Written on the ground in Bali by the bali.com team

Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?

Almost anyone can rent a scooter in Bali. With experience or without. With a valid licence or without. That is exactly why it goes wrong so often.

Tourists and expats riding without helmets, in flip flops, and far too fast has become a common sight in Seminyak, Uluwatu and now Canggu. Weak enforcement seems to encourage some visitors to be careless. Seems like there is a toxic mix of over-confidence and ignorance at play – the result is regular, serious accidents.

Besides “Bali Belly“, scooter accidents are the most common problem travellers face here. That makes riding the most dangerous thing most visitors do, and the risk is mostly self-created. Sometimes it is fatal.

Yet, it is still the absolute best way to get from A to B and to explore Bali when visiting other destinations in Bai. Therefore if you are carefful and use your common sense, you will have a great time in Bali, like millions before you

Renting a two-wheeler in Bali

Riding a scooter yourself is simply the best way to get around. Beach, shopping, restaurants: a scooter makes it easy. You can skip most traffic jams, use the small gangs (narrow lanes and pathways) as shortcuts, and parking is easy almost everywhere.

Distances are often a little too far to walk from your hotel to restaurants and shops. Sidewalks are often poor or missing. And in the middle of the day, a 15 minute walk is simply too hot.

What does it cost to rent a scooter or motorbike in Bali?

Rental prices

Two-wheelers are very affordable. Prices range from USD 5 to USD 20 for 24 hours, depending on the condition, age and model of the bike, and how many days you rent. Weekly rates are usually cheaper. Better bikes and better service mean higher prices, which is a good investment!

Prices usually do not include insurance. If you have an accident, you pay all repair costs yourself, unless you rent from a professional company that offers cover.

There is no mileage fee. You normally receive the scooter with a full tank and return it the same way. Bikago delivers and pick ups the scooters at your accommodation

What type of scooters and motorbikes can you rent in Bali?

The types

A scooter is a motorbike is a scooter. Anything on two wheels with an engine is called a scooter or a motorbike here, with no clear line between them. Locals call it a sepeda motor, or simply motor.

Most rentals give you a Japanese bike (Honda or Yamaha) with 125cc to 150cc, such as the Scoopy or Vario. Some dirt bikes are available, though these are mostly a nuisance because of the loud exhausts. The more comfortable scooters are the LEXI, NMAX and XMAX.

The bikes are automatic, so you do not need to think about gears. They are easy to ride and can reach 100 km/h very quickly. We strongly suggest you never ride that fast in Bali.

Where can you rent a scooter or motorbike in Bali?

The rental places

Wherever you stay in Bali, a rental shop is never far away. Walking around your area, you will be asked many times whether you want to rent a motorbike (or a massage, or transport, or anything else).

Helmets are usually included, but this often means the helmet is in poor condition and not very clean. You can buy a new one for USD 10 to 20 in any helmet shop, which is a good investment. Or rent from a professional company that hands out clean and sanitized helmets.

Choose your rental partner carefully. If the bikes are unusually cheap, if the place looks shady, or if the people do not feel trustworthy, move on. There is no need to take the risk.

There are scammers in Bali as anywhere else. Some rental operators will take advantage of you when an accident happens or another problem comes up.

Our recommendation

Bikago is the rental company we recommend and work with. They have served over 60,000 riders since 2014, across Bali, Ubud, Nusa Penida and Lombok – 5000+ validated 5* reviews.

• Book online before you arrive
• Free delivery to your hotel, villa or the airport on longer bookings
• Insurance available
• No passport and no cash deposit
• Clean helmets, serviced bikes, 24/7 roadside assistance

Must know before you rent a scooter in Bali

1. Ride according to your skill level. If you have never ridden a scooter, Bali is not the place to learn.
2. Always wear your helmet. This applies to the passenger too. The fine is IDR 250,000.
3. Always turn on your headlight, even during the day. This is an Indonesian traffic rule.
4. Always indicate when you change lane or turn, even when others do not.
5. Carry your documents. National licence, International Driving Permit and the STNK papers. Apply for the IDP in your home country before you travel. If you forgot it, our guide explains your options in Bali.
6. Check the tyres before you rent. Look at the air pressure and the tread. You need good grip.
7. If a tyre loses air, go to the nearest gas station or repair shop (bengkel). Say “tambah angin” to have air added. Use “ban depan” for the front tyre, “ban belakang” for the back, or “depan belakang” for both. It costs around IDR 5,000.
8. Fuel. Gas stations are run by the state company Pertamina. All over Bali you also find small stalls (Pertamini) and shacks selling fuel (bensin) in 1 litre bottles, around IDR 20,000 per litre.
9. Do not give the rental company your passport or your credit card as a deposit. Your hotel address or a passport copy should be enough.
10. Get medical travel insurance. Wound treatment in Bali must be paid in cash. There are 24 hour emergency services in the main tourist areas. Medical insurance for Bali
11. Check what your licence covers. If your national licence does not allow you to ride a motorbike, your medical insurance can refuse to pay after an accident. Rental shops will still hand you a 125cc scooter. That does not make it covered.
12. Slow down. Too many accidents happen because people ride recklessly, ride drunk, or overestimate their skill. There is no need to go faster than 30 to 40 km/h on most roads. Traffic safety in Bali
13. Accidents cost money. You normally pay for the damage you cause, unless you took insurance with the rental company.

