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Bali’s tourist police have been instructed to carry out more random checks on tourists to catch those who have not paid the tourist tax.
The new tourism tax levy, introduced on 14 February 2024, will require all international tourists to pay a tourism tax of IDR 150,000.
Although the new tourism tax has already raised $3.9 million, that’s only a fraction of what tourism officials should have in their bank accounts right now.
It is estimated that 60% of tourists do not pay the tourist tax.
The first round of tourist tax surprise inspections has been carried out at popular destinations such as Tanah Lot Temple, and officials have now been ordered to carry out a second round at other tourist sites.
“In accordance with Bali Provincial Local Regulation No. 6 of 2023 on Taxation of Foreign Tourists for the Protection of Bali’s Culture and Natural Environment, checks are being conducted at entrances, accommodations and tourist sites in Bali to identify paying and non-paying tourists,” Bali Tourism Board director Chok Bagus Pemayun told reporters.
The new surprise inspection sites are Goa Gajah Temple on the outskirts of Ubud, Tirta Empul Temple, also near Ubud, and Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Tabanan regency.
“We targeted these places because they attract a relatively large number of tourists,” Pemayun told reporters. [attractions]We also wanted to find out how many tourists paid the fee and how many didn’t.”
Pemayun confirmed that tourists who are unable to present a QR code voucher proving they have paid the tourist tax will have to pay the Rp150,000 on the spot.
“There will be no cash payments whatsoever. Everything will be done online. All this to ensure a comfortable holiday in Bali. Our guides and tourist drivers are also careful to always inform guests that they are dealing with this policy,” he said.
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“Just like the previous inspections in Uluwatu, our teams will inspect the payment slips,” Pemayun told reporters. [tourist attraction] Entrance.”
He also called for more efforts to be made to inform tourists about the new system, so they are not surprised and can pay before they leave for Bali, Pemayun added.
All foreign tourists visiting Bali must pay a fee of 150,000 rupiah, although there are exceptions, such as foreigners residing in Indonesia on a KITAS or KITAP visa.
However, you must also apply for an exception before arriving in Bali or when you arrive at a payment kiosk.
Applications for tourist tax exemption can be made on the Love Bali website or app, as can tourist tax payers themselves.
Pemayun also confirmed that some delegates visiting Bali as part of the World Water Forum from May 18-25 will also be exempt from paying the tourist tax.
With representatives from over 190 counties expected to attend, and more than 55,000 people in total, Pemayun said these visitors would include VVIPs.
“There are a few delegates who will be exempt. Even if multiple names are submitted, we will verify them first. A committee will decide which VVIPs will be exempted and the remaining amount will be paid by the delegations from 193 countries,” Pemayun explained.
