How Can I Send Money to Someone in Indonesia?

Sending money internationally has become a common necessity for many, whether for supporting family, managing investments, or facilitating business transactions. For those looking to transfer funds to Indonesia, understanding the available methods and procedures is essential for a secure and efficient process. This guide outlines the steps involved in sending money to Indonesia, from selecting a service to ensuring the funds are successfully received.

Selecting Your Money Transfer Service

Traditional banks offer a secure and reliable option, often preferred for larger sums due to their established infrastructure and regulatory compliance. However, bank transfers, typically processed via the SWIFT network, can incur higher fees and may take several business days to complete, sometimes up to a week.

Online money transfer platforms provide a modern alternative, known for their competitive exchange rates and lower fees compared to conventional banks. Services like Wise, Xe, WorldRemit, and Remitly often feature user-friendly websites and mobile applications, allowing for convenient transfers from a connected bank account, debit card, or credit card. These platforms frequently offer faster delivery times, with some transfers completing within minutes or a few hours, though bank deposits might take up to two business days. Security measures, including encryption and identity verification, are standard across these digital services.

Specialized remittance services, such as Western Union, MoneyGram, and Ria, maintain extensive global networks, which can be particularly advantageous for cash pickup options in Indonesia. These services also support direct bank deposits and transfers to mobile wallets. While convenient, especially for immediate cash needs, some specialized services may have higher fees, particularly for cash services or when funding the transfer with a credit card. When comparing options, evaluate the total cost, including upfront fees and any exchange rate markups, to ensure the best value.

Information Needed for Your Transfer

As the sender, you will need to provide your full legal name, current address, and a valid government-issued identification document, such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need details for your chosen payment method, whether it is a bank account for direct debit, a debit card, or a credit card. For larger transfers, additional verification documents may be required by the service provider to comply with financial regulations.

The recipient’s details in Indonesia must be precisely accurate. This includes their full legal name, which must exactly match the name on their official identification. Their physical address, including city and province, is also generally required.

For direct bank deposits, you will need the recipient’s bank name, branch name, and their specific bank account number. Additionally, the SWIFT/BIC (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication/Bank Identifier Code) of the recipient’s bank is often necessary for international wire transfers. If sending to a mobile wallet, such as DANA or OVO, the recipient’s phone number associated with that digital wallet is essential. For cash pickups, a local phone number for the recipient is typically required for notifications.

Completing the Transfer Process

Initiating the transfer typically begins by logging into your chosen service’s online platform or mobile application, or visiting an agent location in person. If you are a new user, you will first need to create an account and complete any initial identity verification steps.

Within the platform, you will specify Indonesia as the destination country and input the exact amount you wish to send. The service will then display the converted amount in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), along with any applicable fees and the exchange rate being offered. This transparency allows you to review the total cost and the precise amount the recipient will receive before committing to the transaction. You will then proceed to enter the detailed recipient information, including their full name, address, and bank account or mobile wallet details.

After entering all details, you will select your preferred payment method from the available options. You will then review a summary of the entire transaction, confirming all details are correct. Upon confirmation, the transfer is processed, and you will receive a unique transaction reference number, such as an MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) or a PIN. This reference number is important for tracking the transfer’s status and for the recipient to claim the funds if it is a cash pickup.

Receiving Funds in Indonesia

If the money was sent as a direct bank deposit, the funds will be credited directly to their bank account, generally within a few minutes to two or three business days. The recipient can verify the deposit by checking their bank account balance through online banking, a mobile app, or by visiting an ATM or bank branch.

For cash pickups, the recipient will need to visit a designated agent location in Indonesia, which could be a specific branch of a bank or a partner retail outlet. To collect the funds, they must present a valid, government-issued photo identification, such as an Indonesian passport, driver’s license, or Kartu Tanda Penduduk (KTP). They will also need the transaction reference number provided by the sender to successfully claim the money.

If the funds were sent to a mobile wallet, such as DANA, OVO, or LinkAja, the money will typically be available instantly in the recipient’s digital wallet account. The recipient can then use the funds directly from their mobile wallet for various transactions or withdraw them to a linked bank account, if that option is supported by their mobile wallet provider. Under Indonesian Tax Regulation No. 36/2007, remittance transactions are generally exempt from tax for the recipient, particularly when intended for family support. However, for very large transactions, the Bank of Indonesia may have administrative reporting requirements, and transfers for business purposes could potentially be subject to different tax treatments, such as withholding taxes for non-residents.