Bali tourist tax: What you need to know

Planning a trip to Bali? In addition to getting ready for your adventure, pay attention to the Bali tourist tax, which applies to visitors from the UK.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the tax, including how it works, how much it costs and who needs to pay it. We’ll show you how Wise can help with paying the tax and managing other travel expenses while abroad.

The international Wise card can be used in 150+ countries, including Indonesia, letting you spend and withdraw cash like a local and at the mid-market exchange rate too.

What is the Bali tourist tax?

The Bali tourist tax is paid by all international visitors entering Bali. This tax is charged by the Bali provincial government, so it only applies to Bali and not the rest of Indonesia. You’ll also need to pay it if you’re traveling to Bali from another part of Indonesia.¹

This tax helps protect Bali's nature and culture, including its arts and local customs. The funds are reinvested into the tourism sector to enhance your experience and that of other visitors.¹

Holders of certain visas are exempt from paying the Bali tourist tax, either automatically or by applying for an exemption. The following categories are automatically exempt:

• Holders of diplomatic visas
• Crew members of conveyances
• KITAS (Temporary stay permit) and KITAP (Permanent stay permit) holders
• Holders of family unification visas
• Student visa holders¹

Some individuals can apply for an exemption at least five days before arrival. They fall into the following categories:

• Golden visa holders
• Holders of any visa with a travel purpose other than tourism¹

How much is the tourist tax?

The Bali tourist tax is 150,000 IDR, which is less than £8. There’s an additional 4,500 IDR surcharge when you pay online.¹

This is a one-time fee, unlike many other tourist taxes that are charged per night.¹

How do you pay the tourist tax?

You can pay the Bali tourist tax either online or in person.

To pay online, visit the official Bali tourism website and follow the easy steps. First, select the currency you want to pay in and choose your payment method. After entering your personal details and completing the payment, you'll receive a QR code sent to your email address.²

If, for any reason, you don't apply online, you can pay the tax at the airport upon arrival. There are checkpoints after you enter Bali where you can do this.²

Since you might be paying the Bali tourist tax in a different currency, using Wise could be a great solution. Wise converts your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate, with a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account. You can also use your Wise card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Bali.

Tips for travelling to Bali

Before you head to Bali, here are some travel tips you might find useful:

• Drink bottled water: To avoid the infamous "Bali Belly," stick to bottled water instead of tap water.
• Make sure your vaccinations are up to date: Check that you’ve received the recommended vaccines.
• Use mosquito repellent: There’s a high risk of dengue fever in the rainy months, so be careful.
• Be respectful of the local culture: Cover your shoulders and legs when visiting temples and follow local etiquette.
• Ask locals about their favourite spots: Find out about the best hidden gems directly from the locals.

Travelling to Bali? Spend like a local with the Wise card

The Bali travel tax is imposed by the local provincial government, so it only applies to Bali and not the rest of Indonesia. All foreign visitors to Bali must pay the tax, which is 150,000 IDR, plus an additional 4,500 IDR when applying online. If you fail to apply online, you can pay the tax at the airport upon arrival.

And if you’re looking for a good option for spending in Bali, consider the Wise card. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Indonesia and 150+ more countries. You can also pay for car rentals, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

Discover the Wise card

FAQs about the Bali tourist tax

Let’s go through some commonly asked questions about the Bali tourist tax:

Can I pay the Bali tourist tax at the airport?

Yes, if you don’t manage to pay the tax before travelling, you can do this at the Bali airport.²

When did the Bali tourist tax start?

The Bali tourism tax has been in effect since February 14th, 2024. There’s no indication that the tax will be removed, so it seems likely to be permanent.²

What happens if you don't pay Bali tourist tax?

If you refuse to pay the Bali tourist tax, you could be banned from entering Bali in the future.²

How to request an exemption from the Bali tourist tax?

You can request an exemption on the same website where you pay the Bali tourist tax. You'll need to provide some additional information, such as your nationality, arrival date, exemption category and the purpose of your stay.³

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 03-Mar-2025