Finding alcohol in Bali is easy – it is everywhere. 

That being said, accessibility doesn’t make it any cheaper. A lot of your favorite brands will be incredibly expensive, even when compared to other Southeast Asian countries. 

Beer is affordable, and locally brewed in Indonesia – some even on the island! But wine prices can get out of hand.

So, why is alcohol so expensive on the Island of the Gods?! 

Why is Alcohol so Expensive in Bali?

The most influential factor on the price of alcohol in Bali is import tax. 

Indonesia has one of the highest import taxes in the world, making it incredibly difficult to import anything into the country. 

Even when successfully imported, prices will be expensive to reflect all the work put into getting it in! The import tax on alcohol is reported to be nearly 200-300%.

At a regular restaurant, drinks aren’t much more expensive than what you’d pay at a convenience store. But the star-rated hotels will markup, quite a bit. International brands will have a much higher markup than the local options. 

If you are looking to have a cheap night out, stick to the Bintangs. When you are wanting something a bit more lavish, cocktails are pricier but still reasonable. When you are looking at ordering bottles is when things get expensive.

Buying Alcohol in Bali

Indonesia on the whole has pretty strict alcohol rules.

Luckily, thanks to the years of thriving tourism, Bali has become much more lenient.

Alcohol is readily available around the island, making an afternoon pick-me-up or evening tipple easy peasy. 

Beers on the Beach

Beach bars are some of the best places to grab an icy beer at the end of a hot island day.

With a patch of land, some plastic chairs, an ice-box and range of beverages, these local spots are cheap and perfect for catching a magical sunset.

Nearly all of the beaches in Seminyak and Canggu have these pop-up beach bars.

Beers at the Mini-Mart

The local mini-marts and supermarkets in Bali have a great stock of alcohol.

You can find anything from a local bottle of gin to Smirnoff vodka, even fancier tequilas and wines.

Cafes, Restaurants, Beach Bars and Clubs

At a regular restaurant, alcohol isn’t much more expensive than what you’d pay at a convenience store. 

However, resorts and luxury beach clubs will add a markup. You are paying for the experience more so than the drink itself.

Alcohol Delivery

Need a mid-party stock up?

Don’t fancy heading out, or just feeling lazy?

Alcohol delivery is a life saver when you need that emergency Smirnoff Ice (we’ve all been there).

  • The Boogaloo – the Boogaloo can save you in an emergency with its 30-60 minute delivery guarantee, plus it’s 24/7! They even offer bartending if you are throwing a large and luxe affair. Stocking all the imported faves as well as local options, it has everything you could need. 
  • Bossbotol – Bossbotol is safe and practical with no hidden fees. Their free delivery within 20km from their Kerobokan warehouse (which includes Canggu, Umalas, Sanur, Uluwatu, and Ubud) makes it super convenient too! They can deliver mixers, cigars and boozy hampers. 
  • Wow Booze Bali – Open 24 hours, with a 30 minute delivery guarantee, Wow Booze is a prime alcohol delivery service in Bali. Those in Canggu, Kerobokan, Seminyak, and Legian, will get free delivery, and you can make payment with cash or credit card.

Alcohol Prices in Bali

Here are the average prices for popular alcohols in Bali; 

Local beer – USD$2-4 per bottle

Imported beer – USD$6-8 per bottle

Local wine – USD$3-5 per glass

Imported wine – USD$5-10 per glass

Cocktails – USD$5-10 per glass

Spirits – USD$4-10 per glass

 

Cheap Alcohol in Bali

Arak is a love or hate alcohol in Bali.

The high alcohol percentage makes it much more wallet friendly, however it comes with some risks.

Arak is most often found in small local shops, sold in plastic bottles for as little as USD$1.50. There are a few options of official Araks, sold in stores with real branding. 

But be warned; Arak has been linked to many cases of alcohol or methanol poisoning. 

Smaller bars and clubs try to keep their costs low by mixing alcohols with methanol. It pays to be cautious where you drink.

Arak is sometimes distilled by locals in their own homes, not knowing the correct percentages or process. This can lead deadly doses of the alcohol.

Many people, even tourists, have died from methanol poisoning.

If you want to try the local booze, be sure you buy a branded, authenticated bottle.

Final Thoughts

Bali is marketed as a cheap and boozy place to party in style.

Although the local brands are reasonable, and cheaper then similar boozes back home, the international brands are taxed to the heavens.

Party, be merry, and be careful!