Going Through Customs in Bali: Everything You Need to Know
A smooth arrival in Bali starts with understanding what customs officers may ask or inspect when you land.
After a long plane journey the last thing you want to do is explain yourself at the airport, deal with someone rummaging through your luggage or have to pay taxes on something you already own. So, if you’re heading to Bali soon, read on to find out everything you need to do when going through customs to avoid these kinds of headaches at Ngurah Rai Airport.
The All Indonesia Portal
As of late 2025, use the official portal at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id to complete your Customs declaration, health pass and arrival information in one place. You can fill it out 72 hours before arrival, then save the QR code and show it to the Customs officer when you arrive. If you’re in doubt about declaring something that you think might need declaring, just do it! There’s no fee for over-declaring, but not doing so could end up in potential complications or fines.
Pay the Love Bali Tourism Tax:
Due to the large number of tourists each year, Bali imposed a tourism tax in 2024. You should pay it online before you land so that you can avoid spending time doing it at the airport. The tax costs 150,000 IDR (approximately 10 USD) and can be paid at this website: lovebali.baliprov.go.id. Once you’ve paid, screenshot the QR so that you can show it if asked at the airport.
Who should pay the levy?
Every international tourist traveling to Bali for tourism-related activities is required to pay the Love Bali Tourism Tax.
Mobile Phones: IMEI Registration
Are you staying in Indonesia for longer than 90 days? If the answer is yes or you’re not sure, consider registering your phone's IMEI (find it by dialing *#06#) with Customs or your phone will be blocked from Indonesian networks after 90 days. It is important to note however that the device is not fully blocked and can still be used on Wi-Fi networks - only cellular (SIM-based) services will be unavailable when in Indonesia.
Travelers staying longer than 90 days should register their phone’s IMEI at the airport to avoid losing mobile service later.
It’s very complicated (and more expensive) to register mobile devices IMEI after those initial 90 days are up, so making sure you take a moment to do it at the airport on your arrival is likely to save you plenty of stress after.
When to register: Immediately upon arrival at the Customs IMEI desk, or pre-register at www.beacukai.go.id
If your phone is worth more than $500 USD, expect to pay roughly 40% tax on the value that exceeds the $500.
The tax breakdown is:
Import Duty: 10%
VAT (PPN): 12%
Income Tax (PPh): 20% (for those without an Indonesian tax ID, or 10% for those with it)
For example, an $800 phone would probably cost around $135 in fees if registered on arrival, but much more if you try to do it any time after. The $500 tax exemption is only valid on the day that you arrive in the country.
If you’re not staying for 90 days, you can get free "tourist" registration at any Telkomsel, XL or Indosat office with your passport.
Are there any alternatives to IMEI registration if I plan to stay longer than 90 days?
Yes. You can purchase another smartphone locally in Indonesia. Phones bought in Indonesia are automatically registered and therefore exempt from IMEI registration, with no import taxes or duties payable - you only pay the retail price of the phone.
Smartphones in Indonesia are generally affordable, especially Android devices. While iPhones tend to be more expensive, there are many reasonably priced alternatives available locally.
Laptops and Expensive Electronics
Bringing one laptop, tablet or computer that’s clearly just for personal use doesn’t require declaration. However, if you plan on bringing multiple electronic devices or those in the original packaging, it can trigger an inspection and potential import tax payments.
Personal use guidelines:
One laptop/computer: No issues
Multiple devices (2+ laptops or tablets): You may be questioned about whether you plan on selling them
Personal electronics are generally allowed, but bringing multiple devices or items in original packaging may trigger additional inspection.
If you're bringing expensive electronics like a new MacBook Pro or high-end gaming laptop, consider:
Having some proof of purchase if questioned
Taking it out of the packaging if its new and in the box, or otherwise being prepared to potentially pay import duties (10% + 11% VAT)
If you're bringing professional equipment temporarily, you can fill in Form BC 3.4 to declare it as ‘Personal Effects to be taken back out’ and avoid import taxes.
Cash Limits
If you have more than IDR 100 million+ (approximately $6,500 USD) in any currency, including traveler's checks, you should declare it.
The maximum allowed is IDR 1 billion (approximately $75,000 USD) per person. Any amount above this can’t be brought in cash by an individual, and any amount over this limit can be confiscated by the state.
Failure to declare large sums of money can result in mandatory fines at the airport.
If you don’t declare that you’re carrying over IDR 100 million and get caught, you have to pay a mandatory 10% tax on the undeclared amount. For example, if you brought in $200,000 without declaring it, you’d end up losing $20,000 at the airport. So don’t leave it to chance - play it safe when it comes to larger sums of money.
Medicines and Prescriptions
When bringing medicine into the country, it’s a good idea to have the right paperwork for it. Having the following items will help make going through customs a breeze:
Doctor's letter (your name, condition, medication, dosage and personal use confirmation)
Original prescription in English or Bahasa Indonesia
Original packaging with pharmacy labels
Up to 90-day supply for regular prescriptions or 30 days for controlled substances
Controlled substances (Xanax, Valium, Ritalin, Adderall, codeine, oxycodone) require documentation, or you could end up having them confiscated and you may be questioned.
For OTC medications: 30 dosage units per item unless you have a prescription.
Cannabis and CBD
In Indonesia, any cannabis derivatives are Group I narcotics in Indonesia - equivalent to heroin.
This includes:
Marijuana, CBD oil (even 0% THC), hemp products
Cannabis edibles, THC vapes and topical creams
There are no medical exceptions and travelers have been arrested for simply having a marijuana cookie or small CBD bottle. Sentences for carrying cannabis products start at four years in prison.
Cannabis and CBD products are strictly illegal in Indonesia, with severe penalties even for small quantities.
If you’re travelling from nearby Thailand, where cannabis is legal, remember that what's legal there is severely illegal in Indonesia. Don’t take chances, and be careful to check your baggage before going to the airport in Thailand if you’ve been consuming it during your travels.
Other prohibited products in Indonesia range from illegal drugs, weapons, pornographic materials, counterfeit goods, some Chinese herbal medicines and wildlife products.
Vapes
If you’re into vaping, it’s also a good idea to be mindful as there are allowances in place:
Pods: Max 2ml per cartridge, max 2 cartridges per pack
E-liquid: Only 10ml or 20ml retail bottles
Oversized bottles (100ml) will be confiscated even if half-empty, as the packaging itself violates standards.
Luxury Goods
When travelling with luxury goods, remember to remove all tags and labels before packing. Customs may assume new-looking goods with tags are for resale and charge 10% import tax + 11% VAT.
For example, if you had a $2,000 Gucci bag with tags, it could result in $420 in unexpected fees. Remove tags, pack naturally and save yourself the sting of paying more on expensive luxury items.
Alcohol, Tobacco & Food
Alcohol:1 liter per person duty-free
Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 100g tobacco per person
Food: Packaged snacks in reasonable quantities are fine, but meat, dairy and fresh produce may need quarantine clearance.
If you bring large quantities of any of these items, Customs may assume that you’re planning on resale and confiscate them.
In Indonesia alcohol, tobacco, and food items are subject to strict limits, and excess quantities may be confiscated.
Enjoy Your Trip
If you follow all the rules we’ve noted above, you should pass through customs easily, able to start enjoying your holiday on this beautiful island without much of a thought. Before setting off, make sure your visas are ready to go and if you need any help, reach out to us at Bali Solve via WhatsApp and let us take care of it for you. Safe travels!
Written by Bali Solve Team
9th February 2026
