Expat guide for living in Bali
Huge department stores stock Western brands
Many people enjoy the laid back exotic lifestyle of Bali so much they return year after year. And for a growing number of Westerners it is also the place they call home. A fabulous tropical climate coupled with exotic culture and a low cost of living makes Bali a rewarding place to live and work or simply to retire to.
The island has a vibrant expatriate community and a particularly cosmopolitan feel in resorts such as Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud. Well heeled expats with cash to spare gravitate towards the upscale villa developments of Jimbaran and Kerobokan. Even on the tranquil east coast in Amed and Tulamben there are pockets of foreigners enjoying a more simple lifestyle away from the bright lights. More on living in Kuta.
Bali is a popular haven for long term residents from Europe with large communities of French, Scandinavian, Dutch and British, however the lion’s share comes from Australia, which is just a three hour flight away. Indonesia is a difficult country to find work on spec but there are many self employment opportunities in tourism for people with a little capital to spend.
Many Westerners have set up bars, restaurants and villa resorts and exporting authentic Balinese art and crafts is another popular choice. The easiest route to a regular fixed income is to become an English teacher at one of the language schools.
Bali is also a popular haven for retirees to enjoy their twilight years in safety and comfort. Adequate medical facilities are easily accessible whilst the relaxed pace of life suits many seniors down to the ground. The Balinese lifestyle does take some getting used to and even a tropical island paradise can have its downside. Some people never become immune to the constant traffic jams, poor waste management and pollution. The notorious red tape and corruption that blights most government departments is sadly a fact of life for many expats.
Ensuring you have the correct visa for your long term stay in Bali will save a lot of hassle and expense in the long run. Expats with a confirmed job can apply for a KITAS, an official working permit which is simply renewed every year. Perhaps the majority of expats stay in Bali on a social and cultural visa, even those with business interests on the island. Many are sponsored by their Indonesian spouses with whom they run a business and although this visa is not for business purposes, immigration officials generally turn a blind eye. Some expats live for many years in Bali on this type of visa which requires a visa run every six months. See more on visas for Bali.
Living in Bali does not been turning Hindu!
Many of the most popular expat areas in Bali are unsurprisingly prime real estate locations. Seminyak, Ubud and Jimbaran are very expensive and any beachfront property is likely to cost an arm and a leg. A simple two bedroom villa with sea views in Jimbaran Bay for example would probably set you back upwards of US$350,000. Much better value and a more authentic Bali lifestyle is on offer in up and coming places such as Canggu, and Amed or Candidasa on the east coast which go for around half the price.
Officially private foreign ownership of property is forbidden in Indonesia so many expats use their spouses or a nominated Indonesian to buy property which is perfectly legal but time consuming and costly. A preferred alternative is to simply take out a long term recurring leasehold on a house. More on property in Bali.
Bali expat life revolves around a lively social calendar in the more popular areas with many dedicated sports clubs and societies. There are rotary organisations, women’s associations, business groups and expat rugby, football, cricket and tennis clubs. Some people make very little effort to integrate, instead frequenting expat bars and restaurants and generally socialising only with other esterners. On the other hand there are those that marry, convert to Hinduism and live a frugal village life with little contact with other expats.
Foreigners living in Kuta, Seminyak, Denpasar or Ubud have access to a wide range of imported goods, especially foodstuffs which is the best way to stave off homesickness. Whether you are longing for a can of baked beans or fresh croissants each morning there is no need to compromise, although you will pay for the privilege with prices as least as expensive as at home. More on shopping.
Expats quickly get into the habit of bargaining for virtually everything. It is part of everyday life and generally quite an enjoyable experience. It usually takes some time to know where to find the best local shops, suppliers and restaurants and for this purpose close local friends are indispensable.
