Officials, looking for a way to deter bad tourists are risking alienating families by increasing the tourism tax from AUD $15 to a whopping $75 per person
What about us FIFO workers who come 10-12 times a year?… This is bullsh#t!!!!!. I’ve never seen Bali so hungry for money. $860 return from Perth,$150 to get through the airport, $45 in a taxi to get to village, $200 before I even get to my front door.😡😡😡
Vietnam is the new go to place, it's much better value than Bali. A lot of the young ones are choosing Ho Chi Minh now, much better nightlife for them.
@@tompell3032 What an ignorant and foolish thing to say!!!! Don't be a moron. You obviously have no idea on the value of money. You would seriously throw away money??? As they say, a fool and his money are soon parted. Good luck to you. I hope you figure things out eventually.
The amount of money the Australian government has given Bali (Indonesia) whenever they have a bombings earthquakes ect ect ... What a kick in the teeth to us Australian taxt payers and holidays makers .... Thailand' will be my first pick over Indonesia
Flights to the Philippines are cheaper than to Bali these days. Bali is always changing silly rules like this and you know they money will go to a few greedy bastards and not where it should. Bali is a great place but it's frustrating hearing news like this. The idea wont keep bogans away it will deter families.. It's a cash grab and nothing more. ahhh
Automatically causing all the government in Bali of corruption isn't going to get U far in Bali . It's also not true n insulting to the government Tourist are guests in Bali they use a lot of resources water,create a lot of rubbish,traffic n problems for the police especially the idiots who don't respect the culture the laws n think Balinese all profit from tourism they don't. Land prices n cost of living is driven up many locals can't even afford now to buy land for there own family. These villas are being built in western style box design's n have no relevance to Bali style striping away the visual culture of Bali . You want to use Bali as your playground you need to pay for the infrastructure to accommodate 7 million tourist a year stop complaining
U want to be careful pal insulting the government U ran a charity that has never made public there financials . Or made public who the directors are who is involved in the running of it U ran a tourist tour to view poor Balinese homes people putting them on show for yr tourist tour the provety tour . And tell us mate how you supporting your lifestyle in Bali ?
@@Wayne-rk9ot so asking legit questions or telling the truth are insulting? ok i hear ya mate ! Thanks, I'd be more carefull next time. And how i support me self in Bali? I am a lazy bugger. so I just sit on my arse every day on Uluwatu beach drinking bintang or getting body massage and watch my stocks NVDA, AMD, PLTR and COST, MSFT, APPL, TSLA work hard for me. When i make enough gains, i'd sell them and then I'd wait for them to come crashing back to earth before gettin back in.
It makes places like Malaysia look more attractive. 90 day stamp and it doesn't cost a cent. If you want the island life then it's hard to beat Langkawi.
If bali keep this sh!t up I'll just go to thailand. Free visa , no tourist tax that will do nothing .... I not the cost , just me protesting ...simple as that
@@Wayne-rk9ot it will miss my money , the wife and I go atleast 4 times a year ... if they bring this crap in I'll just go to thailand .... cheers smart arse
@@markwynne7935 I repeat pal they won't miss U I've lived here for over 30 years my wife n family n friends are Balinese U tourist think the whole island relies on tourist it don't only a certain percentage make money from tourist. And over tourism is destroying the island . U want to come play in Bali leave behind yr trash use vast amounts of water n other resources n complain when yr asked to pay for it. And this guy running this charity refuses to make public how much his charity is drawing in who's on the board of any and seems to live a good lifestyle in Bali . Where's the money coming from U fools
That's me done. Too much for an average destination. The 3hr flight from Perth is the only real plus at the moment. Lots of cheap tropical accommodation options better than Bali.
If they introduced a higher tourist tax, then as you mentioned, families be put off visiting as they would not be able to afford the extra funds. I don't think it would stop the younger crowds as a single traveller the tax is still affordable for them, so it's not actually attracting better quality people into Bali.
I am a 61 yr female I love Bali and been 20 times, I just spent 12 days in Kuta hotel was awesome but it’s got so expensive; a decent meal and coffee now same price as oz . I got asked daily out and about do I want to buy drugs which scared me and the hassles from market owners and transport people were actually nasty if I said no . I payed 8 dollars aud for a coffee at airport, I got home and couldn’t see where the value was in all the money I spent. I’m in no hurry to go back bad idea increasing taxes . Thankyou for the information ❤
I was there last week and boy has Kuta/Tuban and Legian gone downhill. Malls are closed or run down. Shops closed. Street shops selling the same thing over and over. Nothing new. What used to be the heart of Bali is been left to perish. Canggu, Ulawatu, Sanur are getting all the attention. Beach Walk Kuta on the other hand has doubled in size and is quite amazing, but very boring shopping. Bali has lost its soul. It had an appeal to all ages. Now it mainly appeals to a very younger, Instagrammable crowd.
