In Reply to: no problem , however... posted by Yaz on Thursday, 5. March 2009 at 15:12 Bali Time:
Take your travellers cheques to a government Wartel (telephoning office) which is also a real official money changer. Your hotel desk will tell you where the nearest one is to be found. There is generally at least one in each district. Only a photocopy of the first page of the passport is needed and your passport can remain safe in your hotel. You will notice that this is where the locals change their money which must mean something.
The myth about a passport being necessary arises from the very common belief that Kodak shops are honest money changers and there are so many of them that they are very convenient - but they do require your passport because they have been stung in the past.
You will not find locals changing money in Kodak shops.