In Reply to: Currency confusion confession posted by nycberkeley on Tuesday, 27. February 2007 at 02:58 Bali Time:
sometimes all the zeros, still is for me at times....
watch for the zeros and make sure they have not given you a 10 000 instead of a 100 000.
I bought a little money converter that hangs around my neck. Korjo. (duty free, luggage, airport shops) and it's about the size of a credit card and $20.
Whatever country you are in your put their currency in (and Bali is about 7000 to our $1 for example) and set rate.
Then you just put the amount in of what you are looking at and it tells you exactly how much it is.
The bottom slides out and becomes a calculator.
Easiest little wonderful contraption.
Count the money after they have finished and don't let them touch it again.
I am sure the others have explained where to change it etc.
If you use an atm there make sure it's a national savings card and not a state bank one.Check machine after transaction so that you have got your card and it's great as it gives out rupiah so you don't have to change money.
Credit card can be used in most hotels and department stores.Don't let it out of your sight.
I only change each days money so if I lost it or got ripped off I wouldn't be broke. $100 a day $150 a day $200 a day,whatever budget you are on...just change and leave the rest in your safety deposit box at your hotel.
Cheers and have a great time.