I heard the Bali Government were going to ditch the Visa on Arrival Tax for Aussies and just charge us the Tourist Tax. That will make it a bit fairer and easier to deal with. 👍🏼
Go to Indonesia via Jakarta. Spend a few days there then take a domestic flight to Bali. There is no tourist tax for domestic arrivals in to Bali, only international arrivals. Problem solved.
WHAT are they doing with $50 VOA and $15 Love Bali tax per person ? If they used it to clean the rivers , improve waste management, more rubbish bins, teach locals to dispose of rubbish in bin. $500 for family is not on for Aussie doing it tough.
What about the rubbish 7 million tourist a year create U don't want to pay for that n Australians lost the crown of the most tourist visiting Bali a while ago Balinese don't take kindly to threats
They should be paying people to come to Bali- not charging. Does Bali understand how much money tourist spend in their economy? Seems foolish and damages their brand.
Pay money for people to go to Bali? OMG Bali's receiving a record number of tourists this year. The traffic is horrendous now without even more tourists.😊
@@heatherfruin5050 Maybe Bali wants tourists and investors to go somewhere else? Other vacation places have tried this and it killed their markets, profits. and slowed their economies. Disney World is nearby for me and they have doubled their food costs, raised entry fees and now offer less for their prices and droves of people have stopped going. Now, like the now over-priced McDonald's, they are back-tracking and pleading for their customers to return- not to mention the 10's on $Millions Disney has lost with their movies, theme parks and souvenir/toy sectors. Their stock is dropping and competitors are taking their market share bit-by-bit. Bali could easily end up in the same position as GFC 2.0 is already here. Be careful what you wish for.
This is how arrogant n high n mighty some of these people think they are . Bali welcomes U as a guest it's not Ur country and insulting them for wanting U to pay for the rubbish U leave behind the huge amount of resources n water U use the traffic n pollution and the belief that the whole pollution of Bali profits or makes money from tourism is how uninformed n little U really know about Bali many of you don't even leave the tourist zones n see or talk to the real Balinese
Do U understand how much it cost to clean the rubbish of 7 million tourist a year or much water they use the traffic they create the infrastructure to keep up with it . And U tourist keep thinking that the whole population of Bali depends n makes money from tourism how ignorant U are . Also a big percentage of the Bali people don't give a shit shout tourism n be happy to see there island return to the peaceful Paradise it once was
Just a money grab from the Bule , paided my ++ (VOA & BTT) , I budget $300 aus per day during my stays . Usual stay 20 days comes to 6k into the local economy No problem , I won’t come back . 👋 It’s the principle not the cost 👍🏻
Bye n bule is a very bad word in Bahasa Indonesian pal it's an insult not what U think And funny how U all think out of 7 million a year coming to Bali yr threat means anything U want to play in Bali but don't want to pay for rubbish U leave behind n the water huge amount U all use the traffic n pollution U course . If Bali runs out of ground water Bali farmers who don't care if come or not can't grow Rice
I am sure there are many people like ourselves who visit Bali frequently and have done for years, and who also endeavour to support Balinese people either when there or from home. We two ancients have paid for medical help for two of our Balinese "family" and also paid for a university degree in accountancy for one. Also school fees for more members of our Bali family. The Bali governors should be more in touch with knowing how many ordinary people like ourselves ARE and have been contributing to the lives of Balinese for decades. Our neighbours and their work colleagues combined their efforts 15 years ago and bought a Balinese man they had known for years and was doing it tough for his family, a house. I wouldn't describe us as "quality" or super rich tourists. We just love our Bali family, they care for us, and we like Bali. At the moment I cannot see how the tourist tax is benefitting Bali as I am aware the money collected is not staying in Bali but being collected for the Indonesian government in Jakarta. Much as we love Bali and want the best outcomes for Balinese people, if we are going to be paying $75 each to go into Bali, plus $50 each for visa's, then that isn't all that much difference in the price of Australian visa's to bring our Bali family here to Perth instead (which have done already a few times) or to meet them in Thailand if we get cheap fares for all of us. I don't love Bali enough to pay exhorbitant amounts to get into it when we already provide support, as do many other people.
