In Reply to: exchanging $$$ in Kuta posted by Cath hearts Bali on Tuesday, 22. March 2011 at 09:05 Bali Time:
Always better rates in Bali. For everyday money exchange try and use one of the recommended exchanges such as Kodak shops or Bali Best Rate. Do not use money exchanges down side streets in shop stalls or laundries.
For changing a large amount in the one time go to the Central Money Exchange just over the bridge in Kuta. Set up like a bank, hand your money over wait to be recalled to teller and collect rupiahs. All taxi drivers will know the place, plenty of parking down the back if front full.
There is a door to the left of the main entrance that says only 3 persons allowed in at any one time. It is for changing large amounts of money in privacy. You also get a better rate than at the tellers.
Wherever you exchange money do not leave the counter until you have counted the money yourself LAST. Have your own calculator too. You should not pay commission. Some tricks are folded notes in the bundle so you count the same note twice, dropping notes into the tellers lap, leaving off the zeros so you get less.