Adapting to the traffic in Bali

You need to be careful and alert, and there are a few things that keep you safe. We gathered the tips that help you stay out of trouble.

Must-know tips about Bali’s traffic

Costs when Traveling on a Budget & Backpacking

Costs when Traveling on a “mid-range” budget

Costs for Affordable Luxury Traveling in Bali

Costs for Luxury & Ultra Luxury Traveling in Bali

More helpful information and price ranges to plan your Bali Holiday

Cost of Eating & Going out in Bali

Budget (Average USD 1.5-2.5 per meal)

You can eat in local warungs (small restaurants) and street food stalls all over Bali. The local delicacies are scrumptious, and also fresh because they often cook the meals right in front of you. If you worry about the cleanliness of eating street food, kitchen hygiene has improved drastically over the years. However, remain wary about the places you do choose to eat at, although most warungs are proper eateries with seating for you to enjoy Indonesian cuisine.

Mid-Range (Average USD 3-7 per meal)

Hundreds of restaurants if not thousands will serve great and tasty food in this segment all over Bali. That’s where most travellers eat out at good cafes and restaurants, and these are the places where most local foodies head to. This segment is highly competitive for the restaurant owners, therefore prices are low, quality high, and very progressive when it comes to health and creativity. What is so special that you will find in Bali is that many of these places are simply beautiful – nicely decorated, unique in style and atmosphere, often with open-air terraces and cosy lounges. In the very touristic areas, the mid-range restaurants can be slightly more expensive.

Fine dining (Average USD 15–50 per meal)

Many restaurants that are considered upscale and fancy are mostly located in the five-star resorts and hotels, in the main streets of Seminyak, and a growing number of restaurants are opening in Canggu. Some of Asia’s best chefs work and live in Bali and gained their fame and reputation in this highly competitive market.

Cost of Drinks in Bali

Bear in mind, you cannot drink the tap water in Bali. You will often find that your villa may have a water dispenser that will be regularly refilled, and other times you will most likely be purchasing a gallon or 1.5L water bottles from the convenience store. Soft drinks are cheap, and juices and beer are reasonable. Imported wine and spirits can are expensive (due to taxes), as well as imported spirits.

Smoothies and green juices are not cheap (USD 3-4) but fresh and tasty, so are the fresh fruit juices, but usually less expensive, particularly when fruits are in season.

Imported beers such as San Miguel, Corona, cost on an average USD 3.5-6USD, while the famous Indonesian beer brand Bintang is slightly less expensive.

A general rule of thumb: Remember that Imported items are always significantly more expensive compared to local products.

More Practical Tips and Travel Advise

The short version: There is no such thing as a “Freelance KITAS” in Indonesian law. The E23 is an employment permit – you get hired by a local company. You become an employee. It ties you to one specific company, one job title, and one location. Foreigners operating as “freelancers” on an E23 KITAS put themselves – and not necessarily the company or agent – at risk of deportation, blacklisting, and fines up to IDR 500,000,000.

This article explains exactly how it works, what the law says, and what your legitimate options are. If you are thinking about, or already operating as, a freelancer with an E23 KITAS, spend some time on this page.

What the E23 KITAS actually is

The E23 is an official index code within the Indonesian immigration system. It represents an Employment KITAS – Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas, or Limited Stay Permit – issued under Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

An E23 KITAS is, by definition, a permit for an employment relationship – with an employer in Indonesia. To obtain one, two specific documents from the Ministry of Manpower are required, which agencies and employers will need to provide to actually apply for an E23 KITAS.

• RPTKA (Rencana Penggunaan Tenaga Kerja Asing) – the Foreign Worker Utilisation Plan. A company must justify to the Ministry of Manpower why they need a foreign worker, and list the specific job title, location, and salary. This is why applicants need to provide CVs and proof of expertise in some cases.
• IMTA (Izin Menggunakan Tenaga Kerja Asing) – the Work Permit itself, issued for that specific individual in that specific role.

