Kuta expat guide – living here

Living the expat lifestyle in Kuta offers the best of both worlds. Outside the main tourist areas it still retains a certain traditional charm despite ever increasing commercialisation. It also has all the amenities and home comforts that Westerners crave along with a lively urban atmosphere. It is difficult to get too homesick in Kuta with access to Bali’s best communications, a vibrant business community and most international foods and everyday products available on the doorstep.

Kuta is very densely populated and finding a suitable home is no easy task. Generally real estate is overpriced due to low supply and there is a smaller proportion of property owning expats than in Seminyak for example. Many Westerners have set up businesses in hospitality and a high percentage of bars and restaurants are foreign owned. Many owners choose to live and work on site in leasehold properties rather than pay inflated prices. Even though it can be a hectic place, there is quite a high proportion of retired expats now resident in Kuta. 

Living in Kuta is not for people searching for a tranquil utopia. Traffic congestion in the resort is notorious and is perhaps not the ideal environment for raising young children. Crime is surprisingly low and although it can initially feel a little impersonal, it is quite easy to mix and meet new friends. The Balinese are very friendly and welcoming and the standard of English is excellent. Speaking a fair level of Indonesian does open more doors and will give access to local prices for many goods and services. It is a simple language to learn and many people become confident speakers within a matter of months.

Apart from property prices, living costs in Kuta are low compared to many other parts of Bali. Competition is intense and ensures good value especially when dining out, drinking, or doing the weekly shopping. Virtually all essential services needed for setting up home can be found close by. There are cargo agents, interior designers, hardware stores and visa consultants. In fact many of these are expats themselves. Likewise starting a business is equally as straightforward with Kuta based employment agents, tax consultants, architects and printers.     

Kuta has comprehensive healthcare facilities which include walk-in clinics open 24 hours a day, dentists, pharmacies and top notch private hospitals. Full health insurance is vital as private medical care is among the most expensive in Southeast Asia. The nearest public hospital is located six miles away at Sanglah in Denpasar. For new residents moving to Kuta, there is a strong support network in the form of many expat sports and social clubs and societies. It is quite easy to meet new friends, network and exchange ideas while enjoying sporting activities, fund raising or simply out socialising.  

Kuta activities
Transportation in Kuta
Shopping in Kuta

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