Australian Beer In Bali: Where To Buy And Try

If you're looking to buy Australian beer in Bali, you may be out of luck—or at least, you'll have to pay a premium. Indonesia has one of the highest import taxes in the world, which makes it very difficult to bring goods into the country. This means that your favourite brands will likely be incredibly expensive compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Local beer, on the other hand, is cheap and readily available, so you may want to consider trying a local brew like Bintang or Kuda Putih.

Where to buy Australian beer in Bali

Australian beer in Bali is likely to be expensive due to the high import tax Indonesia levies on alcohol. However, if you are staying in the Kuta area of the island, there are a few options for buying Australian beer.

One place to try is the new Danmurfys outlet in Kuta Kobrob. If you are staying at the Dynasty, this may be a convenient option for you.

Another option is to head to the Bintang supermarket, where you can buy one type of Australian craft beer, Stark, for around 35,000 IDR a bottle.

If you are looking for a wider selection of international beers, you could try the Red & White off-licence in Seminyak, which stocks four-packs of BrewDog. However, this will be pricier, with four-packs costing between 400,000 and 600,000 IDR.

For a wider selection of Australian beer, you may want to try the Beer & Co. in Kuta, which has rows of craft beer in fridges.

The cost of Australian beer in Bali

Australian beer in Bali will be expensive due to the high import tax imposed by Indonesia. The import tax on alcohol is reported to be nearly 200-300%.

A beer in a bar in Bali can vary from IDR 20,000 to IDR 60,000, or $2.00 to $6.00. In a beach club or nightclub, expect to pay at least IDR 40,000, or $4.00, for a local beer, with prices going as high as IDR 90,000, or $9.00.

In a supermarket, a small bottle of Bintang, the local beer, costs between IDR 18,000 and IDR 25,000, or $1.80 to $2.50.

For reference, a Big Mac meal in Bali costs around $5.50 AUD, and a bottle of wine can be purchased for $10-$30 AUD.

Why Australian beer is expensive in Bali

Australian beer is expensive in Bali due to a combination of factors, including import taxes, shipping costs, and tourism.

Indonesia has one of the highest import tax rates worldwide, which significantly increases the cost of imported goods, including alcohol. The import tax on alcohol is reported to be as high as 200-300%. This means that a bottle of Australian beer, which would typically cost around $20 in Australia, could cost over $80 in Bali.

Additionally, the cost of shipping alcoholic beverages can also contribute to the high prices. The distance between Australia and Indonesia, as well as the volume and weight of beer, can result in substantial shipping expenses. These costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer, making Australian beer even more expensive in Bali.

Moreover, Bali's thriving tourism industry plays a role in the pricing of Australian beer. Tourists visiting the island are often willing to pay higher prices for familiar brands and premium drinks, allowing establishments to charge a premium for imported beverages. The markup is especially noticeable in resorts, luxury beach clubs, and star-rated hotels.

The combination of high import taxes, shipping costs, and tourism-driven demand results in Australian beer being significantly more expensive in Bali compared to other Southeast Asian countries or even Australia itself.

Alternatives to Australian beer in Bali

While Australian beer may be hard to come by in Bali, there are plenty of alternative options to choose from. The most popular beer in Bali is Bintang, which is owned by Heineken and has been around since the 1920s. It's affordable, widely available, and has an alcohol content of 4.6%—perfect for those hot Balinese days. If you're looking for something a little different, try the Bintang Radler, a sweetened lemon or orange-flavoured beer with a lower alcohol content of 2%.

For those who want to explore more of the local offerings, there's Anker Beer, produced by Delta Djakarta, and Bali Hai, produced by PT Bali Hai Brewery Indonesia. Both breweries offer a unique taste of Indonesia and are worth sampling during your stay.

If you're feeling adventurous, you might want to branch out from the typical lager. Stark Craft Beer is an Indonesian dark brown beer with a variety of flavours, including mango and lychee. It's crafted with care and local ingredients in the north of Bali, making it a great choice to support local businesses.

For a refreshing change, try Es Bir (Iced 'Beer'), which is made from coconut, sugar, ice cubes, and lime juice. It's a popular choice in the northern areas of Singaraja and Buleleng and will surely quench your thirst on a hot day.

Lastly, for those who enjoy a good craft beer, Bali has its fair share of breweries creating unique blends. Black Sand Brewery in Canggu offers unfiltered, unpasteurised brews with no additives and a fine selection of wine. Their Black Sand Lager, Vienna Lager, and NEIPA (New England India Pale Ale) are definitely worth a taste.

So, while you may not find your favourite Australian beer, Bali offers a diverse range of alternatives that will surely enhance your Balinese experience.

Where to buy beer in Bali

If you're looking to buy beer in Bali, you're in luck—alcohol is easy to find and available everywhere. That being said, it's not cheap. Your favourite brands will likely be very expensive, even compared to other Southeast Asian countries. This is due to Indonesia's high import taxes, which can be as much as 200-300%.

If you're looking for a cheap night out, your best bet is to stick to local beers, which will cost you USD$2-4 per bottle. Local Indonesian beers include Bintang, Bali Hai, Heineken, San Miguel, Black Sand Brewery, Kura Kura, and Stark Beer. You can find these at pop-up beach bars, which are a great option for a magical sunset drink. Nearly all the beaches in Seminyak and Canggu have these pop-up bars.

If you're looking for imported beer, you'll pay USD$6-8 per bottle. You can find imported beers at regular restaurants, cafes, beach bars, and clubs, as well as local mini-marts and supermarkets. Resorts and luxury beach clubs will also have imported beer, but they will add a markup.

If you don't want to leave your accommodation, alcohol delivery services like The Boogaloo, Bossbotol, and Wow Booze Bali offer 24/7 alcohol delivery within 30-60 minutes.

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