In Reply to: where in lembongan posted by katrina on Monday, 22. September 2008 at 15:55 Bali Time:
Hi Katrina, I stayed with World Diving on Lembongan for a week last November. Arriving with Jet* from Australia late in the evening with an early "scoot boat" departure next morning from Sanur beach. I knew I wouldnt have time to change any money other than at the airport. I stocked up on Rp in Australia and withdrew more from the airport ATMs (max Rp1.5 or Rp2.0m per transaction). ATMs are located in arrivals just before you go thru customs. World Diving accepted Visa and I suspect most of the larger resorts on Lembongan would also take cards due to the lack of ATMs on the island. There are money changers and altho their rate is low they are convenient if you need a small amount of extra Rp - be aware tho they carry only small amounts of cash and probably wont be able to change large amounts. Rp100k notes are the big ones now and 20k & 50k notes are most useful on Lemabongan (and throughout Bali). If you have a day around Kuta before heading to Lembongan changing cash will be no problem. If you are heading straight to Lembongan change cash before you leave home - give your currency exchange a week or so notice and ask for plenty of small notes.
If you are prebooking your accom (and diving) you will be quoted in US$. When you come to settle your bill the amount will be calculated in US$ then converted to RP - at the then current Lembongan rate. This will be charged to your credit card in Rp. Your home bank will reconvert to your local currency and then add a fee. This can all become quite expensive and you may wish to take some US$ from home. That way you can insist that you get your bill in US$ per the quoted rate and pay exactly that amount.
Have a great holiday and hope you spot a Mola Mola!