So often people complain about Bali customs and corruption when bringing in excess to limits but how corrupt is it really?
On my Australian customs deceleration card I ticked yes to having more than 250 cigarettes,I actually had 2 loose packets of 20 too much so total 290,40 cigarettes too many.
Usually I wouldn't bother declaring such a small excess but given the recent high tax hike in Australia I thought it was best as they might be on the lookout given smokes are so cheap in Bali.
Stupid me thought that if I declared the 40 cigarettes excess that I would only need to pay duty on them or they may even be overlooked,wrong!
When my card was checked in the customs queue I was quizzed about the amount of excess I was carrying and told the guy 40 cigarettes but am willing to pay the duty if not too high or surrender them.
I was given 3 choices at this point.
Throw away the excess two packets in the quarantine bin now and before the customs check and advise the customs officer of my actions.
Or surrender all 290 cigarettes to be held for 3 month and destroyed or handed back to me on my departure from Australia within the 3 months holding period.
Or pay full Australian duty and tax on the entire 290 which including my 250 duty free allowance.
Well over the top if you ask me. I thought you only got charged tax and duty on the entire amount if you failed to declare your excess?
I was looking around for the Border security film crew lol.
Just about every adult entering Bali has more than they are allowed to take into Indonesia tax free with Australian cigarette cartons being 250 and limit 200,same for Alcohol limits with bottles being above 1 liter.
Thought I would share this for those smokers willing to take the risk of bringing back more than they are allowed.