Finally, here’s a complete 2024 digital nomad guide on everything you need to know about moving to Bali, how much you can expect to spend, and how to make yourself comfortable out here (finding the right accommodation, sim cards, visas, etc.).
Over the past four months, I’ve been fortunate enough to call the sunny and idyllic island of Bali my home…. I’ve spent my mornings hiking through forests and up volcanoes, going to the beach, cafe hopping, and eating amazing/healthy food. What you’ve heard about Bali is true. It’s a treasure trove of amazing experiences, food, and people. I spend most of my days in a bikini and can totally understand what’s so appealing about living here. Now I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from four months living here in ONE post!
I want to start this post off with a disclaimer. A lot of what you’ll read online about Bali is outdated. The island has changed so much in the past 3-5 years and so have the prices of things. If you’re a creature of comfort and like eating well then this guide is for you. Don’t get me wrong, you can still live like royalty for a fraction of what you’d pay in Europe and North America, but there are some things you should be aware of.
Today you’ll learn what you need to live here on a short-term basis & prepare you for what life will be like in this tropical paradise. It’s important to be prepared because this ‘paradise’ comes with its own terms. As prepared as I thought I’d be when I first came here, little things have still caused minor bumps along the way, so I thought I’d give you the heads up to make your move as smooth as possible…
So let’s dive into the latest in my Digital Nomad Guide to Bali series, shall we?
Why Live In Bali?
Living in Bali sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it is!
Bali delivers a unique island experience unlike any other. The island’s allure comes from a combination of the welcoming Balinese Hindu community who have lived here for centuries, a laid-back and far from restrictive lifestyle, and the beautiful nature – volcanoes, sandy beaches, and jungles – all rolled into one easily accessible destination. Dubbed as ‘Island of the Gods’ and ‘the Last Paradise,’ the island attracts everyone, from retirees looking for a peaceful place to spend their golden years to entrepreneurs searching for new professional opportunities.
For surfers, there’s a robust community that takes advantage of Bali’s year-round waves. Into yoga? Practice with world-renowned teachers in the middle of the jungle. Want to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs? Head over to a local coworking space or cafe & sit next to people who are working on some kind of online business (or two!)
Apart from a diverse group of residents, the island offers delectable tasty cuisine, a laid-back lifestyle, affordable villa rentals, and fast internet, making the island the perfect place to work remotely. Cost-effective living made Bali a great base for me to write and recover between travels exploring the best of Europe and Asia.
As I was working on this post, I asked the guy working next to me what brought him here. His response: “I do more of everything that I love. I go to the gym every day, so I feel great. I look forward to it. The relationships in my life are incredible.”
Thanks to social media, the island is changing and with these changes, a new patchwork of communities will soon deliver every “kind of Bali” you could want. The result is an island with a beautiful character dotted with eclectic communities that offer the best of what you’d want from an island but the amenities and comforts you’re likely to experience in a more developed society.
The Pros Of Living In Bali
After living in Bali for 4 months, I came to appreciate the ups and downs of island life. So, whether you’re considering a permanent move or you’re looking for a change of scenery for a few months, here are some pros and cons of living in Bali
- English is widely spoken in Bali – English is the most spoken language among the expat community and most of the locals are also fluent.
- Breathtaking views & experiences – Bali’s breathtaking landscapes, from lush rice terraces to pristine beaches, are undoubtedly one of its biggest draws.
- Nice weather – Bali is located about eight degrees south of the equator so you can expect a tropical, warm, and humid climate all year round.
- Money goes a long way – read my what I spent this month in Bali post for more details
- Fast internet at housing and cafes
- Thriving expat community
- Friendly locals – Indonesian people are some of the warmest and nicest people I’ve ever met. They are so quick to smile and quite often you see the locals pass by grinning from ear to ear 😁
- Great place to travel from – Living in Bali also puts you in the heart of the South East Asian region. You can easily use the island as a base to explore the rest of Indonesia or even fly to other countries like Thailand, Singapore, Laos, and more!
- Rich culture & traditions – Bali’s unique culture and traditions are deeply ingrained in daily life. Get ready to be captivated by the island’s religious ceremonies, vibrant festivals, and intricate arts, such as traditional dance and music. Many expatriates are drawn to Bali to experience and participate in this rich cultural tapestry.
The Cons of Living In Bali
- Visa issues – Make sure you only go to reputable visa extension places that have legit reviews on Google. I used two reputable visa extension places, I share the locations in this post.
- It can get lonely – Bali is a holiday destination. This means tourists are constantly coming and going. The same goes for the new friends you’ve just met. You’ll meet amazing people, only for them to leave.
- Public transportation – There aren’t any public buses and getting around in a car can be quite difficult. Get ready to be on the back of a motorcycle quite often! If you stay here long-term you will need to get comfortable with driving a scooter.
