Bali Tells Tourists: Don’t Pay With Crypto

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Foreign tourists who use crypto as a form of payment in Bali will be “dealt with firmly”, local authorities have warned.

Speaking at a tourism development news conference on Sunday, Bali Governor Wayan Koster said visitors who pay with crypto or break other rules could be expelled, face penalties penalties or severe penalties.

“Foreign tourists who behave inappropriately, engage in activities that are not permitted in their visa permit, use crypto as a form of payment and violate other provisions will be dealt with firmly,” said the head of the Indonesian island province, according to Channel News Asia.

Indonesian law stipulates that all transactions made in Indonesia must be settled in the local currency, the rupiah. Anyone who uses other forms of currency can face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to 200 million rupees ($13,300).

The rules were originally introduced to defend the rupee against the widespread use of the US dollar in the country.

But in recent years, a new alternative has gained traction, as crypto enthusiasts have been drawn to the so-called Silicon Bali. Last year, Indonesian exchange Tokocrypto even set up a physical club for the Balis crypto community.

Crypto in Indonesia

Crypto is allowed in Indonesia as an asset, but using it as a form of payment is not allowed. There are also limitations on who can engage in foreign exchange business in the country, those who wish to do so must obtain permission from Bank Indonesia.

Koster reiterated the rules at the conference, saying violations would be “subject to administrative sanctions in the form of written reprimands, obligations to pay fines, and prohibitions on payment transactions.”

The announcement is the latest in a series of efforts to crack down on bad tourist behavior on the island.

Bali, a region heavily dependent on tourism, has suffered badly from Covid-19 travel restrictions. But the return of international visitors has brought its own problems.

Earlier this year, Koster said he planned to ban tourists from using motorbikes, amid a number of traffic violations and accidents. Frustrations have also grown over tourists who flout local traditions by posing naked in holy places, or who work as digital nomads without obtaining the correct visas.

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