Bitcoin on The Island of Bali, Indonesia

[kryptqnick]

I've never been to Bali and I wouldn't go even if I could because of how strict that place is. Some time ago, they criminalized extramarital sex, which honestly sounds crazy in contemporary world. They also have a death penalty for drug trafficking, you can be jailed for ADHD pills, and other stuff. So the crypto ban is just another one to add to the list of unnecessarily strict laws, and yet another reason to simply avoid this tourist destination. I mean, even for the crypto thing, they could just make it an outlawed activity but without an actual penalty, but in reality the penalty can be a hefty fine or even prison time.

[yazher]

Well! this is just one of those governments who are hostile against Bitcoin and we can't do anything about it because if we are in their shoes, we know that they are just protecting their citizens from any kind of tools for scams. As we talk a lot about this stuff, we know if people are not knowledgeable about bitcoins, they are easily fooled and might gonna lose all their money when they get scammed. Contrary to us because our government knows that we are aware of anything to happen and they just need to warn us about scammers and the rest is up to us. People are lucky that they experience transacts freely with bitcoins as we see right here not all have that kind of privilege in other parts of the world.

[_BlackStar]

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

Why not - Bali is a wonderful place for tourists, and I thought I had to abide by the country's rules when I was a tourist.

It seems that Indonesia is a country that is quite friendly with cryptocurrencies as reported, it's just that you are not legal to use bitcoin as a legal tender there, so you must convert your bitcoin to fiat before paying for something. Simply put, don't break someone else's country rules just because you own bitcoin. If you want to spend bitcoin as legal tender then try El Salvador - you are free to spend it legally in that country.

[Ucy]

Well, it's their system. They are free to choose what to or what not to allow. We hardly encourage people to rely on the system they control for long-term Bitcoin/crypto usage as it's not sustainable.

Better to do decentralized p2p Bitcoin transactions with people who are completely independent of the system and do not engage in immoral/illegal businesses

[Z390]

This is nothing new, any country that ban Bitcoin as means of payment know too less about the innovation, even US that was categorised as one of the most smartest countries alive know too less about crypto and Bitcoin, they shamed themselves using someone like Gensler to go after crypto and he knows nothing about security, and call Ethereum a security.

This might also be a game for the country too ( Indonesia ) , if the government of that country believe that they can benefit from crypto and Bitcoin, they can introduce a ban in the first place and later lift the ban when they have their games set up and running.

It's a matter of time, and mass adoption is not something we can rush up, before many countries start seeing nothing bad with crypto and Bitcoin, they must see the few countries that accept crypto progressing fast.

[avikz]

Is it just Bali or entire Indonesia? I believe the Indonesian government has allowed crypto currency trading while banning  it from being used as a payment method. Also the religious council of Indonesia termed cryptocurrencies as Haram. So what Bali governor is doing, is not much different than the mindset of the current government.

I think this is being enforced tightly because many tourists are probably trying to use bitcoin as a payment method while visiting there.

[tbct_mt2]

Why not - Bali is a wonderful place for tourists, and I thought I had to abide by the country's rules when I was a tourist.

It seems that Indonesia is a country that is quite friendly with cryptocurrencies as reported, it's just that you are not legal to use bitcoin as a legal tender there, so you must convert your bitcoin to fiat before paying for something. Simply put, don't break someone else's country rules just because you own bitcoin. If you want to spend bitcoin as legal tender then try El Salvador - you are free to spend it legally in that country.

I don't think banning Bitcoin as a payment method in Bali will make that destination becomes less interesting for tourists. It must be a beautiful, peaceful and friendly location to attract tourists and if you plan to visit that place, you don't have to restrict yourself to pay all expenses in Bitcoin.

Many ways to pay and if Bitcoin is prohibited, you will easily pick other available methods to enjoy your tour.

When you are traveling, for safety, only brings your hot wallets as many accidents can happen during your tour and you don't know what will come at your tour beginning.  That prohibition is not a big matter with me as I can use fiat currency, e-wallets to make payments. I also don't want to bring my bitcoin around as I don't want to lose my coins by pickpocket (lose my phone). Bitcoin is my fortune for my family future and I want to keep it as safest as possible.

[salad daging]

In Indonesia, bitcoin is a commodity asset, nothing more than that if someone uses bitcoin, it is clear that this has violated existing regulations because Indonesia only authorizes payments in its local currency, not bitcoin or other crypto.

