Bali, Indonesia

What do I need to know about living in Bali?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bali, they said:

"Living in Bali can be a very attractive option for those looking to retire. Before retiring in Bali, it is important to understand the cost of living, the visa requirements and the cultural norms. It is also important to research and plan ahead financially. Having enough money saved to cover the cost of living and other expenses is essential when planning to retire in Bali. The visa requirements in Bali vary depending on your nationality and how long you would like to stay. Be sure to research the visa requirements associated with your situation. Learning some of the local language can be beneficial as well, as English is not widely spoken in Bali. Additionally, it is important to familiarize yourself with the cultural norms and to respect the locals' customs," explained one expat living in Bali, Indonesia.

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What do I need to know before moving to Bali?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Bali, they said:

"Before moving to Bali, it is important to research the local laws and regulations that applies to foreigners and be aware of the local customs. You should also try to learn the language, some basic Bahasa, as most locals are not fluent in English. Research the area you are moving to and make sure you are comfortable with the security and safety measures in place. Consider the costs of living and plan accordingly, as the cost of living may be higher than in your current country. Look up the medical facilities available to you and plan for healthcare insurance. Lastly, obtain the necessary visas and permits to enter Indonesia," said one expat who made the move to Bali.

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How do I find a place to live in Bali?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding an accommodation in Bali can be quite easy if you know how and where to look. There are a variety of different options available depending on your budget, such as beachside villas, private apartments, and even dorm-style hostels. To get started, research the different areas available in Bali to get a better understanding of where you want to stay. It would also be best to determine your budget and preferred living accommodations to make a more informed decision. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you can start looking for available rooms or apartments online. Look through property listings on real estate websites or Search Facebook groups found on your favorite search engine. It's also a good idea to ask locals or people who have stayed in Bali for recommendations on where to live. You can also try using an offline or ‘Bali property agent’ who may be able to find you the perfect accommodation. Whichever way you decide to find an apartment or room, make sure you check out the conditions and terms before signing a contract or making any payments. This way you can ensure that you are getting the best accommodation available in Bali," wrote one member in Bali.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Bali?

"A typical expat home or apartment in Bali is usually modern and spacious, and they often come with a garden or a pool. Most expat homes are located in residential areas away from the touristy parts of Bali, and they can range from modest local-style housing to more opulent multi-bedroom villas with all the amenities. Most expat homes and apartments have air conditioning, internet access, and have options for security staff and housekeeping. Some expats also opt for Balinese-inspired design and decor, including unique furniture, artwork, and sculptures," wrote a member in Bali.

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What is the average cost of housing in Bali?

If you are thinking about moving to Bali, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Bali varies widely depending on location, amenities, and other factors. Generally, the cost of housing in Bali ranges from low-cost living options such as single room hostels and guesthouses, to high-end apartments and private villas," wrote a member in Bali.

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How do I meet people in Bali?

When we asked people living in Bali about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Bali often join clubs and activities such as yoga, surfing, and scuba diving. Expats can also join book clubs, language classes, and cooking classes. Other ways that expats meet people in Bali include attending local events such as festivals, joining online expat groups, and attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find that simply striking up conversations with locals and other expats in cafes, bars, and other public places is a great way to make friends and build a social network," said one expat who made the move to Bali.

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What should I bring when moving to Bali?

People living in Bali were asked what three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They wrote:

"Clothing: lightweight and breathable fabrics, sunhat, swimwear, appropriate footwear. Essentials: toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, prescription medications, first-aid kit, flashlight, power adapter, laptop and/or phone charger. Other: snorkel gear, beach towel, books, small water purifier, passport, ID with valid address in Bali, local currency and small denominations of money, copies of important documents, entertainment such as movies or games, cards or board games," remarked one expat living in Bali, Indonesia.

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Where should I setup a bank account in Bali?

We asked expats in Bali what banks they use and there advice about banking. They advised:

"The most common bank used in Bali is Bank Mandiri. You can set up a local bank account at any branch of Bank Mandiri in Bali. There are several branches, including one in Legian as well as a few in Kuta. You will need to bring your passport and other relevant documents with you," said one expat in Bali.

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Will I be able to find a job in Bali?

When we asked people about industries and career opportunities in Bali, they reponded:

"It is possible to find employment in Bali, however it can be quite competitive. There are employment opportunities in hospitality, tourism, and teaching English. However, most jobs in these industries may require prior experience or qualifications. Additionally, work visas or permits may be required for certain employment opportunities, and employers may prefer to hire workers from certain countries or with certain qualifications or language abilities. The best way to find a job in Bali is to network with people and job search online," commented one expat who made the move to Bali.

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What is life like in Bali?

When we asked people living in Bali what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bali is generally quite pleasant. The island is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The cost of living is relatively low, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. There is a wide variety of accommodation options available, ranging from luxury villas to budget hostels. The digital infrastructure is also quite good, with reliable internet access and plenty of coworking spaces. Overall, Bali is an ideal destination for those looking for a unique and exciting place to live and work," said one expat in Bali.

