Wondering how to move to Bali? Many digital nomads and creatives dream of moving to Bali, as does anyone craving a slowed down lifestyle in a gentle climate, year-round. There’s no need to romanticize it; Bali’s beauty speaks for itself.
If you’re already getting out your suitcases and thinking about sipping coconut water in the shade of a palm tree, here are some of the logistics you’ll need to consider to move to Bali, including housing, internet, the cost of living, and whether or not you’ll need a Visa.
Do you need a Visa to live in Bali?
Yes, you’ll need a Visa if you plan to move to Bali. While you’re welcome in Bali for a short holiday with a tourist Visa, you cannot plan to stay indefinitely.
Thankfully, there are a few options for different Visa’s that make moving to Bali — even temporarily — possible. Visa options include:
- Tourist Visa (Visa on Arrival—VOA) – these are valid for 30 days and are extendable to up to 60 days
- B211A Social/Business Visa – valid for 60 days, extendable up to 180 days, and popular amongst anyone who wants to work remotely
- KITAS (Temporary Residence Permit) – this includes Work KITAS, Investor KITAS, and Spouse KITAS, valid for 1 year with renewal, a great option for someone employed by an Indonesian company or married to an Indonesian citizen
There does not yet exist an official visa for digital nomads so most remote workers opt for the B211A or KITAS visa when they consider how to move to Bali.
Can foreigners buy property in Bali?
Anyone interested in planting roots in Bali will need to navigate the system that will allow them to secure long-term living arrangements as Bali does not technically allow foreigners to fully own freehold land. Some options are
- Leasehold Property – a common option that is fully legal and widely used, allowing for lease periods of 25-30 years with possible extensions
- Hak Pakai (Right of Use) – often requires holding a KITAS visa but allows foreigners to hold the title under certain conditions
Note that foreigners cannot buy freehold land (Hak Milik) and to be skeptical of anyone who claims otherwise.
Currency conversion
Bali’s local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Understanding the conversion will help budget realistically while living or traveling there.
As of recent averages:
- $1 USD ≈ 15,500 IDR
- $1 CAD ≈ 11,300 IDR
Remember that exchange rates fluctuate daily. Check live rates before withdrawing, transferring money, or paying long-term rent.
Fortunately, most day-to-day expenses in Bali, including food, transportation, laundry, coworking passes, and even housing, are typically less than in the United States or Canada.
At the same time, prices have been steadily rising, especially in high-demand areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, and Seminyak, where the lifestyles cater heavily to expats and digital nomads.
Best places to live in Bali
Canggu is known for its surf, cafes, coworking spaces, and fitness culture. A one-bedroom villa, ideal for digital nomads, costs around $700-$1,500 a month.
Ubud offers a jungle setting, yoga scene, and a slower pace of life. Though the internet here can be sketchy, a one-bedroom will be between $500-$1,200 a month.
Seminyak invites visitors to enjoy trendy boutiques, beach clubs, and upscale dining with one-bedrooms costing $900-$1,700 a month.
Canggu and Ubud (in central areas) tend to offer the best internet reliability and coworking options. Remember that rural or cliffside properties may look dreamy but can suffer from weak connectivity options, which is less ideal for working remotely.
Other tips for moving to Bali
- Learn the basics of Bahasa Indonesia
- Use a Bali eSIM from aloSIM to stay connected immediately upon arrival
- Embrace scooter culture, which is the main mode of transportation
If you’re ready to trade traffic for palm trees, Bali is waiting for you.
