Others prefer to keep Bali in the realm of holidays-brilliant, agreeable, and interesting-but not a suitable lifestyle match. If you are planning to make a move to Bali in the future, you will want to be fully prepared for what life is going to be like in this tropical paradise.
Especially if you are looking for work, retirement, or adventure, Bali has everything an Indonesian expat could ask for such as stunning beaches and rich spiritual culture. On the other hand, there are the practical considerations too. Here is a complete guide ranging from visa requirements to finding accommodations, healthcare, and education options for your children.
Challenges of Moving to Bali as Expats
- Kintamani Housing, Source: Dika Pebriyanka
Pros of Living in Bali
Living in Bali is great, with nature and culture in all forms, yet amenities are not far away. This would be a serene and visually stimulating environment with its landscapes, beaches, and tropical forests. The climate is usually warm and tropical; hence, it appeals to people who want to relocate from cold countries or from places with unpredictable weather patterns. Moreover, Bali has a relatively low cost of living, offering a comfortable life at more reasonable rates compared to many Bali expats.
Equally importantly, it is very multi-ethnic as an expat community in Bali. People from literally everywhere around the globe fall in love with this island and thus automatically share a lifestyle of luxury and inclusiveness. Friendships made through meeting similar people will bring about a sense of belonging or support during a transition to a different area.
Disadvantages of Living in Bali
Moving to Bali as an expat, there are a lot of things that one would have to look into before taking the plunge. For instance, how the mechanism of visas works can be quite a headache; it takes quite a great deal of time to do research and get all the documentation ready. The cultural adjustment is another challenge since Bali upholds different customs and social habits, some very unique from those you may be used to in your home country. The language barrier is difficult to learn, especially if one is planning to venture to the more remote areas that do not have a great population speaking fluent English.
By being aware of these challenges and preparing oneself against them, an Indonesian expatriate will be better placed to make the transition to Bali easier and have smoother times in a new home.
How Much is Cost of Living in Bali?
A single person living in Bali should budget between $750 to $2,600 per month; families and couples who share housing expenses can save a great deal of money. Besides that, a higher class of lifestyle would be much more expensive. The top end of this scale is a function of how very expensive it could be to rent, as a single person, a three or more-bedroom villa at about 1,300 dollars; without that high-end expense, it would be hard to get to 2,000 dollars as a single person residing in Bali on a generous budget while keeping a modest way of life that consider affordable cost of living.
All You Should Know Before Moving and living in Bali
- Balinese Praying, Source: Unsplash
Everything you need to know and understand when living in Bali, particularly about the unique blend of Hindu traditions, local beliefs, and laws the island possesses. These are critical elements that should be learned when living on this island, both for visitors and expats. Following are some critical elements of the culture, traditions, and laws of Bali:
Hindu Influence
Hinduism plays a big role in the culture of Bali, and the majority of people follow Balinese Hinduism. There are a large number of temples or “pura” all over the island that act as active centers for religious and social activities. The Balinese actively participate in religious functions and rituals, and visitors should be respectful if visiting temples and attending ceremonies.
Daily Offerings
The Balinese people know so well the daily offerings they call “canang sari,” comprising a small basket made from banana leaves and a mix of flowers, incense, and other locally prepared food items. These then scatter in every house, business, and temple as a way of thanksgiving for the peace they are enjoying and maintaining spiritual balance. With this expat guide, it is considered a must to be watchful not to step on or destroy such offerings.
Social Hierarchy and Respect
This instills high hierarchical respect in the Balinese people, and people with senior years are accorded a lot of respect. “Tri Hita Karana” is a concept that expresses the harmony of people, nature, and the spiritual world. People salute others with courtesy using polite language and gesture. The Balinese people appreciate those tourists that respect their traditions and culture.
Modest Dress
Apart from the beach culture that may define Bali, it is expected that a person dresses modestly, especially in situations where a person visits a temple or a countryside. With regards to respect, both men and women are supposed to cover the shoulders and knees whenever they enter any temple. Wearing revealing clothes and displays of public affection are not encouraged, particularly in conservative areas. This is very important, especially if you have a life in Bali.
Local Laws
Bali offers Indonisian laws, and one should know them quite well. Drug offense imprisonments can run for many years; sentences are from extreme to even death sentences. It is not worth getting involved with drugs and considering the local law in possession and use. More importantly, you must have the proper visa; for example, a digital nomad visa, which will enable you to leave the country and work from any part of Bali. Follow the immigration regulations to make your stay in Bali legally aligned.
Balinese Arts and Traditions
The most interesting expressions of Balinese culture are the traditional arts: dance, music, painting, and sculpture. Actually, ballets-just like very well-known Barong-dance-have such a high recognition as an artistic performance that one can literally see them almost everywhere on the island. Supporting local artisans and attending cultural events are ways to show appreciation and contribute to the preservation of Balinese arts and traditions for which Bali has become an increasingly popular destination with travelers.
By showing respect for Balinese culture, customs, and laws, tourists and expatriates can develop trust and respect from the community while further developing awareness and respect of the enormous cultural wealth which the island has to offer. Respecting and enjoying these aspects will therefore contribute to a more enjoyable living and visiting experience on the island.
Ours Recommend For a Trusted Visa Agency
Suppose you are planning to visit Bali and wondering where to find a trustworthy Visa agency who is ready to process your visa on arrival, Kitas, and many more. We can recommend you to Lets Move Indonesia, Indonesia’s most trusted visa and business consultancy. Visit their website and get a free consultation now.
For further information to get your Second Home Visa, contact Indonesia’s Most Trusted Visa Agency – Lets Move Indonesia, or contact them using any of the contact details here: WA: +62 812 9260 0590, T: +62 21 300 297 27 (Jakarta) T: +62 361 934 8343 (Seminyak) T: +62 361 939 9406 (Canggu), T:+62 361 280 789(Sanur), E-mail: Info@letsmoveindoneisa.com.
Information on Obtaining Health Insurance as an Expat
Some of the reasons why expats need health insurance in Indonesia are that it tends to be quite expensive, and the health coverage will lower these costs. Secondly, the healthcare in Indonesia is quite complex and sometimes hard for using, especially for foreigners who may not be used to the local customs and practices there.
Health insurance gives a ticket to quality medical care, thus bringing in mental comfort that when illness or injury strikes, one is covered.
Want to know more about Health Insurance in Indonesia? Click here for more.
FAQ
If you’re planning to live in Bali and move to the island as an Indonesian expat, many questions may come to your mind. In this complete guide, we’ll answer some of the most common questions you may have.
1. What are the pros and cons of living in Bali?
The pros of living in Bali include the beautiful and warm weather, relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, and relatively affordable cost of living. The cons have language barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and poor access to quality healthcare.
2. How long can I stay in Bali on a tourist visa?
You can be living on the island on a tourist visa for up to 30 days. However, if you wish to stay longer, you must either apply for a longer-stay visa or make a visa run to a nearby country.
3. What are the visa requirements for an expat living in Bali?
As an expat living in Bali, you must obtain a long-stay visa for Bali or a work permit. The requirements can vary depending on your country of origin, job, and circumstances. It’s best to check with your home country’s Indonesian embassy or consulate to learn more about the visa requirements.
4. What are the best areas of Bali to live in?
This can depend on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and work location. Some popular areas among Bali expats include Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu. It’s best to research and visit different sites before choosing a place to live.
5. Can I rent a scooter in Bali?
Yes, you can rent a scooter in Bali. It’s one of the most popular ways to get around the island, especially for digital nomads and expats. However, always wearing a helmet and driving safely is essential, as the roads can be busy and chaotic.
