Tips & Tutorials

How to Open Bank Account for Expat in Indonesia

Putri Gemilang Hutajulu

20 Mar 2026 — 7 min read

Source: Apple news.

New country, new routine, new way to manage your money. If you are extending your stay in Indonesia, having a local bank account is a move you do not want to put off. It cuts extra fees, simplifies daily payments, and helps you settle in faster.

So, how do you open one? Let’s take a look at the options available and what you need to get started.

Types of Bank Accounts You Can Open as an Expat

There are three main types of bank accounts available for expats in Indonesia. The option you choose will usually depend on your needs and the type or duration of your visa. Availability may also vary depending on the bank you apply to.

Here are the common types of bank accounts you can consider:

Limited balance account

This type of account is specifically regulated by the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) under Circular Letter No. S-246/S.01/2015. It is designed to make it easier for foreign visitors or tourists to carry out transactions in Indonesia without going through more complex residency requirements.

However, this account comes with certain limitations, particularly in terms of balance. Typically, the allowed balance ranges from around USD 2,000 to USD 100,000, depending on the bank’s policy.

Foreign currency account

A multicurrency account lets you manage different currencies like USD, EUR, or SGD alongside Indonesian Rupiah in one place, making it a convenient option for expats. It helps you exchange money more flexibly and send funds abroad with ease, all through one mobile banking app.

Full residency account

This type of account is suitable if you plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 183 days and hold a valid stay permit such as a KITAS or ITAS. With this account, you can enjoy the same banking access and convenience as local residents.

Some of the key features include full access to mobile banking, allowing you to pay utility bills, make online purchases, pay for everyday services like ride hailing or food delivery apps. and even invest directly from your phone. You can also make cashless payments easily by scanning QRIS, which is widely used across Indonesia.

In addition, you can withdraw cash from ATMs almost anywhere, and many banks also offer international remittance services, making it easier for you to send money abroad when needed.

General Step by Step to Open a Bank Account in Indonesia for Expats

If you are planning to stay longer in Indonesia, opening a local bank account is an important step to make your daily life more convenient. Before you get started, it is helpful to understand the basic requirements you will need to prepare:

Prepare “The Big Three” Documents

Before you can open a bank account in Indonesia, the first step is making sure your documents are fully prepared. Banks will require original documents for verification, so having everything ready in advance will help you avoid unnecessary delays during the process.

Here are “The Big Three” documents you should bring with you:

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months, as this is a standard requirement for identity verification across most banks in Indonesia.
KITAS/KITAP: This serves as your official stay permit and proof of legal residency. Make sure it is still active at the time of your application.
NPWP (Tax ID): For foreign nationals, having a Tax Identification Number (NPWP) is not always required to open a bank account in Indonesia. However, under PP No. 123/2015, it becomes mandatory if the foreigner is considered an Indonesian tax resident, such as staying in the country for more than 183 days within a 12 month period or earning income in Indonesia, as regulated under the Indonesian Income Tax Law. In some cases, individuals without an NPWP may face a tax rate that is 20 percent higher on certain types of income compared to those who have one. Because of this, some banks may still request an NPWP for administrative purposes and for financial reporting to the Direktorat Jenderal Pajak.

Depending on the bank or your employment status in Indonesia, you may also be asked to provide a reference letter from your employer or proof of domicile, such as a rental agreement. Additionally, make sure you have an Indonesian SIM card ready, as it is typically required to activate your mobile banking app through SMS OTP verification.

Visit Main Branch

Once your documents are ready, the next step is to visit a bank branch. It is highly recommended to go to a main branch. When you arrive, let the staff know that you want to open a regular savings account under full residency. You will then go through the KYC (Know Your Customer) process, where the bank officer will verify your identity through a facial check, fingerprint scan, and digital signature.

Activate the Super App

Once your Rupiah (IDR) account is active, the next step is to download the bank’s mobile app on your phone. Make sure to use a local Indonesian phone number to receive the OTP (one-time password) during setup.

After activating your account in the app, you’ll be able to handle everyday transactions easily, from paying with QRIS to transferring funds between banks, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

Banking Basics for Expats in Indonesia

Bank Indonesia Ilustration — *Source: Detik.com*

Indonesia has many local and international banks, but some are known to be more expat friendly, especially when it comes to English support, mobile banking features, and smoother account opening processes. Some commonly used options include: Bank Central Asia, Bank Mandiri, Bank Negara Indonesia, CIMB Niaga, and etc.

Each bank has different minimum deposit requirements, account features, and international transfer fees. It is always a good idea to check with the bank directly to see which account type best fits your residency status and financial needs.

For standard savings accounts, the minimum opening deposit typically ranges from around IDR 500,000 to IDR 1,000,000, or USD 2,000 for tourists opening limited bank account. Some banks may require a slightly higher balance for accounts designed for foreigners or multicurrency accounts.

In addition to the initial deposit, banks may charge a monthly administration fee, which usually ranges from IDR 10,000 to IDR 20,000 depending on the bank. There may also be small fees for interbank transfers, ATM withdrawals from other bank networks, or international transactions.

Before opening an account, it is always a good idea to check the bank’s minimum balance requirement and fee structure so you can choose the option that best fits your financial needs.

Managing International Transfers from Indonesia

Many banks in Indonesia already provide international transfer services, allowing customers to send money overseas when needed. However, the process may sometimes involve additional steps, longer processing times, or higher transfer costs depending on the destination and intermediary banks involved.

For those who prefer a simpler and more app based experience, using a remittance platform can be a convenient alternative. One option you can consider is Topremit. Through a single app, you can send money to 90+ countries with a straightforward and user friendly process.

Trusted by 300,000+ users, Topremit is designed to make international transfers easier for everyday needs, whether you are sending money to family, paying expenses abroad, or managing finances across different countries. The service is also convenient because transfers can still be processed during weekends or holidays.

As a bonus, new users can get a 50% discount voucher for their first transfer by using the referral code ‘LOCAL26’ when signing up. This promotion is available until June 30, 2026.

So, why wait? Try Topremit now.

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