IndonesiaCan You Vape in Indonesia? The Short Answer
Yes, vaping is legal in Indonesia. The country has one of Southeast Asia's more welcoming vaping environments:
- Legal and regulated under GR 28/2024
- 21+ age requirement for purchases
- 57% excise tax on e-liquids (plus 10% additional tax)
- No online sales - retail only
- Smoke-free areas apply to vaping
Indonesia, particularly Bali, is a popular destination for vapers. You can bring your vape, purchase supplies locally, and vape in permitted areas without legal concerns.
Is Vaping Legal in Indonesia? Understanding the Regulations
Legal Framework
Indonesia regulates vaping through:
- Government Regulation No. 28/2024 (GR 28/2024) - Implements the Omnibus Health Law
- Health Law No. 17/2023 - Broader tobacco control framework
- Ministry of Finance regulations - Excise tax structure
Key Regulations
| Regulation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 years old |
| Excise tax | 57% + 10% additional |
| Online sales | Prohibited |
| Distance from schools | 500 meters minimum for retail |
| Health warnings | Required on packaging |
| Plain packaging | Rules apply |
What's Legal
- Purchasing vapes if 21+
- Using vapes in permitted areas
- Bringing personal devices into Indonesia
- Licensed retail sales
What's Prohibited
- Sales to under-21s
- Online vape sales
- Vaping in smoke-free areas
- Sales within 500m of schools/playgrounds
- Advertising to minors
What Are the Rules for Vaping in Indonesia?
Smoke-Free Areas (Vaping Prohibited)
Indonesia designates these as smoke-free:
- Healthcare facilities - Hospitals, clinics
- Educational institutions - Schools, universities
- Places of worship - Temples, mosques, churches
- Government buildings - All public offices
- Public transportation - Buses, trains, ferries
- Indoor public spaces - Malls, restaurants (indoor areas)
- Airports - Except designated areas
- Children's playgrounds and parks
Where Vaping Is Generally Permitted
- Outdoor areas (away from smoke-free zones)
- Private residences and hotel balconies
- Designated smoking areas
- Some bars and clubs (outdoor sections)
- Beaches (most areas)
- Private vehicles
Bali-Specific Rules
Bali adopted Indonesia's first provincial smoke-free law in 2011 (Governor Regulation No. 10/2011), making it stricter than some other regions:
- All temples - Absolutely no smoking/vaping
- Indoor public spaces - Prohibited
- Hotel policies - Vary by property
- Beach clubs - Usually outdoor areas okay
- Restaurants - Indoor prohibited, outdoor varies
How Do I Bring My Vape to Indonesia?
Customs and Import
Bringing personal vaping equipment is straightforward:
- No specific restrictions on personal devices
- Reasonable e-liquid quantities for personal use
- Standard airline battery rules - Carry-on only
- Liquid restrictions - Follow airline policies
Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali - DPS)
- No specific vape screening - Treated like other electronics
- Designated smoking area available outside terminals
- No vaping inside terminal buildings
Tips for Traveling
- Pack devices in carry-on - Lithium battery requirement
- Empty tanks before flying - Pressure changes cause leaks
- Bring sufficient supplies - Better than searching locally
- Keep in original packaging if possible
What Should Travelers Know About Vaping in Bali?
Temple Etiquette (CRITICAL)
Never vape at temples. This cannot be stressed enough:
- Temples are sacred Hindu sites
- Smoking/vaping shows extreme disrespect
- Guards will ask you to leave
- Other tourists may confront you
- Bad karma aside, it's just wrong
Major temples where vaping is absolutely prohibited:
- Tanah Lot
- Uluwatu Temple
- Tirta Empul (holy water temple)
- Besakih (mother temple)
- Ulun Danu Beratan
- All other temples
Popular Vaping Areas
Seminyak:
- Beach clubs (outdoor areas) - Generally okay
- Restaurant patios - Usually permitted
- Walking streets - Acceptable with discretion
- Vape shops: Multiple on Jalan Oberoi and surrounding
Kuta:
- Beach areas - Generally permitted
- Nightlife district - Outdoor areas okay
- Be mindful of crowds
Canggu:
- Cafe culture - Outdoor seating often okay
- Beach clubs - Typically permitted outside
- Expat-friendly area
Ubud:
- More conservative, be discreet
- Rice terrace viewpoints - Use judgment
- Monkey Forest - Don't vape around animals
- Vape shops available in town center
Uluwatu:
- Cliff bars - Outdoor areas generally okay
- Beach clubs - Usually permitted outside
- Near temple - Absolutely not
Hotel Policies
Bali hotels typically:
- Smoking rooms - Vaping usually allowed
- Non-smoking rooms - Vaping prohibited (cleaning fees apply)
- Balconies - Usually permitted
- Pool areas - Often prohibited
- Restaurants - Indoor no, outdoor varies
Always check with your specific hotel.
Where Can I Buy Vapes in Bali?
Major Vape Shop Chains
Cstyle Vape - Largest chain with 7 Bali locations:
- Seminyak (multiple stores)
- Kuta
- Canggu
- Ubud
- Sanur
Popular Areas for Vape Shopping
Seminyak:
- Jalan Oberoi area
- Near Seminyak Square
- Multiple options within walking distance
Kuta:
- Near Beachwalk Mall area
- Legian Street surroundings
Canggu:
- Batu Bolong area
- Near popular cafes
Ubud:
- Central Ubud area
- Near Monkey Forest Road
What's Available
| Product | Availability | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pod systems | Widely available | IDR 200,000-600,000 ($13-$40) |
| Mods | Specialty shops | IDR 400,000-1,500,000 ($27-$100) |
| E-liquids (local) | Common | IDR 75,000-150,000/30mL ($5-$10) |
| E-liquids (import) | Available | IDR 150,000-300,000/30mL ($10-$20) |
| Disposables | Very common | IDR 50,000-150,000 ($3.50-$10) |
Local Indonesian Brands
- Liquid Labs - Popular local juice brand
- Indo Vape - Domestic manufacturer
- Various local flavors and brands
Prices include the 57%+ excise tax, making Indonesia mid-range for vaping costs.
Indonesia Vaping Laws vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | Vaping Status | Age Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | Legal | 21+ | Regulated, taxed |
| Malaysia | Restricted | 18+ | Complex state rules |
| Singapore | Banned | N/A | Strict enforcement |
| Thailand | Banned | N/A | 10 years prison possible |
| Vietnam | Banned (2025) | N/A | New prohibition |
| Philippines | Legal | 21+ | Regulated market |
| Cambodia | Banned (lenient) | N/A | Minimal enforcement |
| Timor-Leste | Legal | 18+ | Minimal regulation |
Indonesia is one of the better Southeast Asian destinations for vapers, along with Philippines.
Vaping in Indonesia: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is legal and regulated in Indonesia
- 21+ age requirement - Higher than cigarettes
- 57%+ excise tax on e-liquids - Prices are moderate
- Never vape at temples - Sacred sites, strictly prohibited
- Smoke-free areas apply - Indoor public spaces, transport, government buildings
- Bali has many vape shops - Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Ubud all have options
- Bring your own supplies for convenience
- Hotel policies vary - Check smoking room availability
- Be respectful outdoors - Don't blow clouds in crowds
- No online sales - Must purchase from licensed retailers
References
- Government Regulation No. 28/2024 (Unofficial Translation) – Tobacco Control Laws
- Indonesia Health Law Update: Tobacco Products and E-Cigarettes – SSEK Law Firm
- Indonesia E-Cigarette Profile – Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction
- Indonesia Legal Summary – Tobacco Control Laws
Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more countries.