In Reply to: Of course it takes longer.... posted by Baldie on Sunday, 17. January 2010 at 12:01 Bali Time:
You will never get the official exchange rate anywhere, whether by changing money before leaving home or paying your VOA in a currency other than US$.
I always check online the night before leaving for the exchange rates of AUD vs US$ and rupiah, so I have a rough idea of what it will cost me in aussie dollars and how much change to expect in rupiah. It's never been more than about Rp10-15K away from what I was expecting, and I've never had to argue over exchange rates.
Since I'd either have to order $200 worth of US notes or drive out of my way to a bank branch or money exchange to get US$25 it would certainly leave me more than $2 out of pocket, not to mention the time involved. Or I could exchange it at Sydney airport and it would cost me even more again.
I've never had it take any length of time to pay for my visa, be it for me alone or for 3 adults traveling together. Walk up, hand over paperwork and money, get visa and change (which is already sitting there in little piles) and you're done. It's all over in the blink of an eye. It'd be lucky if it takes 30 seconds all up - and it certainly does not take an extra 30 seconds on top of anyone else paying in US notes.
Have you ever actually paid in Australian dollars or are you just assuming that you know it will be a hassle?