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- Asep Haryono | When a Foreigner Feels Like A Super Rich In Indonesia - Powered by Blogger
I recently stumbled upon a hilarious TikTok video by @BuleTV1/shorts called "Rupiah Make This Foreigner Laugh Non Stop" ,that totally made my day. In the video, a foreigner was exchanging her Euro bills at an Indonesian money changer and what happened next was priceless.
As soon as she got her Rupiah, she burst out laughing. Why? Because she was shocked to see a huge stack of Indonesian banknotes laid out right in front of her. It was like a small mountain of money sitting on the desk
She had absolutely no idea how different the exchange rate was between the Euro and the Indonesian Rupiah. For context, 1 Euro is roughly equal to 19,132.29 Indonesian Rupiah. So even a modest amount of Euros can turn into hundreds of thousands or even millions of Rupiah. No wonder she was surprised!
She held up the stack of cash with wide eyes and laughed, saying it felt like she had just won a jackpot. That’s when it really hit her: Spending Euros in Indonesia can make you feel like a millionaire!
As soon as she got her Rupiah, she burst out laughing. Why? Because she was shocked to see a huge stack of Indonesian banknotes laid out right in front of her. It was like a small mountain of money sitting on the desk
She had absolutely no idea how different the exchange rate was between the Euro and the Indonesian Rupiah. For context, 1 Euro is roughly equal to 19,132.29 Indonesian Rupiah. So even a modest amount of Euros can turn into hundreds of thousands or even millions of Rupiah. No wonder she was surprised!
She held up the stack of cash with wide eyes and laughed, saying it felt like she had just won a jackpot. That’s when it really hit her: Spending Euros in Indonesia can make you feel like a millionaire!
Image from @BuleTV1/shorts
Stack of Indonesian Rupiahs
Currency Shock Is Real
This moment is a perfect example of what I’d call “currency shock.” It’s when travelers realize how much (or how little) their home currency is worth in another country. And in Indonesia, that shock can feel pretty dramatic.
Imagine coming from Europe where €10 is just enough for a basic lunch, and suddenly that same amount gives you over 190,000 Rupiah. You walk into a local warung (small restaurant), pay with a single Euro bill, and come out with a full meal, a drink, and maybe even dessert!
Another example is a TikTok video by a user named @AmericanTurk, who showed off his fancy solo dinner at a high-end restaurant in New York City. His video tittle “POV. Solo Fine Dining at an Exclusive Restaurant” What caught my attention wasn’t the food itself though yes, it looked great but the price tag. He spent $300 (about 3.3 million Rupiah) for one meal… and he was dining alone. As an Indonesian, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of mixed emotions watching that clip.
You can read here.
FYI, that’s what most people in my country earn in a month.” The average monthly salary for many Indonesians is around $300 USD, sometimes even less. That amount can cover groceries, bills, school expenses, and daily needs for an entire family of three or more for weeks.
So seeing someone spend it in less than an hour on a solo dinner felt... honestly, a bit crazy to me.
While the video is funny and lighthearted, it also reminds us of how different the cost of living is from one country to another. What seems like “a lot of money” in one place might not be the same elsewhere. That’s why travelers should always check the exchange rates and learn a bit about the local economy before landing in a new country.
It also shows the charm of traveling to places like Indonesia. For tourists coming from Europe, Australia, or the US, your money can go a long way here. You get to enjoy amazing food, cultural experiences, shopping, and beach holidays without breaking the bank.
A Tip for First-Time Travelers
If it’s your first time traveling to Indonesia, don’t panic when you see the numbers. Yes, buying a cup of coffee for 25,000 sounds scary but that’s just around €1.30. It takes a little getting used to, but after a few days, you’ll become a pro at doing the math in your head. And hey when you pull out your wallet and pay with a 100,000 Rupiah bill, it kind of feels like you’re holding VIP cash.
That TikTok video gave us all a good laugh, but it also offered a fun little lesson in travel and money. So if you're planning to visit Indonesia anytime soon, be ready for a surprise when you exchange your cash. Who knows? You might end up laughing just like that foreigner especially when you realize you’re suddenly a "millionaire" for a few days!
Have you ever experienced currency shock while traveling abroad?
Ok my friends
Drop your story in the comments below I’d love to hear your funny (or confusing) money moments! And if you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to share it with your fellow travelers or anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia
A Message From Asep Haryono
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