Bali to Expand Digital Payment Systems at Major Tourist Attractions in 2026
As Bali continues to embrace modernization in its tourism sector, a significant push to implement more digital payment systems is underway at the island’s top tourist destinations. This move reflects broader global trends toward cashless transactions and aims to enhance convenience, transparency, and efficient tax management within Bali’s vibrant tourism industry.
From Cash to Cards: Bali’s Payment Evolution
In the past, tourists visiting Bali primarily relied on cash or traveler’s cheques, especially outside premium venues where card payments were a rarity. Although cash remains widely used across many parts of the island, an increasing number of popular attractions are adopting digital payment options. Visitors are now encouraged to carry international debit or credit cards alongside some cash to navigate this evolving landscape smoothly.
Several factors drive this shift. Besides aligning with worldwide banking and digital payment practices, digital transactions better cater to tourists’ preferred payment methods. Importantly, for government-managed tourist sites, these systems provide crucial transparency and ensure accurate tax reporting.
Buleleng Regency Leads Digital Payment Rollout Efforts
Focusing on northern Bali, the Buleleng Tourism Office revealed plans to broaden the deployment of e-ticketing and digital payment devices throughout the region’s 25 official tourism spots. According to I Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, the current setup with only 13 e-ticketing devices falls short of covering all attractions that contribute to tourism tax revenue.
To address this, the office intends to secure funding in 2026 through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) grant from the Bali Regional Development Bank (BPD). Askara noted challenges in procuring devices independently due to national utilization regulations (TKDN) and the necessity for system compatibility with BPD infrastructure. The goal is to obtain approximately 40 devices to fully service the region’s attractions.
“We tried to procure it ourselves, but because the system is connected to BPD and doesn’t meet TKDN requirements, we couldn’t,” Askara explained. “Therefore, we submitted a grant application for 2026, hoping to implement the devices as soon as possible.”
Rising Tourism Demand in Buleleng
Tourism in Buleleng Regency is expected to surge, especially during the coming festive season, with about 90% of the area’s top hotels already projecting full occupancy. According to Askara, many hotels are experiencing bookings that exceed 90% for the Christmas and New Year period, with some even temporarily closing due to maximum capacity.
This upward trend highlights the importance of improving payment infrastructure to enhance visitor experience and operational efficiency during peak seasons.
Buleleng: Bali’s Untapped Tourist Gem
Covering much of north and northwest Bali, Buleleng remains less frequented by international tourists compared to the southern regions like Badung Regency. However, it offers some of the island’s most stunning natural and cultural attractions.
Pemuteran Village, renowned for its community-driven conservation tourism, recently earned recognition as the UN World Tourism Organisation’s Best Tourism Village in the World. The region also holds the lush, waterfall-rich area of Munduk, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Moreover, Buleleng is the gateway to the West Bali National Park, home to diverse wildlife such as wild deer, monitor lizards, vibrant marine species, and the critically endangered Bali Starling.
Looking Ahead
With Bali’s commitment to integrating more digital payment solutions at its top tourist sites, travelers can expect greater convenience and seamless transactions in the near future. Buleleng Regency’s expansion of digital ticketing and payment infrastructure represents a significant step toward modernizing Bali’s tourism experience while supporting transparency and regional economic growth.
As the island evolves, visitors are advised to prepare by carrying internationally accepted payment cards alongside some cash to fully enjoy Bali’s diverse attractions.
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