Is the Love Bali app down?

The Love Bali app and website frequently experience downtime due to server overloads. If you cannot access it, do not panic; you can pay at the airport upon arrival.

Will airlines check for the Tourist Levy QR code?

Yes, some airlines (particularly Jetstar and AirAsia departing from Australia) have been known to ask for proof of payment at check-in, although it is not legally required to board.

Can I pay the Bali Tourist Tax with cash?

Yes, there is a dedicated BRI Bank counter at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the international arrival hall where you can pay IDR 150,000.

Do I need to pay the levy for other islands like Lombok or Java?

No, the IDR 150,000 tourist levy is currently specific to the province of Bali (including Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan). If you travel to Lombok, Java, or Komodo, this specific tax does not apply.

What happens if I don't pay the Bali Tourist Tax?

You risk being stopped during random spot checks by the Tourism Police (Satpol PP) at popular attractions. If caught, you will be required to pay immediately. While it won't typically lead to deportation, it causes unnecessary delays and stress during your holiday.

Is the Bali Tourist Tax refundable?

No. Once the payment is processed, the Bali Tourist Levy is non-refundable, even if you cancel your trip or shorten your stay.

Is the Bali Tourist Tax App Broken? 2025 Guide to the "Love Bali" Levy Chaos

Last Updated: February 15, 2025 | By Online Visa Indonesia

It has been over a year since the IDR 150,000 (approx. $10 USD) Bali Tourist Levy was introduced, but confusion still reigns supreme. The "Love Bali" app is notorious for crashing, and airlines are now refusing boarding to unprepared travelers.

The Bali Tourist Levy was designed to preserve the island's culture and environment. However, in 2025, the execution remains chaotic. From "502 Bad Gateway" errors on the official app to random spot checks at Uluwatu Temple, here is what you need to know to avoid fines and delays.

1. The "Love Bali" App Failure

The official application, Love Bali, and its web counterpart often suffer from server timeouts. Users report:

Payments being deducted but no QR code arriving.
The app crashing upon opening (white screen).
Inability to input credit card details.

The Reality: The digital infrastructure struggles to handle the volume of daily arrivals. According to Bali.com, nearly 60% of tourists still pay manually due to these glitches.

2. Airline Checks: The New Hurdle

While the levy is technically an "arrival" requirement, many airlines have started enforcing it at the point of departure to prevent delays in Denpasar.

Warning for Australian Travelers: Carriers like Jetstar and Virgin Australia often ask for your Tourist Levy QR code at check-in. If the app is down and you cannot pay, this causes significant stress at the gate.

Solution: Take a screenshot of the "System Error" on your phone. Airline staff are usually aware of the outage and will accept this as proof that you tried to pay, allowing you to settle it upon arrival.

3. How to Pay Safely (Workarounds)

If the app fails, do not panic. You have reliable alternatives:

Option A: The Official Website (Desktop)

The desktop version of the site is often more stable than the mobile app. Try accessing lovebali.baliprov.go.id from a laptop before you travel.

Option B: Pay at Bali Airport (DPS)

This is the most reliable fallback. After you clear Immigration and Customs, look for the BRI Bank counter in the International Arrival Hall.

Pros: You get a physical receipt and the QR code instantly.
Cons: There might be a queue during peak hours (2 PM - 6 PM).
Payment Methods: They accept Cash (IDR), Credit Cards (Visa/Mastercard), and Debit Cards.

4. Random Spot Checks at Tourist Sites

Do not throw away your QR code (or receipt) after leaving the airport. In 2025, the Bali Tourism Police (Satpol PP) began conducting random "Levy Raids" at major attractions like Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, and Monkey Forest.

If you are caught without proof of payment, you will be forced to pay on the spot, often with delays that ruin your tour schedule. As noted by the Ministry of Tourism, digital copies on your phone are acceptable.

Need your Visa first? Secure your entry permit before worrying about the tax.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the tax per person or per family?

The IDR 150,000 levy is per person, regardless of age. Yes, even infants need to pay.

What if I leave Bali to go to Gili Islands?

If you leave Bali province (e.g., to go to Lombok, Gili T, or Java) and return, you technically have to pay the levy again, as it is a per-entry tax for the province of Bali.

Can I pay in US Dollars at the airport?

Cash payments at the BRI counter usually require Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). If you bring USD, you will likely need to exchange it at the airport money changer first, which offers poor rates. Paying by card is better.

Do other islands (Lombok/Java) have this tax?

No, the IDR 150,000 levy is specific to the Province of Bali (which includes Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan). Lombok, Java, and Komodo do not have this specific provincial tax, though they have their own park entrance fees.

What are the penalties for not paying?

While you might pass through the airport unchecked, the Tourism Police conduct spot checks at temples and beaches. If caught without a voucher, you will be detained until payment is made. It is not worth the hassle for $10.

Is the tax refundable if I cancel my trip?

No. The Bali Provincial Government has stated that the levy is non-refundable once paid, regardless of whether you actually enter the island or not.