Bringing computer equipment into Bali on a work visa

[zamzam]

Hi all, first time on this board

Just had it confirmed I will be moving from Australia to Bali for work soon. Work visa will be covered by my employer, but I will be bringing a fair bit of computer equipment to set up in the office over there (Pc, multiple monitors, and other computer accessories and equipment).

It should all fit in large checked baggage, but I'm just wondering if this would be subject to import taxes and duties? It's all equipment I've already owned for some time. I've been doing a bit of research online today and am not sure what would happen in my situation - seems some people are getting stung and others have no problems. Eventually, I would be leaving Bali with the equipment again.

My employer will be looking into this with their Indo law contacts but just thought I'd post it here as well in case anyone might have some insight.

Cheers!

 

[snpark]

Doesn't harm to make a letter and inventory and in bahasa indonesia also to show the customs people and include few copies of work permits, business registration etc on a formal letter. The more stuff you can provide the easier it is.

 

[Vanuatu]

I recently flew into Jakarta with 12 suitcases (3 of us flying) The normal line they have for goods to declare was closed, although I would never use that one regardless of what I was bringing in. The nothing to declare line had 2 people working, one was on his phone and the other was just taking the customs declaration and trying not to get too close to anyone. If your items are all in checked bags you could most likely just walk right through. The x-ray machine that they also sometimes ask you to run your carry on or one or two checked bags was also shut down.

 

[R Cameron]

Legally speaking it should be fine if it's personal, previously used equipment that will be taken out of the country with you when you leave. The fact it's for a business office might change the legal standing.

Practically speaking, if you can put them in common looking suitcases and they are not brand new in original packaging, they won't even notice or ask about them 9 times out of 10 (or 99 out of 100?).

But rules aren't always followed to the letter of the law, so no one can offer you a guarantee.

 

[Ruserious]

I was stopped once bringing a new computer in a suitcase (as well as my normal laptop in carryon) and had to pay the tax. Its the only time ive been stopped in around 100 journeys over the years, but also was the only time i had a pc in my suitcase. No fine but i did have to pay the tax which was a lot less because i had my NPWP number.

 

[zamzam]

Thanks for the replies everyone

@Vanuatu That's hilarious and actually something I thought might happen, most likely no one will care at all, especially with no tourist influx!

@Ruserious Do you mean like literally a whole PC tower? I have one in a small tower case I'm thinking of bringing but it kind of seems like overkill... Might just stick to laptops and screens

 

[Ruserious]

Do you mean like literally a whole PC tower?

Yeh a mini tower that i once brought in. To be honest the chance of getting stopped and xrayed is quite low but if it happens then you can probably talk your way around a couple of laptops especially if they looked used.

 

[dafluff]

Moderation note:

We have removed a number of posts in this thread because they violated our guidelines. Please do not suggest bribery, even as a joke, especially in the law and immigration sub-forums. Thanks.

 

[Dharma Police]

Moderation note:

We have removed a number of posts in this thread because they violated our guidelines. Please do not suggest bribery, even as a joke, especially in the law and immigration sub-forums. Thanks.

Sorry about that. I had a feeling that might be a no-no. Duly noted.