Without both documents, no legal working KITAS exists.

What the E23 is not

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration has no category called a “Freelance KITAS” or “Self-Employed KITAS.” It does not exist. The E23 is not:

• A business licence for independent service work of any kind
• A permit to invoice multiple Indonesian clients or companies
• An exemption from labour law restrictions
• A right to work in locations not listed on the RPTKA
• A solution for digital nomads to work for anyone, anywhere in Indonesia, or to run their own business – including yoga retreats

The permit is location-specific and role-specific. If the RPTKA says you are a Senior Consultant for XYZ Agency in Jakarta, that is what you are – legally. Working as a DJ at a Kuta beach club is a different job in a different location. When immigration officers check, they look at the RPTKA, not your actual day-to-day work.

What actually happens when you get a “Freelance KITAS”

An E23 requires a corporate sponsor – the company that hires you – and a specific job. The “Freelance KITAS” ads you might see on Instagram are typically handled through a structure known as an umbrella company arrangement.

You might get the impression that you will have full legal status for independent work. That is not the case.

When you pay the agency to process your permit, the RPTKA they submit to the Ministry of Manpower classifies you as a formal, full-time employee of that agency – tied to their location and their job description. On paper, you work for them. We would be surprised if the word “freelance” appears anywhere in the legal documents. Either way, check the contract between the agency, the employer, and you before signing anything.

This umbrella company arrangement then suggests – or leaves you to assume – that you can invoice clients, perform at venues, run retreats, or photograph events once the KITAS is in hand. Many people operate this way for months without any issues. But the risk is real. Immigration and fiscal violations are exactly what this arrangement tends to trigger eventually.

What happens when immigration checks

Indonesian Immigration runs regular enforcement operations, including the ongoing Operation Jagratara – a national programme targeting foreigners who work outside their permit conditions. In 2024 alone, one four-day operation across 270 locations in Indonesia detained 687 foreign nationals. The operation specifically targets yoga instructors, photographers, tattoo artists, diving instructors, breathworkers, villa agents and resellers, and other creative and service workers operating without the correct permits.

If an officer finds you performing at a beach club in Seminyak, or running a retreat in Ubud, and your RPTKA says you are a consultant based in Jakarta, you are in violation – regardless of whether your KITAS card is in your wallet. And that is just the immigration violation. The tax side is a separate problem.

The immigration consequences

Under Article 122(a) of Indonesian Immigration Law No. 6 of 2011:

Any foreigner who deliberately abuses or commits activities that are inconsistent with the intent and purpose of the Stay Permit granted to them shall be punished with imprisonment for a maximum of 5 years and a fine of up to IDR 500,000,000.

In practice, criminal prosecution is less common than administrative action – immigration authorities tend to favour deportation because it is faster. But the legal exposure is real, the consequences are serious, and the process can be genuinely intimidating:

• Immediate detention at the point of enforcement
• Deportation from Indonesia
• Blacklisting (Tangkal) – under 2024 amendments to the Immigration Law, entry bans can now extend up to 10 years, or in serious cases be permanent
• Fines

Enforcement is increasing, not easing

By end of September 2024, Bali had already surpassed its total deportation count for all of 2023. The Ministry of Immigration and Corrections has publicly stated that operations will continue to intensify. In August 2025, a 100-officer Immigration Patrol Task Force was deployed in Bali, supported by police, military, and Satpol PP, operating with body cameras and the authority to temporarily seize passports.

The regulatory environment in Bali is tightening. That is the direction of travel. And even though plenty of digital nomads, life coaches, and yoga teachers in Bali are running on an E23 KITAS without being caught, that does not make the arrangement legally clean.

And, not to forget – the tax and social security obligations nobody tells you about

The immigration risk is one part of the problem. The fiscal obligations attached to a legitimate E23 are the other – and these are rarely explained properly when you apply for a “Freelance KITAS” that does not legally exist.

If your E23 were being operated correctly and legally, here is what that actually means in practice.

The billing problem if you think you are a freelancer

This is where the “Freelance KITAS” structure most visibly breaks down. Under a legitimate E23, you cannot send invoices. You are an employee. The company you are registered under invoices the client, collects the revenue, and pays you a salary – running it through their accounting system, paying corporate tax, registering VAT where applicable, and handling all employer obligations. That is what should happen.

