Sunday, November 12, 2017

Currency and Money on the Island of Bali 

(What currency is best to bring to Bali?)

More Info About Bali:Bali Travel Info
Author, Ekarini


Photo, Indonesian's Bank


Traveling to a new place, of course you need  to know about currency and money of the place you are visiting. 

What currency is best to bring to Bali?

People said,“Buying Indonesian currency anywhere outside the country is likely to give you a dismal exchange rate. Better to take hard currency and change when you arrive. Pounds are acceptable, as are euros, but US or Australian dollars are better regarded and generally secure the best rates.”



In the past, I mentioned a little bit about currency and money used on the island.  In this blog, I would like to talk more details.
Bali is one of the Indonesian’s thousand islands.    
Don’t be surprised, it is very common for the money changer in Bali to check the quality of the bills you exchange, especially USD dollars; they accept the newly issued (circa 2000), clean, and stiff notes.  Bills won’t be accepted when they are torn, creased, and wrinkled.  Also keep in mind, the exchange you see on the board usually for a USD $100 notes, and smaller bills have a different set of rates.

In Bali, The Rupiah is its main form of currency as well as all the islands of Indonesia.  Before travelling to Bali, make sure you have an understanding of the Rupiah to avoid being given any incorrect amount of change or unfair exchange rates.  In Bali, they also accept credit cards. 

Photo, Indonesian's Bank

Rupiah Bills

Rupiah bills are issued in denominations of RP 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000.  Rupiah coins come in denominations of RP 25, 50, 100, 500 and a new gold and silver RP 1,000 coin, with both old and newly issued coin designs in circulation for RP 500, 100 and 50 coins.

More info about currency in Bali:

http://www.xe.com/currency/idr-indonesian-rupiah

Where to exchange your money in Bali?
- PT. Central Kuta
- PT. Dirgahayu Valuta Prima
- PT. Bali Maspintjinra


ATMs and Credit Cards
You can pay using credit cards at most high-end hotels, restaurants, stores and nightclubs, with Visa and MasterCard the most commonly accepted cards, followed by American Express.  Most transactions are completed in rupiahs, and it is very common for a variable charge to be added to credit card payments (certain %). When using a credit card in Bali, keep the card in sight at all times to avoid identity theft.  It is very common in Indonesia.

ATMs dispense IDR 50,000 or 100,000 bills; withdrawal fees using foreign bank cards, Visa or MasterCard varies and can be high. Beware of skimmers and rigged units, and remember to take your money and card after each transaction.


Happy Travels!

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