Bali Implements $10 Tourism Tax for Foreign Visitors

_{Photo: Unsplash}

Bali has implemented a $10 tax for foreign tourists entering the province, effective from Wednesday. This move, announced last year, aims to preserve Bali's culture and environment, earning it the nickname "Island of Gods." The tax is applicable to international travelers arriving from abroad or other parts of Indonesia, excluding domestic tourists, diplomatic visa holders, and ASEAN nationals.

The levy, introduced by the Indonesian government, is seen as a protective measure. Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, Bali's acting governor, emphasized its purpose for safeguarding the island's rich cultural heritage and environment. The tax is mandatory for all international travelers, regardless of age and gender, including children. Tourists are required to pay the tax each time they arrive in Bali.

To facilitate payment, an online portal named "Love Bali" has been established for electronic transactions. Alternatively, tourists can pay at arrival points such as airports and seaports using various methods like credit cards, bank transfers, virtual accounts, or QRIS (a QR code standard for cashless payments developed by Bank Indonesia and Indonesian Payment System Association).

Bali, celebrated for its pristine beaches and landscapes, is a magnet for tourists. Official data reveals that nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali between January and November last year. Tourism played a crucial role, contributing approximately 60% to Bali's annual GDP before the pandemic.

Australia was the largest contributor of foreign tourists to Bali in November 2023, with over 100,000 arrivals, according to the province's statistics bureau. India, China, and Singapore followed suit.

Despite its popularity, Bali has faced challenges with misbehaving tourists. Incidents, including a Russian man being deported for nudity at a sacred site, led to government actions. Plans to ban foreign tourists from using motorbikes and the publication of an etiquette guide demonstrate efforts to maintain cultural respect and order.

Feb. 15, 2024 1:21 p.m. 2377

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