Bali money changers take heat

Bali money changers take heat

JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Money Changers (APVA) in Bali
said it has received constant complaints from foreign tourists
regarding the activities of unauthorized money changers.

Chairman of APVA in Bali Tenterem Wisnawa said over the
weekend that many foreign tourists were complaining they were
deceived while exchanging their foreign currencies at local money
changers.

"Fraud activities like this can harm Bali's image," Tenterem
told Antara.

He said it was difficult to eradicate these illegal practices
that had mushroomed in Bali's tourism centers.

"People open their practices in restaurants, shops and even in
buses carrying foreign tourists," he said.

According to Bank Indonesia's records, Bali has 127 licensed
money changer companies with 600 branch offices, while 40
companies are awaiting their licenses. (03)