Too right. Many of us find families we tent to hold on to and financially support to help them out. We did a similar thing by paying for a child's English lessons. Now they go to the Kuta school of Dentistry. Every little bit helps. They will squeeze a lot of people out if they feel ripped off.
Hi Muzza and Vie, We stayed for a month last September and have paid for airfares and accommodation for this September. We are very frequent visitors and if this tax is introduced we will never revisit Bali until it is abolished. This move will reduce tourism and let's face it at restaurants especially we have to pay taxes +++.
$75 isn't big for singles BUT families who are good tourists! will look to other destinations. Each person could reasonably justify adding $125 (Tourist tax-VOA) onto their airfares and go to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam or local travel. Seems their trying to make all their tourists Instagram/digital nomads or long termers. Bali tourism governors need to ask why do people come to Bali? and as much as it is beautiful, the weather is nice, the people are great but its also the cost. Family of 5 that's $725AUD that has to be budgeted in BEFORE you get out of the airport. Crazy if you ask me, as I'm sure that if it was in out pockets on holiday at least a good portion of it could go to grass root good causes (like Balidonate) The last thing Bali should want is to deter family holidays to the island.
Whaat? Are you mad??? $75 is a huge amount for anyone, singles or otherwise. That's $75 dollars!! For a tax that never existed until recently. Some people travel on a tight budget. No one just jas $75 at their disposal that they can just thtrow away. $75 buys a lot of food and bintangs.Don't forget that we now have to pay Rp500,000 for a Visa. On top of that Rp150,000. That's Rp650,000. That's AUD $65 that we didnt have to pay prior to COVID. And even with the $15 Tax, no one in Bali asked for it to be presented. So why even pay it if they're not going to ask for it or enforce it.
People will look into going to Vietnam phuket still cheap and no extra cost to enter but before covid you payed NOTHING to enjoy bali this will be a major turn off so ####### sad
Bali is getting too greedy and will price themselves out of being a holiday destination. Accommodation has gone through the roof, flight prices are way up there unless you jag a special so price wise it’s getting expensive so may as well go elsewhere. I’ve been coming to Bali for years. Often 3 times a year. I’m not a bogan tourist and realistically what has Bali got to offer that Thailand or Vietnam haven’t got.
Indo government is so corrupt dude. Australia has given them billions, but look at the infrastructures…money go straight into corrupt pockets of politicians.
Just back from Phuket a couple of months ago and heading to Bali again in August. Thailand is just as cheap for food and drinks, scooter hire etc and doesnt have the tourist visa tax for Aussie's. Indonesian government needs to reassess.
They're learning from the Aus government. Tax,tax,tax ... wait until the cigarette prices go up and the accom and beer and food prices go up again and again. I wonder if It won't be long until Bali becomes a bucket list place to visit once and there won't be any return tourists due to them realising it's not the cheap place it was known to be. The locals who make their living from tourism are the ones who will suffer in the end.
We got stopped by police last tuesday and asked to show proof plus again I forget what day, as we entered living world by men dressed in white bali clothing showing ID
I have been to bali 3 times this year , I cannot see any difference with the rubbish situation since the tourist tax come in ... $75 will destroy Bali tourism for families
As a single, divorced woman in her 50’s, it’s okay for me. I have friends who are similar age and still have children in there teens who can’t pay $75 AUD for 5 people. That’s $375 AUD. Ridiculous. It’s all good Muzz, you try your best. Bali and Thailand are beautiful, but it’s getting expensive. Thanks muzz and take care
We have already paid for our trip to Bali in November and their is 6 of us. My wife and kids and we actually care for my older sister who has disabilities. We paid thousands of dollars to come and we usually come 2 times a year and if this happens we are going to the Philippines for our Holidays. My wife and I paid for everything and we’re staying in 3 different places and we rent 3 apartments with breakfast included and that’s a lot of money coming to Bali and we always tip everyone in Bali. I saw you at the Jimbaran fish market and I was staying at the Jimbaran sea breeze hotel . 3 nights Jimbaran 3 Legian 4 nights Seminyak. From a Aitutaki Cook Islander
Hey mate We were in Bali in May I was reading The Balisun news They wrote The $15 tourist tax was only 40% paid In five weeks of running, they made $3.9 million from 40% of tourists
Just got back last night and we both agreed that Bali is no longer a cheap holiday. The locals are complaining that the government is not spending any of this money in Bali as it’s staying in Jakarta. Streets are dirty again and in bad need of fixing. The path beach walk toilets blocks from Kuta to Seminyak have fallen into disarray as nobody cleans them. Will look at other destinations in the future as sad as that is.
