Bitcoin on The Island of Bali, Indonesia

[chigo]

I don't know whether you have been to Bali or not but Bali is one of the world's tourist destinations, unfortunately Bali still has a governor who is not friendly to bitcoins and cryptocurrencies so he informs every tourist not to use bitcoins as payment. Previously, the governor of Bali (his name is Wayan Koster) had gone viral because he refused to allow the Israeli national team to play in the U20 World Cup, previously Indonesia was chosen as the host.

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

Tourists in Bali Warned Against Using Crypto for Payments, Governor Says They’ll Be ‘Dealt With Firmly’: Report

Read more https://dailyhodl.com/2023/05/29/tourists-in-bali-warned-against-using-crypto-for-payments-governor-says-theyll-be-dealt-with-firmly-report/

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[Nwada001]

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali

Quoting for image visibility...


Yes, with rules like that, it does not stop me from going there for exploration; it's just fun traveling and not for business of any kind. If I already planned to travel to any part of the world to go and spend time and have some fun, then it will be very smart of me to gather funds that will be enough for me based on their accepted payment method. Every government is just looking and acting in line with what they think is best for their citizens and their economy at large. If they say no Bitcoin payment, then tourists should respect their decisions because, in a country like that with strict rules, if you are found breaking any of them, I think the punishment might not be nice at all. Although the Bitcoin payment method is not acceptable, opportunities for breaking those rules will barely present themselves.

[ABCbits]

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency was never legal payment option on Bali. So what government did is only reminding people who violate the law. After using advance search, i managed to find these old news.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1398718/bitcoin-use-on-bali-probed
https://bitcoinist.com/indonesian-government-cracking-bitcoin-use-bali/

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

Yes. Spending or using Bitcoin isn't my primary goal to visit tourism destination.

[tabas]

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

Yes. I'll still go there if I have to since I wouldn't even mention that I am into Bitcoin. There's nothing wrong with these policies if that's what they think is best for their locality. It's a different matter to discuss about their relationships with other countries and their stance against Bitcoin. So, if I'll be going there for some certain purpose like tourism then those factors will be out and I'm there for that very reason. You don't ask that there are likely citizens on that area that are into Bitcoin, you'll never know.

[Kaliandra]

In my opinion, we must obey the regional regulations, if in that area it is prohibited to make payments using bitcoin or crypto.

and indeed in Indonesia the government still prohibits its people from using btc as a means of payment, but what I know in Indonesia the government allows its people to invest in btc and btc is only used as an asset.

and of course I will go to Bali for vacation and I will obey the government regulations there.

[hd49728]

If you don't use Bitcoin as a payment method, you don't have issue with local laws. Many countries don't accept Bitcoin as a payment method but you can use it as an asset storage, as one asset in your portfolio, governments won't knock your doors and put you into jail.

If you are worrying about potential problems when you are buying and selling Bitcoin through fiat currencies, you can use non KYC exchanges.

https://kycnot.me/?cash=on

Prohibited as a payment method does not mean you are not able to buy or sell Bitcoin through your national fiat currency.

[Lorence.xD]

There's no actually issue if the country you will visit doesn't accept crypto or blockchain payment since that's their rules. As a tourist or visitor of another country you must follow and obey the law so your visit would be enjoyable. If your funds is at Bitcoin then just simply use fiat money so there won't be a problem easy. Don't complicate your life there will be a solution to everything.

[Dunamisx]

I don't know whether you have been to Bali or not but Bali is one of the world's tourist destinations, unfortunately Bali still has a governor who is not friendly to bitcoins and cryptocurrencies so he informs every tourist not to use bitcoins as payment. Previously, the governor of Bali (his name is Wayan Koster) had gone viral because he refused to allow the Israeli national team to play in the U20 World Cup, previously Indonesia was chosen as the host.

