Import Duty for foreign travellers

[Layby2k]

I have heard that customs officials at Bali airport are charging people import duty for their personal electronic devices.

I have been living in Bangkok for six months and have bought a few things such as a 42" lcd tv, dvd, laptop and gaming console. I am going to Bali for 2 months on a 60 Social Visa to visit some friends there before returning to Australia. I would like to take these items with me as they are not too heavy and will fit in with my checked baggage limits. laptop would be carry on of course.

Is it true these customs officials will try to charge me excess duty on second hand, open and personal belongs over $250? Seems quite outrageous considering I will take them out again.

Any help and advice would be welcome.

[Vin]

The limit of US$ 250- is only for Indonesian Nationals and residents, and does not include tourists.

[ronb]

Yes, but the TV (and maybe the DVD player) is not an item tourists usually carry around, so they may think you are bringing it for a local and if so, they would then think import duty.

[BKT]

I brought an old DVD recorder and XBox into Bali a few months go and it was fine, I didn't realize it had to be declared until the guy at the gates noticed it in my bag. He just looked at me, smiled and said it was ok before letting me go through.

This new import duty rule has actually been around for along time, they just never seem to enforce it.

[Jimbo]

I can hardly see carrying around a 40 lcd TV as easy

[Layby2k]

Cool, thanks for the comments. Given I don't really have a choice, I guess I'll just have to lug the tv box though and see what happens.

[Vin]

Cool, thanks for the comments. Given I don't really have a choice, I guess I'll just have to lug the tv box though and see what happens.

Have them endorse the TV on yr passport....and have the same deleted when you are exiting Bali with the same TV. This way you can prove to the customs that you have no intentions to sell it.

[Layby2k]

Have them endorse the TV on yr passport....and have the same deleted when you are exiting Bali with the same TV. This way you can prove to the customs that you have no intentions to sell it.

Oh Ok cool, How would I go about doing that?

[Vin]

only if the customs man stops you...you could suggest the endorsement idea. Otherwise just walk out of the customs hall. The fact is that the TV is for your personal use...and you will take it with you when you leave Bali. It worked for me a few times...and hopefully it will work for you too

[Layby2k]

only if the customs man stops you...you could suggest the endorsement idea. Otherwise just walk out of the customs hall. The fact is that the TV is for your personal use...and you will take it with you when you leave Bali. It worked for me a few times...and hopefully it will work for you too

sounds good, I will give it a go. So should I still declare having stuff over $250 if I try this method?

Thanks for you advice