The global economic situation is a big headache right now…to say the least. For millions of families in Indonesia, the weakening of the Indonesian Rupiah against the US dollar has taken the cost-of-living crisis to the next level.
The situation is also known to impact tourist spending, for better and for worse.
It has been confirmed this week by the Bali Province Central Statistics Agency (BPS) that changes in the US dollar exchange rate against the rupiah have affected the nominal spending of foreign tourists in Bali, with average spending increasing to IDR 2.11 million per night.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of BPS Bali, Agus Gede Hendrayana Hermawan, said, “They [foreign tourists] are fortunate because the exchange rate has risen. Even though they spend less money, they actually get better facilities.”
He confirmed that foreign tourist spending in Bali in 2025 increased by IDR 2.11 million per night, an increase of IDR 60,000 compared to 2024, which reached IDR 2.05 million.
International tourists in Bali are also spending more than international tourists visiting other areas of Indonesia. Hermawan explained that the national average is IDR 2.02 million per night.
The updates from the Central Statistics Agency come as leaders across the tourism sector are working to find new ways to attract more high-spending tourists to Bali. Ideas have included expanding the visa-free travel policy to include more countries.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Cyber Media Union (SMSI) of Bali Province and Public Communication Observer, Emanuel Dewata Oja, spoke to reporters on Thursday, 25th June, following updates from the Indonesian Immigration.
Oja responded to comments made by the Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko, who asked the government to re-evaluate plans to grant visa-free visits to tourists from eight countries.
He argued that a similar policy, implemented in 2016, had no significant impact on increasing the country’s foreign exchange and, in 2026, potentially posed a number of security risks.
Oja disagrees and feels that the return of a wider visa-free visitor policy could help incentivize more tourists to visit, and by removing the first financial barrier to entry, actually end up with more tourists who are spending more.
Oja explained, “If a tourist pays Rp 500,000 for a visa but cancels their visit due to procedures deemed impractical, the country could potentially lose millions of rupiah in tourist spending.”
“Consider some of the world’s top tourist destinations, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. These countries have long utilized visa-free policies as a tool to increase destination appeal and strengthen international connectivity.”
Adding “This is one perspective that cannot be ignored if we truly want to be winners in global competition.”
Noting “The [visa-free] policy has many implementation schemes. South Korea, for example, implements visa-free travel for certain groups of tourists. China provides visa-free travel for transit travelers, while Vietnam offers visa-free travel for certain destinations. So, there are many visa-free travel schemes that can be implemented.”
For tourists traveling to Bali in the coming weeks, the situation regarding visas remains the same. Most international tourists visiting Bali, including those from Australia, China, India, most European countries, and the USA, must apply for the Visa on Arrival, or the eVisa on Arrival.
This visa costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for a further 30 days. Tourists can apply for the eVisa on the Official Indonesia Immigration website, up to 48 hours before arrival in Bali; however, here at The Bali Sun, we recommend making the application at least 7 working days prior to travel.
Of course, with the economy in flux, and immigration changes on the horizon, Bali tourists can trust that we here at The Bali Sun will be on hand reporting on all the latest news to make sure that everyone has a safe and comfortable stay on the island, and with the US dollar strengthening against the rupiah, there are certainly more travel deals to be found…watch this space!
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