Currency exchange advise

This is the last blog of my trip. I want to share the "policy" of accepting traveler's check or cash in the countries I visited.

• Dubai: there were 6 money changers in "City Center" mall, Dubai, and two banks near my hotel. None accepted traveler's check. I learn that traveler's check is not widely accepted in Dubai.
• Sydney: I did not exchange any cash or traveler's check. Instead, I withdrawn money from WestPac ATM, one of Bank of America's alliance. The fee or commission is zero.
• Bangkok: the exchange rates between money changers in the airport and downtown do not differ so much. Bank charges $1 commission for cashing a traveler's check.
• Bali: money changers are everywhere. Shop around for the best rate. Avoid the one with too-good-to-be-true exchange rate. They do not disclose the commission on the board. You just realize it when they hand out the money and something is missing. Remember Indonesian money changers or banks are very picky with the condition of the banknote. If the money is old and dirty, the value is less, or even they do not want it.
• Malaysia: money changers accept cash only. For traveler's check, go to the bank. Maybank charges MYR 10 (about $3) commission for every traveler's check transaction. Cash is preferable in Malaysia.
• Singapore: the rate for traveler's check is slightly lower than cash. For example, I get SGD 124 for USD 100 traveler's check, instead of SGD 126 for USD 100 cash.