Living in Bali: My Journey & What You Should Know First

In this article, I will tell you about my personal experience as an expat in Bali: a genuine story of what motivated me to move here. I will also give you a bunch of practical tips to make your life easier in case you also plan to move to Bali!

Moving to Bali : Natural Beauty and Climate

If there’s one thing Bali does better than most places on Earth, it’s serving up picture-perfect landscapes on a silver platter. From the lush green rice terraces of Ubud to the golden beaches of Seminyak, Bali’s scenery feels like a permanent vacation. Couple that with its tropical climate—think eternal summer—and it’s no wonder why Bali is a favorite among expats.

Experience living in Bali

My current way of living wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea, that’s the least I can say. I accepted a job without having any idea of what to expect, I’m a 35 year old living with 2 roommates, I have vague working conditions and an even more vague salary, I work from anywhere – from boogie coffee shops to bamboo tables among dogs and chickens. But all of this doesn’t matter that much, because I feel free.

Before I came here, I was living someone else’s life and I was questioning myself every single day. Today I enjoy a more comfortable life for less money, I am my own boss, I live in the little paradise that is Bali, I learn how to surf, I have lots a free time to explore the island, I make a lot of international friends who understand my lifestyle.

Can I live in Bali full time?

If you think living in Bali as an expat is easy just because “everyone does it”, you’d be surprised! If you’re coming here for a short period of time, you’re all good since you’ll only need a tourism visa on arrival. You can get this visa directly at Bali’s airport for roughly $37. It’s valid for 30 days starting from your arrival date and it can be extended once for a second 30 day period.

The Indonesian government recently announced the launch of a digital nomad bali second home visa with pretty rigorous acquisition conditions.

Things you should know before planning to move Bali

Besides the visa, there are certain things here that might become a barrier for some people who wish to move to Bali. I am mostly referring to:

Transportation: Bali has no public transportation. If you decide to live in Bali, you can either take taxis (which can quickly get pricey) or drive a scooter. The second option is practical, very cheap and by far the most popular one.

Except driving a scooter in your country is one thing – driving a scooter in Bali is an art the roads are super narrow and badly maintained and the traffic in touristic areas is insane.

Health in Bali: Depending on when you come from, you might be used to a great health system in your home country. Well, it won’t be the case in Indonesia! Finding a good doctor here is not always easy if you’re not in a touristic area. Good doctors also get very pricey. Good healthcare is available in Bali, especially in larger towns like Denpasar and Ubud.

Renting vs Buying Property in Bali: While Bali’s real estate market is booming, foreign ownership laws are strict. Foreigners can lease land but not directly own it. Most expats opt for long-term rentals, which can range from a couple of hundred dollars a month for a simple home to several thousand for a luxury villa. If you plan to stay long-term, it’s worth hiring a local property agent to help you navigate the lease agreements.

The cost of living in Bali

If you’re wondering how much money you need to live 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”

Why bali is the best place for retirement which are above 50?

Retiring in Bali offers a unique blend of affordability, culture, and lifestyle that’s difficult to find elsewhere. This is the best place to retire in Bali for a vibrant community, a healthier lifestyle, or a budget-friendly retirement; Bali has it all. We look forward to discussing how we can help you relocate to Bali, making the process smooth and enjoyable.

I hope your enjoyed reading this article about moving to Bali! Do feel free to ask me any question or share your own experience if you’re living in Bali or somewhere else as an expat.