If you are on a “Freelance KITAS” and sending your own invoices directly to venues, retreat organisers, or brands – you are operating outside the structure your permit was issued under. The income is not declared. The tax is not paid. The BPJS contributions are not being made. And you have no legal basis to be receiving that income in the first place.

The gap between what you think you can do as a “freelancer” and what the law requires is significant. The immigration risk gets most of the attention, but the tax exposure is just as real – and just as much your problem.

NPWP – tax registration number

Any foreign national holding a KITAS and staying in Indonesia for more than 183 days in a 12-month period becomes a tax resident. As a tax resident, you are required to obtain an NPWP – Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak – Indonesia’s taxpayer identification number. This is registered through your employer or directly at the local tax office.

Without an NPWP, your employer must withhold tax at a rate 20% higher than the standard rate. You also cannot file a tax return, and you may encounter difficulties with visa renewals and local bank accounts.

PPh21 – monthly income tax withholding

Once registered, your employer is legally required to deduct and remit PPh21 – Indonesia’s payroll income tax – from your salary every month. Indonesia uses a progressive tax rate structure. The rate starts at 5% for the lowest bracket and rises to 35% for income above IDR 500 million per year.

Critically: the umbrella agency that holds your KITAS is legally your employer. They are the entity responsible for calculating, deducting, and paying your PPh21. Your income has to run through their books. You cannot invoice clients directly – legally, the agency invoices clients, collects the money, and pays you a salary. In practice, most umbrella agencies offering “Freelance KITAS” arrangements do not do this. Which means the tax is not being paid, and you are exposed.

By 31 March each year, all tax residents must file an annual tax return (SPT Tahunan) through the Directorate General of Taxes online portal, declaring all income.

BPJS – mandatory social security and health insurance

Indonesia’s social security system, administered by BPJS (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial), is mandatory for all employees – including foreign workers employed for six months or more. This is not optional and is not waived for foreigners on a KITAS.

There are two programmes your employer must register you for:

• BPJS Kesehatan – health insurance. Employer contributes 4% of salary, you contribute 1%.
• BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (formerly Jamsostek) – employment social security covering workplace accidents, death benefit, old age savings, and pension. Employer contributions range from approximately 6% to 8% of salary depending on risk category; employees contribute around 3%.

In addition, employers pay a DPKK levy of USD 100 per month per foreign employee – a government skills development fund – which must be paid before the work permit is issued. Most agencies charge you this in a lump sum and pay the levy on your behalf. That part is usually done correctly.

If the umbrella agency holding your KITAS has not registered you for BPJS, your employment arrangement is not legally compliant – regardless of whether you hold a KITAS card.

What legitimate options exist

PT PMA – foreign-owned company

Setting up a Perseroan Terbatas Penanaman Modal Asing (PT PMA) allows you to operate your own business in Indonesia. Once established, you can apply for an Investor KITAS (E28A), which does not require a separate work permit. The company invoices clients, runs revenue through proper accounting, pays corporate tax and VAT where applicable, and pays you a salary or dividend. This is the correct legal structure for self-employed professionals who want to work independently in Bali. It involves setup costs and ongoing compliance obligations, but it accurately reflects your situation.

True remote work

If you work exclusively for clients based entirely outside Indonesia, with income deposited in a foreign bank account, you are in a different situation – broadly tolerated as a regulatory grey area. This is fundamentally different from working for Indonesian clients or being paid by Indonesian entities.

E33G Remote Worker Visa

Indonesia introduced the Remote Worker Visa (E33G) for foreign nationals employed by companies based entirely outside Indonesia. It does not permit taking local Indonesian clients or receiving income from Indonesian sources. It is designed for people working remotely for foreign employers – not for independent professionals running a business in Bali.

Standard E23 through a legitimate employer

If you are genuinely employed by an Indonesian company in a specific role, the E23 is the correct permit. The company takes on legal responsibility, the documentation reflects your actual work, and the arrangement is fully compliant – including NPWP registration, PPh21 payroll tax, and BPJS contributions – as long as you work only in the role and location stated on the RPTKA.

Frequently asked questions

E23 Freelance KITAS - questions answered

About this article

This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Indonesian immigration and tax law changes, and individual circumstances vary. Speak with a licensed Indonesian immigration lawyer and a registered tax consultant before making decisions about your visa, permit, or tax status in Indonesia. We are not a legal or immigration service – we are sharing information based on what we have researched and experienced here in Bali.

Sources: Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration (official translation); Ministry of Manpower regulations on RPTKA and IMTA; Directorate General of Taxes – pajak.go.id; BPJS Ketenagakerjaan official contribution schedules – bpjsketenagakerjaan.go.id; Hukumonline legal analysis on Article 122 (March 2023); The Bali Sun and The Bali Times reporting on Operation Jagratara (2024–2025).

