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July 22, 2024 By: Gina Leon

How to transfer money to Indonesia: A step-by-step guide

Transferring money to Indonesia is a vital task for many people in Australia. Whether you’re supporting your family, paying for goods, or handling business transactions, knowing the best ways to send your money is essential. The process might seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Understanding the AUD to IDR exchange rate and using reliable transfer methods can make a big difference.

When you transfer money to Indonesia, it’s crucial to choose a method that is both cost-effective and efficient. The right service can save you money on fees and ensure your funds arrive quickly and safely.

This guide will walk you through each process step, from choosing a transfer service to tracking your money and avoiding scams. We’ll explore various options, including bank transfers and digital wallets like DANA in Indonesia. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to transfer money to Indonesia smoothly and confidently. Let’s dive into the steps and learn how to make the best choices for your financial transfers.

Before starting

How to transfer money to Indonesia in 2024

1.Define which method you will use: mobile wallet, bank transfer, or cash pickup in Indonesia.

2.Create an account with Rocket Remit money transfer service.

3.Load the money you plan to send to Indonesia using a bank transfer, debit or credit card.

4.Verify your beneficiary details in Indonesia, such as name, address, mobile number or bank account.

5.Transfer the money to your beneficiary.

6.Confirm the transfer status by checking with your beneficiary to see if they received the money.

Indonesian family
Transferring money to Indonesia can be easy, quick, and convenient when using the proper channels. For the many Indonesians living in Australia, these remittance services provide a vital link to support their families and communities back home.

Step 1: Choose the right service to transfer money to Indonesia

When you transfer money to Indonesia, the first step is choosing the right service. You have several options: banks, remittance company services and cash pickup services. Each has its pros and cons, and understanding them will help you make an informed decision.

Bank transfers

Traditional banks in Australia, such as Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and Westpac, offer services to transfer money directly to Indonesian banks like BCA Bank Indonesia, Mandiri Bank, and BRI Indonesia Bank.

These bank transfers are highly secure and conducted through well-established institutions, ensuring your money reaches its destination safely. However, bank transfers come with higher fees compared to other methods. The process can also be slower, sometimes taking several days for the money to be credited to the recipient’s account. Additionally, banks often offer less competitive exchange rates (AUD to IDR), meaning you might not get the best value for your money.

Finally, banks often also charge a fee to the beneficiary (called a correspondent fee). Sometimes this is not clarified at the time of sending. Make sure you check with your bank if they charge a correspondent fee as this can often be up to AUD 30.00.

Despite these drawbacks, using banks is a trusted and reliable method, especially for larger sums of money where security is paramount.

Remittance company services:

Remittance companies like Western Union, Rocket Remit, and WorldRemit provide various services that cater to different needs. These companies typically offer lower fees than traditional banks and faster transfer times, making them attractive.

Western Union, for example, has a vast network allowing bank deposits and cash pickups at numerous locations across Indonesia. Rocket Remit specialises in mobile money transfers to digital wallets. Also, it sends money to major banks in Indonesia which is perfect for sending small to medium amounts quickly and conveniently. WorldRemit offers a variety of options, including bank deposits, cash pickups, and transfers to mobile wallets.

Regarding digital wallets, remittance companies often collaborate with popular platforms in Indonesia like DANA, Ovo, and LinkAja. Digital wallets are electronic platforms that allow users to store, send, and receive money using smartphones. Setting up these wallets is straightforward: users download the app, register with their details, and can start receiving money almost instantly. Transfers to digital wallets are usually instantaneous, providing quick access to funds. These wallets are convenient for lower-value, everyday transactions and can pay bills, shop online, and transfer money to other users.

Let’s see how Dana digital wallet in Indonesia works

DANA is a digital wallet platform that allows users to make payments, transfer money, and manage their finances using their smartphones. Setting up a DANA account is straightforward. Users download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, register using their phone number, and complete the verification process. Once set up, users can add funds to their DANA wallet through various methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or visiting designated top-up locations.

Dana in Indonesia is very popular! DANA has gained immense popularity in Indonesia due to its convenience, broad acceptance, and robust features. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes managing money easy for people of all ages. The app supports a variety of transactions, including bill payments, mobile top-ups, online shopping, and in-store purchases. Many merchants across Indonesia accept DANA, making it a versatile tool for daily financial activities. Additionally, it provides attractive promotions and cashback offers, incentivising users to choose it over traditional payment methods.

