Exchange & Transfers in Indonesia: real experience from chats
Real experience of people from chats on «Exchange & Transfers» in Indonesia — as it is, no fluff. For your case — ask Luky.
From real experience
In Bali and other Indonesian islands like Komodo, exchange rates typically remain stable or slightly lower on weekends due to the absence of active trading, as money changers apply a safety margin. Significant changes are usually observed from Monday afternoon. Exchange rates across different tourist-heavy islands tend to be similar. It is recommended to use official and reputable money changers (recognizable by proper facilities, air conditioning, and positive online reviews) rather than those offering unusually high rates, which might indicate scams or short-changing. For large sums, exchanging on weekdays might yield a slightly better rate.
Warn users against exchanging money via private messages in local Telegram groups. The vast majority of peer-to-peer exchange offers in chat DMs are scams. Advise using licensed physical exchange booths or established online/crypto services.
Exchange rates at Bali airport are generally worse than in the city. However, the difference might not be critical for small amounts needed for a SIM card or taxi. For larger sums, it's advisable to exchange money in the city during business days.
Direct card-to-card transfers from Russian banks to Indonesian accounts vary by local bank. PermataBank is reported to accept some international card-to-card transfers, while BCA and BNI often reject them due to gateway restrictions. Use caution, as P2P transactions carry a high risk of local bank account blocks.
Maybank and other Indonesian banks strictly monitor accounts for P2P cryptocurrency transactions (such as converting USDT to IDR on platforms like Bybit). Receiving transfers from multiple third parties often triggers anti-money laundering (AML) protocols and account suspension. The bank will demand proof of relationship with the senders. Advise users to use licensed offline money changers or exercise extreme caution when executing P2P transfers.
User, new to Bali, is asking for advice on the best way to exchange US Dollars or USDT for Indonesian Rupiah. They have Bybit but no local Indonesian card and are seeking cost-effective methods.
Chinese Yuan (CNY) acceptance in Bali: While some exchange offices may accept CNY, it is not widely accepted. It is advisable to exchange currency to USD or EUR for better exchange rates and wider acceptance.
In Indonesia (especially Bali), money changers apply a less favorable exchange rate (usually around 100 IDR less per USD) for older series US dollar bills (older designs/series before 2013). Advise clients to bring only brand-new, pristine 'blue' USD bills to get the maximum rate.
For obtaining cash on the Gili Islands, explore options through currency exchange chats. They may be able to facilitate the transfer from UnionPay or Russian bank cards.
User has cash Dirhams and is looking to exchange them for Indonesian Rupiah at the current exchange rate. They are located in Bali and willing to meet in person.
If you are unable to transfer funds from Uzbekistan to a BCA Mastercard in Bali using Visa, explore options through currency exchange chats. They might facilitate the transfer and cover the commission.
Withdrawal fees for UnionPay cards at ATMs in Indonesia can vary. It is advisable to check with your bank for specific fee structures. Cash withdrawals may be possible, but fees should be confirmed.
For exchanging Russian Rubles to Indonesian Rupiah on Bali, consider using currency exchange chats. It may be possible to arrange payment through these channels.
ATMs in Bali generally do not charge withdrawal fees directly, but the card's issuing bank determines the exchange rate. Permata Bank ATMs may charge a commission. BNI, BCA, and Denamon ATMs usually do not charge a commission, but have a withdrawal limit of 2.5M - 3M IDR per transaction for foreign cards. For larger sums, multiple withdrawals are necessary. Over-the-counter withdrawals at a bank might be possible with a named card, but is not guaranteed and less common.
When exchanging money in Bali, avoid street booths with suspiciously high rates. Always use reputable, indoor exchange offices with air conditioning and visible customer reviews. Count money immediately in front of the teller before leaving the counter.
When on Bali, you can exchange Russian Rubles for local currency (IDR) or USD. Options include using currency exchange chats for transfers to local bank accounts (like BCA Mastercard) or finding exchange points.
To exchange RUB to IDR without cash in Indonesia, consider P2P transfers, especially via USDT. If you lack a local bank card, use currency exchange chat groups (e.g., 'Boti currency exchange') which may offer courier services but at a less favorable rate.
Airport currency exchange rates in Bali are typically 10-15% worse than market rates. It is advisable to exchange only small amounts for immediate costs (taxi/SIM) and exchange larger sums in the city.
Money changers in Bali strictly reject US Dollar bills issued in 1996, 1999, 2001, and 2003, as well as series H from 2006. Some modern USD series might also be rejected based on local risk assessments. 500 Euro notes are widely rejected by standard street money changers because they lack testing equipment for high-denomination European bills; these must be exchanged at major bank branches.
Late-night currency exchange in Bali for larger sums (e.g., a couple of thousand USD) is generally possible in reputable money changers in tourist areas (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) which often operate until 10 PM or later. It's crucial to identify official money changers (with proper facilities, air conditioning, and good Google Maps reviews) and avoid those offering unusually high rates, which are often scams.
Old dollar bills are accepted in Bali, but some places may offer a lower exchange rate. It is possible to exchange them at a normal rate in certain locations, like opposite Icon Bali. Dollars from 2006 were accepted there.
For withdrawing cryptocurrency in Bali, consider P2P (peer-to-peer) if you have a local bank card, but be aware of potential account blocking. Using reputable services is generally safer. Indodax is mentioned as an option.
When traveling to Bali with a minor (17 years old) and parents, a passport is generally sufficient. A birth certificate with translation may not be required, but it's best to confirm with the airline. The tourist tax is often optional if not paid at the airport upon exit. It's advisable to use new USD bills for exchanges, as older notes may not be accepted. Exchanging IDR is recommended over exchanging RUB due to poor rates.
Old series US dollar bills are generally accepted at money exchange offices in Bali, but with significantly reduced exchange rates compared to new series bills. The primary reason for the lower value is the increased difficulty in verifying the authenticity of older banknotes. It is advisable to use newer series US dollar bills for the most favorable exchange rates.
Currency exchange on Bali: Exchange rates can vary significantly. Avoid using old USD bills as they may be rejected or accepted at a lower rate. Euro is generally more accepted. Be cautious of unofficial money changers. For potentially better rates, consider exchanging via cryptocurrency using a local bank card. Exchange at the airport may offer less favorable rates.
Use only authorized exchange offices ('Authorized' signs, professional counting machines, physical receipts) to avoid scams. Avoid P2P transfers in local Telegram groups unless the counterparty has a long, verified history. Never pay deposits to strangers found in chat groups. Check user IDs/nicknames against scam-checker databases.
Some Indonesian ATMs (like Mandiri) now charge a flat fee of 50,000 IDR per withdrawal. BCA and Maybank are generally recommended for higher withdrawal limits per transaction.
When exchanging currency in Bali, avoid 'back-alley' exchangers with suspiciously high rates. Use reputable exchange offices. Always recount cash meticulously in front of the teller before leaving the counter. If shortchanged, demand the difference immediately and do not return the initial bills until the transaction is fully verified.
You can exchange Russian Rubles for Indonesian Rupiah or USD in Bali. It's advisable to use currency exchange chats for potential assistance with transfers to local bank accounts, such as BCA Mastercard.