Bali (Indonesia) Customs Guide: E-Declaration & Prohibited Items

Real Stories

1. Forgot to Declare Phone IMEI

Case: Planned to stay in Bali for 4 months, brought an iPhone worth $1,200. Result: Did not declare IMEI at entry. After inserting a local SIM card, couldn't get signal. When going to customs to register later, was required to pay approximately $400 in taxes. Lesson: If staying over 90 days and planning to use a local SIM card, you must declare and register IMEI at entry. Devices valued over $500 are subject to tax.

2. Alcohol Confiscation for Exceeding Limit

Case: Two travelers brought 3 bottles of 1-liter spirits. Result: Detected by customs X-ray. Each person's duty-free allowance is only 1 liter. The extra bottle was confiscated on the spot (poured out in front of them). Lesson: Indonesia has strict alcohol restrictions. The 1-liter per person limit is a hard rule—don't try to sneak through.

3. E-Customs QR Code

Case: Only discovered after landing that an electronic customs declaration was required. Airport Wi-Fi was poor, long queue ensued. Result: Wasted 40 minutes at the airport filling out forms. Lesson: You can fill out the E-Customs Declaration (ECD) online 2 days before departure, screenshot and save the QR code. Scanning it at customs takes 3 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Bali customs strict? A: During 2024-2025, Bali customs X-ray screening of luggage is very common. Especially for alcohol, undeclared luxury goods, and electronics.

Q: Can I bring prescription medication? A: Yes, but you must bring a doctor's prescription or medical certificate (in English). Medications containing psychotropic substances (like sleeping pills, ADHD medications) require extra caution—don't exceed the amount needed for your stay.

Q: What is ECD? A: Electronic Customs Declaration. It's mandatory. All travelers must complete it; one family can fill out one form.

Community Tips

"Never bring any drugs, not even cannabis gummies. Indonesia has zero tolerance for drugs, including the death penalty. Don't gamble with your life." — u/BaliExpat

"If you're bringing expensive camera equipment (that looks professional), it's best to have invoice copies ready to prove it's for personal use and will leave with you, in case you're asked to pay a deposit." — u/PhotoNomad

Latest Discussions

• 2025 Trend: More and more tourists report customs officers requesting to open luggage for inspection, especially for travelers with multiple large suitcases.
• Vaping: While vapes can be purchased within Indonesia, bringing large quantities of vape cartridges may result in taxation or confiscation.