Am planning to travel 2 Bali in sept- wondering if need to take cash, travellers cheques ,credit card or is it possible to use auto tellers safely?

Hi,

I usually take both. There are plenty of ATM machines around together with money changers and banks. Use only legitimate money changers, not the leather shop that also changes money, for example. The 'not good' places offer a higher rate and then try to charge you a commission which you shouldn't/don't pay. There are many stories of the short-changing at these places too. Mistaking a 10.000rp note for 100.000rp can really mess you up.

I take a few hundred dollars cash and change some money at the airport. There are a number of counters in a row just before you exit the airport building. The rate is quit fair and I then have money to keep me going until I sort myself out. I also use the ATM machines which are wonderfully convenient. There are many 7 Eleven type stores around who all have ATM's. Your bank will charge a fee for each transaction and don't forget to check your bank statement carefully for any 'odd' use.

Have a great trip.

Catherine

im heading to bali in a couple of weeks and I have been warned about the dangers of the money changers.
I am planning to take 10 million rp with me in cash that i exchange in dublin before I leave.

Hopefully that will do me for the 11 days I am there

Cash is always better than credit in Bali. But if you take cash, make sure you don't show your money around, especially with big denominations. It might attract the wrong crowds if you know what I mean. Try to get two wallets, one for big denominations where you will use to spend on something bigger, like day tours, scuba diving, etc, and another wallet is where you put smaller denominations where you pay for food on street stalls, beers, etc.. etc.

The bottom line is, you can't be too careful when you are in Bali. They are friendly, but among them, thieves do exist.

Have fun

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Bali Wanders

Take cash and a DEBIT card. Last thing you need is someone stealing your credit card details and racking up a huge bill overseas.