So don't be misunderstood because indeed Indonesia has never adopted payment with any bitcoins except with its own fiat currency, then why is OP a problem?

I think other countries also apply the same thing.

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

Why not - Bali is a wonderful place for tourists, and I thought I had to abide by the country's rules when I was a tourist.

Bali is the most visited place by tourists and even artists often vacation there.
The atmosphere in Bali is amazing.

[Lucius]

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

People go to exotic destinations to enjoy and relax, not necessarily to use Bitcoin, even when it is completely legal and possible. Therefore, I think that such decisions do not affect tourism too much, because Thailand also banned payments with Bitcoin before, as did Turkey.

For those who go on vacation to pay with Bitcoin, there is always El Salvador or Boracay, and probably some other places where Bitcoin is not prohibited. However, if I were to choose my tourist destination, I would also take into account how each government treats its citizens, and whether there are any crazy laws that could land you in jail. Bali with its attitudes and strict laws is definitely not on my list of priorities.

[Ojima-ojo]

That is clear enough and not enough reason not to go to Bali, it's simple since the government doesn't recognize Bitcoin for payments in that country just like other countries that do accept Bitcoin either, you need to hold your Bitcoin as an asset then and exchange it to the local currency through p2p and use it whenever you want to make payment in that country.


The most important thing is that Bitcoin is an unstoppable asset and anyone can own it without restrictions its public usage may be limited but not unavailable to use, so the Bali governor may have a wrong stand with Bitcoin but that will not stop the citizens from owning Bitcoin since bitcoin is a decentralized asset.

[snipie]

-snip-

If people are unable to buy stuff with their preferred currency including bitcoin, they just use other methods of indirect payment with cryptocurrencies. For example, direct exchange of money with local residents even if it is illegal or another tourist. There is also many services that exchange bitcoin for FIAT and people can pay throughout credit card. The latter is more practical with less hassle since you are dealing with legit FIAT card without breaking any rule.

[Orpichukwu]

They only make things worse with laws like this

Worst for whom exactly? There has already been a law against crypto in Bali years ago; it's nothing new; it's not as if the country was crypto friendly earlier before and then they decided to make a law out of nothing. Everyone living there is aware of this, and travelers are just being reminded of what's going on in case they forget about it.

[EL MOHA]

This is nothing new, any country that ban Bitcoin as means of payment know too less about the innovation, even US that was categorised as one of the most smartest countries alive know too less about crypto and Bitcoin, they shamed themselves using someone like Gensler to go after crypto and he knows nothing about security, and call Ethereum a security.

They are still smart even now, the only reason these countries are restricting bitcoin is not because they don’t know it’s value but because they are can’t find a way to regulate or control it like other currencies. Some countries restrict or ban it for just religious purposes. But they do know the advantages it offers.

[chigo]

This is nothing new, any country that ban Bitcoin as means of payment know too less about the innovation, even US that was categorised as one of the most smartest countries alive know too less about crypto and Bitcoin, they shamed themselves using someone like Gensler to go after crypto and he knows nothing about security, and call Ethereum a security.

They are still smart even now, the only reason these countries are restricting bitcoin is not because they don’t know it’s value but because they are can’t find a way to regulate or control it like other currencies. Some countries restrict or ban it for just religious purposes. But they do know the advantages it offers.

that's true, many countries still reject bitcoin because they can't control it, but if big countries like USA and China accept bitcoin as payment then I'm sure other countries will also accept it.

Indonesia Bitcoin Conference (IDBC) 2023 which is the largest Bitcoin Conference in the country will be held at the Prime Plaza Hotel in Sanur, Bali on 26-27 October.

Read more (use google translate)
it seems that the event that will occur above, will experience a little problem.

[Gallar]

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?

If I intend to take a vacation to Bali, even though bitcoin is prohibited in that place, I will definitely still go on vacation there, because the main goal is to have a vacation. But if only the use of bitcoin/crypto is given permission in Bali, I think it might be an additional attraction for Bali. Because the places in Bali are already very beautiful and enchanting with charming natural scenery, it will definitely make Bali a tourist spot that will be more famous and will be visited by many tourists from various countries.

And as for the matter of the u20 world cup which failed to be held in Indonesia, because it was caused by an incident of rejection of the Israeli national team, in my opinion this case should not be related to tourist spots, because that is something different. Because when visiting Bali, it is certain that most people go on vacation, not to debate other things, such as religion or one country.

