Archive 2019 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

codyconway
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

I saw a bulliten that Indonesia falls under Carnet requirements as of 2015. While this is typically used for commercial goods, I have seen horror stories of folks being detained for carrying high end camera equipment without proper documentation. Others have been able to simply fill out forms upon entry with an itemized list on a non-official carnet style report.

Has any photographers traveled to Bali / Indonesia in recent times had any customs issues bringing in "excess" photography equipment. We typically travel right under 10,000 USD worth in equipment for most trips and have only had issues bringing in equipment to Colombia and Belize thus far.

Thanks

Jul 23, 2019 at 07:51 AM

bvphotos
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

I'm not too familiar with the Carnet requirements. And I also don't know what you mean by high end camera equipment, but if you're an individual taking your pro DSLR/mirrorless camera and a few lenses, I don't think you'll have any issues. I've done that a couple of times to Java and Bali and have never been even remotely hassled. The only annoyance is that Indonesia doesn't allow tripods in carry-on bags (they have to go into checked bags).

If, on the other hand, you're carrying a couple of large, high-end video cameras and assorted equipment that look like a film/TV production unit, I have no idea what obstacles you might face.

(PS: I've also not been hassled in Colombia with 2 Sony bodies, the 100-400mm + a couple of other lenses. If you've been hassled, it means you've taken more expensive-looking gear, and hence you might get questioned in Indonesia too.)

Jul 23, 2019 at 02:36 PM

codyconway
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

bvphotos wrote:
I'm not too familiar with the Carnet requirements. And I also don't know what you mean by high end camera equipment, but if you're an individual taking your pro DSLR/mirrorless camera and a few lenses, I don't think you'll have any issues. I've done that a couple of times to Java and Bali and have never been even remotely hassled. The only annoyance is that Indonesia doesn't allow tripods in carry-on bags (they have to go into checked bags).

If, on the other hand, you're carrying a couple of large, high-end video cameras and assorted equipment that look like a film/TV...Show more →

In belize we required a Carnet with our base camera equipment (at the time it was 7D and 500 F4, 5D II, couple of walk around lenses, Gtizo Tripod). When we were in Colombia we traveled with a moderate amount of equipment (2 sony bodies, 2 canon bodies, 2 100-400 (sony and canon), 4 or so lenses, but the biggest hiccup there was drone equipment - DJI Mavic Pro and DJI goggles, all in two descrete f-stop bags).

Reading up on the dive forums is where I saw folks getting hammered with fees / broker requirements just to bring in a second body stating that the government only allows a "tourist" to bring in 1 camera body which is nuts when you think about critical backup needs.

We plan to be in Bali with:

Sony A7r3, A7III
Canon 5D Mk III, EOS RP

Canon: 100-400, 24-105, 100mm L, 35 1.8 RF
Sony: 100-400, 90mm F2.8, Tam 28-70. 12-24 G

DJI : Mavic Pro, Ronin SC

Underwater housing with Sony RX100 Mk III

This, of course is carried between my wife and I. Due to the total commercial value of the equipment, it just seems to scream potential issues at customs. Hopefully its a non-issue. However, if aquiring a Carnet before we leave ensures passage of all equipmet without paying brokerage fees and leaving a deposit, I'm ok with that.

Jul 24, 2019 at 07:08 AM

Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

I'd buy another SOny body so you can leave a lot of gear behind ! Joke.

I've never had any hassle *anywhere* in Asia (I've lived here for 23 years) but I haven't been to Bali/Indonesia in the past few years.

Aug 08, 2019 at 01:58 AM

elkhornsun
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #5 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

Many backward countries use tariff taxes to raise revenue (Brazil, Honduras, Egypt, USA come to mind from my own corporate experience) and to they do not want people trying to circumvent them. If you bring in equipment and take out all your equipment then there will not be a problem. If you bring in cameras in factory boxes or a dozen cameras then you can expect problems. It depends on the judgement of the customs official that you encounter.

The forms are needed to document someone trying to circumvent the country's laws and these would be used as evidence. Real problem though is having equipment seized by a customs person so they can resell it themselves.

I would be primarily concerned though with outright theft by TSA and airline employees in most countries and that is why I never check anything of value when flying anywhere.

Even with the mentioned countries I know many businesses that have people bringing valuable items into the country as "baggage" and this includes refrigerators and table saws, as they can save on the duties charged when items are shipped to them as freight and go into a customs warehouse.

In general it is wise to keep a low profile as much as possible and avoid sticking out from the crowd.

Aug 08, 2019 at 12:58 PM

Faraday
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #6 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

I go to Indonesia every year and have never had an issue, and in all honesty I am carrying way more than 10K of equipment. I don't even split it up between my husband and me.
Now, your drone could be an issue although they are legal in the country. Just be prepared to show your batteries are under 100 watt hours and de-charged.
Have a fun trip.

Aug 10, 2019 at 03:18 PM

Faraday
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #7 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

Aug 10, 2019 at 03:18 PM

Faraday
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.1 #8 · Indonesia, Carnet requirements for photographers

Aug 10, 2019 at 03:18 PM


FM Forums \| Trip Location Advice & Meet-ups \| Join Upload & Sell