Planning a trip to Bali often comes with one important question: do you have to pay money to enter Bali? The short answer is yes, most international travelers will need to pay certain official fees before or upon arrival. However, the process is simple and straightforward if you understand what to prepare.
Bali welcomes millions of visitors every year through Ngurah Rai International Airport. While the island is known for its beaches, temples, and vibrant culture, there are official government fees that apply to many travelers entering Indonesia via Bali.
If you are flying into Bali, you may need to pay for a Visa on Arrival (VOA), the Bali Tourist Levy, or both. These are legal government fees not hidden charges and they are part of the official entry requirements.
Do You Have to Pay for a Visa on Arrival in Bali?
For many nationalities including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and most European countries, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) is required.
The current VOA fee is:
- IDR 500,000 per person
- Valid for 30 days
- Extendable once for another 30 days
Some ASEAN passport holders may enter visa-free, but they still need to check current regulations before traveling. If your nationality qualifies for VOA, then yes — you do have to pay money to enter Bali under this category.
Bali Tourist Levy – Mandatory Cultural Fee
In addition to visa requirements, Bali introduced a mandatory Bali Tourist Levy in 2024 to support environmental protection and cultural preservation.
The details are simple:
- IDR 150,000 per person
- One-time payment per entry
- Pay online before arrival or at the airport
Even travelers who do not require a visa must still pay this levy. This means most international visitors will have at least one official payment when entering Bali.
Preparing Your Money Before Arrival
Since you may need Indonesian Rupiah shortly after landing, preparing your currency exchange plan is important. Exchanging money at random kiosks with unusually high rates can sometimes result in short-counting or unclear calculations.
That’s why many travelers prefer licensed and transparent money changers such as:
Smart Money Bali
Smart Money Bali is known for:
- Licensed and authorized operations
- Transparent exchange rates
- No hidden commission
- Professional counting procedures
Operating Hours
Open daily from 09:00 – 22:00
6 Branch Locations
Kuta
Seminyak
Legian
Sanur
Nusa Dua
Denpasar
Additional Services
Hotel pick-up service
Airport pick-up & exchange assistance
Major currencies available including AUD, USD, EUR, SGD, and GBP
Using a licensed provider helps ensure your arrival funds are handled safely and accurately.
Story – A Common First-Time Visitor Experience
Many first-time visitors arrive in Bali without preparing small cash for visa or transport. Some exchange money at unlicensed street kiosks offering extremely high rates, only to realize later that the final amount received is lower than expected.
Understanding in advance that you may need to pay money to enter Bali — and preparing your currency exchange through a reputable provider — prevents unnecessary stress during arrival.
Offer – Travel Smart and Stress Free
Before flying to Bali, make sure you:
- Check whether your nationality requires a Visa on Arrival
- Prepare IDR 500,000 for VOA if applicable
- Prepare IDR 150,000 for the Bali Tourist Levy
- Use a licensed and transparent money changer
With proper preparation, your first moments in Bali will be smooth, organized, and enjoyable.
EEAT Implementation
Experience:
This article reflects real traveler arrival procedures and updated Bali entry policies.
Expertise:
Information is based on official immigration regulations and current Bali Provincial Government policies.
Authoritativeness:
Entry fee data aligns with Indonesian immigration standards and publicly announced regulations.
Trustworthiness:
Only licensed and transparent financial service providers are recommended to ensure traveler safety.
Conclusion
So, do you have to pay money to enter Bali?
Yes — most international travelers must pay either a Visa on Arrival fee, the Bali Tourist Levy, or both. These are official government requirements and part of entering Indonesia legally through Bali.
By preparing in advance and exchanging money safely, you can focus on what truly matters — enjoying everything Bali has to offer.