I'm going to Bali at the end of this month. But the flight
will arrive very late, about 10:00pm, and I decide to stay
the night at Kuta, then I should be there about 11:00pm. I
wonder if there's any money exchange still open? do they
offer a good rates?
I heard people says better not to change money at the
airport due to its low rates. But how do I get into the
town if I have no rp at all? Should you have any suggestion?
Is it better to change a little bit at the airport first( I
think they will accept small money like HK$50 or US$10, do
they?), then make a big deal at Kuta?
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seems your only option. The rate may not be great but exactly how much are you going to lose - a few bucks? Its not worth the worry. Do it there and then change in Kuta and remember to count your money before leaving the money changer in Kuta.
Change it at the airport. As Vibe says, you will only lose
a few bucks (if that), so what's the problem?
If you are on a real budget, see if you can find anyone in
the airport or just outside it who is leaving Indonesia
that night and wants to give you a better rate than at the
airport exchange window. Or, look for an Indonesian person
on your plane and ask him/her the same question. Otherwise,
just change a minimal amount, and exchange the big bucks the
next morning.
I was in Bali last year and had the same question as you. It
is no problem. If you have a visa or master card, use the
ATM machines BEFORE you leave the area where you get your
bags (I didn't see any more machines between after where one
goes beyond the customs agents and where one gets
transportation). You get the best rate with an ATM, only you
might need to pay per transaction, which is limited at the
airport machines to 400000 rp (multiple transactions are
possible), depending on your bank.
If you want to exchange at the airport, yes, the rates are
poor. They are better, the larger your bill is, you get far
more for a 100 doller bill than you would for 5 20 dollar
bills. However, since the rate is lower than in town, it may
pay just to change a small bill anyway.
Watch out for changing in Kuta. There are money changers
everywhere, and a lot with some very high rates. But that
helps not when you find out you lost 30% of the transaction
due to a slight of hand. It happened to us, twice, and we
witnessed two more attempts which failed due to our
awareness. Best to change at a moneychanger that look
reputable, there are lots around.
Agree it's OK to use ATM or changers at airport.
Beware of changers who do not have established office as
there is fake Indon money around.
If you want to change quite a lot try calling ICV
(Indocev) on 751323 or 751677 (think this is in Denpasar).
I use them in Jakarta where they give best rates.
Bring only clean unmarked notes, ideally the new type of
US$100 for best rates - changers can refuse dirty torn,
marked money. Try to bring new notes if possible.
Hotel rates usually lousy.
But for small amounts it's hardly worth a lot of effort to
get a good rate.
Roger, Jakarta