In this article we will talk about the most famous ways of cheating in exchangers.
Many of us, upon arriving on the island, relax in the tropical climate, admiring the natural beauty of Bali. We see the radiant smiles of the Indonesians and believe that no one here will deceive us!
Bali is indeed a beautiful island that can offer you many pleasant moments. However, do not forget about caution in matters of safety and finances.
We present to you the ten most popular schemes used by exchange office employees, through which you can lose your money.
1. Theft of part of the money during multiple recalculations
Situation: all the money has already been counted, and you are confident that the exchange has occurred fairly. But the employee takes the money again to count it one more time (why?). At this moment, he drops some of the money under the counter.
If the employee recounted the money and handed you a bundle, be sure to count it yourself. Remember: you should count the money LAST! Do not leave the exchange office until you have independently counted all the money!
2. Money in multiple bundles
It may seem like it should be simple and straightforward. Here's one million, here's another, here's the third. In reality, the more of these stacks on the table, the harder it is to keep track of each one. If you lose focus, the money can easily fall under the exchange office's counter.
When you are handed the final bundle, take it as a whole and count the ENTIRE sum again. After that, do not give it back for a recount. Thank them and leave. If you need to exchange a large amount of money, such as $1000, and you're afraid you won't be able to hold all the money in your hands, exchange it in increments of $500.
3. Different exchange rates for different bills
In Bali, dollars of different years of issue and different series have varying values. Exchange offices typically advertise rates for new one hundred dollar bills. Therefore, if you happen to exchange other bills, you might receive a lower amount.
Before exchanging money, show your bills and ask for the specific rate for them.
4. The distraction game
This trick is even used in reputable exchange offices. They might simply not give you the full amount, relying on the fact that you won't expect deception in a trusted exchange place.
If the final amount is incorrect, just inform the exchange office staff, and they will give you the remaining sum.
5. Device in conspiracy
During the calculation of the amount you should receive, the staff member skillfully presses the keys in a way that enters a sum less than what you should actually get.
Before making the exchange, calculate the correct amount you should receive using your phone's calculator.
6. Two-front scammers
While you are focused on ensuring that your amount is counted correctly and keeping an eye on the exchange staff's hands, a thief enters the exchange point and steals your bag.
When entering an exchange point, keep your bag or backpack in front of you, not behind or to the side. If someone tries to get too close, step away from them.
7. Strange people in the exchange office
If you are focused on the exchange and counting money, and strange-looking individuals enter the exchange office (with tattoos, mean expressions), you may feel a sense of danger, want to leave quickly, and not count your money attentively. These people could be "actors" working in collusion with the exchange office.
Try to avoid stress. When you're stressed, you tend to act irrationally. Just maintain distance from such individuals, stay confident, and continue counting your bills.
8. What Indonesian Rupiahs Look Like?
If you're in Indonesia and not familiar with the local currency, you might receive 100,000 Rupiah instead of a million.
Many people call Indonesian money "candy wrappers" due to their bright and colorful appearance. Pay attention to what the bills look like; there are old and new versions, which can slightly differ in color and design. Be mindful of the number of zeros.
9. Exchange Rate Ends in 999 or 99
In this case, the final amount you are supposed to receive involves a lot of coins. If you're not familiar with Indonesian money, you might receive less than you should.
First, get acquainted with the local currency, and then proceed with the exchange.
10. Distractions
There are various ways to divert your attention from the transaction. For instance, offerings for spirits and incense sticks are placed very close to customers to let the smoke get in their eyes.
There's no direct defense against this distraction method. Offerings should not be touched. However, if you follow all the previous tips for safe money exchange, the spirits might help you in their own way.
Additional Tips:
- Don't exchange a large sum of money at the airport.
The exchange rates there are the least favorable. Exchange 20 - 50 dollars to get to your hotel and then change money at your hotel. Exchange rates in hotels are also not very favorable.
2. Exchange the main sum of money in network exchange offices.
It's better to exchange money in a bank or choose an exchange office that is part of a large network. It's not in the company's interest to have fraudsters in their ranks, so they would rather maintain a good reputation.
There's a large network of exchange offices called Central Kuta. They have many branches, and there haven't been any complaints about them.
There are good reviews on the Dirgahayu Valuta Prima exchange network.
3. Don't exchange money at places where the rate is significantly higher than the standard.
4. What if you catch the scammers? Nothing will happen!
They will return your money, act offended, and say they don't want to do business with such people.
5. You don't need your passport for money exchange.
6. Don't walk out of the exchange office with money in your hands.
It's best to put it in your pocket. If you have a lot of money, you can use a bag, but make sure to keep it secure.
7. Avoid stress.
Maintain a harmonious and calm state of mind. It makes you more attentive and helps you avoid problems.
Be happy!
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