Experience Moving to Bali: First 100 Days in Paradise

After spending 30 years surrounded by the noise and rush of New York City, I knew I wanted something different for retirement—somewhere peaceful, real, and closer to nature. I was done with traffic, sirens, and the constant buzz of city life.

So, I finally did what I’d been dreaming of for years: moving to Bali.

Of course, I had doubts. Uprooting your entire life and moving halfway across the world isn’t easy. I was nervous, unsure, and a little scared. But I listened to my gut, got the right support for the Bali second home visa, and took the leap.

And now? I’m living a life I never imagined was possible. Slower mornings, open skies, kind people, and a deep sense of calm. This truly feels like the beginning of the best chapter of my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. And best of all, I get to live with like-minded people from all walks of life in the best place to retire in Bali.

How much is cost of living in bali?

Moving to bali for an Indonesian expat is the stuff made of travel dreams. Stay in paradise of bali can read about the idyllic location and unique culture that are Pretty well documented about the Indonesian island.

If you’re wondering how much money you need to living in Bali, here’s my honest answer: it all depends on your standards and way of living. It’s quite easy to claim that “the cost of living in Bali is 5 times lower than in the US or Australia” or “you can live in Bali for less than $500 per month”, but the real question is are you coming here to live a simple life with little money or do you want to make the most out of your Western buying power?

Where to live in Bali?

The most popular places among expats in Bali are:

• Canggu / Seminyak

• Uluwatu

• Ubud

• Amed

So, if you’re thinking of retirement in Indonesia and wondering where to begin, let me walk you through my first 100 days. From settling in to finding the perfect spot to call home, I’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how you can find the right place for your dream retirement in this tropical paradise.

Benefits of Retirement Visa Indonesia

• Ability to open an Indonesian bank account.

• Eligibility for a local driver’s license.

• Authorization for a Multiple Exit Re-Permit (MERP), facilitating multiple entries and exits from the country.

• Permission to purchase and register a car under your name.

• Access to local pricing and discounts.

Essential Documents for Obtaining an Indonesian Retirement Visa

• A copy of your valid passport – the passport should have at least 18 months validity and also must have at least 6 empty pages.

• A letter stating that you intend to employ domestic help.

• You need to prove your lease with a copy of your signed contract agreement which clearly shows the amount you leased the unit for and the owner’s details.

• A copy of your health and life insurance policies. This is to ensure that you will not become incumbent on the state in the future and are able to care for yourself.

• Copy of your bank account statement or proof that you are receiving a regular dividend from you investment or pension.

Conclusion:

Life in Bali has been a great experience thus far. It has been nearly a year and we both feel happier and healthier. We both have nearly no stress and our productivity has increased significantly. We appreciate life more and appreciate the local culture and people. Bali is just one of those places that are tough to describe how it feels when you are there. It’s magical.

If you’re planning on living in Bali or just want to visit, feel free to send us a message and ask us any questions you may have