Where to get the best currency exchange rate in Bali (USD, CNY to IDR)?

The USD-to-IDR rate commonly depends on the denomination: $100 notes usually receive the best rate, followed by $50 notes, while $20 notes tend to get a lower rate. Confirm the rate for your specific denomination before exchanging.

Old USD bills can cause issues: airport exchange points may refuse them outright, and notes older than 2009 are almost certainly rejected. Outside the airport, some exchangers still accept such bills at the normal rate, but more often the rate offered is reduced. Tip: try to avoid getting old bills as change, or bring euros instead of dollars.

Along the road there are many exchange booths: the first offered a low rate for an old bill, but a booth 50 meters further accepted a 2006-series note at a rate of 17,200.

At the Bali Collection mall, even old US dollar bills from 2006 or earlier can be conveniently exchanged at a normal rate.

One traveler successfully exchanged a $100 bill from 1996 at the standard rate, with no discount for the old series. The exchange took place at a standalone exchange building rather than a small shop-window counter — such larger, dedicated exchangers were more willing to accept the old note at normal terms.

Fewer and fewer exchange points accept old-series US dollar bills, and the rate offered for them is typically worse than for new notes. It's best to replace old bills before travelling.

A traveler found a money changer offering the best rate at the time and asked for others' experiences. It's worth comparing rates at several exchange points — they can vary significantly even within the same area.

CNY to IDR exchange is available in Kuta, but not at all money changers. The yuan-to-rupiah rate is less favourable than USD-to-IDR, so if possible, bring US dollars instead.

Finding a good exchange rate in Nusa Dua is harder than in Kuta or Seminyak. Compare several money changers and avoid hotel exchange desks, which typically offer worse rates.

Bills from 1996 may be refused at exchange points — old notes, especially pre-2000, are often rejected. Bring newer banknotes to avoid problems.

Exchange rates in Bali change daily. Check Google or Wise for a reference rate, then compare with local money changers — reputable ones offer rates close to the mid-market rate.

In Ubud, the best rates are at independent licensed money changers, not banks. Several popular spots are on Jalan Raya Ubud and near the market. Compare 2–3 places before exchanging.

Bring US dollars in cash — they offer the best exchange rates on Bali. Indonesian rupiah is needed for daily expenses: transport, markets, local warungs. Cards are accepted at larger establishments but not universally.