Bali is one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia for expatriates. Whether you’re drawn by the tropical climate, the culture, the food scene, or the thriving remote-work community, Bali offers a lifestyle that is difficult to match anywhere in the world at a comparable cost. This guide covers everything you need to know before making the move — from visas and housing to schools, healthcare, and community life.
Cost of Living
Bali offers a wide range of lifestyles at very different price points:
- Budget lifestyle (eating locally, simple room, scooter): USD 800–1,200/month for a single person
- Professional couple (2-bedroom villa with pool in Canggu or Seminyak, eating out regularly): USD 3,000–5,000/month or more
- Families with international school fees, domestic help, a car and driver, and international health insurance will spend significantly more
Bali remains significantly cheaper than most Western cities at any equivalent lifestyle level.
Visas & Long-Term Stay
Indonesia’s visa landscape has evolved considerably. The main options for long-term residents are:
KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit)
The primary option for those working for Indonesian employers or sponsored retirees. A retirement KITAS is available for those aged 55 and over.
Second Home Visa (introduced 2022)
Allows eligible foreigners to reside in Indonesia for 5 or 10 years. Applicants must demonstrate proof of funds of at least USD 130,000 held in an Indonesian bank account (or ownership of qualifying property).
Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) (launched 2023)
Offers a 60-day visa extendable to 180 days for remote workers employed outside Indonesia. Importantly, holders pay no Indonesian income tax on foreign-sourced income.
Important: Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with a reputable visa agent or through the Directorate General of Immigration at [www.imigrasi.go.id] (http://www.imigrasi.go.id).
For visa assistance, two well-regarded services are:
- Rami Formality Services PT — specialising in retirement visas, spouse visas, work visas, dual citizenships and company establishment. Tel: +62-361-8005466 | [www.rami-services.com](http://www.rami-services.com)
- Sabita Advisory — immigration, work permits, due diligence and mediation. Tel: 750099 / 753023 | [email protected]
Property & Housing
Foreigners cannot own freehold land in Indonesia. Long-term land use rights carry legal complexity and risk — always engage a reputable notaris and seek independent legal advice before signing any long-term property agreement.
Rental prices have risen significantly in recent years as Bali’s popularity as a remote work and lifestyle destination grows. Key neighbourhoods and approximate monthly rents:
- Simple 2-bedroom house (non-prime Sanur or Denpasar): USD 400–700/month
- Modern 3-bedroom villa with pool (Canggu or Seminyak): USD 1,500–4,000+/month
Many leases in Bali are offered on a one or two-year prepaid basis — this is the local norm, not a red flag, but it requires careful contract review before committing.
Useful rental resources:
- Facebook groups: “Bali Villa Rentals” and “Bali Long Term Rentals”
- [Flissy.com](http://www.flissy.com)
- The Bali Advertiser: [www.baliadvertiser.biz](http://www.baliadvertiser.biz)
Healthcare
Bali has a solid range of medical facilities. For expats, comprehensive international health insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage is essential — for conditions requiring specialist care (cardiac surgery, complex oncology), medical evacuation to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur is standard practice, and the cost without insurance is enormous.
Key hospitals used by the expat community:
- BIMC Hospital Kuta — Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai, Simpang Siur. Tel: +62 (361) 761-263. Open 24 hours.
- BIMC Siloam Hospital Nusa Dua — Kawasan ITDC Blok D, Benoa. Tel: +62 (361) 3000911. First hospital in Indonesia accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI).
- Siloam Hospitals Bali (Kuta) — Jl Sunset Road No.818. Tel: +62 361 779900. First private hospital in Bali with JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation.
- International SOS / SOS Medika Bali — Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai No.194, Sanur. Tel: +62 (0)361 2014 505. 24-hour assistance: 0361 710 505.
