How to Get Best Conversion Rate from AUD to Indonesian Rupia

dealover on 14/08/2018 - 16:49

Hi Guys, going to Bali for the first time so thinking I might get like $300 converted locally and take like $1500 for 10 days with me cash and get it converted there. However, wanted to check if you guys had a better idea how to get best value for money there please.

Travel

Comments

  • Pricebeat on 14/08/2018 - 17:24
    +1

    Going there too. I have 28 degrees card but do many places there accept card payments? Or would I be paying cash advance fee for withdraing money there?

    • retiredfeline on 14/08/2018 - 17:35
      +1

      What sorts of places? A spiffy hotel or a small stall holder living from hand to mouth? You can guess the answer.

      • Pricebeat on 14/08/2018 - 17:42
        +1

        Lol do you really think I would take out my apple pay for a bowl of noodle from street vendor? I mean the hotels, good restaurants etc.

        • retiredfeline on 14/08/2018 - 17:44
          +1

          Yeah, hotels will, but not all guesthouses will. Or they may surcharge if they do. They are sensitive to a small cost.

    • CyberMurning on 14/08/2018 - 17:36
      +1

      Many accepting cc don't worry.
      But why you want to withdraw from cc and paying cash advance fee? Come on….

      Bring 28 degree for cc, and ATM cards for ATM. Link as above

  • [Deactivated] on 14/08/2018 - 17:57
    +1

    Don't change money over in Bali there is really high chance you will get ripped off. I have been ripped off a couple of times, once through Amex money change (pretty large reputable company) and another through a place in the market. Everyone I know has a story about being ripped off in Bali.

    There is commonwealth and other bank ATMs in Bali just use them and pay the fees knowing you will get what you expect even though the rate may not be that great but your not getting ripped off so that is the best value.

  • CMH on 14/08/2018 - 18:12
    +4

    I just exchange it in Bali.

    For a relatively small amount you're trying to change, no point getting a credit card for it.

    With any money changer in Bali, the small ones tend to rip you off. The better the exchange rate, the higher the chance they will try to rip you off.

    Here's a few tips:

    • Don't give them anything until you're satisfied you're not getting ripped off. Hold on to your AUD$.
    • Be the last person to count AND hold on to any money they're giving you.
    • If you hand the Rupiah back to them for ANY reason (they want to bag it?) COUNT IT AGAIN.

    If you know they are trying to rip you off, it actually is quite blatantly obvious they've taken some of the money, and putting it back when you want to count it again. Quite hilarious to watch actually. Do it a few times just for laughs. Then walk out without exchanging money (who wants to deal with scam artists anyway?)

    • CheapskateQueen on 14/08/2018 - 21:09
      +2

      not sure why you got negged. your advice is correct.

      OP you subs have a ING or Citibank transaction card by now

      you can safely change money at a lot of places. plenty of legit money exchange places everywhere.

      And yes if the rate is too good to be true then it is.

  • Ocker on 14/08/2018 - 19:32
    +1

    There is a great black market for foreign currency in Indonesia. Just take $A50 or $A100 notes and use a bit of common sense and you will get close to the interbank rates of exchange. Check the billboards for their exchange rates, and when you find an acceptable rate confirm there are no added charges.

  • garffi on 14/08/2018 - 22:33
    +1

    I went there in April and just withdrew from the ATM with my Citibank card. However, the rates advertised on the streets were surprisingly very close to XE.com which made me think why I bothered with the ATM. Most ATMs I used only spat out 50,000 IDR (~$5 AUD) so I had to withdraw often as my wallet was getting bulky. I have not used any of the street vendors so I don't know if they're legit or not…

  • dealover on 15/08/2018 - 09:10

    Thanks a lot for all the help, advice and guidance guys.

    • KingJuf on 15/08/2018 - 09:14
      +2

      Get a citibank card and your set to go. Use an ATM like BCA or Mandiri when withdrawing to ensure you arent charged any fees by the bank and you will get the best rate possible.

      • KingJuf on 15/08/2018 - 09:27
        +1

        Oh and I wouldnt bother coverting any money here you can easliy find an ATM before you leave the airport but for piece of mind if you really want to $100 is more than enough to get you going.

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