Bali has become a popular destination for expats because of its affordability, fun activities and entertainment, breathtaking views, and vibrant culture. Living in Bali, a romantic oasis in Indonesia, as an expat, will sometimes feel like a vacation despite being there for work. Whatever reasons you’re moving to Bali, there is much to see and do there that will make your expat experience there amazing.
Before you move to Balir or if you are starting your life abroad there now, we have put together some tips to start your expat life in Bali.
1. Affordable Cost of Living in Bali
Compared to many countries in the West, Bali has an affordable cost of living. You will find that food, transportation, rent, entertainment, and housing are low-priced. Monthly expenses will cost around $500 to $2000.
Depending on where you live, rent can be very low, and there is also affordable housing in Bali. It is crucial that money is saved and that the right financial decisions are made. Sometimes, cooking at home or using public transportation is the right choice when saving money.
2. Some Tips on Finding a Suitable School for Your Children
Many expats move abroad with kids, so they know that finding the right school for them is important. There are various schools for expat children in Bali, including international schools. These schools are usually taught in English and provide students with a multicultural setting. They also offer a mix of the Indonesian national curriculum and international education. When choosing a school for your children, be sure to see if you like the curriculum, learning environment, extracurricular activities, and facilities offered.
3. Staying Healthy and Safe
Bali is a safe tourist destination, but taking the proper precautions for your health and safety is essential. Malaria and Dengue Fever are diseases to watch out for, but there are ways to avoid getting them. Using bug spray and wearing long-sleeve clothing at night can prevent you from contracting these diseases. Having vaccinations beforehand will also prevent you from contracting other diseases. To avoid getting sunburned, wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Being up to date with vaccinations and drinking filtered and purified water is also important to remain healthy.
4. Transportation in Bali
Luckily, there are numerous ways to get around Bali. These include renting a motorbike or car, hiring a personal driver, and using a taxi or online service. There are also buses and shuttles, but sometimes they may be crowded. When wanting to explore Bali, it is important to use transportation services that are safe and well regulated.
5. An Ideal Location for Living Abroad
Bali is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, close to other beautiful countries, making them more accessible. These include Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and many other countries to visit. Living in Bali will be a short flight away from all these beautiful countries.
6. The Expat Community in Bali
Bali has a thriving expat community, and you only need to join a social media group, which will give you access to this community. These groups will help you have a great social life and make friends. Attending networking and expat events will also help you get to know more people. Joining local sports teams, clubs, and fitness groups will also help build your social life.
There are some great places where many expats live, such as Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu. Many global nomads like Ubud because of the art galleries, yoga and wellness studios, and, of course, the temples.
Living in Bali Permanently
If you want to move to Bali, it makes sense to talk to some local experts and also do your homework. Living in Bali will require that you obtain the appropriate visa, such as a Social Visa (Social-Cultural Visa). This one may allow you to stay in beautiful Bali for up to six months and maybe extend for another six months. A retirement visa is for ex-pats who are over 65 and have a good retirement income that may give you the option to stay for up to five years. Make sure you talk to a legal expert who deals with visas to Indnonesia.
7. The Scenery and Experience
Bali is known for its breathtaking scenery and fun experiences. The island offers warm weather, beaches, mountains, iconic rice fields, and jungles to explore. Exploring all of these will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Make sure to spend your free time trying loyal food, going for a swim, and sun tanning.
There are many benefits to moving to Bali as an expat, such as being affordable, having a thriving expat community, having fun activities and entertainment, and much more. What Bali offers makes it an ideal place for expats to move. This destination is perfect for those who like warm weather and nice beaches, are adventurous, and want to meet other expats. Moving here as an expat will be a wonderful experience and will not disappoint.
What About Health Coverage for Expats in Bali
Be sure to purchase health coverage to avoid paying hefty medical bills while living in Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia. This will give you access to proper medical services, treatment of illnesses, and emergency care and prevent you from worrying about running into a medical emergency. Other benefits of this purchase will be access to essential health services, hospital stays, and doctor visits. Purchasing health coverage is worth it and will give you all the right healthcare services.
If you are retiring in Indonesia, you should ensure the global health plan will fully cover you as you age, have guaranteed renewals and can cover you for life as an expatriate. The Cigna plan that this website can source is an ideal choice for global nomads in Bali, especially those who are retiring there.
This article was written and contributed by Mark T