- Scooter safety – The roads in Bali are congested and traffic can be hectic. Cars, trucks, and scooters come out of nowhere, and driving between different parts of the island can be dangerous.
- Petty crimes – I’ve heard stories of cell phones being ripped out of hands while on the road, so make sure you know where you’re going beforehand and avoid taking your phone out when you’re out.
- Money scams – Current currency exchanges are good value. $1 = IDR 15,000 at the time of writing. There are fees involved if you plan to use your international bank account and be wary of ATMs that have been skimmed previously. Only draw money from branded, standalone ATMs (and check to see that the machine hasn’t been tampered with).
- Health and healthcare – Access to quality healthcare and health insurance can concern expats. While Bali has a growing healthcare sector, major medical issues may require evacuation to nearby countries with advanced medical facilities.
Before you move
Figure out your financial situation for the move. Decide your source of income or how much savings you’ll bring and use that to figure out how long you’ll stay in Bali. From here, you can estimate your budget and plan your lifestyle in Bali in advance. All other plans (location, accommodation, visa, etc.) will depend on these decisions.
Get your International Driving Permit in your home country to drive legally in Bali. An Indonesian Driver’s License (SIM C) or an International Driving Permit (only obtainable in your home country) is required to drive a motorbike legally in Bali, so plan accordingly. Consider a motorcycle safety course to learn to ride a motorbike safely as this will be the best mode of transportation in Bali
Set up your banking and personal finance situation for easy use in Bali: Wise, Revolut, Paypal, Debit Cards, Credit Cards – Open a Wise “Borderless account” and get a debit card and a credit card from an international bank. I use Chase Saphire and it’s a really great card for travelers because you get points when eating out at restaurants, booking planes and hotels. Opening a free Wise borderless account and getting the account fully verified is almost as good as opening an Indonesian local bank account and much less of a headache. With Wise, you’ll be able to transfer credit to GoJek and local bank accounts quickly and easily.
Living Costs
In a previous Digital Nomad Guide to Bali post, I created a complete list of all the expenses (housing included), that I spent while living in Bali as a solo female traveler for the month of September 2023. It’s a lot less than you’d expect, and in so many ways my quality of life is better in Bali than if I were to live in North America, but for a fraction of the price. I share exactly how I was able to find affordable monthly villa rentals through Facebook groups so make sure to check out that list of groups by reading that article here or by clicking the button below.
Best areas to stay in Bali
Most expats live in Canggu, Ubud/Seminyak and Uluwatu.
If you’re into yoga, healthy food, and natural vibes, Ubud could be a good option for you. Ubud is known for vegan/vegetarian options, which could also influence your decision. When I first moved to Bali, I went straight to Ubud because I had just come from living in Istanbul and so I wanted to break away from the concrete jungle city life and submerge myself in lush greenery and nature. Ubud did not disappoint.
Canggu is famous for digital nomads, surfers, and backpackers, so it’s not the quietest spot around Bali. If you’re into beach bumming and partying, you will likely be pleased in Canggu. I spent a few weeks in Canggu and found it to be wayyyyy too chaotic for me. Too much traffic and too many foreigners with bike rentals riding around not abiding by basic traffic safety laws not to mention many of them have never even ridden a motorcycle before. It can be quite dangerous.
If you’re into surfing, peace, and fun, Uluwatu could be a great option. It’s a small town, but there is also a great community over there. The only problem is that the rental market is not as developed so you’ll have a harder time finding as nice a pad as you’d find in Canggu or Ubud and you’ll also be paying more for it.
Social life
Bali is known for its vibrant social scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to choose from. Expats often meet up at popular hangouts in Seminyak, Canggu, and Uluwatu, which offer a mix of local and international cuisine, live music, and nightlife. I found that in Ubud it was a little harder to make friendships because there are fewer places to go out at night. You’ll also find a lot of self-proclaimed spiritual gurus, lightworkers, and “life coaches” in Ubud who will talk about frequency, energy, & other spirituality topics quite often so if that’s not your cup of tea, you might find Canggu to be better suited to you.
Transportation
Taxi drivers at the airport will harass you, and they will ask for insane rates to trick the newcomers who aren’t aware of the conversion yet. For the best car rates, I book all of my drivers from Booking.com. If you book your transportation in advance, you can find a driver to get you to Canggu or Uluwatu for $10-$15. You can find drivers under airport taxis. Click here to book your driver.
While you’re on the island, the best way to avoid being ripped off is to download apps like Go Jek or Grab. If you’re looking to rent a scooter I recommend reaching out to a few different scooter rental companies. You can find them on Google Maps, Facebook groups, or pass by a few garages while on your commute. I paid 60,000 Indonesian Rupiah per day for both my rentals in Ubud and Canggu (which comes out to $115 USD per month.)