Actually none of the tourist tax goes to Jakarta because it's a provincial tax, just like the 10% on all hotel and restaurant bills, and it stays in Bali but the government has already admitted that none of the current tourist tax has been spent and they don't yet have a plan as to where it should be spent. It will disappear (it just goes into the Regional General Cash Account anyway and not a separate one) along with the other A$2 billion that they pocket from the hotel and restaurant taxes every year that doesn't get spent on the most basic infrastructure that tourists expect and deserve.
It's getting ridiculous over there now, mate. We did 2 months with the family in 2022, then 5 weeks in 2023. We spent the same for the 5 weeks as we did for the 2 months, living about the same each time. Accommodation prices have gone up a fair bit too, for a half-decent villa. If it ends up costing $500 just to enter the country plus $2000 in flights, it's starting to price me out. 😥
We paid our $130AUD just recently. No problem. We’re booked for January, 4 family this time. If we have to pay $520 to enter, this will be our last Bali holiday. It’s such a shame. We love it there, but what we don’t like is the disrespectful attires at the pools and the bogans!! How so ironic, 10 years of Bali, our first stop is the Circle K 2 Bintangs and grab anyone and pay just $10 to our hotel. Thanks Muzz, you’re a champ!
If it includes visa and tourist tax in one payment of $75 then fair enough, but not an extra payment. Wonder if it’s because people aren’t paying the current $15. Make this one compulsory and the income would be huge. There is currently 4-5 hundred thousand visitors to Bali per month, multiply by 150k. They’re not missing out even if only 50% are paying.
Everybody is feeling the squeeze. This extra tax will be too much for most. Java has always been our destination within Indonesia, so we will opt for Surabaya rather than Bali and avoid the tax.
They not even get everybody to pay the 150k. Where are the reports where the tax so far went to. Everything gets worse, way more traffic/ air pollution, much more trash and there is not yet the puniest idea to fix that mayor problem. Also almost all neighbour countries have no visa fees at all!
We're about to go to Bali in a few weeks, meeting with family there. I haven't been for a couple of decades and tbh, I'm already apprehensive about the dramatic changes I've heard about. I'm trying to keep perspective though because it's human nature to dwell on the drama.. If what you say here comes to pass though it will, as many commenters have already said, keep families away. The yobbos will still come because most of them will either dodge paying anyway or don't have family budgets to consider.
I would be devastated as we are thinking of retirement there and the cost to our families visiting would probably limit there visits. Maybe we would consider Thailand as there are no visa taxes or tourist tax!
Well done! I did the stupid thing, listened to the youtubers and bought it online before I went. But at no time when I was in Bali last week was I asked for it. I wasted, threw away $15!!
This will be ok if they remove the visa on arrival cost but it needs to go the community not to the not so hidden corruption. Travelers will now go elsewhere. My travels to Bali around 10 times a year or more are costing more and more . I hope they take a long hard look before putting this in
I paid it last month and was never asked if I did or didn’t . If they increase it , it will absolutely affect tourism. Families cannot afford the VOA and the tourism tax, people will just go elsewhere. The Government wants a “ better quality tourist “ you are bang on muzz. Would be good if there was evidence that the tax went to the environment as promised
The reasons given for the Tourist Tax was to create environmental change, rubbish collections and so on. The implication that foreign tourists are responsible for this...well, there are double the amount of Domestic tourists to Bali each year..... Also, I don't think that Bali can restrict people from entering, as far as I am aware only the Government of Indonesia can do this, as there are certain International treaties in place....it would be like Queensland requesting a tax when entering but none in Sydney. (I still would like to see how they enforce non payment when it is a Provincial government decision and Immigration is controlled by the Indo Federal government), and how they enforce it when you fly to Jakarta then to Bali...
Just done 3 weeks and cost just over $14 each online, l would consider other options if goes up to $75 as you already pay $50 visa fee Just make it a mandatory $15 for each traveller and don't let them leave without paying it.
Hi Muzza.. Just been over..through airport immigration a breeze with the new system...but a 1/2 hour wait for the luggage to even get to the carousel !! We are back over in Nov/ Dec but are considering Thailand in future..Bugger, just spent last 3 years learning Indonesian !!!
