Bali Expands Convenient Payment Options for Tourism Tax to Enhance Visitor Compliance
Bali, Indonesia – August 20, 2025 — In a bid to improve compliance and support environmental conservation efforts, the Bali Provincial Government has introduced expanded and more convenient payment options for the island’s mandatory tourism tax. Since its launch in February 2024, the tourism tax, a levy of IDR 150,000 charged to all international visitors departing Bali, has faced challenges in achieving widespread compliance. With new initiatives underway, authorities aim to simplify the payment process and increase awareness among tourists.
Background: Tourism Tax Implementation and Challenges
Bali’s tourism tax came into effect over 18 months ago as part of an effort to generate funding for environmental protection and sustainable tourism initiatives. However, the policy has struggled to reach its full potential. Many international tourists remain unaware of the tax or find the payment process inconvenient. Moreover, the absence of enforcement measures such as fines for non-payment has further contributed to lower compliance rates.
Currently, travelers have two primary options to pay the tourism tax: either at the payment counter inside I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport upon arrival, using card payment, or digitally via the LoveBali website and mobile application, a platform managed by the Bali Provincial Government. Despite these options, many tourists bypass the airport counter due to time constraints, and the digital platform remains underutilized due to limited publicity and visibility.
New Measures to Simplify Payment and Increase Accessibility
Acknowledging these challenges, the Bali Provincial Government has announced plans to broaden the payment infrastructure across the island, making it easier for visitors to fulfill the tax obligation during their stay. A pivotal new development is the partnership with local travel agents and tour operators, who are being invited to register as official tourism tax payment points.
The Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) is actively encouraging its members to join the initiative. To date, 354 travel agents have signed up as designated payment points, with the association optimistic that all members will eventually participate. This collaboration integrates the tax payment more seamlessly into the tourism service chain, enabling tourists to pay at venues familiar and convenient to them.
Incentives for Travel Agents and Tour Operators
In addition to promoting easier payment access, the government offers a 3% commission on each IDR 150,000 tourism tax payment processed by registered travel agents and tour operators. While the commission is modest, it serves as an incentive to encourage active participation by tourism stakeholders and enhances the service value offered to clients.
ASITA Chairman, I Putu Winastra, underscored the significance of supporting the tourism tax initiative, emphasizing its role in protecting Bali’s environment. Following consultations with Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster, ASITA promptly distributed registration links to its members, facilitating an efficient rollout of the new payment system.
Expansion to Other Tourism Sectors
Beyond travel agencies, the Bali Tourism Office is preparing to collaborate with a wider range of tourism service providers, including hotels, villas, cruise operators, and tourist attractions. By establishing these popular locations as additional payment points, the government aims to embed the tax payment process more naturally into tourists’ experiences on the island.
Wayan Sumarajaya, Head of the Bali Tourism Office, confirmed that the rollout of these new payment points would soon be underway. This expansion is expected to further increase the number of tourists who comply with the tax requirement, subsequently supporting Bali’s financial targets related to tourism management and environmental preservation.
Looking Forward: A Sustainable and Efficient Tourism Tax System
With these enhancements, Bali’s tourism tax system is on course to become an integral and user-friendly component of the island’s tourism infrastructure. The government’s close collaboration with local businesses and industry professionals reflects a commitment to establishing a seamless payment experience for visitors while bolstering the preservation of Bali’s natural beauty.
As Bali continues to revive and strengthen its position as a premier global travel destination, the improved tourism tax framework is a crucial step toward ensuring the island’s long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship. By making it easier for tourists to contribute, Bali ensures that future generations will benefit from the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
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