As in most countries, there are dishonest people in Bali too. Money changers have a notorious reputation for sleight of hand, rigged calculators and other scams. Unfortunately, we frequently hear from people who have been ripped off by one of these dishonest money changers. A little research before going to Bali will prevent anyone putting themselves in a position to be cheated. If you follow the rules set out below, you should not have a problem locating and using an honest money changer.

• DO NOT use a money changer that is located down a lane way or alley.

• DO NOT use a money changer with a desk at the back of another business.

• DO NOT use a money changer if the sign does not say “authorized” ( and even if the sign does say authorized, do not let your guard down and do follow all the same rules)

• DO NOT use a money changer with an advertised rate which is better than any other in that area. (If the rate is too high, the changer is not making any money on the exchange and will have to cheat you to make money)

• DO NOT hand over your money until you are satisfied that the exchange is honest and you have the rupiah in your other hand.

• DO NOT allow anyone else present to distract you during the transaction.

• DO NOT accept any smaller denominations than 50,000 and 100,000 notes (a sure sign that you are going to be cheated is if they say they have run out of large notes and try to give you small notes instead).

• DO NOT allow anyone to touch the rupiah once you have counted it and are sure it is correct.

• DO only change your money at dedicated money changer (or the business listed further in this list)

• DO check their calculations, on your own calculator, if necessary.

• DO count the rupiah, twice, in full, before handing over your money.

• DO keep the rupiah in your hand, do not put it back down on the counter.

• DO, if you feel at all uncomfortable or suspicious, walk out.

• DO, if you find you have been cheated, go back to that money changer and ask for the rest of your rupiah (most keep a ledger of the amounts they have skimmed, so will know exactly how much you have been shorted).

• DO try to keep using the same money changer, once you have found an honest and reliable one.

In our experience the businesses listed below are honest, but having said this, always check and never take their honesty for granted:

Kodak Shops

Fuji Shops

Airport Money Changers

PT Bali Maspintjinra, Kuta Jl Sriwinjays No 16A

BMC Seminyak PT Bali Maspintjinra(opposite Bintang Supermarket, next to Sip restaurant on the Kuta side.)

PT Bali Maspintjinra, Head office Jl Raya Seminyak No 16A

PT Bali Maspintjinra, Sanur, Jl Danau Tamblingan No 18

PT Bali Maspintjinra also has offices in Makassar and Lombok

Some hotels will offer a decent exchange rate if you feel that the money changer process is not for you, and want an easier, hassle free option.

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