Lubuklinggau is a reasonably large town. The main street is lined with motorcycle repair shops, small cafes, hairdressers, an array of small business, hawker stalls … and banks. Plenty of banks. Not surprising really, afterall it is the northern railhead of the southern Sumateran line.

Change money? Not in Lubuklinggau . We arrived here thinking that we would convert a few of our AUD into Rupiah, pay for our hotel, buy some tucker, and get back on the horse and ride north.

Not in Lubuklinggau , and we finally figured that out after 5 banks. Money transfer? Need someone here to transfer the money too. Hmmm… maybe an option, but can take 5 days.

Cash advance on CC? Sorry… no do in Lubuklinggau .

Western Union?… not in Lubuklinggau .

When it seems that we have only two options left… hitch out of town, or stand on a street corner, the bank manager at bank number 6 takes pity on destitute Aussies and converts 200 smackers for us in a transaction that has to be conducted in the basement behind the aircon unit… out of view of the security cameras. Why would he want AUD ? Maybe he is planning a cruise to Christmas Island?

Cashed up we head for the border.