In Reply to: Hotel / currency xchange posted by thume6434 on Friday, 28. January 2005 at 04:04 Bali Time:
Think you mean Nusa Dua. Try Balipost.com.id/ for the latest exchange rates. If you are stopping at Nusa Dua you will find it ok if you compare the prices to Canada, but in actual fact they are a ripoff when compared to say Kuta or Legian. You are virtually a captive audience unless you commute out of your hotel every day, but taxis are dirt cheap. Restaurants at Benoa, not far from Sheraton Nusa Indah, are reasonably cheap. I usually take cash and use ATMs in an emergency. If you have a debit account you usually only have to pay a currency conversion fee, but check with your bank. The ATMs are reasonably thick on the ground and safe, but remember you card comes out last. Most banks have a booklet telling you how to use O/S ATMs, my bank says the card should be connected to "cheque". We change money at our hotel which gives a rate as good as the money changers and they do not try to defraud you, but many hotels give a poor rate so it is better to go to the money changer. Forumites recommend "Kodak" shops with a money changing facility, as they are honest. I think any currency is acceptable in Bali, but they will not accept coins or damaged notes. It is best to have US$50 for VOA, but they accept other currencies. Evidently there can be a delay when you give them other currencies as an exchange rate has to be worked out probably to your disadvantage. Just remember the Balinese see you as a big fat wallet and will be always trying to get some for themselves. The problem is the strange denominations of Indonesian money, 5000rp notes can look like 50000rp especially after a few bintangs or araks. I think yesterday someone posted a "must read" posting that gave excellent information on prices and what not to do or to do.
Have an enjoyable trip and always laugh and show a happy face even when you know they have gotten the better of you, which will be practically in every transaction.
Loz