Money, ATMs and SIM cards in Sumba: what to know

Sumba runs on cash. The towns have banks and ATMs, but the beaches, villages and waterfalls that you came to see usually do not even have a shop. A little planning avoids awkward moments. Here is how money and mobile connections work on the island.

Cash is king

Carry Indonesian rupiah in cash for drivers, small guesthouses, warungs (local eateries), parking, entrance fees and village contributions. Small notes are precious: change for a 100,000 rupiah note can be hard to find in a village, so keep a stack of 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 notes.

ATMs

• Where: Waingapu, Waikabubak, Tambolaka and Waibakul have banks and ATMs. Look for the big Indonesian banks such as BRI, BNI, Mandiri and BCA.
• Limits: withdrawals per transaction are limited, and machines sometimes run out of cash at weekends or holidays. Withdraw when you can, not when you must.
• Cards: foreign cards usually work at major bank ATMs; tell your bank you are travelling and have a backup card.

Cards and transfers

Some larger hotels accept cards. Many local businesses accept Indonesian bank transfers or QR payments (QRIS) through local apps, which visitors usually cannot use. Plan on cash for almost everything else.

How much cash to carry

It depends on your style of travel. Count your driver and fuel (usually agreed per day), meals, entry and parking fees, village contributions and any guesthouses that do not take cards. Our budget guide helps estimate a daily figure. Split cash between bags, and keep a reserve for emergencies.

Mobile coverage and SIM cards

Telkomsel generally has the widest network in East Nusa Tenggara. In towns 4G works well; along the main roads coverage is usually fine; on remote beaches, in valleys and on the south coast it can disappear. Buy a SIM in Bali before flying, or in a Sumba town at an official counter; you need your passport to register it. eSIMs that use Indonesian networks are a convenient option if your phone supports them.

Staying connected

• Download offline maps before you go; our interactive map keeps map tiles you have viewed on your phone.
• Tell your accommodation your plans when heading to remote places.
• Many guesthouses have Wi-Fi, often slow; do not count on it for video calls.
• Keep a power bank: power cuts happen.

See also: practical tips for Sumba and getting around.