Bali: what has changed and what many tourists don't know

I was born in Bali, and for the past two years my friends abroad keep asking me the same question: "Are all these new rules real?" Yes, Bali has changed. But don't panic: with a little preparation, your trip stays as simple as before. Here is what has really changed, what is still only a proposal, and what I recommend you do.

1. The tourist tax: mandatory, and often forgotten

Since February 2024, every foreign tourist must pay a tax of 150,000 rupiah (less than €10) when arriving in Bali. It applies to everyone, including children and babies, and it is separate from your visa.

The problem? Many travelers don't even know it exists.

My advice: pay it before you leave on the official website of the Bali government: lovebali.baliprov.go.id↗. You will receive a QR code by email: keep it on your phone until the end of your stay. Be careful with unofficial websites offering to pay "for you" with extra fees.

2. Visas: the rules are taken seriously now

Checks have become much stricter. Foreigners have been deported for overstaying their visa or for working on a tourist visa, including influencers creating paid content.

My advice:

• check the official Indonesian immigration website for the right visa for your stay;
• write down your last allowed day of stay;
• if you work remotely or create paid content, look into it before you leave: a tourist visa doesn't cover everything.

3. The new criminal code: what you really need to know

Since January 2026, a new criminal code has been in force in Indonesia. It includes articles on living together and relationships outside marriage, which worried many unmarried couples.

In practice, these articles can only be applied following a complaint from a close family member (spouse, parents or children), not through a simple check by the police or the hotel. The governor of Bali has also confirmed that travelers' marital status is not checked when arriving at a hotel. Tourist couples keep traveling to Bali as before. Just stay discreet and respectful in public places.

4. Bank account checks: a proposal, not a rule

You may have read that Bali will check your bank account on arrival. For now, this is a proposal under discussion, not a rule in force. Simply keep your return ticket easy to show and a valid bank card: it's a good habit anyway.

5. Rules of respect: what can cost you a lot

Bali has clearly restated its rules of conduct, and penalties can go as far as deportation:

• proper clothing in temples (sarong and covered shoulders, often lent at the entrance);
• never climb on sacred sites or sacred trees for a photo;
• don't step on the small offerings placed on the ground (the canang sari);
• stay in licensed accommodation;
• exchange money only at an authorized money changer, displaying the official Bank Indonesia QR code;
• to ride a scooter: a valid driving license (international or national) and a helmet is mandatory.

My local tip: on Nyepi day (the Balinese New Year, usually in March), the whole island stops for 24 hours, airport included. Nobody goes out, no lights, no noise. Check the date before booking your flights.

6. Arriving stress-free: what I always book in advance

After a long flight, the airport is where tourists lose the most money and time. Here is what I recommend to my friends:

• Internet as soon as you land: Indonesia is not covered by European roaming. An eSIM installed before departure saves you the queue at the counter and bad surprises on your phone bill. See eSIMs for Indonesia →
• A fixed-price transfer: the driver waits for you with your name, no negotiation needed. Book an airport transfer →
• The activities that matter (volcano, Nusa Penida, temples): prices and reviews known in advance, often with free cancellation. See activities in Bali →

7. Your hotel: compare before you book

In Bali, the same hotel can have different prices depending on the platform, especially between European websites and Asian platforms that are very popular in Asia. With Prixofy, you fill in a single form and open your hotel on several platforms in one click, with your dates already filled in. If you book with free cancellation, we send you a free reminder at D-14, D-7 and D-3 to check the rate again.

A Balinese local's checklist before you leave

• ✅ Tourist tax paid on Love Bali (QR code saved)
• ✅ Visa suited to your stay, last day noted
• ✅ Return ticket easy to show
• ✅ eSIM installed before departure
• ✅ Airport transfer booked
• ✅ Nyepi date checked
• ✅ A sarong in your suitcase for temples
• ✅ A valid license if you rent a scooter

Bali remains a welcoming island. These rules protect what makes it unique: its culture, its temples and its nature. A prepared traveler is always welcome.

Article updated in October 2026. Rules may change: always check official websites before you leave.

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