There is no reason why this tax, whether it gets increased or not, should not be imposed upon domestic tourists as well. In 2023 there were 4.5 million foreign tourists and 15 million domestic tourists who visit the same attractions, use the same beaches and use the same infrastructure, even more so because many come by car and motorbike from Java. It will probably get dropped anyway because it’s proving too difficult to collect and the backlash is huge but if they think that the A$2 billion dollars + per year that they already collect from tourists via the 10% tax on hotel, restaurant and bar bills isn’t enough to sweep the streets and provide some litter bins then they can simply increase it to 11% or whatever and let the free market decide if it's all getting too much.
As a family of 5 if it goes up by that much we personally won’t bother we would just continue on cruising. First time in Bali this August via cruise was hoping to take the whole family over next year but this makes me wanna look at other places
@MurrayWilkinson1 Thanks, I only stay for 2 weeks anyway 😀 I was surprised, lunch or dinner in restaurant they charged us service fees then 10% tax on the lot. It's a ripped off, I'm gonna eat on the streets instead. As an ex tradie, I'm sure I'll suvive 😀
You won’t stop the yobos as they are usually single nd cashed up ,but I think it will reduce the people and couples etc that want a short stay I.e 4 days ,long weekend these people will stop doing to Bali on these short trips . Cheers Muzza
Hi Guys as long term lovers of bali in our 60ez it won't make us stop but I think long term people will fall in love with other destinations and there children won't come back to bali .great job guys be there in 9 weeks
Way too much for families. I hope they don't put it up as I think it will damage tourism in Bali. People will start looking elsewhere like Thailand and Vietnam. The dollars are starting to add up before you even get into Bali to start your holiday. 😮☹️
Bali is a popular holiday destination that mostly I believe many incomes are generated by tourism. If this increase to the tourist tax is implemented then people will be looking elsewhere to spend their holiday dollar. Families are stretched as it is to have their holiday to Bali and this will make many rule Bali out as their choice to go to.
With destinations like Thailand offering visa-free travel, and no tourism tax levies, tourists will look simply for a beachside vacation elsewhere, it is only when the tourists stop coming there will be a policy change. Be careful what you wish for Bali!!!
Wow $500 will definitely make me reconsider Bali. Adults paying isn’t so bad but kids should be free. If Bali wants to stop the the riff rats and party goers and encourage more families then they shouldn’t be sluggging families $500.
I live in Depok on the outskirts of Jakarta..I havent read or heard of any increase to the Bali tax..Maybe its just local gossip at the moment..Rp750,000 per person would be crazy..
$75 is crazy, we come over around twice a year with a family of 4…..don’t want to find a new place to go, but unfortunately the direction things are heading it’s looking like a wi$e option.
You’re right Muzza! This type of increase will just be detrimental to tourism in Bali especially when family groups will be impacted significantly. Tourism already brings in a lot of money to the island and the loss of tourism will just defeat the whole issue of raising revenue for the reasons it was intended for. I think it’s a huge mistake. There is alot that needs to be done to improve conditions in Bali I agree and one of them would be tougher penalties for tourists whose behaviour bring bad publicity to the island and those who continue to flout laws and disrespect local customs and people. I’m sure there are better ways to raise revenue than to just slug tourists with heavy fees. I personally don’t mind paying money if it definitely goes towards improvements for the island but $75 but $50 per pax is steep especially for family groups. It will as you say damage Bali’s image and attractiveness as a holiday destination of choice especially since other countries in the region are offering just as much if not more
Thank you for all your input Muzza. As pensioners we love travelling to Bali 2-3 times a year. Should Bali government put further charges to enter, (which shouldn’t have any) they’ll definitely lose us, our children and grandchildren coming for holidays. With Jetstar and other airlines offering cheaper flights to Phuket from Perth and hotels and restaurants are Same Same as Bali, families especially ours will be striking out Bali, sad but so be it for being greedy. I do hope they see that Australia families will soon not enter Bali. Nick and Sandy
Hi. I have been to Bali many times since 2014 mainly for dental work..as well as holidays and meeting friends I've made over the years. I was looking at coming back in. December but as a retiree I cannot afford such exorbitant taxes on top of the visa.. Looks like I won't be back at this rate. Which makes me feel very sad...as I love Bali
I was just in Bali last week. I paid the Rp150,000 tourist tax online before I went. But at no time when I was in Bali did anyone actually ask me to present the tourist tax QR code/email. So I wasted just under $15 AUD on a tax that no one seemed to care about. I went to shopping malls such as Beach Walk and Icon in Sanur, I went to beach clubs such as Finns and the mostly shut down for renovations Atlas beach club. No one asked for it. Not even my hotel asked for it. I didnt see or hear of anyone getting asked for their Tourist Tax QR code, anywhere. So it leaves us with the question, is this tax actually compulsory. So many people traveling to Bali without paying the tax and saving Rp150,000. I was gullible in believing all the RU-vidrs saying that it HAD to be paid. Lesson learned. Don't believe everything you read or hear on the internet. And also the Australian tourist visa. I wasnt even asked for that when I arrived in Bali. I just grabbed my luggage and walked out. My guess is that they know if I've paid it or not on their system.
