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Bali's Tourism Tax: What You Need To Know Before Your Next Trip

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Bali's Tourism Tax: What You Need To Know Before Your Next Trip

Bali has introduced a tourism tax for tourists coming to visit the island.

This tax is in addition to visa fees, such as the Visa On Arrival that most tourists obtain for their holiday.

I know this tax will add extra costs to a family holiday. However, I'm pleased that the funds from Bali's tourist tax go to protect and keep alive the Balinese culture we come to Bali to experience.

The Bali government promises that every dollar helps fix temples, support traditional dances, and teach the stories that make this place unique.


What You Need To Know

Starting February 14, 2024, all tourists must pay a new Bali tax of IDR 150,000 (approximately US$10) per person, which applies to children as well as adults.

The tourism tax does not apply to locals, permanent residents, Golden Visa holders, or ASEAN members.

You can pay the tax online before you arrive or in person at places like Ngurah Rai Airport using QRIS. The government says this will reduce queues, but I will be interested to see if those who pay in advance are fast-tracked through or not.

You can pay the tax online up to two months in advance of your arrival date. My recommendation is to pay around 15 days before you arrive (not more) just to be safe because the tax and its systems are new.

The extra fee is claimed to improve the tourist experience by funding eco-friendly activities and cultural learning.

At the end of the first week of the new tax being introduced, reports are emerging of travelers having difficulty with the online payment facility.

If you have difficulty paying at the Bali tax official online payment facility don’t be too worried. You can pay on arrival at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

There have been reports of queues, but Bali government officials are in talks with airport officials to have more counters set up and I expect that will happen in the next few days.

All new systems have teething problems that are hard to simulate in the lead-up to a launch.

So far, after 10 days of the introduction of the tax, around 76,000 tourists have paid the new tax, generating over IDR 11 billion in revenue, and that has been a good stress-test for the system and highlighted areas for improvement.

What is this new tax for?

The money from this tax will help keep Bali's culture alive, protect nature, and make sure visitors have a great experience.

Bali wants to take care of its beautiful places and traditions while making sure tourists have an awesome time without harming the environment.


Purpose of Bali's Tourism Tax

The purpose of Bali's tourism tax is threefold:

  • To preserve the cultural heritage of the island;

  • To protect its natural environment; and

  • To enhance the overall tourist experience.

This tax seeks to support sustainable tourism practices that benefit both visitors and local communities.

Preservation of Heritage

It feels good to know a small tax from my visit contributes directly to something meaningful.

Bali bursts with amazing ceremonies like Melasti and Nyepi—times when everyone comes together to celebrate our human spirit. The tax ensures these traditions stay strong for future generations.

I see it as giving back to a land that gives us, as visitors, so much beauty.

It’s a way we can help maintain what we come here to experience.

Nature Conservation

Just like we work to keep our cultural landmarks alive, protecting Bali's natural spaces is key.

This new tourism tax helps Bali do just that. Bali’s beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs are home to amazing wildlife and plants.

By paying the tourism tax, visitors support efforts to take care of these places for generations to come.

Money from the tax goes towards cleaning up trash and keeping Bali beautiful.

The tax also focuses on protecting animals' homes and making sure nature stays balanced. Everyone who enjoys Bali helps in this mission by contributing through tax.

The tax will hopefully make a big difference in maintaining Bali’s environment as a stunning backdrop for our memories.

Enhancement of Tourist Experiences

Enhancement of tourist experiences in Bali is a priority for Love Bali, aiming to offer visitors a deep and authentic connection with the island's rich culture and natural beauty.

By investing in sustainable tourism initiatives, such as preserving ancient temples, organizing traditional performances, and maintaining pristine beaches, tourists can immerse themselves in the true essence of Bali.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to provide educational opportunities for visitors to learn about Balinese traditions and engage in meaningful interactions with local communities.

The introduction of eco-friendly tours and activities also allows tourists to explore Bali's stunning landscapes while minimizing their environmental impact.

From guided treks through lush rice terraces to snorkeling excursions along vibrant coral reefs – every experience is designed not only for enjoyment but also for contributing positively to the local environment and society.

Conclusion

The new tourism tax came into effect on 14th February 2024. It's IDR150,000 per person - including children. The levy aims to preserve Bali's culture and nature.


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