Indonesia

You're heading to Bali or the Gili Islands with a GoPro Hero 12 and its housing (approx. €500, or ~USD 540). Before your flight, complete the e-CD form online at ecd.beacukai.go.id (mandatory for all arrivals). Your gear slightly exceeds the USD 500 threshold, but as a tourist, personal equipment re-exported upon departure falls under temporary import, not the duty-free allowance. Declare it on the e-CD as a precaution, keep the purchase invoice (a photo on your phone is sufficient), and the serial number. Upon arrival (Denpasar, Jakarta), proceed through the green channel unless Bea Cukai officers direct you for inspection. Main risk: an overzealous officer might demand a deposit if the equipment appears new and still in its packaging – unbox everything before you leave. Also, be aware of the IMEI rule: a maximum of 2 smartphones per person.

You're embarking on a Komodo liveaboard with a Sony A6700, an Ikelite housing, two strobes, and lenses (~€3,500, or ~USD 3,800). Complete the e-CD before arrival and explicitly declare the equipment, as its total value significantly exceeds USD 500. With a tourist visa (VOA or exemption), the temporary import regime applies: re-export is mandatory upon departure, generally without duties. Prepare a detailed list with serial numbers, invoices, and photos of the equipment. At the airport (Denpasar, Labuan Bajo via Jakarta), present this list if inspected. Risk: without proof of personal use, Bea Cukai might suspect local resale and apply BM 10% + PPN 11% + PPh (up to 20% without NPWP) on the excess value. Visibly used equipment (scratches, dive bags) and a dive liveaboard booking will facilitate passage. Keep all documents for your departure.

You're off to Raja Ampat with a full-frame camera body, Nauticam housing, dome port, aluminum arms, two high-end strobes, and macro/fish-eye lenses (~€15,000). If the trip is personal (tourist visa), temporary import applies: e-CD completed online, full declaration, inventory with serial numbers and invoices, mandatory re-export. If the trip is professional (filming, assignment), use an ATA Carnet – accepted by Indonesia since 2015 for professional equipment (local guarantor: KADIN). Without an ATA Carnet, the TIB procedure with a bond is possible but cumbersome. Warning: a journalist or work visa without prior registration of equipment in the passport by customs exposes you to duties. Risks: in Sorong or Denpasar, a thorough inspection of equipment of this value is likely; without documents, a deposit may be required or taxation applied (BM 10% + PPN 11% + PPh up to 20%). Allow extra time upon arrival.

Do I need to fill out the e-CD even if my camera gear is worth less than USD 500?

Yes. The e-CD form (ecd.beacukai.go.id) is mandatory for all travelers arriving in Indonesia, regardless of the value of goods carried. If your equipment is worth less than USD 500 and will be re-exported, you can answer 'nothing to declare' for goods remaining in Indonesia. Above USD 500, declare the equipment as a precaution, specifying that it is personal, temporarily imported gear.

Will my camera housing and strobes be taxed upon arrival in Bali?

In principle, no, if you are traveling on a tourist visa: housings, cameras, and strobes are permitted for temporary import provided they are re-exported upon departure. The USD 500 allowance only applies to goods that remain in Indonesia. Keep invoices, serial numbers, and photos of your equipment to prove personal use in case of inspection by Bea Cukai.

I'm going to Raja Ampat for professional filming: does the ATA Carnet work in Indonesia?

Yes, Indonesia has accepted the ATA Carnet since May 2015 for professional equipment (national guarantor: KADIN Indonesia). This is the recommended route for professional video/photo gear. Without a Carnet, a temporary import under bond (TIB) is possible but complex. Note: with a non-tourist visa, have the equipment registered by customs to avoid import duties.