Did you know Indonesians lost an estimated Rp 15.09 trillion (about US$1 billion) in foreign exchange fees in 2022 alone? That’s a huge amount quietly disappearing through hidden charges, poor exchange rates, and slow international transfers, and it hit thousands of freelancers and independent professionals across Indonesia.
You finish a project for a U.S. client, send your invoice, and wait days for the payment to arrive — only to see part of your hard-earned money disappear in conversion fees and unclear deductions.
In this guide, we’ll show you the smartest and easiest ways to receive USD payments in Indonesia, without delays, hidden costs, or confusion.
Also read: Best freelance platforms to earn US dollars in Indonesia
Receiving USD payments through traditional banks often feels like a waiting game. Between delays, hidden fees, and unpredictable rates, many freelancers lose both time and money.
When you receive payments from international clients, the waiting can feel endless. A USD transfer to your Indonesian bank account can take anywhere from three to seven business days. Every intermediary bank slows things down, and weekends or holidays make it worse. Meanwhile, your invoices are cleared, but your money is still “on the way.”
You’ve probably noticed the numbers don’t always add up. Your client sends $1,000, but you receive less, maybe $960 or $970. The difference disappears into service charges and correspondent bank fees, which are buried in the system. By the time the payment lands, you’ve lost money without even knowing where it went.
Even after the payment arrives, you lose more when converting USD to rupiah. Most banks use inflated exchange rates that are far below the mid-market rate. That means every dollar you earn is worth a little less in your account — a frustrating reality when you’re working hard to grow your freelance income.
Receiving international payments can feel like a maze of forms and verifications. You might be asked to submit invoices, tax details, or proof of work,sometimes more than once. If your transfer gets flagged, it can take even longer. For freelancers juggling projects and clients, that extra bureaucracy eats into time and peace of mind.
Also read: How freelancers in Indonesia can access global gigs and get paid
Slow international payments and hidden fees are no longer a problem, as modern platforms let Indonesians receive USD quickly and safely.
With Grey, you can open a virtual USD account in Indonesia in minutes, almost like having a U.S. bank account. Clients pay directly in dollars, and you can withdraw or convert to rupiah at competitive rates. No excessive paperwork or hidden charges, and the funds arrive quickly, giving you full control over your income while avoiding the headaches of traditional international transfers.
Wise lets you receive USD from international clients at the true mid-market rate. You can hold multiple currencies, convert to rupiah when rates are favourable, and always see the fees upfront. For freelancers in Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya, it makes managing global payments fair, fast, and stress-free, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about lost income.
If you work with clients on Upwork, Fiverr, or direct contracts abroad, Payoneer simplifies USD payments. You can withdraw funds directly to your Indonesian bank or spend online from your balance. Millions of remote professionals in Indonesia rely on it to manage international income efficiently. Payoneer ensures your payments arrive quickly and transparently so you can concentrate on delivering your best work.
Revolut allows you to hold, send, and receive multiple currencies, including USD. You can convert funds instantly when exchange rates are best, spend globally, or transfer to your local bank. For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in Indonesia, Revolut provides a simple, efficient way to manage money internationally while reducing fees, waiting times, and uncertainty that comes with traditional banks.
Step 1: Sign up
Create your Grey account in minutes using your email and personal details. Verification is quick, so you can start receiving payments without delay.
Step 2: Access your USD account
Once registered, Grey provides a virtual USD account. This functions like a U.S. bank account, giving you a local account number for receiving payments.
Step 3: Share your account details
Send your Grey USD account information to your clients. They can pay you directly in dollars, just as they would to any U.S. bank account.
Step 4: Receive funds and convert
Funds arrive in your Grey account quickly. You can hold the USD, spend it online, or convert to Indonesian rupiah at competitive rates whenever it suits you.
LDMAG1
Receiving USD payments in Indonesia has never been easier. With Grey, you can avoid long delays, hidden fees, and poor exchange rates, keeping more of what you earn. Manage your funds securely, convert to rupiah when it suits you, and start receiving international payments quickly and reliably.
Sign up or download the app today to get started.
.svg)
Back to top