More Helpful Tips and Insights when Moving to Bali

What is the Melasti Ritual?

The Melasti ceremony is one of the most important rituals in Balinese Hinduism. It takes place three to four days before Nyepi, the Day of Silence, and marks the start of the Balinese New Year observance according to the Saka calendar.

The ceremony takes place near the sea, a river, or another body of water. Water holds a central place in Balinese Hinduism — it is believed to cleanse the body, the mind, and the spirit of negative energy, preparing the community for the new year ahead.

The procession involves the entire village, dressed in white and yellow — the colours of purity and spiritual elevation. People carry offerings of fruit, flowers, and rice, along with sacred temple objects including statues and ceremonial implements. Priests lead prayers and chants at the water’s edge. Participants enter the water and bathe while praying. The holy water collected during Melasti is brought back to the village and used in the ceremonies that follow through Nyepi week.

Melasti is not a performance or a festival. It is a communal act of spiritual preparation. The scale of it — villages across the entire island participating simultaneously — is what makes it so striking. On Melasti day the roads fill with processions heading toward the coast, accompanied by gamelan music, and the beaches receive hundreds of worshippers in white.

For visitors, Melasti is an extraordinary thing to witness. The beaches at Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua all receive processions. Stand to the side of the route, dress modestly, and avoid positioning yourself between the procession and the sea.

Melasti Preparations in Bali

The preparations for Melasti involve the whole community — the banjar, the local neighbourhood unit that organises village life across Bali. In the days before the ceremony, families clean their homes and temples. Sacred objects from the village temple are brought out, inspected, and prepared for the procession to the sea.

The cleansing of these objects — statues known as Arca, ceremonial representations called Pratima and Pralingga — is the central act of Melasti. Holy water from the sea purifies them and renews their spiritual power for the year ahead. This is not a symbolic gesture. In Balinese Hinduism, the sacred objects carry divine presence, and their purification directly affects the wellbeing of the village.

In the days leading up to Melasti, you will see processions on the roads — people carrying offerings and wrapped temple objects on their heads, walking toward the coast. The procession moves to gamelan music. The atmosphere is purposeful and communal, not festive in the Western sense. People are doing something that matters to them.

Once the holy water is collected, it returns with the procession to the village temple. There, priests bless the participants and perform the final rituals. The ceremony is led entirely by the village — this is community life at its most organised and most spiritual.

The preparations for Melasti reflect what makes Balinese Hinduism distinctive: the belief that the physical world and the spiritual world require constant tending, and that this work belongs to everyone. If you are in Bali during Melasti week, you are watching a community prepare itself for the most sacred day of its year.

Make sure your own planning is in order too. If you need a B1 Tourist Visa (also known as Visa on Arrival), check that it covers your full stay through Nyepi and beyond. If you plan to ride a scooter, you will need a valid International Driving Permit — police checks increase significantly around Nyepi week.

Frequently asked questions about Melasti

The main TOURIST Visa Requirements & Visa Regulations for Indonesia, Bali

Most common Visa related Questions for Bali / Indonesia

Disclaimer: Any information on regulations are carefully researched. However we are not responsible nor liable for any information that might not be accurate or change.

Overview of Visa Options based on Length of Stay

Customs & Import Rules – Common Questions when arriving in Bali

Regulations and enforcement may change or vary at points of entry; this information reflects publicly available guidance at the time of writing, and Bali.com cannot be held liable for changes or decisions made by authorities on arrival.

Information as mentioned in the All Indonesia Registration Form:

Thank you for your cooperation in complying with Indonesia’s customs inspection procedures in accordance with national regulations. You may declare the belongings of your family members under one (1) Customs Declaration document.

1. To ensure smooth customs services, please declare all goods you are carrying accurately and completely in this Customs Declaration and submit it to Customs Officers.
2. Carrying items such as narcotics, illegal drugs, terrorism-related items, money laundering instruments, and/or other prohibited goods is a violation and subject to sanctions.
3. If you carry cash (including banknotes) and/or other payment instruments (such as giro checks, checks, traveler’s checks, promissory notes, and certificates of deposit), in rupiah or foreign currency, valued at IDR 100,000,000 (one hundred million rupiah) or more, you must declare it to Customs Officers. In addition, carrying foreign banknotes with a total value of IDR 1,000,000,000 (one billion rupiah) or more requires permission from Bank Indonesia.
4. Import duty exemption for personal goods of Passengers and Crew purchased or obtained abroad and not taken back overseas:

1. Excisable Goods are exempted from excise duty for passengers and crew members aged 21 or above (for alcoholic beverages) and 18 or above (for tobacco products), up to the following limits:

• If you carry more than one type of tobacco product, the excisable goods exemption applies proportionally.
• Excisable goods quantities beyond the excise exemption limit will be destroyed by Customs Officers, with or without the presence of the passenger or crew members.

