"Don't Want to Seem Cheap, Only High-Class Visitors Welcome"... Country Raising Tourism Tax Fivefold

"Tourism tax is low, making it look like a cheap tourist spot"
Price increase proposed just 4 months after tourism tax introduction
State government also announces plans to strengthen payment verification

Indonesia's famous tourist destination Bali is reportedly planning to increase its tourism tax for foreign travelers by five times just four months after its introduction.

According to the Bali Times and other sources on the 24th (local time), the Bali Provincial Council held a plenary session on the 19th to discuss the increase of the Bali tourism tax, Yonhap News reported. During the meeting, Councilor Kresna Budi argued that the current Bali tourism tax of around 10 USD (approximately 13,000 KRW) is too low, making Bali appear as a cheap tourist spot, and insisted it should be raised to 50 USD (about 70,000 KRW).

Dancers are performing a traditional dance in Bali, Indonesia.
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

He also mentioned various inappropriate behaviors exhibited by tourists in Bali. He added, "Visitors to Bali should be people of a higher standard, not those who shamelessly ignore local laws and norms." Furthermore, he proposed that the increased revenue from the tourism tax should be used for education and healthcare sectors in Bali Province.

The Bali provincial government in Indonesia has been imposing a Bali tourism tax of 150,000 rupiah (approximately 13,000 KRW) on foreign travelers entering Bali since February 14. The Bali government decided last year to impose the tourism tax on foreign tourists for the purpose of protecting local culture and environment and investing in infrastructure. At that time, foreign media reported that the Bali authorities planned to increase revenue through the tourism tax and use the funds to preserve the island's scenery and expand convenience facilities.

With discussions about raising the tourism tax emerging just four months after its introduction, local media reported that to increase the Bali tourism tax, the provincial council only needs to amend local regulations. They also mentioned that the Bali governor is reviewing the possibility of raising the tourism tax.

Currently, the tourism tax applies to foreign tourists visiting Bali Island from both inside and outside Indonesia. It must be paid when entering Bali directly from overseas or from other regions within Indonesia, with the amount set at 150,000 rupiah (about 13,000 KRW) for both adults and children. Even if the tourism contribution fee has been paid, it must be paid again if leaving and re-entering the island. For example, if a foreign tourist travels from Bali to Lombok, another Indonesian island, and returns to Bali on the same day, they must pay the tourism tax twice.

The tourism tax can be paid via credit card or other methods on the website or smartphone app Love Bali, and a QR code proving payment is sent via email or other means. This QR code must be presented at Bali airport or ports. Payment after arrival at the airport or port is also possible, but online prepayment is recommended to avoid congestion.

Meanwhile, the Bali provincial government announced plans to strengthen verification of tourism tax payments, citing that the tax is not being properly collected. According to the Bali Tourism Board, about 2.2 million foreigners have arrived in Bali since the tourism tax was introduced, but only 40% of them have paid the tax. The Tourism Board explained that this is due to relatively lax inspections at domestic airports compared to international ones.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.