Bali has long been one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia. The island in Indonesia is located at the western end of the Lesser Sunda Islands and draws millions each year, making it one of the most popular destinations for international visitors who come to experience its mountains, tropical beaches, lush forests, scenic rice fields, sacred temples, and rich culture that never disappoints. Unfortunately, the high volume of visitors has placed pressure on Bali’s public spaces, religious sites, and natural environment. Locals have raised concerns about overcrowding, littering, and poor behavior at sacred temples, along with the strain all of those visitors place on the basic infrastructure. In response, the Bali Provincial Government introduced a tourism tax on February 14, 2024.
Bali isn’t alone in instituting a tourism tax. Many countries across Asia and Europe put these taxes in place to benefit financially from the surplus of tourists, usually directing the money toward infrastructure and public services that tourists rely on. In fact, the United States has the highest tourist tax in the world, in Honolulu. Bali’s tax requires all international visitors to make a one-time payment of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah (less than $10 at the time of writing). With the tourism tax, the government hopes to lessen the damage caused by overtourism and help Bali maintain the very qualities that make it worth visiting in the first place. Every rupiah collected will be directed to programs aimed at protecting the environment via ecosystem restoration as well as preserving Balinese traditions and art, maintaining temples, and improving waste management. For travelers worried about transparency, the provincial government is working on a public platform that will allow visitors to track exactly how their money is spent. This is an effort aimed at building trust and encouraging continued support from the global travel community.
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How to pay Bali’s new tourism tax
Two tourists taking selfie in Bali – Aydinmutlu/Getty Images
The great news is that paying Bali’s new tourism tax is simple. The fee can be paid online through the official Love Bali website or app or at designated counters at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport upon arrival. Remember to only use those two services to pay the tax — otherwise, you risk getting scammed. However, airport and immigration officers do not always check for proof of payment — this is a fairly recent policy, after all. While this has caused confusion and led some tourists to skip it intentionally, local authorities have begun taking enforcement seriously. Tourism police have been seen visiting major tourist spots, asking visitors to show their tax receipts. While penalties aren’t always imposed — the police will likely let you just pay it on the spot if you don’t give them trouble — fines can be issued for not paying the tax. The last thing anyone wants is to be reprimanded or confronted by police in public while on holiday. For your own peace of mind, it’s best to pay online ahead of your trip and keep your confirmation email handy in case you’re asked to show proof.
Exemptions do exist, as diplomats and official visa holders are not required to pay the tourism tax. Student visa holders, those with worker visas or limited stay visas, and family members of Balinese citizens are also exempt. Golden Visa holders and anyone traveling for purposes other than tourism may also be eligible for a waiver — just apply through the official tourism website. All other international visitors, including children of any age, are required to pay the tax in full. Complying with the Bali tourist tax is a meaningful way to help the island remain the paradise people dream about.
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Read the original article on Explore.