Providers
What to know in Bali
- Courier and postal parcels into Indonesia are taxed above USD 3 per consignment (import duty plus VAT and income-tax withholding), a rule in force since January 2020.
- Arriving passengers can bring personal goods up to USD 500 per adult duty-free; above that, duty and taxes apply. Declare through the electronic customs declaration (e-CD).
- For household goods, movers typically ask for passport, KITAS (residence permit), work permit if any, a detailed packing list and inventory, and the bill of lading or air waybill.
- Shipping personal effects without a KITAS generally means paying import duty and taxes on the assessed value; customs, not the shipper, sets the assessment.
- Untreated wooden crates or items can trigger quarantine fumigation; ask for ISPM-15 treated packing.
- Between islands, cars and goods cross by ferry (Gilimanuk to Java, Padang Bai to Lombok) or with domestic cargo and trucking companies.
How to choose
- Ask the mover for a written door-to-door quote that separates freight, destination handling and estimated duties and taxes.
- Check whether duties are estimated or guaranteed; customs assessment can change the bill.
- Prefer an agent based in Bali who clears customs at Benoa port or Ngurah Rai airport regularly.
- Never agree to under-declare values or use someone else's documents: shipments can be held or seized.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay import tax on boxes shipped to Bali?
Usually yes. Courier and postal shipments above USD 3 are subject to import duty, VAT and income-tax withholding, collected on delivery. Household removals by sea follow separate rules and depend on your residence status.
Can I bring my household goods to Bali duty-free?
Duty-free entry of personal effects is mainly for returning Indonesian residents and some permit holders who present the required documents (passport, KITAS, packing list, inventory). On a tourist visa, expect to pay duty and taxes. Confirm your case with the mover and Bea Cukai before shipping.
How do I ship furniture from Bali to Europe or Australia?
Furniture exporters and freight forwarders in Bali consolidate goods into shared containers (LCL) or a full 20 ft or 40 ft container. They handle packing, export papers and fumigation; you then pay import duties in the destination country.
How do I move a car or scooter from Java to Bali?
Vehicles cross on the Ketapang to Gilimanuk ferry, which runs around the clock, or travel on a car-carrier truck. Bring the vehicle registration (STNK) and check whether the plate needs to be changed for long-term use in Bali.