Euro to Indonesia: What Can You Buy with 1 Euro?
The Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) operates in thousands and millions, making some visitors feel like millionaires. While banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000, and coins in 100, 200, 500, and 1,000, the cost of living in Indonesia remains relatively low. This article explores the value of the Euro To Indonesia, specifically examining what one euro can buy in different Indonesian cities.
Beyond Shopping: The Cultural Significance of Money in Indonesia
Money in Indonesia isn’t just for transactions; it plays a unique role in cultural practices. A traditional practice called “kerok” involves scraping the skin with a coin to relieve fever, believed to draw out bad spirits.
Gifting money is also customary. During Idul-Fitri, children receive colorful envelopes filled with Rupiah from visiting relatives. Weddings often see guests contributing money instead of gifts, placing it in a designated box at the reception. Even Christmas celebrations include gifting new banknotes to children in beautifully decorated envelopes.
Varying Prices Across Cities and for Locals vs. Foreigners
Prices differ across Indonesian cities. Yogyakarta, for instance, boasts prices roughly 1.5 times lower than Jakarta or Bali. Furthermore, prices can fluctuate between locals and foreigners, with the latter sometimes encountering higher prices.
The Purchasing Power of 1 Euro in Yogyakarta
Considering an average exchange rate of 1 EUR to 14,500 Rp, one euro can buy you a satisfying meal at a local “Rumah makan” restaurant. A simple meal of rice, fried mushrooms, sambal sauce, and guava juice costs around 13,500 Rp (0.93 EUR).
Street food offers even more affordable options. “Warung makan” stalls offer rice, vegetables, potato fritters, chicken, and guava juice for around 14,000 Rp (0.96 EUR). “Nasi goreng,” Indonesia’s national dish of fried rice, can be enjoyed for around 11,000 Rp (0.76 EUR). Even cheaper options exist at street vendors (“kaki-lima”), where a portion of coconut rice with tempeh and tofu costs just 7,000 Rp (0.48 EUR).
With careful budgeting, it’s possible to eat three meals a day in Yogyakarta for approximately 24,000 Rp (1.65 EUR).
1 Euro in Surabaya: Food, Transportation, and More
In Surabaya, with 1 EUR equaling approximately 15,000 Rp, you can buy a “goceng package” at KFC, a meal of rice, chicken, and iced tea, books, stationery, or even a public transportation ticket.
Stretching Your Euro Further: More Goods and Services
One euro can also purchase a variety of other goods and services, including cobra meat sandwiches, fresh juices, local coffee, instant coffee and noodles, rice, soft drinks, fruits, fuel for motorbikes, bus tickets, short “becak” rides, parking fees, taxi fares, local cigarettes, souvenirs, entrance fees to tourist attractions, mobile phone credit, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and laundry services.
Living on a Budget in Indonesia
Living frugally in Indonesia is possible on a budget of around 30,000 Rp (2.06 EUR) per day. This explains the prevalence of lower denomination banknotes, which often show signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion
While the exchange rate fluctuates, the euro holds significant purchasing power in Indonesia. From basic necessities to unique cultural experiences, one euro can go a long way, offering travelers a glimpse into the affordable cost of living and the rich cultural significance of money in this Southeast Asian nation.