In Reply to: Because... posted by charlz on Thursday, 4. August 2005 at 12:49 Bali Time:
I have a Wespac card and am also charged $4.00. It is a debit card. Not a credit card. I'd check to make sure. I only used it once in Bali as my other one wouldn't work.
I recently used a debit card (St George) and they charged a conversion fee. Onmly just worked it out. Seems high. I'll check that with them. I have only changed to them. I usually use my Teachers credit union card which has no fees at all.
I withdrew 1.000.000 and paid 138.20 which works out at 7235.89rp. But subtract the $3.45 (2.5%) cents charge and the rate drops to 7059.54rp. The rate in Bali was approx 7200-7300. If you withdraw approx $1000 you lose about $27.
If you have travellers cheques the rate you get is usually lower at exchange places in Bali. But not as loww as the rate that works out on the card, as above.