1. For goods imported not for personal use (e.g., commercial quantities, trade items, or goods for company, store, institutional, or industrial use), import duties and taxes apply, and import restrictions must be followed.
2. Re-imported and temporarily imported goods are exempted according to applicable regulations.
3. Mobile phones, handheld computers, and cellular-based tablets purchased abroad and intended for use in Indonesia’s national cellular network must be reported to the Customs Officer upon arrival.
4. If your baggage arrives separately or is delayed, please report it to the Customs Officer.
5. Any false declarations are subject to penalties under applicable laws and regulations.

1. Narcotics, psychotropics, precursors, medicines, firearms, air guns, sharp weapons, ammunition, explosives, and pornographic items/publications.
2. Cash and/or payment instruments in rupiah or foreign currency equivalent to IDR 100,000,000.00 or more.
3. Excise goods such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, cut tobacco, other processed tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
4. Personal items purchased abroad exceeding the exemption limit (see information above).
5. Non-personal goods purchased abroad (including trade goods).
6. Goods from Indonesia brought back (re-imported), which were previously reported to Customs when exported.
7. Goods temporarily imported for use in Indonesia and to be re-exported.

Are you bringing Mobile Phones, Handheld Computers, or Tablet Computers purchased abroad that will be used in Indonesia on local cellular networks? (IMEI Registration)
(IMEI registration is not required for foreign visitors staying under 90 days.)

Declaration

Please review the answers you have provided for each section below before submission.

1. I declare that all information provided in this Arrival Card is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.
2. I confirm that I am not experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 or any other infectious diseases and have not had contact with any confirmed cases.
3. I agree to comply with all Indonesian laws and regulations, including health and safety measures during my stay.
4. I understand that providing false information may result in penalties and may affect my entry into Indonesia.
5. I consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with Indonesian regulations for immigration and health purposes.

More Helpful Travel Tips

“All Indonesia” Arrival Card — What It Is & How to Use It

Indonesia has introduced a single digital entry form called All Indonesia. It combines 3 previously separate steps.

• personal information & Visa details if you have an evisa
• electronic customs declaration
• health declaration (previously SATUSEHAT)

Important – you need to fill in the form within 72h before your arrival

• Complete the form within 3 days before arrival (within ~72 hours). 
• Average completion time: about 2–5 minutes only, if you have your passport, visa, flight, accommodation details ready.

More details about the All Indonesia Arrival Card in our FAQ below

FAQ & Quick Facts about the All Indonesia Arrival Card

Detailed Steps to Complete the Arrival Card

1. Visit allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id.
2. Select English and choose Foreign Visitor (or the appropriate traveler category).
3. Enter the required details:
   • Personal details: nationality, full name, date of birth, passport number & expiry, contact info.
   • Travel and VISA details: arrival/departure dates; enter your e-Visa, ITAS, or KITAP number if applicable.
   • Transport & accommodation: arrival airport/port, flight/ship number, hotel or address.
   • customs declarations. This section replaces the old e-customs form 
   • Health declarations (replacing the SATUSEHAT form)
4. Submit the form and save your QR code (screenshot is usually sufficient).
5. On arrival, present the QR code when requested at the customs (on your phone or printed).

Helpful Tips on which device to use when filling in the Indonesia Arrival Card

Using a Desktop

• You do not need to use the MRZ (passport scan) feature — manual entry is fine.
• Double-check that your name matches your passport and use an email you can access on arrival.

Using a Mobile Device

• You do not need an app — the browser version is sufficient for most travelers.
• If the portal offers Scan MRZ, you may use it to auto-fill your details, or enter them manually.
• Keep a copy of your QR code available offline (e.g., screenshot) or bring a printout.

Important to Know:

How long must my passport be valid to travel to Bali?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Indonesia. There are no exceptions. Airlines may deny boarding, and immigration officers will refuse entry if your passport doesn’t meet this requirement.

More on Passport Requirements - don’t risk being turned away at the border

Do I need a return or onward ticket to enter Bali?