Visa
Bali is one of the hottest travel destinations iI the world right now, and the Balinese are hoping to cash in on this trend by turning Bali into the digital nomad capital of the world by offering a 6-month remote working visa. This will most likely attract more bohemian Westerners & adventurers to the island and with them a new investment and development of luxury villas and healthy restaurants. Here are some visa options:
Digital Nomad Visa – After more than a year of discussion, the Indonesian Government has announced that remote workers will be allowed to conduct online work for up to six months, without paying tax, by using an existing B211A visa. This is by far the best option for you if you want to live in bali for 4-6 months.
KITAS – If you are wondering how to live in Bali permanently, you might want to look into long-term visas such as the KITAS.
B211 Visit Visa – when you apply for this visa, you’ll need to state whether you require the “Business Visa” or the “Tourism Visa”
You can find out more about visas here: Bali Immigration site
Telephone
A lot of phone providers are offering International travel packs that can be purchased for your trips. Keep track of your data use in case you go over your limit – International data can be very expensive!
Do what I did and get a local SIM card. Phone credit and data in Bali is very inexpensive when using a local SIM card. Just make sure your phone is “unlocked” from your service provider before you travel. Getting a sim is easy; go to a local phone service provider like Telkomsel and purchase a sim. Some carriers may even deliver it to your hotel!
Travel Insurance
You do need health and medical insurance. Whether it be travel insurance or expat insurance, you have to be able to care for yourself in the case of an emergency. Private hospital stays in Bali can be costly and the cost of returning home in a medical emergency can cost up to $42,500. When picking a travel insurance provider, read the fine print and ensure your needs are covered. Theft and traffic accidents are the most important things to be covered in Bali. I use World Nomads because they offer a good travel insurance plan that covers things like lost luggage, theft, illnesses before your trip, emergency medical care, and shady travel agencies. Don’t travel without travel insurance!
Coworking Spaces & Cafes
The cuisine is another reason why Bali is considered a paradise. Getting a table at a local restaurant (called ‘warung‘) and enjoying a complete meal can be as cheap as $5! Grocery shopping is expensive, and I’ve typically spent much less at local restaurants than I would If I were preparing food at home.
Another benefit of eating out in Bali is that many coffee shops & restaurants have fast internet wifi that you can jump onto.
Along with cafes, coworking spaces are popping up all over the island, hoping to cash in on the mass of digital workers moving here.
Clean Eating & Biohacking
Bali just gets it when it comes to clean eating and biohacking. Bali is a hub for health and wellness, with many yoga and meditation retreats, detox centers, and alternative therapies. The island’s focus on holistic health and wellness can offer a nurturing environment for expats to pursue their personal health goals. Bali also has a range of healthcare facilities, including international hospitals and clinics.
Next in my Digital Nomad Guide to Bali series, I’ll be covering some great cafes that have healthy and delicious food.
Working out & gyms
Bali offers a range of leisure activities for expats, such as surfing, yoga, and hiking. You’ll also find state-of-the-art gyms like The Body Factory and yoga studios that offer a wide range of classes from world-renowned yoga instructors.
I did a lot of yoga in Bali and monthly unlimited memberships cost me just under $180 for both the studio I frequented in Ubud, The Yoga Barn and the Studio I visited in Uluwatu, The Space Bali
When You Should Visit Bali And Rainy Season
There are only two main seasons in Bali: dry season and wet season. The dry season runs from April to September and is exactly that. Hot dry days with brilliant blue skies and a temperature of around 86 F.
From late October to early March, expect the rainy season. The beginning of the rainy season brings unexpected downpours randomly through the day, but by December to February anticipate extended days of rain and cloudy skies. It’s not cold and everything continues as normal, but I do find I miss the sunshine after a while.
Did I convince you to move to Bali yet?
Bali’s expat lifestyle offers a unique blend of affordability, culture, natural beauty, and community. Living in Bali can be an enriching experience for expats looking to explore a new culture, pursue their passions, and lead a fulfilling life. Did this digital nomad guide to Bali cover all your questions? If you have any more questions please don’t hesitate to ask me in the comment section below!
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Here’s my travel checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support my travel journalism at no extra cost to you.
Book Your Flights
Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
Book Your Accommodations
Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
If you prefer backpacking, Hostelworld is your one-stop shop for affordable accommodations and hostel reviews.
Book Your Tours & Experiences
Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
Transfer Money
With Wise, you can transfer money to most international bank accounts. They offer some of the best conversion rates and can be used to fund Gojek and Grab accounts.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. My favorite company that offers the best all-around coverage is World Nomads. They offer a good travel insurance plan that covers things like lost luggage, theft, illnesses before your trip, emergency medical care, and shady travel agencies. Don’t travel without it!
Disclaimer: The Digital Nomad Guide to Bali features affiliate links to some of the brands I use and love. Commission from affiliate links helps me buy the coffee I need in order to publish these posts 🙂 For more information please visit my disclosure
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