Bali's New Phone Tax Catches Tourists Off Guard, Costs Millions

Bali Implements New Phone Registration Policy, Tourists Face Unexpected Costs DENPASAR, Bali – Tourists arriving in Bali since May 15, 2025, are encountering new regulations regarding mobile phone usage, leading to unexpected expenses for many. A recent video shared by a Hungarian tourist, who has relocated to Bali, highlights the significant financial impact of these changes on visitors. The tourist, who previously enjoyed a 60-day validity period for her Indonesian SIM card, discovered this year that the rules have changed. "After 30 days, we couldn't recharge our cards," she explained in her video. "We found out that tourist SIM cards are now only valid for 30 days." For extended use, visitors are now required to register their phones with customs and pay a duty based on the device's market value in Indonesia. The woman recounted her personal experience, stating that she and her partner had to pay 4.6 million Indonesian Rupiah (approximately 98,000 Hungarian Forints) for four phones. She expressed her frustration, noting, "This should have been free at the airport upon arrival." The payment process itself added to the inconvenience, as duties could only be settled in cash at designated local convenience stores like Indomart or Alfamart, rather than at the customs office directly or via bank card. This new policy, which appears to have been implemented without widespread public awareness, has caught many tourists off guard. The traveler concluded her account by reflecting on her oversight: "It's my fault for not looking it up beforehand, especially in the age of ChatGPT where all information is available." The incident underscores the importance for international travelers to thoroughly research local regulations, particularly those concerning technology and customs, before arriving at their destination.

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