Currency & Money Stuff

ATM is most common way for Australians to access their money.
Watch for bank fees. ANZ were charging me $8 per transaction.
Some ATM's, you can't get more than 400,000Rp (AUD$65)
Bank BNI in Kuta = 600,000Rp max.
Bank BCA in Ubud = 400,000Rp max.
Bank Lippo in Legian St, Kuta (near McDonalds) = 1,000,000.00Rp Max (AUD$160) and you won't find better than that - it also gives out 50,000Rp notes which is perfect.
Bank Lippo in Popies 1 (at the "K" mini-market) = 1,000,000.00Rp Max (AUD$160) and also gives out 50,000Rp notes.

Look out for the notes the ATM give-out, it will either say 100,000Rp or 50,000Rp - only use the ATM's with 50,000Rp else you will find it very difficult to get change. I found that out the hard way, but managed ok since I then found an exchanger who was willing to change them to 50,000Rp notes.

Travellers Cheques - bring in $100-$500 or equiv. and use as backup, or when you see an excellent rate of exchange.

Cash - have a good stock of 100Rp, 500Rp, 1,000 Rp, 5,000 Rp, 10,000Rp, 20,000Rp
Credit Cards - I found them pointless, but if you are going over for business, I'm sure a few wholesale places would accept them, and maybe if you are not doing the whole "budget accommodation" thing. Bring as a backup.

Rupiah(Rp.)
Coins - 50, 100, 500, 1000, Rp.
Notes - 100 500 1000 5000 10,000 20,000 50,000 100,000

Conversion is approx 6200Rp = AUD$1.00
(actually, it fluctuates from about 6,200Rp up to about 6,700Rp)

Money Exchangers:
I didn't have a problem with them, but then I asked other travellers which they recommended and got the honest ones. Other travellers that I spoke to weren't so lucky, so watch when they count out your money, have your own calculator, exchange in $100 dollar increments so its easy to work out the exchange rate in your head. Re-count it in front of them before you leave. They like to be tricky such as counting out many different looking notes, watch out especially if they try to distract you while counting out the money, as many work in pairs. If you do get stung, go get security/police and hope they are still there.

Change:
It is common for Supermarkets/Shopping centres to give you candy (mentos) instead of coin change.