So much research about best exchange rates in Batam....
Definitely, as Nono suggested, always ask in at least 3 places before changing, if you plan to change at least few hundreds dollars. And avoid the port. The more you move into town, the better rates can be found.
I remember someone here, just few years ago, who was considering and insisting to debate the possibility to investigate market inefficiencies in Batam, which he speculated could allow to make money by exchanging currencies circularly in Batam
, that is currency A to currency B, then B to C, then back C to A, along different money changers.
LOL
Of course, earning something by closing such a loop is IMPOSSIBLE, unless some money changer is applying wrong rates (that is, not in its interest) or unless we delay the steps enough to get the market exchange rates moving in the direction in our favour (this is always possible, but, as for scalping on the stock exchange, the rates can also move in the other direction).
There are some big investment funds, who make money by buying some good (currency, commodity, stocks, ....) say in the HK market and simultaneously selling it say in NY, but they exploit minimal market inefficiencies which can yield significant earning only by moving huge amounts of money.
