Visa Fee

[globetottermom]

Hi,
My husband is coming to Jakarta tonight from China on a last minute trip and he won't have a chance to exchange RMBs into USD (plus its such a hassle process to do from inside China). He asked me for his visa on arrival do they take other currencies too? From what I remembered the fee is $25 right? He always paid them the exact amounts when he came to Jakarta before but never try to do so in other currency.

I hope he'll be able to get some US cash just for that, knowing how bad some people at CGK's immigraiton, I don't want them to give him a hard time if he does have to pay in RMBs.

Thanks!

[semut]

I know in Bali they accept other currencies to pay for the VOA but Im not sure about Jakarta.

I know a lot of people pay in Australian dollars in Bali, then they get the change in rupiah.

[PapuaBoy]

If you are flying via Changi Airport, Singapore; then you can change the money at one of the money changers in the transit area.

If you are flying direct to Jakarta, it gets a bit more difficult. If there are some money changers at the airport in China, try and change money there. You should change enough for at least your visas. There are some money changes once you get past customs and immigration.
If the money changer can't give you US Dollars, try offering to pay in Singapore Dollars. I know that in Batam they accept Singapore Dollars if you don't have USD - but you loose out on the exchange rate rather badly.
They officers usually know the SGD to IDR exchange rate, but don't necessarily count on them knowing the RMB to IDR exchange rate, so don't count on them accepting RMB.

With the immigration officers, best to have a currency which they will accept. if you don't have a currency they will accept, they will take it that you don't have any cash with you to pay for the visa and therefore no money for food, transportation, accommodation, etc, and they could put you on the next plane out of the country.

[PapuaBoy]

I know in Bali they accept other currencies to pay for the VOA but Im not sure about Jakarta.

I know a lot of people pay in Australian dollars in Bali, then they get the change in rupiah.

Interesting to hear that - I suppose that it is subject to the nationality of the majority of the visitors at the entry point.

In Jakarta, its a real toss up. Either all of the major currencies will be accepted; or non of them will be. Partially depends on the immigration officer on duty, his knowledge of the exchange rates and how accommodating he is prepared to be at that point in time.

[globetottermom]

Thanks for the info, Semut & JamesNesbitt.

He's flying in direct. Seems like different POE have different rules. I just remember that there's one money changer at Guangzhou Airport (where he'll be flying out from) so I told him to just exchange enough for the VOA. That's what I'm afraid of too that they won't take the RMBs especially since China is famous for their counterfeited money.

All this time he always had to dragged one of his fellow Chinese friends to exchange RMBs into USD but today they're pretty busy at work and he doesn't think they can go & exchange some money.

Well, anyway...thanks again guys!

[globetottermom]

Interesting to hear that - I suppose that it is subject to the nationality of the majority of the visitors at the entry point.

In Jakarta, its a real toss up. Either all of the major currencies will be accepted; or non of them will be. Partially depends on the immigration officer on duty, his knowledge of the exchange rates and how accommodating he is prepared to be at that point in time.

I guess the rules are 'flexible' depends on whose in charge or whose in need of some 'uang rokok'. Ugh!

[hibby]

At CGK you have to pay the banker first will take US dollars Euro UK£ and other major currencies also as it is abank the accept visa and m/card.The banker then gives a reciept that you then hand to immigrassi with passport who will then issue visa hope this helps

[globetottermom]

At CGK you have to pay the banker first will take US dollars Euro UK£ and other major currencies also as it is abank the accept visa and m/card.The banker then gives a reciept that you then hand to immigrassi with passport who will then issue visa hope this helps

I didn't even know you can pay with CC, thanks for the info. My hubby got here last night and he was able to exchange some money at the airport in China. He was almost cut by a Chinese guy right infront of the booth to pay for his VOA but the staff pushed away that guy's passport and told him to go back in line. LMAO! My husband thinks that's impressive since just about everybody in China always tries to do this.

[El Sid]

That happened to me, some Saudi gentleman shoved his passport on top of mine,he was told in a quite harsh manner to get to the back of the queue, helped by a gentle nudge from myself, I was quite impressed, the other thing was I didnt have a return ticket, but nothing was said at immigration, they must be slipping.

[PapuaBoy]

Wow! Some entry points accepting credit cards! I gotta check if it is allowed in Batam...

It is nice to hear that they are being more strict with those who try and jump the queue.

[El Sid]

I came in on a sosbud into Jakarta some time back the Immigration gent wanted a return ticket, I said I had a Visa credit card, he then showed me a card which said ticket or $2000, we had a bit of an argument he then wanted 50,000rp I still said no, in the end he just stamped my passport, so I still dont really know if I was right or not.
This bit is nothing to do with the thread, but I came in after having a holiday in Oz, I ended up in front of a lady immigration officer, as I pulled my passport from my shirt pocket, 50,000rp fell onto her desk, she said 'Is this for me" I picked it up put it in my pocket and said "no" I think she was too surprised to say anything,as was I

[atlantis]

he then showed me a card which said ticket or $2000, we had a bit of an argument he then wanted 50,000rp I still said no, in the end he just stamped my passport, so I still dont really know if I was right or not.
Both of you were wrong (no offense intended).
The law requests that you are in possession of a return/onward ticket and a proof of sufficient funds (no amount given by the law) for the length of stay intended.
However, there is absolutely no laws stating onward/return ticket or USD 2000 (or any other amount). You must have a ticket, point.
It would be too much of an headache for Imigrasi to deport you for this sole reason, it is why aftr arguing a bit, they will drop the thing and let you go.