Major change could be coming for Aussie tourists heading to Bali: Here’s what you need to know
Australian travellers wanting to go to Bali may have to pay an even higher tourist tax upon arrival.
Indonesian politicians are pushing for an increase in the current fee, which they consider inadequate: $15 or IDR 150,000.
They propose to increase the fee to approximately IDR 800,000, which is equivalent to approximately $75 Australian dollars.
“This levy on foreign tourists is not yet effective, so we want to increase the role of other sectors such as immigration and the police,” Balinese politician Gede Komang Kresna Budi told reporters.
‘I think IDR 150,000 is too low, so Bali seems like a cheap tourist destination. That’s why we plan to increase it by $50 US dollars.
“Why should Bali be sold cheaply,” said Budi.
Bali introduced a $15 foreign tourist tax in February this year, which is mandatory for all international travelers and holidaymakers visiting the province.
The money will go towards helping the island cope with the millions of visitors who flock to its shores each year.
This includes building infrastructure, tackling Bali’s growing waste problem and funding a crackdown on bad tourist behaviour.
The $15 entrance fee to Bali, which was introduced on February 14, will increase to $75 to support the influx of visitors to the island
The tourist police conduct spot checks to ensure that travelers have paid the surcharge, but there are no fines or criminal penalties for not paying the tax, even though it is required by law.
However, according to the Bali Tourism Office, only 40 percent of tourists pay the required tourist tax.
A major reason for the problem is a lack of resources at Bali airport, including scanners and staff to verify payment.
The tourist police carry out spot checks to ensure that travellers pay the tax. However, no fines or criminal penalties are imposed if travellers do not pay the tax, even though this is required by law.
Acting Governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya believes there should be stricter consequences for tourists who do not pay.
“I hope that the Regional Regulation will include sanctions for tourists who do not pay tolls. For example, fines or sanctions,” he explained.