So in essence I will continue to vacation in Bali, even though bitcoin is banned there and even though the governor of Bali does not agree with the Israeli national team.

[Mame89]

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

Why not, because Bali is a tourist destination that must be visited. Bali in other words can be called the island of the gods because the place is very beautiful like in heaven where the gods are. This is in my opinion.

Regarding the prohibition of crypto transactions, as a tourist, you should comply with the regulations in that country, there is a saying that says "Where the earth stands, there the sky is held in high esteem". Because each country has its own laws governing currency as a means of transaction. As far as I know, Indonesia only prohibits bitcoin transactions as a means of payment, bitcoin as an investment instrument, Indonesia does not prohibit it.

But in my opinion, the State should also not give sanctions to those who want to sell and buy using crypto, this is the basic right of every human being, as long as both parties agree. Because in ancient times buying and selling could be by agreement between the two parties to the transaction. For example, their agricultural products are exchanged for handicrafts from ceramic plates, jars, bowls, that is the individual right of each of them as long as they mutually agree and the government has no right to impose sanctions. Hopefully in the future Indonesia can implement a system like this, so that the country continues to develop following technological developments.

[Ahli38]

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/

are you Indonesian?

If you are Indonesian, then you should understand that all crypto assets and Bitcoin cannot be used as legal tender in the Republic of Indonesia. Because the Indonesian government only allows bitcoin and crypto as commodity assets. which can only be traded on an exchange that has received permission from the government of the republic of Indonesia and by a special supervisory agency for commodity assets, namely Bappebti.

And what was conveyed by the governor of Bali is also in line with the rules that apply in Indonesia. Because even Bank Indonesia also said the same thing about this issue. (Sourch)

And I think that all Indonesian people actually think that the Indonesian government is a government that is very friendly to crypto and bitcoin. Even the rules and regulations for bitcoin and crypto are clear in Indonesia.

And OP, are you not aware that there are only a few countries that legalize bitcoin payments, one of which is El Salvador (the first) and the Central African Republic (the second).

If we all expect Bali to accept bitcoin as a means of payment, then that means you all tell Indonesia to become a country that legalizes bitcoin as a legal tender, following El Salvador and the Central African Republic.

But I personally am a native of the Republic of Indonesia. I have been comfortable with and respect all the regulations our government has made regarding crypto. Crypto has legally become a commodity asset in our country. so that we are free to exchange crypto even in public. as long as it is not used as a means of payment.

and even one of the governors from West Java, namely Ridwan Kamil, has been a speaker at an extraordinary event a few months ago, namely at the BITCOIN CONFERENCE.

solution from me if there are tourists who bring bitcoin and need fiat. then look for local residents and exchange your Bitcoin with Rupiah. so you can shop freely with our official currency, RUPIAH.

And vacationing in Bali is like a dream for many people. so I think there's no problem with crypto that can't be used as a means of payment there. people will still be attracted to Bali. there is like a holiday tour that provides a lot of fun and its natural beauty is extraordinary. especially the beaches.

[yudi09]

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

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are not permitted to be used as a means of payment such as fiat currency in Indonesia and in all regions within the territory of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.
The Indonesian government itself has regulated that Bitcoin and other types of crypto currency are only commodity assets. The government regulates all forms of rules and regulations through the Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (BAPPEBTI).

The case that went viral in Bali at that time was because one person accepted cryptocurrency as a means of payment for transactions and was arrested by the police.
I share the same thought with ETFbitcoin that spending Bitcoins to visit tourist spots is not a goal.

[bettercrypto]

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/

Going to that place depends on your purpose, why are you going? it's hard to go there when you yourself don't know the reason even if it's one of the tourist spots in their country.

So if that's what he implemented about Bitcoin, there's nothing we can do about it, it should still be followed if you're there of course. If you have a good purpose in going there like Bali, I think it doesn't matter to you if it is forbidden to use Bitcoin as a payment there in their territory.

[Darker45]

If I were to visit Bali, it would be because it has a lot of wonderful things to offer. I'm referring to the beaches, the temples, and other natural and man-made wonders. It wouldn't be because it accepts Bitcoin. So I guess I wouldn't mind if the province isn't Bitcoin friendly.

But supposing Indonesia accepts Bitcoin as payment, what can a lowly governor do? He will have no other choice but to abide with the law. It's just unfortunate that the country doesn't accept Bitcoin as a currency. What's even more unfortunate was its declaration as haram by the country's Islamic council.