Travel Money Blog

AUD to IDR just beat a 20-year best!

17th February 2026
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If you’ve been dreaming of sipping sunset cocktails at a Seminyak beach club or relaxing in a private villa in the heart of Ubud, we have some SERIOUSLY good news for you. Our humble Australian Dollar (AUD) isn’t just favourable – it’s breaking records! 

As of today, February 16, 2026, the AUD to IDR exchange rate has hit a historic milestone, reaching its best rate in over 20 years

We haven't seen the Aussie Dollar this hot against the Indonesian Rupiah since the early 2000s, back when we were rocking low-rise jeans and blasting Britney Spears. A lot has changed since then (some things for the best), including the market rate for Indonesian Rupiah, soaring from around 6,809 IDR to a whopping 11,922 IDR.

We’re going to unpack this wild rate a little more! 

 

What does a hot AUD to IDR mean for your Bali budget?

Yeah, yeah – the AUD to IDR is peaking, what's the big deal? The big deal is money – travel money to be exact. 

When the AUD is this strong against the Rupiah, you can bet that you're going to get more local currency than you could have at any point in the last two decades.

To put this 20-year high into perspective, let's take a look at a historical snapshot of how the AUD to IDR has fluctuated over the years. 

Note: table figures are based on the mid-market rate as of February 16 in each year. 

 

YearExchange rate (1 AUD to IDR)2026 differenceCost to buy 1 million IDR (in AUD)
2026 (Today)11,922 IDR$83.88
2021 (5 Years Ago)10,788 IDR+1,134 IDR (+10.5%)$92.70
2016 (10 Years Ago)9,515 IDR+2,407 IDR (+25.3%)$105.10
2006 (20 Years Ago)6,809 IDR+5,113 IDR (+75.1%)$146.86

 

The takeaway: you are getting nearly double the amount of Rupiah today than someone travelling in 2006! 

Here's another example: 

If you travelled to Bali in 2016, $2,000 AUD was a decent budget. But today, for that same amount of Aussie cash, you are walking away with an extra 4.8 million Rupiah.

That extra 4.8 million IDR equals around $403 AUD extra, according to today’s value of 11,922 IDR. That could buy: 

  • 200+ extra Bintangs at a local warung.
  • 10 nights of extra accommodation in a mid-range guest house.
  • A return domestic flight from Bali to the Komodo Islands for two people.
     


Hot tips to make the most of your AUD to IRD 

When a currency hits a 20-year peak, it’s a rare opportunity and one not to miss. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Lock in your rate early: If you have a trip coming up in 2026, consider buying your Rupiah now to lock in today’s rate. Under our Rate Move Protection, if the Indonesian Rupiah gets even better over the next 7 days, we’ll pay you the difference.*
  • Use Currency Pass: In addition to taking cash, load your AUD onto a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass. It’ll convert to IDR at these great rates as you tap your way through Indonesia, keeping your funds secure and easy to manage.
  • Think beyond Bali: With the AUD this strong, exploring further afield to places like Lombok, the Gili Islands, or Yogyakarta is more affordable than it has been in an entire generation.

Convinced you should book that Indonesian escape? Duh! 

Before you go on your merry way, don't forget to visit us in-store, or order online with same-day delivery or click and collect in-store. 

 

 

Disclaimer: 

*It's important to note that when discussing these exchange rates, we've used the market rate, which is the perceived value between two economies, and is different from the retail rate available to travellers. Like the market rate, the retail exchange rate fluctuates every half hour, so it's vital to check with your foreign exchange consultant before swapping your currency.

*Rates and calculations using mid-market rate from Google Finance at 12PM AEST 16 February 2026 - subject to change. The rates used in the calculations are based on market rate for consistency across historical data, not retail rates available to the public. Retail rates are subject to change, and online rates are not available in store. This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs.  You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.  While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you.  We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.

*Terms and conditions apply to Rate Move Protection, please see full disclaimers here
 

 

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