Safety
Bali is generally a very safe place to live and raise a family. Key points:
- Violent crime against foreigners is rare; petty theft does occur
- Road safety is the primary concern — motorbike and scooter accidents involving foreigners unfamiliar with local conditions are common. Consider hiring a driver, especially for longer trips
- Dengue fever is a year-round risk — ensure good mosquito screening and use repellent
- Security has been significantly enhanced since 2002–2005, and the island has not experienced major terrorism incidents in the intervening decades
Getting Around
Blue Bird Taxi — Bali’s most trusted metered taxi service. Tel: +62 (0361) 701111. App: MyBluebird (iOS and Android). Always insist the meter is switched on.
Grab and Gojek — Both ride-hailing apps operate island-wide and offer excellent value for day-to-day transport. Download both before you arrive.
Bali Car Rentals — Self-drive or driver options. Tel: +62-361-746-0011 | [www.balicarrentals.com](http://www.balicarrentals.com)
Note: In some tourist-heavy areas (particularly Kuta and Legian), app-based drivers may need to pick you up slightly away from the main strip due to pressure from local taxi operators.
Utilities
Electricity can fluctuate, particularly in less-developed areas and during heavy rain. Ensure your computer has a UPS and voltage stabiliser. Most modern villas come with a generator — confirm this before signing a lease.
Internet has improved dramatically and is generally adequate for remote work. Fixed broadband is available through IndiHome (Telkom’s fibre service), Biznet, and MyRepublic. For mobile data, Telkomsel’s Simpati and by.U plans offer the widest 4G coverage. A local SIM card is inexpensive — bring your passport to any operator’s outlet.
Water — city supply is not suitable for drinking or cooking. Bottled water or a water dispenser service is essential for all households.
Garbage & security costs vary by neighbourhood: typically Rp 50,000–150,000/month for garbage collection, and a similar amount for local neighbourhood security (hansip). Ask your neighbours for the current local rate.
Expat Community & Organisations
Bali has a vibrant expat community with organisations for almost every interest:
- Bali Expats Facebook Group — one of the most active and useful online communities for expats living in or moving to Bali. Highly recommended for housing leads, local advice and connecting with the broader expat community.
- BIWA (Bali International Women’s Association) — BIWA Center, Jl Tirta Ening 15A, Sanur. Tel: 0819-9985-5686 | [biwabali.org](http://biwabali.org). An excellent first port of call for newly arriving women and families.
- Bali Hash House Harriers — founded 1976, running Monday and Thursday from 4:30pm. [www.bali-hash.club](http://www.bali-hash.club)
- Rotary Clubs in Bali — clubs in Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Ubud, Kuta and Lovina
- Bali International Cricket Club — social cricket on Sundays at Sidakarya field, 11:00am
- Bali Geckos — Australian Rules football club
- Piston Broke Bali — social motorbike club, founded 1995. [www.pistonbrokebali.com](http://www.pistonbrokebali.com)
- Raffles Golf Club — non-profit social golf club. Tournaments Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. [www.rafflesgolfbali.com](http://www.rafflesgolfbali.com)
- BaliPod.com — community forum for expats living in Bali
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners live permanently in Bali?
There is no permanent residency in the conventional sense. However, the KITAS, Second Home Visa, and retirement KITAS effectively allow indefinite residence with renewal. Most expats renew their status on a rolling basis over many years.
Is Bali safe for expats and families?
Yes, generally. The main risk is road traffic. Violent crime against foreigners is rare.
Can I work remotely from Bali?
Yes — thousands do. Internet is generally reliable, fibre broadband is widely available, and the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) provides a legal framework with no Indonesian income tax on foreign-sourced income.
What international schools are in Bali?
Key schools include Green School Bali, Australian Independent School Bali, Canggu Community School, Dyatmika School, and Sunrise School. Tuition typically runs USD 8,000–20,000+ per year. Always visit in person and verify current accreditation status.
For more detailed area-specific guides, see our dedicated articles on Ubud, Sanur, Canggu, Kuta & Denpasar, and Seminyak & Kerobokan.