Yes, Dana receives international money transfers to Indonesia. DANA receives international transfers. Users can receive money from abroad, including transfers from services like Rocket Remit. This feature makes this digital wallet a valuable tool for Indonesians who rely on remittances from family members working overseas. To receive an international transfer, the sender must select DANA as the receiving option, input the recipient’s phone number, and complete the transaction. The funds are then instantly available in the recipient’s DANA wallet.

Digital wallets in Indonesia. Transfer money to Indonesia.
Rocket Remit specialises in mobile money transfers to digital wallets. Also, it sends money to major banks in Indonesia, which is perfect for sending small to medium amounts quickly and conveniently.

Cash Pickup

Cash pickup services offered by companies like Western Union and MoneyGram provide another viable option for transferring money to Indonesia. With cash pickup, the sender transfers money through the service, and the recipient can collect the cash from various designated locations across Indonesia. This method is beneficial for recipients who do not have a bank account or a digital wallet. They provide fast access to funds, making them a flexible option for those needing cash.

The process is straightforward: the sender initiates the transfer, provides the recipient with a transaction reference number, and the recipient can then go to a local agent to collect the cash. However, cash pickups can come with higher fees than bank transfers or digital wallet transfers. Additionally, recipients must physically go to a pickup location, which might only be convenient for some, especially those living in remote areas.

By carefully considering these options—banks, remittance companies, digital wallets, and cash pickups—you can choose the best method to transfer money to Indonesia that fits your needs and ensures your money arrives safely and efficiently. Each option has its unique benefits, so it’s essential to evaluate them based on factors such as cost, speed, security, and convenience.

Step 2: Understand the exchange rate (AUD to IDR) to transfer money to Indonesia

Understanding the exchange rate is crucial when you transfer money to Indonesia. The exchange rate between Australian Dollars (AUD) and Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) determines how much money your recipient will receive. Even a small change in the exchange rate can significantly impact the amount of IDR received.

How to get the best rate:

Compare rates from different transfer services to get the best AUD to IDR exchange rate. Online platforms often provide more competitive rates than traditional banks. A website like XE.com offers real-time exchange rate tracking and historical data, allowing you to monitor trends and choose the best time to transfer money. Additionally, some remittance companies, such as Rocket Remit, display their exchange rates upfront and often have much better rates than banks. They also have lower fees, further maximising your recipient’s amount.

Step 3: Gather the necessary information for a smooth international transfer money to Indonesia

Before transferring money to Indonesia, you must gather some essential information. This step ensures your transfer goes smoothly and reaches the right person. Here’s what you need to know:

Sender Information

As the sender, you must provide your identification and choose your payment method. This could be a bank account, credit card, or debit card. Some services may also require additional information for verification purposes, especially for larger transfers. It’s essential to have your details and payment information ready to expedite the process.

Recipient Information

Collecting accurate information about the recipient is crucial. Here’s what you’ll need:

-Full Name: Ensure the name matches the recipient’s ID to avoid any issues with receiving the funds.

-Bank Account Details: If you’re transferring money to an Indonesian bank account, you’ll need the bank name, branch name, and account number. Common banks include BCA Indonesia Bank, Mandiri Bank, and BRI Indonesia Bank.

-Digital Wallet ID: For transfers to digital wallets like DANA Indonesia, Ovo, or LinkAja, you’ll need the recipient’s phone number associated with the wallet. These details are crucial for the money to be correctly credited to the recipient’s account.

-Cash Pickup Details: If you’re using a cash pickup service, you’ll need the recipient’s identification details. They must present these details and a transaction reference number to collect the money.

Transaction Details

Specify the amount you want to send in AUD and ensure you understand the conversion rate to IDR. Be aware of any additional fees that might apply, and confirm the total cost of the transfer before proceeding. Knowing the exact amount the recipient will receive in IDR can help avoid any confusion or discrepancies.

International money transfer checklist
You can confidently send money to Indonesia when you provide all the correct information.

To conclude

Sending money to Indonesia from Australia offers various methods tailored to fit different needs, whether through bank transfers, mobile wallets, or cash pickups.

Services like Rocket Remit provide flexible, secure, and efficient ways to transfer funds. Each method has benefits, from speed and convenience to low fees and broad accessibility. By understanding and comparing these options, you can effectively ensure that your money reaches its Indonesia destination, seamlessly supporting family, friends, or business transactions.

About Rocket Remit

Rocket Remit is the world’s fastest international money transfer service. Send money instantly to over 60 overseas countries at very competitive rates.

Use the country selector to choose the country and check the rate.

Click here for more information on how to send money using Rocket Remit.

Download the Rocket Remit app from Google Play or the Apple Store

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