How to Buy Crypto in Indonesia?

Cryptocurrency in Indonesia is no longer a niche topic. In January 2025, Indonesia’s crypto trading volume hit 44.07 trillion rupiah (~$2.68 billion), up 104% year-on-year (according to Chain Catcher). Today, Indonesia ranks among the world’s top three countries in terms of crypto adoption growth, and across Southeast Asia digital assets have become a common tool, from investments to international money transfers.

In this article, we’ll break down how crypto is regulated in Indonesia, where locals most often buy digital assets, and what the pros and cons are of the different ways to enter the market.

Is It Legal to Buy Cryptocurrencies in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, cryptocurrencies are allowed, but you can’t use them to pay for goods and services — the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) remains the only official currency. So, you can’t buy goods in a store with Bitcoin or Ethereum, but trading crypto is legal. It’s regulated by Bappebti, the body in charge of keeping digital asset transactions secure and transparent. In addition, exchanges are required to follow AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) standards.

In short, crypto trading in Indonesia is legal — it can be considered as an investment. Just make sure you use licensed exchanges and secure platforms.

Best Ways to Buy Crypto in Indonesia

In Indonesia, you can get crypto with rupiah in a few ways: on official exchanges, through P2P deals, or using fast payment apps. Each one has its good and bad sides.

Below, we’ll show you the main options so you can pick the easiest for you.

1. Local Crypto Exchanges

The safest and most common option is using licensed local crypto exchanges, such as Indodax, Tokocrypto, or Reku. Since they’re overseen by Bappebti and OJK, you can count on proper security and compliance. Funding your account is straightforward: you can top up via major Indonesian banks (BCA, Mandiri, BNI, BRI), popular e-wallets like GoPay, OVO, and Dana, or even pay directly with a bank card through integrated providers such as Mercuryo. This flexibility makes local exchanges especially convenient for beginners who want to “test the waters” without complicated setups.

• Pros: work directly with IDR, high security, multiple local payment options.
• Cons: mandatory KYC verification, fees can be higher than on global exchanges, purchase limits may apply.

2. Global Exchanges with P2P

For those looking for better rates and a wider choice of sellers, P2P trading on global platforms (Binance, Bybit, Cryptomus) is a popular method. Here’s how it works: you pick a seller, transfer IDR — usually through a bank or e-wallet — and the exchange keeps the crypto in escrow until the seller confirms they’ve received the money. After that, the coins are released to you. It’s flexible, but you do need to be careful.

• Pros: good rates, low fees, a wide variety of payment options.
• Cons: potential risk of fraud.

3. Offline Exchanges and Crypto ATMs

In major cities, you can find places where crypto is sold for cash IDR or via kiosks and ATMs. You’ll find locations in Jakarta, Bandung, and Bali (mainly Seminyak and Kuta), with occasional options in Surakarta and Yogyakarta. Availability shifts, so it’s worth checking before you go. Just keep in mind that offline services often charge more.

• Pros: allows cash purchases, good for those who don’t trust online services.
• Cons: limited availability, higher fees, sometimes extra verification is required.

4. “One-Click” Services

Apart from exchanges, there are also mobile apps and browser-based platforms that let you buy crypto instantly at a fixed rate. These services work more like simple converters: you specify the amount in rupiah, confirm the purchase, and the system automatically exchanges it for digital assets, which are then credited to your wallet inside the app. Some projects even integrate such functionality into chatbots or fintech apps, making the process look like a regular online payment rather than a trading operation.

• Pros: user-friendly interface, instant execution.
• Cons: limited trade settings, high exchange rates.

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Buy Cryptocurrency in Indonesia

If you live in Indonesia, the most common way to buy cryptocurrency is through a crypto exchange. This method is popular because it offers convenience, security, and direct support for deposits in IDR. Here are are some steps:

• Choose an exchange that supports IDR.
• Register an account.
• Set up security.
• Complete KYC verification.
• Deposit IDR into your account.
• Buy cryptocurrency (directly or via P2P).
• Decide where to store your assets.

1. Choose an Exchange

Pick a platform that supports deposits and withdrawals in IDR. Popular local options include Indodax, Tokocrypto, and Reku. You can also use international exchanges like Binance, Bybit, or Cryptomus — just make sure they provide smooth IDR transfers.

