As the island gets ready for Nyepi (Bali’s Silent Day) on Thursday, Bali banks say that local ATMs will once again be switched off, starting from tomorrow afternoon.
“Most of the ATMs outside of offices [not attached to a bank] will be turned off Wednesday (6/3) starting at 12 noon. They will be active again Friday (8/3) at 7am,” said Iman Karana, a representative of Bank Indonesia, as quoted in detiknews today.
While free-standing ATMs will gradually be turned off from noon, those within banks will be suspended at around 6pm, according to the source. In addition, electronic data capture (EDC) machines throughout Bali will also be turned off during Nyepi meaning that any transactions on the night will need to be made in cash.
Cellular data services will also be suspended for the second year running. The decision comes after pressure from religious groups, concerned that internet and social sites in particular would deter from the true spirit of the holy day.
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