Help! I’m in Ubud and Need to Exchange Money!
Tranquil Ubud, one of the most popular destinations amongst Bali travellers, has hundreds of money exchanges. Here is the short guide for the most favourable and convenient money exchanges in Ubud for you to get best results when making this necessary transaction for your amazing villa holiday in this spectacularly serene part of the Island of the Gods.
Money Exchange in your Hotel or Bank
As a rule of thumb, one of the safest places to change money is utilising your hotel or heading into a bank. The rate is usually lower than in the authorised currency exchanges and you can be sure that you will get the whole amount at a standard-to-favourable rate. The regulated security systems from hotels and banks, along with the security guards onsite as guardians, are an additional insurance for your safety if you are changing a lot of money.
Authorised Money Exchange in Ubud
The three most reputable authorised money exchanges in Bali are: BMC, Central Kuta Money Exchange, and Dirgahayu Valuta Prima PT. All of them have licenses from the Indonesian Central Bank for the business, so you can be assured that there will be maximium safety precautions and less occurring fraud operations that you may encounter at a standalone ATM.
Dirgahayu Valuta Prima PT
Dirgahayu Valuta Prima is one of the original pioneer money exchanges in Bali. In Ubud, there are three offices, at the corner of the Monkey Forest, in IB Manik street, and in the Wenara Wana Street. The rate in Dirgahayu Valuta Prima is usually slightly higher than what the BMC and Central Kuta money exchanges offer.
BMC Money Exchange
BMC has two outlets in Ubud. One is located in Raya Ubud street, and another one appears in Raya Pangosekan street, which is close to the Monkey Forest. Convenient as needed nearby the tourist attractions.
Central Kuta Money Exchange
The Central Kuta Money Exchange has three outlets in Ubud, all of them are situated in Raya Ubud street. This is one of the most popular to be used by tourists coming to visit the area.
Changing Money in the Lesser-Known Moneychangers
Ubud, just like any other tourist destination of Bali, has thousands of the hole-in-the-wall currency exchanges. Our advice would be to eliminate these places as a source; otherwise, there are many occasions that you may end up short of money as they are not as heavily regulated. If you are not sure whether the place is trustworthy, better to pass. All authorised money exchanges are obliged to have the official sign and their license number displayed.
When changing money in Ubud pay attention to the rate, appearance and location of the office. Dubious kiosks in the backstreets or numbers that appear at overvalued rate may not be trustworthy. If possible, always change money at the reputable authorised money exchanges, hotels or banks, and you will far reduce your chances of being short-changed. The beauty of preparation means you can enjoy the secluded paradise that is Ubud and other remote Bali areas without the stress of having to try and run around to find places that will give you best value.
Planning your fantastic holiday in Bali? Check out what to do and where to stay in Ubud: