New Year Travel; Get to Know ASEAN Currencies

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Before traveling to any state members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN, it is mandatory to know their currency and the currency rates.

Brief information on ASEAN

Officially, there are 10 state members of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Phillippines, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. 

Geographically, Timor Leste is also located in Southeast Asia but has yet to be granted ASEAN membership since its application on March 4, 2011. 

Despite its non-member status, Indonesia allows its citizens to enter Timor Leste without a visitor visa. Other ASEAN members also have agreed on a visa exemption policy that allows nationals of ASEAN members to travel freely among the countries.

ASEAN currencies

1. Indonesia

Indonesia's official and only currency is Rupiah (IDR). The exchange rate of Indonesian Rupiah is Rp15,524.55 for US$1

2. Malaysia

Malaysians use the Ringgit (MYR) as a currency, abbreviated as RM. RM1 currently equals Rp3,345.76 and US$1 is worth RM4.64.

3. Singapore

So far, Singapore has the strongest currency in ASEAN, with S$1 currently worth Rp11,677.15 and US$0.75

4. Thailand

Thailand has been quite popular for Indonesians to travel. Its currency, the Thai Baht (THB), is currently worth Rp448.95. Meanwhile, US$1 worth 34.57.

5. The Phillippines

The Phillippines uses Peso (PHP) as its official currency. Currently, 1 worth Rp279.33 and US$0.018.

6. Brunei Darussalam

Known as one of the richest ASEAN countries, Brunei Darussalam uses Dollars (BND) as its currency. B$1 worth of Rp11,685.57 and US$0.75.

7. Vietnam

Vietnam has the lowest exchange rate in ASEAN, with Vietnamese Dong (VND) as its currency. At the moment, 1 worth Rp0.64, while US$1 equals 24,385.

8. Laos

This land-locked country uses Kip (LAK) as its currency. Currently, 1 is worth Rp0.75 while US$1 is worth 20,612.84

9. Myanmar

Myanmar uses Kyat (MMK) as its currency, which is worth Rp7.39, while US$ is worth K2,100.29

10. Cambodia

In Cambodia, the currency used is Riel (KHR). Currently, 1 is worth Rp3.80 while US$1 is worth 4,083.17.

11. Timor Leste

Citing Travelex, the currency used by Timor Leste is US dollars, a decision made by the National Consultative Council that considered the US Dollar as strong and stable. By the time this article is released the exchange rate of US Dollar to Indonesian Rupiah is Rp15,524.55.

ACHMAD HANIF IMADUDDIN

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