Travel Tips

Be careful when changing money. Sorry to say but we hear too many stories of tourists being cheated at one money changer or another. One of the more popular current scams goes something like this:

You see an exchange rate that seems to good to pass up - so you give it a go. The money changer calculates how much Rupiah you will receive and proceeds to count it out in front of you. After this he/she will ask you to count it again - so far so good. You agree and the amount is correct. You're happy and ready to leave until the changer asks to count it again - Just to make sure. How thoughtful you think and you let the changer count it again. The amount is right and you're asked to count it yet one more time - you do and everything seems fine.

Now you're ready to leave - but wait, the changer wants to count it - yes - one more time. You're thinking these people are sooo careful. Well this recounting goes on until the changer feels you're not paying attention and money literally falls off the table. At some point you won't count it the last time and after you're long gone you realize you've been short changed.

Rule No. 1 Don't let the money you are changing out of sight or out of reach in case you want to walk.

Rule No. 2 Pay attention. You don't need to count 6 times. If you find yourself in this situation refer to Rule No. 1 - Pick up your money and walk to the nearest bank.