Travelling to Indonesia from India is an exciting adventure, with its stunning islands, rich culture, and vibrant street markets. However, managing your expenses efficiently during international travel can make or break your experience. High currency conversion charges, security concerns, and fluctuating exchange rates often become challenges for travellers relying on cash or credit cards. This is where a Forex card for Indonesia becomes a smart, budget-friendly solution. This guide will help you understand these cards' features, fees, and benefits, along with tips on choosing the right one and maximising its use.

Simplify your travel plans by obtaining your Indonesia e-visa for Indians through Atlys. Fast, easy, and hassle-free!

Here is the list of the best forex cards for Indonesia trip: 

1. AtlysX Global FX Card by IndusInd

2. Axis Bank Forex Card

3. ICICI Forex Cards

4. Niyo Global card

5. SBI forex card

6. BookMyForex

7. HDFC forex card

8. Regalia ForexPlus Card

AtlysX Global FX Card

The AtlysX Global FX Card by IndusInd is a budget-friendly option for travellers. It’s free for all Atlys customers, with no hidden fees or extra charges on your first load. You’ll get real-time exchange rates without any markups. The card offers great transparent and reliable exchange rates. It’s valid for years, so you can use it for multiple trips without needing a replacement. You can reload anytime through the Atlys app, even during your trip. The process is fully digital, meaning no paperwork or branch visits.

AtlysX is the only card on the market that lets you withdraw your remaining balance in INR for free after your trip, offering unmatched convenience for travellers.

• Issuance Fee: Free (For Atlys customers)

• ATM Withdrawal Charges: USD 3 / transaction

• Supported Currencies: The card supports multiple currencies, including AUD, CAD, Euro, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, etc. 

• Markup Fees: No Fee (on the first load)

• Exchange Rates: Real-time exchange rates

Axis Bank Forex Card

The Axis Bank Forex Card is another secure option for travellers, allowing you to carry multiple foreign currencies on a single card. You can load up to 16 currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, SGD, AUD, CAD, JPY, CHF, SEK, THB, AED, SAR, HKD, NZD, ZAR, and DKK. You can use over 30 million merchant outlets and 1 million ATMs worldwide.

• Initial Sale Fee: ₹300 + GST

• Reload Fee: ₹100 + GST per currency

• Encashment Charges: ₹100 + GST per currency

• ATM Withdrawal Charges: $2 (or equivalent) per transaction

• Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 0.50% of the transaction amount or $75 (or equivalent), whichever is lower (inclusive of GST).

• Currency Conversion (Cross Currency) Fee: 3.50% + GST

 ICICI Forex Cards

You can load up to 15 currencies on a single card, making managing your expenses while travelling abroad convenient. With competitive exchange rates, you can save on currency conversions. These cards are available to both ICICI Bank and non-ICICI Bank customers. You can apply online via the ICICI Bank website or visit the nearest branch with your passport, visa, and travel tickets to get started.

• Multi-Currency Support: Load up to 15 currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, AUD, SGD, AED, CHF, JPY, SEK, ZAR, SAR, THB, NZD, and HKD.

• Global Acceptance: Use at merchant outlets and ATMs worldwide.

• Contactless Payments: Facilitates quick and secure transactions with contactless technology.

• Emergency Assistance: Access to emergency cash delivery services in case of overseas theft or loss of your card.

• Issuance Fee: Varies by card type; for example, the Coral Forex Prepaid Card has a joining fee of ₹499 + GST.

• Cross-Currency Markup: 3.5% + GST for transactions in unsupported currencies.

Niyo Global Card

The Niyo Global Card offers zero forex markup, allowing you to make foreign currency transactions without additional fees, saving you up to 5% on each transaction. With real-time currency conversion, you can load funds in INR and use the card across 180+ countries and 130+ currencies. 

• Issuance Fee: Free

• ATM Withdrawal Charges: The first five withdrawals are free; subsequent withdrawals may incur nominal fees.

• Supported Currencies: 150+ currencies (works as a global debit card).

• Maximum Daily Limit: ₹5,00,000 or equivalent.

• Markup Fees: None (0%).

• Exchange Rates: Real-time interbank rates with no hidden charges.

 State Bank Foreign Travel Card 

The State Bank Foreign Travel Card (SBFTC) is a prepaid foreign currency card offered by the State Bank of India (SBI), designed to make your international travel convenient and secure. You can reload your card with additional funds from any authorised SBI branch in India, personally or through an authorised representative. 

• Issuance Fee:₹100

• Reload Fee: ₹50

• Fee for Additional Card (Linked to the Same Account): ₹100

• Cash Out / Refund Fee (Per Transaction): ₹100

• Supported Currencies for Transactions: USD, GBP, EUR, SGD, AUD, CAD, AED

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: USD: $1.75, GBP: £1.25, EUR: €1.50, SGD: SG$2.00, AUD: AU$2.50, CAD: CA$2.50, AED: AED6.50

• ATM Balance Inquiry Fee: Free

• Merchant Transactions: Free

• Monthly Inactivity Fee (After 12 Months of No Usage): USD $1.50

• Shortfall Fee (When Funds are Insufficient): USD $15.00

BookMyForex 

The BookMyForex Multi-Currency Forex Card allows you to load up to 14 currencies and use it seamlessly in over 150 countries. This card stands out because it allows you to load foreign currency at exact interbank rates, ensuring you save on conversion costs. Plus, topping up your card is quick and easy, as you can instantly add funds anytime through the BookMyForex App.

• Issuance Fee: ₹0

• Reload Fee: ₹0

• Refund Fee: ₹0

• Cross-Currency Fee: 3.5% of the transaction value

• Inactivity Fee: ₹0 (No charges for inactivity)

• Cash Disbursement Fee: 2% of the transaction amount

• Replacement Card Fee (Within India): ₹250

• Replacement Card Fee (Outside India): ₹3,000

 HDFC Bank Multicurrency ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Bank Multicurrency ForexPlus Card is a travel card that allows you to load up to 22 currencies, facilitating seamless transactions in multiple countries. This card offers the convenience of managing multiple currencies with competitive fees, making it a suitable choice for international travellers.

• Issuance Fee: ₹500 + GST

• Reload Fee: ₹75 + GST

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: $2 or equivalent per transaction

• Balance Inquiry Fee: $0.50 or equivalent per inquiry

• Cross-Currency Fee: 2% of the transaction amount for transactions in a currency not loaded on the card

• Inactivity Fee: No charges for inactivity

• Cash Disbursement Fee: Not specified; standard ATM withdrawal fees apply

• Replacement Card Fee (Within India): ₹100 + GST

HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card

The HDFC Bank Regalia ForexPlus Card is a premium single-currency forex card designed for international travellers, offering a range of features and benefits to enhance your travel experience. Transact in any currency without cross-currency conversion fees when the transaction currency differs from the loaded currency (USD). You can use the card at all MasterCard-affiliated ATMs and merchant establishments worldwide.

• Issuance Fee: ₹1,000 plus applicable GST per card

• Reload Fee: ₹75 plus applicable GST per reload transaction

• ATM Withdrawal Fee: USD 4.00 per transaction

• Balance Inquiry Fee: USD 0.50 per inquiry

• Cross-Currency Markup Charges: No cross-currency markup charges for transactions in currencies other than USD

• Card Replacement Fee: ₹100 plus applicable GST

• Backup Card Fee: ₹100 plus applicable GST

How to Choose the Best Forex Card?

You can follow the below tips to choose the best Forex card in India for Indonesia: 

1. Currency Support: Ensure the card supports the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

2. Fees: Compare joining, renewal, and transaction fees to find the most budget-friendly option.

3. Exchange Rates: Opt for a card offering competitive or locked-in exchange rates.

4. Ease of Reload: Check if the card allows easy reloading online or via apps.

5. Security Features: Look for fraud protection, insurance, and emergency assistance.

6. Global Acceptance: Ensure the card is widely accepted at ATMs and merchants across Indonesia.

What are the benefits of using a Forex card in Indonesia?

There are many benefits of using a Forex card for a Bali trip, and some of them are given below: 

• Cost-Effective: Avoids dynamic currency conversion fees and offers competitive exchange rates.

• Security: Safer than carrying cash with features like PIN protection and fraud insurance.

• Convenience: Easy to use at ATMs, restaurants, and shops across Indonesia.

• Multiple Currencies: Supports multiple currencies, which is helpful for layovers in other countries.

• Locked-in Rates: Protects against currency fluctuations during your trip.

Additional Forex Tips While Traveling to Indonesia

1. Plan Your Budget: Estimate your travel expenses and load your Forex card accordingly.

2. Check ATM Availability: Confirm that your card works with major ATMs in Indonesia.

3. Monitor Your Card Usage: Use mobile apps to track expenses in real-time.

4. Carry a Backup Option: Keep a small amount of cash or an alternative card for emergencies.

5. Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Always pay in the local currency (IDR) to avoid extra fees.

Final Thought:

Travelling to Indonesia from India is a thrilling experience, and choosing the right Forex card can make your trip even better by saving you money, ensuring safety, and providing convenience. From cost-effective options like the AtlysX Global FX Card to premium choices like the HDFC Regalia ForexPlus Card, there’s a Forex card to fit every traveller’s needs.

When selecting a card, consider factors like currency support, fees, reload convenience, security features, and acceptance in Indonesia. A Forex card helps you avoid hefty currency conversion fees and provides peace of mind with features like fraud protection and locked-in exchange rates. With the right Forex card, you can focus on enjoying Indonesia’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine without worrying about financial hassles.