Yes, usually travelers must hold a return or onward ticket when entering Indonesia, including Bali. Not a requirement for all Visa types, but this applies to the standard B1 Visa (e-Voa, Visa on Arrival), therefore for most travelers

Therefore, this requirement MAY apply when applying for your visa, depending on the visa type. You may also be asked to show proof of onward travel upon arrival.

What happens if I don’t have one?

Immigration officers may require you to purchase a return ticket on the spot. Without it, you may be denied entry into the country.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a scooter or motorbike in Bali?

Yes, having an International Driving Permit is mandatory to drive legally in Bali.

• You must carry a valid International Driving License (IDP) if you plan to rent or ride a scooter, motorbike, or car in Bali.

If you don’t have an IDP from your home country, you can order a digital or printed IDP translation online and get it delivered to your accommodation in Bali.

IDP & Online Service

Can I order a Tourist eSIM online before I arrive?

Yes, you can order an eSIM for Bali online.

Our partner provides eSIMs that allow you to connect to the internet the moment you arrive in Indonesia — or even before boarding, if you prefer. Having internet access right away can be very helpful upon arrival.

Order your Travel / Tourist eSIM Online

When you purchase our digital discount card, our digital BaliCard, you receive a FREE 1GB eSIM which you can top up if you’re happy with the service.

BALICARD & Free eSIM

Do I need a Medical Travel Insurance?

Medical travel insurance is no longer mandatory for tourists entering Indonesia — but it’s strongly recommended.

Accidents can happen in Bali. Without proper insurance, hospitals may require immediate cash payment and can even deny treatment.

Don’t have a medical travel insurance yet?

Get your medical travel insurance for Bali / Indonesia and beyond online

Options include International Travel Insurance, Nomad Insurance, and long-stay Medical Travel Insurance.

Info, Prices & Signup

What is the Airport in Bali and where is it?

The airport code for Bali is DPS (Denpasar).

However, the airport is located south of Kuta — not in Denpasar city.

Full name: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport

DPS is well-connected internationally, served by a range of full-service and budget airlines from across the globe.

Find more details about Bali Airport, flights, and arrivals below:

DPS Airport Flights to Bali

How much cash can I bring into Indonesia?

Do not bring more than the equivalent of IDR 100,000,000 (approximately AUD 10,000) in cash into Indonesia. Amounts above this limit must be declared and may be subject to tax.

Can I fly to Jakarta first and then catch a flight to Bali?

Yes, you can. International flights to Jakarta are sometimes significantly cheaper than flying directly to Bali, especially during peak seasons. Travelers with flexible time — such as backpackers — often choose this route.

After arriving in Jakarta, you can catch a domestic flight to Bali on the same day using airlines such as Citilink, Super Air Jet, Batik Air, AirAsia, Lion Air, or Garuda Indonesia. One-way fares range from USD 50 to 150.

Important: Allow at least 4 hours between your international arrival in Jakarta and your connecting flight to Bali. You’ll need to clear immigration, collect your luggage, and transfer to the domestic terminal.

More Helpful & Practical Tips

What Do I Get with the BaliCard?

The BaliCard gives you access to exclusive discounts at over 200+ handpicked partners — including Waterbom, Padel & Tennis clubs, restaurants, canyoning, rafting, wellness treatments, and more.

Bonus: You’ll also receive a FREE 1GB travel eSIM to get online as soon as you arrive. Need more data? Top-ups come with a 10% discount when you have a BaliCard.

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How Do I Get My 60% Discount After Paying the Tourist Tax?

It’s easy. Just pay the Bali Tourist Levy HERE and email us a screenshot of your payment QR code.

📩 Email the QR Code to us and we’ll send you your personal discount code.

Important: The official Tourist Tax is approx. USD 10 / AUD 15 per person. Only use the official site:lovebali.baliprov.go.id

How Do I Purchase the BaliCard?

Once you’ve received your discount code, just click below to select your preferred validity (15–180 days) and apply the code during checkout.

Buy the BaliCard

Bali Tourist Tax Regulations and How to Pay the Bali Tourist Tax

FAQ - Must Know about the Tourist Tax (Levy)

What is the Bali Tourist Tax (Levy)?

The Tourist Tax for international visitors to Bali is a tax charged by Bali's provincial government.

Note: Make sure you are only using the links mentioned (official website of the Bali government).

Who has to pay the Bali Tourist Tax?

The Tourist Tax will have to be paid by INTERNATIONAL travelers coming to Bali

The tax applies to FOREIGNERS coming to Bali.

For arrivals to Bali from outside Indonesia and also if you arrive coming from another province to Bali. 

Where and how can I pay the Bali Tourist Tax? What is the OFFICIAL website to handle the payment?

