With its idyllic white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush jungle, temples, unique culture, and low prices, Bali is undoubtedly one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. However, due to the damaging effects of mass tourism, the Indonesian government has recently decided to take action.
Here are the details of the new Bali tourist tax.
Impact of the new Bali tourist tax
Since February 14, 2024, Bali has introduced a tax for foreign travelers with the aim of “preserving its culture and environment”.
Visitors must now fork out 150,000 rupiah (~ $13) to enjoy the splendors and the landscapes of the “Island of the Gods”.
It doesn’t sound like much, but don’t forget that Bali is a very affordable place! In fact, this tax is the full price of one night in a well-rated accommodation, either in a nice hostel if you’re traveling solo or in a beautiful hotel if you’re splitting the cost between 2 people.
So since everything is cheap in Bali, the new tax hurts less.
Let me remind you, because it’s important: choosing more affordable countries is one of the 6 most important tips for traveling for less. And it’s the easiest one… you don’t need to change anything or do anything differently, you just need to stop always traveling to North America or Western Europe!
This is one of my simple tricks to be able to travel 11 and a half months per year, for not much more than what many unfortunately pay for 2-3 trips to expensive countries. That and the travel rewards tip too, of course.
Speaking of, if you want to save even more money and stay in even more superb hotels worth 3 times more, Bali is the best place to take advantage of the new deal that gives you 22 completely free nights (if you have a travel buddy, otherwise “just” 11 nights).
This is THE only deal we recommend for all travelers, without any exceptions. The increased offer is for a limited time only and usually comes back just once a year.
I tested the 2 beautiful hotels in question in Bali myself and they were awesome, don’t miss my detailed article soon.
How to pay the new Bali tourist tax
You have 2 options to pay the new tax:
- Pay before your trip
- Quick to do in just a few clicks
- Via the Love Bali platform
- Pay on arrival at Bali-Denpasar airport (DPS)
- Involves waiting in line at the airport
As with almost everything in the world of travel, if you invest a little time while you’re preparing for your trip, you’ll save time while you’re traveling (and your time is much more limited when you’re traveling).
This tax applies to all non-Indonesian tourists arriving in Bali from abroad or even from other parts of Indonesia. Indonesian tourists are not affected. You also don’t have to pay it if you have a student or family reunification visa, for example.
If “the Island of the Gods” has been a dream of yours for years, you can still live your best life there and make others envious on social media, but it will just cost you a little bit more.
Motivation behind the new Bali tourist tax
According to the former governor, the funds collected will be invested in initiatives to support the preservation of culture and the environment, as well as to improve the infrastructure in place to guarantee the comfort and safety of both locals and travelers.
It’s indeed true that since the end of the pandemic, Bali has been overcrowded with tourists, much more than before. Everyone said so, but I noticed it myself.
The government’s strict decision to impose a new tax stems from a series of incivilities perpetrated by travelers over the last few years.
In 2023, the former governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, was even considering banning the rental of motorcycles and scooters to foreign visitors.
This idea was motivated by the large number of accidents involving foreigners who don’t respect the Balinese highway code, sometimes driving without a T-shirt, helmet, or even a license.
For now, motorcycle rental is still authorized for foreign tourists in Bali.
Another worrying problem is the presence of nearly-naked travelers in temples and sacred sites, a behavior that is highly offensive to locals.
In 2023, the government of Bali responded by publishing a guide for travelers describing behaviors to avoid in public places.
Another example of a similar tax for tourists
Bali is not the only tourist destination to take such measures.
The Italian city of Venice, another destination that ranks among the worst in terms of overtourism, has also decided to introduce an access tax of €5 (~ $7) in 2025.
But this one will be only for visitors who go there without staying at least one night in any kind of accommodation. This notably includes cruise ship passengers who invade the city only for a few hours.
The Venetian tax payment system will be tested for 20 specific days in 2024, from May to mid-July.
Learning how to travel for less
Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less!
What would you like to know about the new Bali tourist tax? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: Bali, Indonesia (photo credit: Alfiano Sutianto)