2. Register an Account

Head to the official website or download the app. Sign up with your phone or email, set a strong password, and don’t forget to pick Indonesia as your region — that way you’ll be able to use local payment methods.

3. Set up Security

Before you add funds, take a moment to secure your account. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). It’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from hackers.

4. Complete KYC

Next, complete identity verification. Usually, you’ll need to upload your passport or KTP (Kartu Tanda Penduduk, the Indonesian national identity card), take a selfie, and provide proof of address. Make sure the name on your account matches your bank account name — otherwise, IDR transfers may be delayed.

5. Deposit IDR

Once your account is verified, fund it with IDR. Most Indonesian users prefer bank transfers through BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and BRI, while many exchanges also support e-wallets like GoPay, OVO, and Dana. Alternatively, you can buy crypto with a Visa or Mastercard via services like Mercuryo.

6. Buy Cryptocurrency

The easiest way for beginners is to buy crypto directly on an exchange using services like Mercuryo or exchange integrations with bank cards and e-wallets. You simply enter the amount in rupiah, confirm the payment, and the coins are credited to your wallet.

Another option is P2P platforms, where you send IDR directly to the seller (usually via bank transfer), while the exchange holds the crypto in escrow until the payment is confirmed. For example, Cryptomus P2P provides access to over 120 digital assets, 40 fiat currencies, and 560+ payment methods with only a 0.1% fee — making it a convenient and affordable solution for Indonesian users.

7. Decide Where to Store Your Assets

After buying, you have two choices. If you plan to trade actively, it’s easier to keep your assets on the exchange for quick access. If you plan to hold your coins for a long time, it’s best to move them to an external wallet — hardware or software. Make sure you’re on the right network (like ERC-20 or TRC-20) and double-check your wallet address. To avoid mistakes, start with a small test transfer before sending everything over.

Simple Way to Buy Crypto with Your Credit Card

If you want a fast and simple way to buy cryptocurrency in Indonesia, you can use your local bank card (Visa or Mastercard) through Mercuryo directly on the Cryptomus platform.

Step 1 — Register on Cryptomus

Creating an account only takes a few minutes. You can sign up using your email, Google, Facebook, or even Telegram. Once registered, be sure to enable 2FA — it adds an extra layer of protection to your funds.

Step 2 — Complete KYC

To unlock financial transactions, you’ll need to verify your identity. In the “Settings” menu, select KYC verification, upload a photo of your KTP (Indonesian ID) or passport, and take a selfie. After approval, all services on the platform will be available to you.

Step 3 — Go to the Dashboard and Select “Receive”

From the main dashboard, click “Receive”, choose the cryptocurrency you want (for example, BTC or USDT), and select the correct network. If you are paying by card, make sure to select “Fiat”.

Step 4 — Pay via Mercuryo

Choose the option “Receive via Mercuryo”, then enter the amount you want to pay in Indonesian rupiah (IDR). The system will automatically calculate how much cryptocurrency you’ll get.

Step 5 — Confirm Your Purchase

Use your debit or credit card from a local bank such as Mandiri Pay, CIMP Niaga. Enter your email, confirm the security code you receive, and finalize the transaction.

That’s it — you’ve successfully purchased cryptocurrency with your bank card via Mercuryo. The funds will appear in your Cryptomus wallet shortly.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Cryptocurrency Investments?

In Indonesia, all cryptocurrency transactions are subject to taxes. Starting in 2022, every time you buy or sell crypto, you pay a 0.11% VAT (Value Added Tax) plus a 0.1% income tax. The rates are lower than the country’s usual VAT, but they’re charged on every single trade.

For you, this means that investing in digital assets is completely legal, but it’s important to understand how taxation works. It’s best to use platforms that automatically include taxes in your trades — this way, you can invest with peace of mind and avoid any issues with the authorities.

In Indonesia, crypto is no longer just a trend — it’s gradually becoming part of everyday finance. People now have more ways to get involved, from local exchanges in rupiah to global platforms and flexible P2P deals. With regulators like Bappebti and OJK overseeing the market, it’s also safer than it used to be.

You don’t need to be an expert to start. Whether you want to try a small purchase or think about a longer-term investment, platforms like Cryptomus make it straightforward and secure.

So, could crypto already have a place in your financial life — perhaps sooner than you expected?