You’ve packed your bags, double-checked your passport, and are counting down the hours until your flight to Bali — but one important question still lingers:
“Should you exchange your money in Australia or wait until you arrive in Bali?”
It’s one of the most common dilemmas among Australian travelers heading to Indonesia. Choosing the right place to exchange your money can make a noticeable difference in how much spending money you’ll actually have on your trip.
Before boarding your flight, exchanging your money in Australia might feel like the smart and hassle-free move. You’re in familiar territory, and it seems convenient to sort out your currency before landing. However, once you arrive in Bali, you might notice something interesting — the exchange rate there is often more favorable.
The truth is, you’ll almost always get better rates in Bali than in Australia. The difference might be around 3–8%, depending on the day and location, but that can translate into a decent amount of extra rupiah — especially if you’re exchanging hundreds or thousands of Australian dollars. That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your priorities: convenience, safety, or maximizing value.
Let’s break it down so you can make an informed decision.
1. Exchanging Money in Australia
If you prefer peace of mind and want to have some Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) ready upon arrival, exchanging a small amount in Australia makes sense. You can find money changers in airports, shopping centers, or through your local bank.
However, Australian exchange offices typically have higher service fees and less competitive rates than those found in Bali.
For example, if 1 AUD equals 10,000 IDR in Bali, you might get only around 9,300–9,500 IDR per AUD in Australia.
So while it’s convenient, you’re effectively losing a portion of your travel budget before your trip even begins.
Best for:
Travelers who prefer to arrive with cash in hand Short trips where convenience matters more than small rate differences Those who don’t want to deal with exchange counters after a long flight
2. Exchanging Money at Bali Airport
Once you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), you’ll find multiple licensed money changers and bank counters in both the Arrival and Departure halls. These are safe and official, but keep in mind that airport exchange rates are usually 5–10% lower than those offered in the city.
That’s why most travelers exchange only a small amount — usually around USD 50–100 or AUD 70–150 — to cover immediate needs such as:
Taxi fares
SIM card purchases
First-day meals or snacks
Then, once they settle into their accommodation, they head to a local money changer in areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu to get much better rates.
3. Exchanging Money in Bali City Areas
This is where you’ll find the best value for your Australian dollars. Authorized money changers in tourist-friendly areas offer more competitive rates and transparent transactions.
Among the most reputable is Best Money Changer, a well-known company officially licensed by Bank Indonesia. It’s trusted by both locals and international travelers for its reliability, transparency, and professionalism.
Why Choose Best Money Changer:
Licensed by Bank Indonesia (officially recognized) Transparent, updated exchange rates — no hidden fees Printed receipts for every transaction Professional, English-speaking staff Convenient branches near major tourist destinations
Locations:
- Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali Airport)
- Kuta
- Sanur
- Canggu
- Legian
- Seminyak
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Daily)
The convenience of having a branch at the airport and multiple branches around the island makes it easy for travelers to exchange safely at any time.
Where Should You Exchange Your Money?
So, should you exchange your money in Australia or Bali?
The best choice for most travelers is Bali.
Here’s why:
- Better exchange rates: You’ll get more Rupiah for your Australian dollars.
- More availability: Many reliable, licensed money changers are located across tourist areas.
- Convenience: You can still exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate use.
Read this article to know more: https://bestmoneychanger.com/is-it-better-to-exchange-money-in-bali-or-australia/
The smartest approach?
Exchange a little in Australia or at the Bali airport for your first day, then exchange the rest at a trusted location like Best Money Changer for maximum value and peace of mind.
Contact us now!
Whatsapp: +6285167063510 or Click me