As Eid Approaches, Money Exchange Services Boom in Samarinda with Rate of Rp 20,000 Per Rp 100,000
Samarinda — As Eid al-Fitr 1447 AH approaches, small denomination money exchange activities have intensified at various points throughout Samarinda. One notably busy location is along Jalan Slamet Riyadi, where seasonal traders have established roadside money exchange stalls and pavement pitches.
During an observation on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, rows of money exchange stalls were visible at several locations. Traders offered various newly minted denominations in high demand among the community for Eid traditions, ranging from Rp 2,000, Rp 5,000, to Rp 10,000 notes.
Many residents stopped briefly to exchange currency, particularly during late afternoon hours. One trader encountered at the location stated that customers were charged a service fee of Rp 20,000 for every Rp 100,000 exchanged.
“If you exchange Rp 100,000, the fee is Rp 20,000. So for example, if you exchange Rp 100,000 for Rp 2,000 notes, you would pay Rp 120,000,” the trader told observers, requesting anonymity.
The trader explained that the service fee applied in multiples according to the amount exchanged. The larger the nominal sum exchanged, the higher the service charge would be. “If you exchange Rp 500,000, the fee would be five times, so Rp 100,000. If it’s Rp 1 million, you simply multiply it,” they stated.
According to the trader, demand for currency exchange has increased over recent days as Eid draws closer. The vast majority of residents seek small denominations to distribute to children and relatives during the festive period.
On the other hand, residents viewed the presence of roadside money exchange services as sufficiently helpful, particularly for those requiring denominations urgently. One Samarinda resident, Rizky Fadhillah (33), acknowledged choosing to exchange money at the location because it was more convenient despite the additional charges. “There is indeed a service fee, but usually you know about it beforehand. If you need it quickly, you just exchange here,” Rizky said.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Annisa Khairunnisa (27). She considered the service fee charged to be reasonable as long as the required denominations were available. “There is usually a service fee. In my view it is still reasonable, especially if you need small notes for Eid,” she said.