Sorry muzza, been coming to bali for years, always helped out where we can, happy to pay $15. However $75 sounds like another country just trying to cash in. Definitely lost me if this happens, with so many other options out there with no visas, taxes etc. The government might get the tourist clientele they want but it might be at half the qty.
for years and years I think it use to be US$25 (no other currency accepted) and then they dropped it. I don't mind paying AUD$15.00, especially if I can see money being spent on upgrading facilities and services. If they were to charge $75 then they would need to remove the visa fee. Few countries charge for Visa on arrival. and it will only discourage tourists based on the principal not the actual amount of money. Thailand and Vietnam is around the same price.
I am not against the current small tourist tax and VOA charges, but if the Government introduces this massive increase then as you have correctly said it will make Bali unaffordable for the average family. I bet no other country in South East Asia has such a charge. I personally think Australians will still come as we love it, but the Brits, Americans and Europeans who have to travel so far and at a great cost will avoid Bali like the plauge. This will be such a shame for everyone
Im going to be arriving back, but this time ill be on a cruise ship in august…we have been told we dont have to payout for the tourist tax, as the ship will be organising that, i just had to do my evisa online.. i usually just do it when i arrive when flying in… but if there going to raise the tourist tax, and we still have to pay for the voa as well. Ill give away coming back…
I went to Bali from Melbourne because it was affordable. It is probably better than going to the Gold coast for a break. If the taxes start to increase then there is a risk of being priced out of the market. I was there last week and from what i see and hear the tourists situation is slow at the moment. Make it easy and attractive for a tourism which is obviously a key to the locals income. Philippine has no visa for tourist fee and many speak English so that could be a better alternative.
The only people it will disadvantage are families, it won’t stop the “trouble makers” if that’s the intent. I have no issue paying if the $ is actually going to be advantageous to the people of Bali
I came through the airport a week ago, I did have knowledge about the new tax, but it was unclear about making payment. I also asked an official with no clear instruction on this. So like most people we came in without paying this tax. very confusing 😕
The surrounding SE Asian tourism officials will be more than delighted, should Bali decide to up the "tourist tax". Tho even with the current set up of the "blink and you will miss it" booth taking the 150000 Rp tax, if they are serious about implementing the tax, then they need to have a proper channel and gate set up, where ALL incoming passengers must pass thru and either have their online receipt of payment verified or pay on arrival before exiting the terminal.
I'm ok with whatever taxes if made clear. It's their country and quite over crowded. They should fully enforce existing tax first. Being so slack collecting it leaves a poor impression
The bogans will continue coming to Bali, it’s the people they are trying to attract who will stay away. The only people who will benefit from this are corrupt politicians.
My 2 cents worth ...the yobs will still go, but if the "honour" system still exists, they just won't pay ... until they get caught. Personally, I would baulk at paying $75 to be honest. Once upon a time as an Aussie, I didn't even have to pay the visa cost but happy to now if it goes to improving the immigration experience as it has obviously done but, enough is enough. You are right Muzza, families will have second thoughts for sure, and so will I ... maybe Malaysian islands will get my $$ or it will be more time in Singapore 🤷
Me too!! 25 years. I was in Bali last week. The Kuta/Tuban/Legian area has seriously gone downhill. Totally dilapidated. So many shops closed down. Beachwalk Kuta was amazing, but nothing of real interest there. Just the same shops you would find anywhere else. Even all the street shops are rather boring these days. I mean seriously boring. They only things to really do in Bali now are to go to Beachwalk Kuta, Icon Sanur and the beach clubs up north such as Finns, Atlas and Cafe Del Mar.
As a longer stay visitor, 3 months, we are happy to pay $15 torist tax. We already pay $600 B211 visa with maybe $500 extension. Add in travel insurance, it makes our 2nd home harder to afford. Misbehaving/ ill mannered people have money too, where as a lot of good people do not. Cannot discriminate this way!