Bali bans foreign tourists from using crypto for payment
The provincial government of Bali on May 28 warned tourists against paying for goods and services in cryptocurrencies on the popular resort island of Indonesia.
Tourists surfing on Kuta Beach in Denpasar on the Indonesia resort island of Bali. (Photo: AFP)
Jakarta (VNA) - The provincial government of Bali on May 28 warnedtourists against paying for goods and services in cryptocurrencies on thepopular resort island of Indonesia.
Speaking to local media at the Bali tourism developmentpress conference, the island’s Governor Wayan Koster said that foreign touristswho behave inappropriately, do activities that are not allowed in their visapermit, use crypto as a means of payment, and violate other provisions will bedealt with firmly.
Strict actions range from deportation, administrativesanctions, criminal penalties, closure of business premises, and other toughsanctions, Koster added.
He reminded tourists that Indonesia’s law prohibits theuse of currencies other than the rupiah as a means of payment, with punishmentsincluding jail term of up to a year and a fine of 200 million rupiah (13,360USD).
Businesses which carry out illicit foreign exchangeactivities may also face jail terms and fines, he added.
The warning came after an investigation by Indonesia newsoutlet Kompas showed that a number of businesses in Seminyak, includingrestaurants, meditation studios and motorbike rental companies are acceptingpayment in crypto.
At the same press conference, the head of Bank Indonesia’sBali Representative Office, Trisno Nugroho, said crypto assets are allowed astradeable commodities on future exchanges, but banned as a form of payment./.
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Tourists surfing on Kuta Beach in Denpasar on the Indonesia resort island of Bali. (Photo: AFP) 
