The Indonesian rupiah may be legal tender, but the Singapore dollar S$ is Batam's unofficial second currency. Tourist-oriented hotels, restaurants and shops usually quote prices in S$, and they will be accepted by nearly anybody in a pinch. However, if you decide to pay by credit card, by law your bill must be converted to rupiah first -- and the exchange rate is unlikely to be in your favor.
There are many malls in Batam offering a variety of stores and restaurants.Nagoya Hill Mall, in Nagoya, has a Matahari department store, Hypermart supermarket, ACE Hardware, and a Cinema 21. Restaurants include J.Co, KFC, A&W, BFC, Pizza Hut, Ayam Goreng Fatmawati, Solaria, Grandduck chinese restaurant & newtown coffee at the top of the mall.
BCS Mall in Baloi has a Golden Truly department store, a Gramedia and a bowling alley.
If you would like to bring Indonesian delicacy back for your family, opt for the LAYERS Batam Layer Cake, which is available in most of the shopping malls and ferry terminals. They are handmade and has become the iconic takeaway delicacy from Batam.