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

Tourists in Bali Warned Against Using Crypto for Payments, Governor Says They’ll Be ‘Dealt With Firmly’: Report

Read more https://dailyhodl.com/2023/05/29/tourists-in-bali-warned-against-using-crypto-for-payments-governor-says-theyll-be-dealt-with-firmly-report/

Things like this have been happening and we've seen some countries whereby they made the law against bitcoin and later changes it again in favour of it acceptance, it's either it's in the law that bitcoin acceptability is legal in the country for making payments or not, yet on either of this outcome, the people will still invest and trade bitcoin because it's a p2p digital currency as long as they are not using the banks to perform such transactions.

I don't think they can still be as worst as China in this sanction against bitcoin with the law they established and moreover Bali is not a popular and well recognized country that have the best of economy and financial technology advancement not to talk of their participation in cryptocurrency, tourism could have been a boost on their end but yet they are still making laws to restrict intending tourist.

[siniminomorocomunisakito]

Yes. Spending or using Bitcoin isn't my primary goal to visit tourism destination.

Bali, as a popular tourist destination, may still face limitations in accommodating the preferences of crypto-savvy tourists. It was stated that Bali Governor Wayan Koster's attitude towards Bitcoin was influenced by Indonesian Government Regulations and followed by regional regulations. It's wise to just follow the rules there because it's just a matter of following the rules and not a big obstacle I think.

[Fiatless]

I don't know whether you have been to Bali or not but Bali is one of the world's tourist destinations, unfortunately Bali still has a governor who is not friendly to bitcoins and cryptocurrencies so he informs every tourist not to use bitcoins as payment. Previously, the governor of Bali (his name is Wayan Koster) had gone viral because he refused to allow the Israeli national team to play in the U20 World Cup, previously Indonesia was chosen as the host.

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

It depends on the currency I want to use to pay for my holiday or tourist trip. If I intend to use Bitcoin, then I will never visit Bali because the consequences will be harsh. Every tourist should abide by the laws of the land of the country, so if the government prohibits the use of Bitcoin and other coins as a means of payment, there is no need to violate the law. After all, many tourist destinations are crypto-friendly. Instead of facing deportation, arrest, or even imprisonment, it will be better to avoid such a country. But the government of Indonesia will regret its actions because it will not attract crypto-friendly tourists. At a time when nations are opening up their territories to crypto, the Island of Bali is shutting an opportunity for more revenue.

[bittraffic]

Why is it that you sound furious about it when after all its their rules. No need to campaign to remove the destination from the tourist destination list.

You can spend their local currency when you visit the island. There is no need to get fuzzy about the local government there. You'd be glad to send their own currency to pay than BTC since you can save the coins for yourself.

[Kryptowerk]

Generally Indonesia has been suffering from a very strict and repressive government recently. So their aim to control financial flows and outlawing Bitcoin shouldn't be too suprising.
These instituations of power usually don't realize they are missing out on a great opportunity to improve their attractiveness both for tourists and new businesses. Oh well, nothing new to see here.

And a tiny sidenote about Bali: Yes it's nice, but there are so many beautiful places in Indonesia that are not saturated by tourists (yet). It's funny to see all the attention is always going towards Bali.

[Solokan]

As a BTC investor, I don't mind the existence of Indonesian government regulations that make it illegal to use bitcoin or crypto for buying and selling transactions.

I think in this case we have to be wise and have to obey the rules that apply in that area.

In my opinion, if we want to take a vacation to Bali, we should only use fiat money (rupiah) for buying and selling transactions because the purpose of our vacation is to seek pleasure, so enjoy your holiday with a happy heart.

[palle11]

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

If I have chosen to relax myself in Bali I will despite the restriction of not using bitcoin there  Traveling is for experience and to add to your knowledge and now if you happen to visit the place you can tell the story of the place and give confirmative narrative that they don't allow the use of bitcoin as a first hand witness or observer and not hearsay. So I will visit, I will exchange my fiat to their local currency and go on the trip for my pleasure after all I'm not part of the country but just a visitor that will leave.