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What do expats in Bali appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats living in Bali appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the local people, the beauty of the tropical landscape, and the rich cultural heritage. From the unique architecture and vibrant assortment of art and music, to the delicious Balinese cuisine, there's something special to experience around every corner. Many expats find themselves appreciating the relaxed Balinese lifestyle, which emphasizes balance and harmony with the environment. Additionally, Balinese spiritual and religious traditions offer great insight into the Balinese way of life, and the friendly locals make for great conversation partners," wrote a member in Bali.

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What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats often find it difficult to become accustomed to a new culture, language, customs, and way of life. Additionally, finding employment, making new friends, and feeling settled and comfortable in a new environment can all be difficult. Expats may also have difficulty managing the practicalities of setting up life in a different country, such as accessing healthcare, understanding government regulations, and finding reliable and affordable services and goods," wrote one member in Bali.

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Is there a lot of crime in Bali?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Crime in Bali is generally considered to be low in comparison to other tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. While visitors to Bali should always take precautions and be aware of their surroundings, violent crime is generally rare and incidents involving tourists are usually low-level, such as pickpocketing and petty theft," said one expat in Bali.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Bali accepting of differences?

"There is a great deal of diversity in Bali. People from various countries, with various cultures and backgrounds, call Bali home. The citizens of Bali are known for their welcoming attitude and accepting nature, and are generally very accepting of visitors—regardless of race, religion, or lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to Bali.

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What are the schools in Bali like?

"Schools in Bali typically follow the Indonesian government's national education curriculum, which includes both standard primary and secondary schooling as well as religious instruction. Classes are taught in both Indonesian and English, with some schools offering other foreign languages. Students are expected to take exams at the end of each major learning period, in order to progress to the following level. Private schools typically offer a broader range of curricula, with some international schools offering the International Baccalaureate Program," remarked one parent with kids at in Bali.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Bali?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Bali responded:

"Housing costs are very reasonable. I can easily get everything I need delivered to my door, and pay with bank transfer directly. The terms of rentals is sketchy, as it is generally month to month, with no real requirement to give notice, but which also makes it hard to move from one rental to the next when day of occupancy is usually NOW. Means you might lose money to move, if you have to move out early. Many rentals prefer tourists to long term, which puts pressure on long term rentals to locate something in an increasingly competitive market for long term rentals. There is no real niche being developed in the tourism profile for long term renters per se, as it is assumed that short term tourist turn overs can be much more lucrative. There is no long term planning in Bali for accommodating the capacity of the country to sustain the level of tourism that the country is experiencing going forward. Government is considering different kinds of visas for people who are like digital nomads. Visas are expensive. . My retirement visa costs $600 a year, and I use an agent. It is less expensive if you do it yourself, but also the Immigration Beaurocracy can be tricky. Important to get clear about what can and cannot be imported into the country. I bought a renewed phone from the United States and it is still sitting in Customs after over 10 weeks, and since they won't let me have it because it's used, I am subject to the whims of a beaurocracy that does not seem to want to return it but to run out the clock and confiscate it. On health issues, I have decided that I am no longer wanting to live in the tropics as my immune system is not strong enough to handle the level of exposure to parasites that I encounter. I as given inatravenous antibiotics during a nominal procedure at a hospital, and now my gut micro biome is destroyed and I have a horrible case of worms that no one seems to know what to do about. There is no one in Bali who can do a comprehensive stool test, and they cost $500 to be sent to Jakarta and back which takes over a month. The response to protocols for Covid is a huge issue, as Balinese don't understand social distancing, do not bother to use masks much of the time, etc. Despite the rules issued by the government. Being in a third world country during a pandemic, is dicey, and the government struggled a long time to frame a response and also rushed to acquire vaccines way too early in the phase of evaluating the vaccine's success rate. Also, the plan for how to vaccinate westerners is still vague and undeveloped and changing as Westerners will not be able to get the vaccines available from the government for Indonesians, and how and who and whether private companies can purchase vaccines that are not earmarked for Indonesians has still not been worked out," said one expat.

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What type of social life can someone expect in Bali?

When we asked expats and global nomads about their social experiences in Bali, they replied:

"Westerners are from all over. They are a quirky lot, and many of them are pandemic deniers," said one expat living in Bali.

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What are medical services in Bali like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Bali, they replied:

"Bali offers a wide range of medical services, including both traditional and modern treatments. Traditional treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies are widely available, while modern treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are also available at some of the larger hospitals. Many of the larger hospitals also offer emergency services, and some even have international accreditation. In addition, there are a number of private clinics and medical centers that offer a variety of medical services," said an expat in Bali.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Bali?

"My kids and I all had dengue fever at the same time and were taken very well care of at BIMC, Nusa Dua. I am so pleased we had health insurance because the hospital bill would have cost us a hefty US $2100," said one expat.

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Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard. PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now. Get a quote from our partner, PassportCard.

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