Ubud, Bali

Money changing:  Take care with money changing.  Registered money changers are best e.g. Central on Jalan Raya in Ubud opens 10.30am-11ish in the courtyard off Jalan Raya near Animale towards Jalan Bisma on left Rorts:  Never let any changers count out the money then take it back to check after you counted it.  And don’t give your money – unless it’s the big registered exchange – until they count out theirs and you’ve checked it.  In Kuta they always offer way above the going rate,  then either charge commission or trick you by a count that calls 10,000 as 100,000, so you are down 90,000.  Or take the money back to check it and then slip away some. Once you leave the premises it may not  be possible to redress the situation. However, if you decide to go back, even the next day to get your money back, you may find that they have kept track of thier "tips" and will give it back upon threat of the police.  Best to use in Kuta are the registered money changers in glass booths or with big counters in sole purpose shops. 

Great money changer just north of Bemo corner- glass front shop with security guard.

ATMS:   If you take money out of your account by ATM, beware the charges once back home – a foreign exchange fee – can be up to $8 and a withdrawal for can be the same – so you may pay $20 for a $50 withdrawal. So check with your bank before you go.  An alternative is to use a credit card like Wizard that doesn't make these charges. Also be aware that the money comes out BEFORE the card. Many an unwary traveller has left their card behind. The next person then walks up - the machine asks "do you want another transaction?" and they press "yes" thereby draining your account.

Airport Tax – Put 100,000rp each in your passport for the departure tax to avoid being caught without money at the airport and/or having to exchange money at low rates.  Also, if Australian, don't forget to get $25US each for a visa into Bali (over 7 days) $10US if 7 days or less.  Getting the US dollars at your bank before you go is cheaper than at the airport, though your local bank may need to order the money in. You can pay in Australian dollars to save converting any money, thus saving exchange fees. If you give $50m you'll get change for porters and a taxi. You can even pay by credit card if you like.

Beware of Cheats

Remember to add the items up yourself (bring your own calculator if needed). There are many ways to scam an unwitting traveler in a foreign country - be observant and careful and you should be fine.