[Asiska02]

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

Tourists in Bali Warned Against Using Crypto for Payments, Governor Says They’ll Be ‘Dealt With Firmly’: Report

You can’t allow rules like this to stop you from going to a tourist center attraction for a visit or vacation. Bitcoin is just a means of payment and its use not being disabled their for payment because it has a negative impact there. The only reason I won’t go to a place like that is when it poses risk to security of lives while on vacation there. Bali is just a province in Indonesia, and their lack of acceptance to bitcoin will have no effect on bitcoin adoption globally.

[macson]

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali?

Tourists in Bali Warned Against Using Crypto for Payments, Governor Says They’ll Be ‘Dealt With Firmly’: Report

Read more https://dailyhodl.com/2023/05/29/tourists-in-bali-warned-against-using-crypto-for-payments-governor-says-theyll-be-dealt-with-firmly-report/

i respect local rules, i'm not a problem person, i like to have a peaceful vacation.... Bali is an extraordinary place, i still remember when i was 12 years old and my parents took me on vacation there, my favorite place is Pandawa Beach, if there is one more chance then i will not hesitate to take a vacation there again with my little family, even though the government there prohibits from making transactions with bitcoin.  anyway, a friend of mine told me that P2P is not banned there, he did that there and i will do the same as him.

[m2017]

A precedent was set (when tourists pay at btc), so the Bali government had to somehow respond to what was happening. This is a common occurrence in all countries and in all countries, the only legal means of payment is the local currency (with some exceptions, like El Salvador, where bitcoin is legal). I think that around the world it will gradually happen in much the same way: as soon as the payment in BTC in the country increases, the authorities will react to it. Some countries will prohibit, others will allow to pay using btc. The status of neutral will be kept until a certain point, and then governments will have to choose.

It seems to me that this event is not a reason not to travel to Bali. As I understand it, owning bitcoin is not yet prohibited there, which means that you can exchange it for the Indonesian rupiah and pay with it.

In this news, I see a positive moment, and it is this: the amount of btc payment has reached such proportions that the authorities were forced to do something about it. This is a good indication that bitcoin is still being used as a means of payment in some places. Until a certain point.

[demonica]

If I were to travel and enjoy the vacation, I would still go since that's the purpose of going to Bali. Like, you can still enjoy and spend there using fiat. However, it would be a good way to promote Bitcoin if tourist spots like Bali are crypto-friendly because it can help attracting other people and get to know Bitcoin. Though regardless of the government prohibiting Bitcoin, if the establishments around Bali are not really into Bitcoin or doesn't know Bitcoin, it won't still affect Bitcoin adoption. What's the point of accepting or prohibiting it if the stores/shops doesn't even offer Bitcoin or crypto payment?

[NotATether]

If I were to travel and enjoy the vacation, I would still go since that's the purpose of going to Bali. Like, you can still enjoy and spend there using fiat. However, it would be a good way to promote Bitcoin if tourist spots like Bali are crypto-friendly because it can help attracting other people and get to know Bitcoin. Though regardless of the government prohibiting Bitcoin, if the establishments around Bali are not really into Bitcoin or doesn't know Bitcoin, it won't still affect Bitcoin adoption.

If you're on a vacation, why are you interested in promoting Bitcoin to people? It is not a full-time job. You should be relaxing and enjoying your vacation instead of doing something like that, especially in a country that has made it clear that Bitcoin and crypto are not welcome there.

What's the point of accepting or prohibiting it if the stores/shops doesn't even offer Bitcoin or crypto payment?

It's probably a deterrent to prevent any of those shops from accepting cryptocurrency or bitcoins.

[Majestic-milf]

with rules like this, do you still want to go to bali

Yes, I would. Bali is a beautiful place to be.
Although I wouldn't blame his decision on crypto currencies as he's trying to defend the local fiat(the rupiah) against the widespread use of the dollar.
 But if I were him, I'd not just accept it as an asset, but also for it to be used in transactions since  it would make transfer of funds easier as they will not be restricted by borders and the fees are minimal. And since Bali is a place heavily dependent on tourism, it would go a long way to help because more tourists would want to not just visit, some would think to start business there.