In Reply to: best currency to excange posted by Shrek on Monday, 23. July 2012 at 10:08 Bali Time:
We use our eftpos cards a lot, taking out big amounts when we can. Always be careful at ATMs because the card spits out at the end of the transaction, not before the $$$ as in NZ. Easy to leave a card behind if you get distracted. Get into the habit of doing a visual check before leaving the ATM booth - money/printout/card.
I also take clean new $100 notes as a backup if we are running low and I am not sure how much is left in my account. Can always take them home again if we don't spend all we think we will (14 trips now so we buy less trinkets and treasures). $100 makes the maths easy when changing into rupiah. I have my favourite places for changing money. If you are new to Bali or that region just ask other travellers staying in the same hotel - the 'frequent flyers' know the safe places (and the dodgy places) near your accommodation. Always be the last one to count the rupiah before you step out the shop.