Money & ATMs

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the currency used at IKN, it's the only one accepted, so don't expect to pay in USD or other foreign currency.

Payment options here are a bit more developed than "under construction" might suggest. QRIS, Indonesia's national QR code payment standard, is well established among vendors and food stalls in IKN's public areas. OIKN has worked with Bank Indonesia to train local UMKM businesses on digital payments, and officials have said most small vendor transactions in areas like Plaza Seremoni can now be handled cashless through QRIS. It works through Indonesian bank accounts and e-wallet apps such as GoPay, OVO, DANA, and ShopeePay, so it's a genuinely useful option if you already have one of those.

ATMs are also present, not just planned. As of August 2024, IKN had at least 18 ATMs installed by Himbara member banks, Mandiri, BNI, BRI, and BSI, along with the regional bank Bankaltimtara. That number has likely grown since. These were reported mainly around construction worker housing, the Bank Indonesia office complex, and Sepaku market, so they may not be conveniently located right at the main visitor plazas like Titik Nol or Plaza Seremoni.

What's still coming is full-service bank branches, offices with counter staff for things beyond a cash machine. Six major banks committed to opening these in the core area, with an original target of early 2026. As of August 2026, that project is still in design finalization and tender, with construction now targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2027.

Given the ATMs aren't necessarily near your visitor route, it's still sensible to withdraw or exchange some cash in Balikpapan before heading in, particularly for day trips to areas like Bukit Bangkirai or Goa Tapak Raja with even less infrastructure. Card payment is accepted at hotels such as Swissotel and Hotel Qubika.