Up date. The Rupiah having so many zeros compared to AU$ is very confusing so maybe the easiest way to work it out is to say for every AU$1.00 converts to Rp.10,000  { only good for change }  example AU$5.00 = RP.50,000 { the blue one } and AU$10.00 = Rp.100,000 { the red one } while this will change from day to day it is a handy guide and for every AU$10.00 you change expect to get { after costs } not to far under Rp.93.000. If you have been to Bali and can explain this more clearly please help.

Bali, being part of Indonesia, uses the Indonesian currency, the Rupiah (abbreviated, Rp.) as its monetary unit. Banknotes come in a range of denominations, including the commonly available Rp.100,000, Rp.50,000, Rp.20,000, Rp.10,000, Rp.5,000, Rp.2,000, Rp.1,000, there are coins but they are basically worthless. I put our coins in the hotel donation jar.All of the notes and coins are reasonably distinctive, but take care while you are getting used to dealing with the cash as there are a mix of old and new styles in circulation. Click on the four images to see what the major notes are and approx  Aus Equivalent. Any notes below Rp.20,000 are used for change and/or tipping.

Exchange rates have run up to around Rp.10,000 to one U.S. dollar, or around Rp.8,000 to one Australian dollar ( exchange rates vary day to day currently we the are same as the US dollar ). Every Hotel clerk , merchant or street hawker know the current rates but expect a lesser rate when converting to Rupiah, as commissions will be charged on the conversion transactions. You will get a better rate from a bank but finding a bank can be a pain so we went to a local shop called Circle K  { these are all over Denpasar but not all change money }  and are like a Aussie Deli, you can also buy supplies of Bintang there . Foreign money can be exchanged at most banks in Bali. Banking hours are usually from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and until 1.00 p.m. Saturday. Money can also be changed at the airport, at hotel cashiers, and at authorised money changers (found every where in the main Tourist destinations and  medium to large villages). The exchange rates are published daily in newspapers and are usually posted prominently wherever money can be changed. Most authorised money changers operate seven days a week, and remain open daily until about 10:00 p.m.  Most major credit cards are acceptable at hotels, large restaurants, department stores, travel agencies and many businesses that cater to the tourist trade, including galleries, arts and craft sellers.

* Money Changers
Be careful when changing your money. Always check the exchange rate and commission (if any) the money changer is taking. Remember to count your money before you leave the money changer, a reputable money changer will let you count your money before you hand them yours and give you a receipt and ask them to show you the calculation on their calculator.

For another blog on money changers go here 

For online currency converter click on the flag.

WHAT TO WEAR?                                                                                                                      Light clothing, sandals or flat shoes, sun glasses and a bottle of water. For the middle of the day sun screen and hat. 

Bali Money Tips page