Rp 20,000–50,000 depending on service

Tour guides (per day)

variable

Rounding up the bill is appreciated but not compulsory