In Reply to: first timers posted by travelmad on Thursday, 10. January 2008 at 15:26 Bali Time:
Unless you plan on spending thousands, stick with Aussie Dollars, as we lose alittle when purchasing US and gain alittle when exchanging to Ruphia and at the end of the day its only 'cents' that you are in front.
We only take cash - stick with $50's and $100's as smaller notes are a lesser ex.rate. And do cash advances on credit card (usually a better rate that street) and EFTPOS card.
Stick only with money changers that CHARGE NO COMMISSION, always work out beforehand how much you will recieve in RUPHIA and be confident when you count your money that you have recieved the correct amount before handing over your aussie dollars.
Stick with money exchagers on the main streets.
If its your first time - stick with exchanging at your hotel until your comfortable with the money, most hotels offer same rate as on street.
We all have our 'best places to exchange money" lists but as long as you take your time, work out beforehand, double check BEFORE handing over your money and be confident in your transaction you should be right.
Just be careful of the smaller denominations, this is where alot of people become confused. eg rp 1375000.00 - will be "one million, three hundred and seventy five thousand ruphia" NOT "one million and thiry seven thousand and 500 ruphia" (rp 1037500.00.
All the zero's can be confusing (like my explanation lol )