This is also the queue often used by the "escort" guys. The last time I was there, a guy with visa in advance had some problem and took a very long time. On the other hand, I think that VOA pax are mostly plain vanilla.

Just pay the (approximately) $35 for the escort. While they are gathering your passport, you can actually pass by the immigration booths and make use of your free time. Here was my experience:

1) Took my sweet time deplaning CX785, in J. Leisurely stroll to immigration, stopped to take a family picture with the TG777 in the background.
2) Arrived at immigration, met by escort holding sign. Handed over 4 passports.
3) Strolled past immigration booths, found ATM. Made multiple withdrawls given $100 USD limit. Took children to restroom.
4) Returned to carousel, bags were coming off. Simultaneously, escort showed up, having arranged VOA and gotten requisite entry stamps.
5) Headed outside, met by driver. Handed escort $100 for VOA and $120 for the service (family of four)
Total elapsed time from stepping into jetway, 24 minutes. Calm the entire time. No stress. Laughably long queues. If this isn't worth $35/per person, I don't know what is. Enjoy DPS, we'll be arriving in August as well.

To your #3, did you take out money in U.S. dollars or in local currency? I am just wondering if I need to bring $US cash for VISA + Service + Car Service + Departure Tax. Thank you for this information, we will be ariving in late June, also in J-Class.

I was in DPS last month and used a VOA service. I had the same experience as 'jamienbaker'. We were in F and deplaned quickly, we were walked thru the Crew Line at the Passport line and our bags came out first, the VOA service showed up with our passports as we picked up our bags. Less than 15minutes until we were in the cab. I do not know if it would have been as quick without the service but $35 is a small price to pay. I paid for the VOA service in USD and I also paid for the Car Service in USD. I had the same issue with ATM's, you have to make multipul withdrawals and they only offered local currency.

Its always best to bring the US currency with you. The escort service I think is to be paid in US dollars, although maybe they also accept local currency..?

Correct. The VOA and the escort expect USD. I had no difficulty using large bills ($50s/$100s).

After this, ATMs are numerous and I've never had difficulty using them. But most dispense just one million rupiah at a time (around $100). So depending on your spending habits, the transaction fees your bank charges may begin to add up. I did find a few that would dispense two million at a time.

Personal experience in late April arriving at DPS at 1820. It was the only flight landing at that time, before three flights from Singapore would descend past 1900. No line at all for VOA and non-VOA. Was able to go through immigration, pick up bags, head out through customs, get a pre-paid taxi (again no queue on that line), and get in the taxi to leave the airport all within 20 minutes. I guess the experience (and whether you need the escort person) is mostly dependent on how many flights there are really. Saw two guys who used the escort service - totally not required for my flight. But CX785 that lands at 1400ish - well that is truly another story.

BTW, for those interested in changing money in Hong Kong prior to going to Bali, go here
http://berlincompanyexchangelimited.blogspot.com/
The rate is comparable to the best rates available in town in Bali.

For VOA, do american's need any paperwork other than passport to get it? Other than cash

no

OT: Flight delay
 

This is OT, but just wondering about the reason for delay of yesterday's (5th May) CX784 return DPS-HKG.

HKG-DPS flight was on time, and the return DPS-HKG was delayed till next day morning.

The flight showed having departed on May 5 at 1621, only to arrive back in DPS at 1709. Then departed again on May 6 at 0954 and arrived at 1424 on May 6.

Mechanical problem ?

Incidentally, CX 785 was delayed by 2 hours in departing HKG. Looking at arrivals into HKG this morning, no CX flight was late. Wondering what happened.

Personal experience from late-April 2011 with TG (that lands slightly earlier than the CX flight). First time flying into DPS, and I noticed the huge queue with the yellow signs overhead mentioning "Visa On Arrival". The actual immigration desks (for visa-free, including HK passport holders) are a bit hidden on the right side, with no queues whatsoever. ^

it was worth the money!
 

We just arrived to Bali yesterday. I was not sure if we would want to use this service, but in the end decided to spend $60 ($30x2) for Mrs. PedroNY and I. We arrived on an afternoon flight, at 15:00, on Cathay Pacific flight 785.

I have to say it is was best $60 spent. We used:
http://www.balinicetour.com/

Gentleman met us before the arrival hall, he held a sign with our names. He collected $50 ($25x2) for Visa On Arrival fees and took our passports. He literally handed that money to some other guy who gave him 2 visas and we proceeded to keep on walking.

The line for the VOA lines was surreal, probably 50+ people per counter, we just kep on walking all the way to the right, he kept on passing every single person and used a special entrance, without anyone stopping us!

Then there is a second line, again, passing everyone, no stopping, just keep on walking. We get to the baggage conveyer belt, he tells us to collect our luggage and he had to go and get some stamps, for the passport. Again, bags come out, he is there with a cart, loading our bags!

Go to the x-ray machine, again no wait, going out to customs, again the nod to the right guy, no one is checking our bags, we just kept on going. We make it outside, it is madness, again he finds our driver (from our hotel) and hands over our bags. At this point, I gave him $60 fee for both of us, said thank you and we are out of there!

All this took about 15 to 20 minutes, I am positive that no one even made it through the first line by the time I was in the car on the way to our hotel. I strongly recommend this service.

Mrs Trizzil and I are currently in dps as well and flew cx 785. We also debated using the service and opted not to. My wife got our visa while I waited in line for immigration when we landed. From start to out the door to our driver it took 30 min. I guess it's the luck of the draw...

We were happy with the personnel assistance yesterday when we arrived at DPS from HKG.. It was a zoo.. and with the assistance, we bypassed the lines and were on our way in 15 minutes..