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Bali warns foreign tourists against making crypto payments
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People catch the sunset on Jan. 8, 2022 at Kuta Beach, Bali. (AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka)
T
he Bali administration has warned foreign tourists visiting the popular resort island against making cryptocurrency payments, with the governor, I Wayan Koster, saying the practice is illegal in Indonesia and violators can face one year in prison or fines.
Koster made the statement during a press briefing on Sunday, in response to news reports that suggested several hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and other tourism destinations in Bali have accepted cryptocurrencies as payment.
“Foreign tourists who behave rowdily, conduct activities that are not within the limits of their visa, use cryptocurrencies for payments or violate any laws will be sanctioned. They could be deported, receive a warning or even be charged with criminal offenses under the Criminal Code," Koster said.
He cited several prevailing national regulations, particularly the 2011 Currency Law that bans the use of currencies other than the rupiah, saying that violations of this law are punishable with a maximum penalty of one year in prison or Rp 200 million (US$13,356) in fines.
Kompas.id reported last week that international tourists in Bali, who faced difficulties making financial transactions due to economic sanctions imposed on their countries, such as Russia, were utilizing cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. A cafe in the trendy neighborhood of Seminyak allegedly allowed customers to pay using cryptocurrencies, which the new management has denied, Kompas.id reported.
Koster said that local businesses should not accept crypto payments from tourists. "Do not tolerate tourists who do not respect the laws of Indonesia or the local customs [in Bali]."
Read also: Bali deports 101 foreigners in four months
