Is it better to bring cash or credit card on bintan island?
Indonesia Rupiah
One of the most common questions asked by tourists is about bringing cash or credit cards/debit cards while on vacation to Bintan Island. Many travelers worry that using an ATM card due to the possibility of it being stolen or swallowed at the ATM machine can ruin what should be a fun vacation, unless you know how to use the various payment methods and currency exchange options here. Use our guide to managing your money during your vacation on Bintan Island.
Is it better for me to carry cash or credit card in Bintan?
The short answer is, both. You can use credit cards on Bintan Island at most hotels, restaurants and activity operators. However, to get around and enjoy Bintan Island, you will need local currency (Rupiah) as most smaller local businesses and markets do not have EDC machines/digital wallets. Be sure to bring cash. It’s best to bring large bills to exchange for Rupiah at one of the money changers with good exchange rates in the Tanjung Pinang City area. Most major currencies are readily exchangeable at money changers, including but not limited to USD, SGD, AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, MYR.
What currency is used in Bintan Island?
Indonesian Rupiah is the only currency accepted at all businesses in Bintan. IDR100,000 is equivalent to about SGD 8. So remember, carrying around SGD 300 in cash means about IDR3,750,000 Rupiah, which is a pretty thick stack of notes.
Can I exchange cash at the hotel?
Yes, you can do it at most hotels, but the currency exchange fees at hotels are usually very expensive. Currency exchange is a lucrative source of revenue for hotels and haggling for a better rate is usually impossible. They often charge a transaction fee or commission on top of the uncompetitive exchange rate, so exchanging cash, especially in small amounts, is very expensive. I strongly recommend that you exchange your cash for local currency at a reputable money changer. Especially in Tanjung Pinang City which has a good exchange rate.
Where is the best exchange rate in Bintan?
Undoubtedly, the most efficient and recommended method to exchange your money for local Rupiah is to use a money changer. Exchanging cash for Rupiah at a money changer will give you a better exchange rate compared to using a bank, withdrawing money from an ATM, exchanging money at a hotel or using the currency exchange counter at the Ferry Terminal. We recommend exchanging your money at the Money Changer in Tanjung Pinang City because it has a good exchange rate.
What credit cards are accepted in Bintan Island?
Visa & Mastercard
Are US/Singapore Dollars accepted in Bintan?
US dollar not generally accepted in Bintan business, so I don’t recommend using it, you’re much better off visiting a money changer and exchanging your US dollars or SGD for Indonesian Rupiah.