Choose the counter before the rate Bali's critical distinction is between an authorised money changer and a small booth with an attractive board. Bank Indonesia says authorised KUPVA operators should display the BI logo, licence certificate and the words “Authorized Money Changer”. Check those before discussing the quote. Central Kuta's head office at 168 Sunset Road showed 4.1 from 143 Google reviews on 31 August 2026. Recent reviewers liked its range of currencies and receipt process. Two current reports described money or receipt discrepancies; lower reviews also mentioned slow service and rounding. Read the receipt and recount. MPB at Kartika Plaza showed 4.8 from 159 reviews. Visitors often praised quick service, a counting machine and no separate commission. Contrary reviews described a wide spread, stale pricing for an uncommon currency and rude service. The final rupiah total still matters more than the rating. MPB Sanur showed 4.8 from 89 reviews, while Central Kuta branches at Kuta Square and Oberoi showed 4.8 from 40 and 4.6 from 88. These are useful nearby reference points, not proof that every branch gives the same quote. The Bali counting rule Independent traveller reports repeatedly describe the same short-count trick at unverified booths: staff recount the pile, remove notes or distract with small change. Be the last person to touch the rupiah. Count it yourself once, do not hand the pile back, then compare it with the written total and receipt. Ask two authorised counters: “For these US$1,000 notes, what exact IDR total do I receive?” Confirm any condition or denomination adjustment first. If the airport quote is poor, exchange only transport money. An ATM can be safer, but cover the keypad, use a bank-attached machine and decline home-currency conversion. Crypto Indonesia's OJK publishes a whitelist of licensed or registered crypto operators. A Bali cash desk, villa visit or WhatsApp broker is not on that basis authorised. Verify the exact entity and cash service before sending crypto; never transfer to a personal wallet or let a courier hold both assets.