Medan city as one of the big cities and center of commerce in West North Indonesia has various banks, mostly at the level of main branch office then followed by sub branches spread over the city. Yet for foreign currency it is better to come to the main branches to get better rate if exchanging moony or cashing a credit card or travelers checque. All major currencies can be exchanged in Medan while for Asian countries easy to change are Malaysian Ringgit, Singapore dollars, and Japanese Yen. The best place to change money are at BCA bank, Lippo Bank, Danamon Bank, and BNI and Bank Mandiri. One an also change money at the hotel cashier or some travel agents if forced to after the bank working hours.

ATM counters can also be found at almost every place in the city belong to BCA, BNI, Danamon, and otters in cooperation with Cirrus, Visa, and Master Card. For visa is a bit difficult and can be tried at BCA and Danamon bank. Try to call the bank before heading to their office for inquiry. It is a pity that Amex is now almost disappear, not only in Medan, but in all Indonesian cities.

If one goes to outside Medan especially to Berastagi to Parapat and lake Toba it will be difficult to find good rates for exchange money, although plenty of money salers can be found, yet for safety Master Card would be the most easier mean to manage your payment with interest between 2,5 to 3% per transaction. For small shops at the destinations such as souvenir shops or small restaurants can not charge credit card. So when one deal with local small merchant must bring cash.

Lately the value of Indonesian Rupiah has been experiencing great pressure and causing big devaluation compared to the year of 1990s when US$ 1 equivalent with Rp 2.500, and today still unstable exchange rates between Rupiah and the main currency of the world such as US Dollars, Euro, and Pound Sterling. The range can move between Rp 9.000 to Rupiah 9.400 during a month. The good thing with the devaluation of Indonesian Rupiah, those travelers will find the cost in Indonesia or Medan and North Sumatra in specific place much cheaper compared to other countries furthermore to the countries such as Europe, America, Japan and Australia. This is a good time for one to travel to any place in Indonesia including Medan or North Sumatra.