Money & Payments in Lombok

Taxis

Not required; rounding up fare or small tip (5,000–10,000 IDR) appreciated for longer journeys

Cultural Norm

Tipping is optional and not traditional in Lombok, unlike Bali. Many restaurants and hotels include service charge on bill.

Spas And Salons

Appreciated but not mandatory; small cash tip (10,000–20,000 IDR) is thoughtful

Tour Guides Drivers

IDR 50,000

For good service on day tours or driver services

Code

IDR

Name

Indonesian Rupiah

Symbol

Rp

Availability

ATMs common in main towns (Mataram, Senggigi, Kuta); less reliable in remote areas and on smaller Gili Islands

Denominations

ATMs dispense either Rp 50,000 or Rp 100,000 notes; a sticker on the ATM indicates which

Card Types Accepted

Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; Cirrus and Maestro often work; American Express rarely accepted

Summary

Cards accepted at mid-to-high-end venues; cash still essential for most local transactions

Visa Mastercard

Widely accepted at hotels, nicer restaurants, and larger shops in Kuta, Senggigi, and Mataram; increasingly common in tourist areas

American Express

Rarely accepted except at very high-end resorts

ATM Skimming

Card skimming is common in Indonesia; always cover PIN keypad, inspect ATM for loose or misaligned card slots, withdraw during daylight hours

Money Changer Safety

Use licensed money changers (KUPVA BB) regulated by Bank Indonesia; avoid street changers and airport counters (poor rates, scam risk)

Trusted ATM Locations

Bank branch ATMs and ATMs in well-lit, busy public areas (malls, hotels); avoid standalone ATMs in quiet areas or convenience stores

Currency Notes

Large denominations (Rp 100,000 notes) easier to manage than small bills; carry a mix for easier transactions

Qris

QR code payment standard introduced by Bank Indonesia; accepted in many places (restaurants, shops, vendors) but depends on your payment app

E Wallets

QRIS-compatible local e-wallets (OVO, GoPay, Dana) useful for longer stays or frequent visits

Note

Digital payment penetration is growing but still limited compared to cash; most useful in tourist areas and larger establishments

Process Summary

• Choose a bank and visit in person (no online account opening for non-residents)
• Submit required documents (passport, KITAS if applicable)
• Make initial deposit
• Receive ATM/debit card and set up online banking
• Account typically active same day or within days

Key Considerations

• In-person bank branch visit is mandatory
• Many banks offer English-speaking staff
• Multi-currency accounts available at major banks
• Minimum deposits required but typically modest