Found several money changers with decent exchange rates (9010 rupias per $1 11/27/06) in the Kota area: where Manga Besar street intersects with Jalan Hayam Wuruk (or across from Stadium disco or across from Mecure Rekso Hotel). Interestingly, if the 100s are not crisp and clean, they will not give you the highest rate. It's 5 minute taxi ride from Sparks. A few of them are open 24 hours. There are other exchange places throughout, but these I mentioned are in the areas you'll be near for hobbying anyways.

Don't even try going to a bank as they are very picky about year of print, serial number, etc. and reject most of your 100s.

I finally found a Money Changer inside Mangga Dua square for those staying at the Novotel. It's on the LG level blok A. Go to the far south entrance on the Gunung Shari side of the mall. You will see a restaraunt that specializes in Singapore dishes at the entrance. Enter the mall, go down the stairs, and you will find the Money Changer in the back. This changer is open from 10AM to 9PM.

Quite the sticklers these money changers. I had all newer, crisp 100s w/me and they gave diff't rates depending on the serial numbers for the 100s. The Flawless "F" serial numbers got the highest rate 8950 rupia/$, and the rest got 8900 rupia/$. Most places gave 8900.

(Message edited by mongerx on January 04, 2007)

This trip, found a decent monger changer right outside the Lokasari Mall (almost directly across from McDs). Good exchange rates and weren't as fussy with wanting only the perfect benjamins. If they money is cleaner, you get higher rates though. On one day, I was getting 12300 rupias/dollar here while others offered 12100.

I just went to the ATM when I was there....close to the Novetel

I have not compared the rates for money changers in Indo versus the ATM, but in Brazil the ATM certainly is the cheapest way to get money.

Now, the changers want 2006 crips (perfect) 100 bills for their best exchange rates. They will take other years but will give you a slightly ower x rate. Kinda sad how the dollar has sunk so low, latest I got was 9450 when in the summer I was getting 11700 or even 12000.