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The Bali currency exchange scam you need to know about

Don't fall for it.
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Have you got a trip planned to Bali for Christmas? Have you already exchanged currency or do you plan to do it there?

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An Aussie couple on holiday in Bali have been scammed while exchanging cash in Kuta. The husband and wife were left short-changed by 2.2 million rupiah, which is roughly $216 AUD.

According to local media and police, the incident occurred on Padma Utara street in Kuta. The duo handed over $1175 AUD but once they arrived back at their hotel and counted the money, they realised there was a discrepancy and they also hadn’t received a receipt.

bali currency

The couple contacted authorities and as a result, the money changer was shut down as well as their electricity shut off.

The case was luckily resolved with the money changer returning the money to the Australians and no charges were pressed.

Expert advice

The Australian government service Smartraveller has shared safety advice for those travelling to Indonesia and warned Aussies to beware of scams and confidence tricks. 

The website states to only exchange money at authorised money changers.

“Authorised money changers can also be found on the Bali Foreign Exchange website. Unauthorised money changers have been known to scam foreign tourists in Bali and elsewhere.”

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