Most Bali holidays end with a bag that is heavier than it was on the way over. Carved bowls, woven baskets, coffee beans and a bottle or two from the airport are all common buys. Before you pack them, it helps to know what Australia lets back in without fuss.
Two sets of rules apply when you land. The Australian Border Force looks after duty free limits on alcohol and general goods. Biosecurity officers check food, plant material and animal products that could carry pests or disease.
Duty free limits for adults and children
Travellers aged 18 or over can bring in up to AUD900 worth of general goods duty free, according to the Australian Border Force duty free rules. Travellers under 18 have a limit of AUD450. These concessions do not apply to goods brought in for commercial use. Keep your receipts in one place so the value is easy to show if you are asked.
Alcohol has its own limit. Adults can bring in 2.25 litres duty free, which is the same as three standard 750 ml bottles of wine. All the alcohol in your accompanied baggage counts in that total, not just bottles bought at the airport. Travellers under 18 have no duty free alcohol allowance at all.
What happens if you go over the limit
Going over a limit is not a disaster, but you must declare it. The Border Force says duty and tax then apply to all items of that type, not just the amount over the limit. You will need proof of purchase so the amount can be worked out. Failing to declare excess goods could lead to penalties, prosecution or visa cancellation.
Pooling allowances as a family
Families travelling together can combine their allowances. This works when you arrive on the same flight and stay together while you clear customs. The Border Force example is two adults and two children, who share a combined allowance of AUD2,700. A family here means partners, including de facto partners, and their children under 18.
Biosecurity and why it matters
Australia has very strict biosecurity rules at its borders to keep out harmful pests and diseases. The Department of Agriculture biosecurity advice for travellers says you must declare certain food, plant material and animal products on your Incoming Passenger Card. Wooden articles are included in that list. If you are unsure about an item, the department’s advice is to declare it.
Declaring an item does not automatically mean you will lose it. A biosecurity officer looks at what you have declared and decides whether it needs inspection. The department says you will not face a penalty if you declare all goods. Arriving bags are screened with scanners, detector dogs and physical inspection, so it pays to be upfront.
Food you might want to bring back
Food is where many travellers get caught out. All imported food must meet biosecurity requirements, even when it is commercially packaged. The restricted groups include eggs and dairy. They also cover meat, grains, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables, honey and bee products.
If a meal at one of Bali’s best restaurants has you wanting to cook the same dishes at home, think twice about the spice packs. Declare coffee beans, snacks and spice mixes and let the officer decide. Packing all your food in one part of your bag makes the check quicker.
Depending on the risk, some items may need treatment such as fumigation or gamma irradiation. You pay for that treatment yourself. You can also choose to pay to send the goods back out of Australia. The other option is to surrender them so they can be destroyed.
Wooden carvings and handcrafts
Shopping often fits in between the unforgettable experiences in Bali on your list. If you have picked up a carved mask, a timber bowl or a woven basket, think about biosecurity before you pack it. The department lists all wooden articles as items that may pose a risk. It also says many items are not permitted because they may carry pests and diseases.
That does not mean you should leave every carving behind. Declare it, keep it easy to reach and be ready for it to be checked. The department suggests taking photos instead of buying souvenirs that are not permitted. A good photo of a market stall takes up no room in your luggage.
Shoes, gear and beach items
Footwear and clothing can carry soil, plant material or water. The department lists shoes, boots and clothing among the items that may pose a risk, along with camping gear and backpacks. Water sport gear such as wetsuits and paddles is also on the list, especially after use in rivers, lakes or swamps. Outdoor gear must still be declared for inspection even after it has been cleaned.
After a few days at the beach, your sandals and towels may be carrying more sand than you think. Give them a good shake and a rinse before you pack. Dry everything properly so nothing is still damp in your bag.
Packing for the flight home
Duty free liquids need some thought too. The Border Force notes that liquids, aerosols, gels and powders are restricted on flights. It suggests packing duty free items in checked baggage where you can. Toothpaste and mouthwash count as gels and liquids, which is worth keeping in mind as part of your dental health while travelling.
Fill in your Incoming Passenger Card on the plane with your purchases in mind. Tick yes for any food, plant material, wooden items or animal products. It is far easier than trying to remember what is in each bag at the counter. Once that is done, you can settle in and try these tips for getting some shut eye on a plane.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I bring back from Bali duty free?
Adults can bring in up to AUD900 of general goods and 2.25 litres of alcohol duty free. Travellers under 18 can bring AUD450 of general goods and no duty free alcohol. Families on the same flight can combine their allowances if they clear customs together.
Do I need to declare coffee or snacks?
Yes, food must be declared on your Incoming Passenger Card, even if it is commercially packaged. An officer will then decide whether it needs inspection. Declaring it means you will not face a penalty.
Can I bring home a wooden carving from Bali?
Wooden articles must be declared and may be inspected. Some may need treatment before release, and some souvenirs are not allowed in at all. If in doubt, declare it and let the officer decide.
What happens if I go over my duty free limit?
You must declare the extra goods and show proof of purchase. Duty and tax then apply to all goods of that type, not just the extra amount. Not declaring them can lead to penalties or visa cancellation.
Border rules can change, so check the official Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture pages before you fly home. A few minutes of reading can save a long wait at the airport.