USD Cash Acceptance Guidelines in Indonesia: real experience from chats
Short answer
Use brand-new, pristine 'blue' USD bills to secure the most favorable exchange rates, as older series notes are often rejected or accepted at significantly lower values. Avoid exchanging at the airport and prioritize reputable money changers in tourist areas while inspecting all currency before finalizing transactions.
From real experience
When exchanging currency on Bali, it is advisable to use reputable money changers to get favorable rates.
Exchange offices in tourist areas may offer better rates than those in the airport. Always check the rates and inspect the currency before finalizing the transaction. It's also wise to be cautious about accepting older series US dollar bills, as some places might not accept them.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.