Major currencies can be exchanged in most banks, money changers and hotels. There is often a different rate for any notes smaller than US$100 and this applies to most currencies. If cashing Travelers checks you will require your passport.
Banks and Money Changers can easily be found in the larger towns in Bali, but you should carry sufficient rupiah (Rp) when traveling to the less popular areas of Bali.
Banking hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Mondays to Fridays, and from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. on Saturdays. Banks in hotels usually stay open longer while Money Changers are generally open until early evening.
Almost all hotels and other businesses will accept foreign currency, but be warned hotels usually charge a lower rate of exchange than offered by Banks or Money Changers.
There is a bank and ATM machine located at the Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Exchange Tips
If you want to change money or traveler's checks at a moneychanger:
1. Make sure you calculate the rate yourself. Use your own calculator as some MC (Money Changer) modified their calculator.
2. Check to see whether there is a commission fee. Be cautious of high rates. MC who offer high rate as usually ask you a commission. If they say we have no commission, you must be careful too.
3. Count the money yourself. You will be surprized how many money changers are also good 'magicians'.
4. When you have finished counting your money and the total is right, Do NOT give your money back to the MC staff to re-count. It is likely the MC may try and steal your money.
5. The MC staff should give you a receipt. If not ask for one.
6. Do not flash your money, and change only as much as required.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Bali Banks & ATM
Monday, February 26, 2007
Smart Tips
Here are several simple but useful tips that can make your holiday in Bali goes smooth and more enjoyable. It is simple but if you failed to adhere it may ruin your exciting holiday.
Do :
- Reconfirm your outbound flight.
- Drink a lot of bottled water as you may dehydrated easily.
- Leave your important documents in your hotel safe and wandering around with the copies.
- Shop around when intending to change money as the rate may vary, check whether the commission added or not.
- Show your respect by wearing sarong when entering temple.
Don't :
- Stepping on offerings in the street.
- Honking if a caught behind the slow pace of processions.
- Attempt to swim outside designated areas on the beach.
- Deal in or do drugs. The death penalty is await.
- Touch people's heads even children as it considers offensive.
- Enter temple during menstruation.
- Use your left hand in sacking or handing over something to someone as it is consider impolite. If there is no other option then express your apology.