You can pay the tax online on the official Bali Tourism Website (ONLY use that website, don't pay the tax anywhere else, there might be websites run by scammers).

Official Website to pay the Bali Tourist Tax
lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

You will also be able to pay the tax upon arrival (airports and harbours). We strongly suggest however you pay already online before you arrive.

How much is the Bali Tourist Tax?

The Bali Tourist Tax costs IDR 150,000 per person (ca. USD 10 / AUD 15). Regardless of the age of the traveler.

It seems, that for the online payment there is also a surcharge of Rp 4,500

Will I get checked if I paid the Tourist Tax

Most probably you will not be checked (yet). The reason is, that the immigration officers and airport personnel is not responsible to check if you paid. And the Balinese government has not yet installed check points to control the payment (which might happen at some point).

Still you have to pay the tax and checks can happen at popular tourist destinations or then also at the airport and harbours upon entry. 

The official website lovebali is not working. What can I do?

At times the Official Bali Tax Website might be offline. 

lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

Don't pay the tax anywhere else! Keep trying and come back to the website. Worse case, you can arrive in Bali without paying for the tourist tax online in advance, and then pay at the lovebali-counters. The Balinese government is in the process of installing payment counters at the checkpoints at the airports and harbours.

Who is exempted to pay the Bali Tourist Tax?

Travelers with following Visas are exemption from paying the Bali Tourist Tax, without having to apply for the exemption online (automatic exemption)

1. Holders of Diplomatic Visas and Official Visas
2. Crew Members of Conveyances are exempted
3.  KITAS & KITAP Holders (Holders of Temporary and permanent stay permits)
4. Family unification visa holders
5. Student Visa Holders

Foreigners can apply for an exemption on the official website. Apply at least 5 days before your arrival

1. Golden Visa Holders
2. Any other Visa issued by the immigration office, that do not have the travel purpose tourism,. In other words, travelers with any visas that is issued with the travel purpose "tourism"  will have to pay the tax.

On the official website the government states:

I have paid the tourist tax but did not get an email. What can I do?

We are not the government, so unfortunately we cannot help you with this issue. 

First we would check the Spam / Junk Folder, to be sure you did not receive it. Some tourists have a typo in the email or the system has an error.

Either way, if you don't get the confirmation QR Code, don't pay again.

Take a screenshot of your payment or keep any proof of payment.

 

At arrival nobody usually checks whether you paid or not, the Balinese government has not yet set up check-points.

At times tourists (very very rarely) are checked at popular tourist sites for example. If this happens to you, tell them you paid already but did not get the QR code.  Show the screenshot. We are pretty sure, they won’t charge you again. 

You can also write a message to the support on 

lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

I cannot open the website to pay the tax, error message

It seems that the official site from the Bali government still has problems from time to time. Since we are not representing the government and are not charging any taxes or fees, we cannot assist you in this matter.

We suggest you keep trying opening the website. Worse case, you can pay the tourist tax upon arrival at the airport. Just before you reach the area where all the drivers line up to page for guests.

In any case: Only use the official Bali Tax Website:

lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

I am traveleing to Indonesia but not to Bali, do I need to pay the tax?

NO!

The tourist tax (levy) is a local tax that the Bali administration is implementing, it is only related to Bali and not to Indonesia

I am arriving in Bali and then will visit the Gilis and come back to Bali. Do I need to pay the tax when I reenter Bali even though I have paid already once?

The Bali administration has issued following statement:

The levy is paid only 1 (one) time while traveling in Bali, before the person leaves the territory of the Republic of Indonesia.

How they will control this is not yet clear to us, but it seems that if you travel to Bali, pay the tax, then go to Lombok, return to Bali, you would not have to pay the tourist tax again.

For what will Bali use the income of the Bali Tourist Tax?

The Bali administration has announced that they want to use the income of the tourist tax for the following initiatives (official statement from the Bali Administration):

Preserve Heritage

Protecting Balinese customs, traditions, arts and local wisdom, ensuring the sustainable culture of Bali island.

Nurture Nature

Contribute to the nobility and preservation of Bali's unique Culture and Natural Environment, making it an even more beautiful destination.

Elevate Your Experience

Improve the quality of service and Balinese
Cultural Tourism Management, promising you a safe and enjoyable travel adventure in Bali.

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Bali and the Indonesian tourism officials have discussed over the last few years how they can protect the environment better, handle mass tourism, improve infrastructure and handle the growing trash problem, increase income for the local population who do not yet benefit from the growing tourism sector. They wish to encourage travelers to respect and participate the local culture more and overall have a better experience when they visit the Island of Gods.