Picture this: you’re at your desk, tired of the same work from Monday morning. Your friend just texted from Bali, working beachside, sipping coconut water, living the dream. You felt something, and suddenly decided you’re actually moving to Bali.
Wait…Before moving to Bali, you need to sort out a few things first. Let us guide you for that.
For your information, this article isn’t another fantasy guide that promises paradise. We’re honestly breaking down how to execute your current destination to Bali relocation easily (visa prep to landing smoothly).
Drawing from our experience helping expats moving to Bali, we know what works and what doesn’t. Read this article to know the practical tips for relocating to this beautiful island and starting your new life.
Sort Your Tourist Visa Options Before You Pack
Let’s be honest: you can’t enter Bali without legal permission to stay. Most foreigners start researching visa options way too late, then panic at the airport. (Don’t be that person.)
Check out a few available visa options before you fly.
1. Tourist Visa
If you’re testing the waters first, take the tourist visa on arrival for $37. It covers 60 days with one extension. This approach is for exploring neighborhoods before committing to live in Bali permanently.
2. Social Cultural visa
However, to stay longer, the social cultural visa becomes your best friend. It will permit you to hang around for six months legally. For this visa, you’ll need a sponsor and around $200-$300 in advance. It’s a long-term visa that works for 80% of people relocating without local jobs.
3. Business visa
Got a job offer with a work permit lined up? Then you need a business visa. Your employer typically handles the paperwork. But it needs 4-6 weeks of processing. Before processing, make sure your company is registered and legitimate, because fake job offers do exist.
4. Retirement Visa
If you’re 55 with proven income, you can get a retirement visa. This lets you stay in Indonesia for up to five years with annual renewals. You’ll need to show a monthly income of at least $1,500 or a pension statement.
Now, we will share the necessary documents you need to get a visa.
Your Visa prep checklist:
- Passport valid for 6 months
- Passport photos (bring 10-15)
- Bank statements showing $2,000 balance
- Return flight ticket
- Medical insurance proof
- Contact a visa agent 2 months early
Budget Your Move (The Real Cost of Living)
You might be wondering, How much cash do you actually need when moving to Bali? Many Americans living here think Bali offers everything for a cheap price. Reality check: the cost of living varies wildly based on lifestyle choices.
Let us break down your initial moving costs to Bali.
Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
Flight | $400-1,200 | Only if you are from any Western countries |
First month rent + deposit | $600-1,200 | Most places want 2 months’ advance |
Scooter rental deposit | $200-400 | You can buy a used Scooter, too. |
Visa + agent fees | $250-350 | For a social and cultural visa |
Medical insurance setup | $50-150 | Comprehensive coverage first month |
Emergency buffer | $500-1,000 | Because stuff happens |
Total to start | $2,000-4,000 | Minimum safety cushion |
Note: Keep in mind these costs can change anytime. Check the latest rates when you’re ready to book.
Based on our experience, you have to bring at least $3,000 when moving to Bali. That covers your landing plus two months’ cost while you figure things out.
Once you’re settled, your monthly budget is about $800-$1,200 for a comfortable expat life. That includes rent, food from local shops, scooter costs, and random expenses.
Usually, medical insurance catches most expats off guard. They assume it’s optional. Plot twist: the humid climate on this beautiful island means small cuts get infected fast. Luckily, complete medical coverage runs $50-$150 per month. And it covers you if you plan to explore other countries in Asia too.
Book Your Housing Zone Before You Fly
Most foreigners book housing in Canggu because that’s where many expats live. Then they signed a lease and realized it didn’t match their vibe. (Disappointing, right?)
This great place has different housing zones for different personalities. If you need to know them in advance, then read the following.
For your first few months, book short-term accommodation through Airbnb. Yes, it costs more, but you need flexibility while checking housing options. This saves you from moving to Bali and immediately hating where you landed.
Canggu/Seminyak is a good option if you want an instant community. Here, Coffee shops are packed with digital nomads everywhere. But rent hits $400-$600 for basic rooms. Still, it’s a perfect place for networking and meeting new friends quickly.
If you are a silence-loving person, then choose Uluwatu. It offers fewer crowds, better beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle everyone dreams about. This area has cheaper housing options that run at $300-$500 monthly. If you’re relocating for surf and chill vibes, stay here.
Ubud suits the culture seekers wanting to experience local culture deeply. It has rice terraces, temples, and yoga studios that dominate. Many expats choose Ubud for an authentic Balinese life over beach parties.
Want to stay at a secret spot in Bali? Then Amed is yours. This place includes a small community, friendly locals who remember your name, and a slower pace. If you want to skip the expat bubble entirely, then start here.
Alright, now you know where to stay. Next step: hunting down your actual home following our tips. You can search for your home in different ways:
- Join Facebook groups like “Bali Housing”.
- Walk neighborhoods looking for “For Rent” signs.
- Never pay more than 2 months in advance.
- Check water pressure, wifi, and AC before signing.
Blend In and Connect With Friendly Locals
Want to hear an uncomfortable truth? Not every Balinese person is happy about the foreign takeover. Tourism feeds the families here, and locals still treat you kindly. But disrespectful behavior creates growing frustration among people who call this home.
Learning basic Indonesian will help you to be friendly with them. The language is easier than Spanish. Just memorizing “terima kasih” and “permisi” shows respect that locals notice immediately. Through our experience running IBRC Bali, we’ve seen it work.
More quick cultural tips that might work in your friendship with locals:
- When you’re entering temples, cover your shoulders.
- Don’t point your feet at local people.
- If you are confused about local customs, then ask the locals.
- Always try to tip service workers (though not mandatory).
Ready to Make the Move?
So you’ve read everything and still feel pulled toward living in Bali. Good. That gut feeling is important because this decision requires commitment and an open mind.
This blog post covered almost all essentials: visa options (from tourist to business visa), realistic cost planning, neighborhood selection, and cultural integration. Our findings show that successful moves happen stage by stage.
(Reminder: Don’t quit your job and sell everything until you’ve tested life here for a few months first.)
Bali offers job opportunities for those seeking work, plus there are volunteering options. Just remember: this isn’t a vacation. It’s building a new life in a different culture.
Need valuable insights for planning your move? Contact us. We guide expats with visa applications, housing searches, and a smooth transition into life here.
Start with realistic expectations and your own set of goals. You’ll have the best chance at making this work in the long run. Welcome to your new life in paradise.