The parts of the move nobody explains properly.
20 guides on visas, housing and daily life in Bali — written for Australian households actually making the move, not for holidaymakers.
Visas & immigration
What each visa actually allows, what it costs, and where people come unstuck.
B211A Visit Visa: The Essential 60-Day Bali Stay for Australians
The B211A is a single-entry visit visa that allows Australians to stay in Bali for 60 days, with the option to extend twice for an additional 60 days each. It is the standard choice for those planning a 2-to-6-month stay who do not qualify for a remote worker or retirement visa.
KITAS vs KITAP: Choosing Your Long-Term Bali Residency
A KITAS is a Limited Stay Permit valid for 6 to 24 months, whereas a KITAP is a Permanent Stay Permit valid for 5 years (and eventually lifetime). Most Australians must hold a KITAS for several consecutive years before becoming eligible to upgrade to a KITAP.
The E33G Remote Worker KITAS: Bali's Digital Nomad Guide
The E33G Remote Worker KITAS is the official residency permit for professionals employed by companies outside of Indonesia. It allows you to live in Bali for one year (renewable) while working remotely. To qualify, you must prove a stable foreign income of at least USD 60,000 per year and maintain employment with a non-Indonesian entity.
Investor KITAS: The Professional Way to Live and Work in Bali
The Investor KITAS (typically the E28A index) is designed for foreigners who invest in an Indonesian company (PT PMA). It offers a 2-year residency, the right to manage your company, and a path to permanent residency, provided you meet the minimum shareholding requirements.
Retiring in Bali: The E33E Retirement KITAS Guide
The E33E Retirement KITAS allows Australians aged 60 and over to live in Bali long-term without working. It requires proof of pension or passive income, health insurance, and a commitment to employ local staff or lease property at a certain value.
Bringing Family to Bali: The Dependent KITAS Guide
If you hold a qualifying residency permit (KITAS) in Indonesia, such as a Remote Worker, Investor, or Retirement visa, you can sponsor your spouse and dependent children (under 18) for their own residency permits. This process, known as the Dependent KITAS, is the only way for families to live together legally in Bali for the long term.
Choosing a Visa Agent in Bali: The Australian's Guide
Using a reputable visa agent in Bali is not just a convenience; for most long-term permits like the KITAS, it is a practical necessity. A good agent acts as your local sponsor and navigator through the complex, often-changing landscape of Indonesian immigration law. To avoid scams, look for agencies with physical offices, transparent fee structures, and a history of successful applications for Australian expats.
Overstays and Visa Runs: A Guide to Staying Legal in Bali
Overstaying a visa in Indonesia is a serious legal violation. Fines are currently IDR 1,000,000 per day, and overstays exceeding 60 days lead to mandatory deportation and blacklisting. While 'visa runs' were once common, Indonesian immigration now heavily scrutinizes frequent short-term departures and may deny re-entry to those living in Bali on tourist permits.
Housing & property
Finding, pricing and signing for a place without paying the foreigner tax.
Renting a Villa in Bali: The Essential Expat Guide
Renting in Bali is a high-stakes environment where annual upfront payments are the norm. Success requires rigorous due diligence: physically verifying land certificates (SHM/SHGB), ensuring all contracts are notarised by a local PPAT, and never transferring funds based on social media listings without an in-person viewing.
Bali Villa Rental Costs: A Complete Comparison by Area
Rental prices in Bali are highly localized. While the west coast (Canggu, Berawa) remains the most expensive due to lifestyle demand, areas like Sanur and Umalas offer a more balanced cost-to-amenity ratio for families. Expect to pay between AUD 1,500 and 3,500 per month for a high-quality 2-bedroom villa in a prime location.
Leasing vs. Monthly Rentals: A Strategy for New Arrivals
The 'Golden Rule' for Bali relocation: never sign a 12-month lease until you have lived in the neighborhood for at least 4 weeks. Monthly rentals offer the critical flexibility needed to discover traffic patterns, noise issues, and lifestyle fit, while long-term leases provide the financial stability required for residency.
Finding a Villa in Bali Without an Agent
It is entirely possible to find a villa in Bali without a dedicated real estate agent by using local networks, Facebook groups, and physical exploration, but it requires more legwork, a healthy level of skepticism, and a solid understanding of local lease norms to avoid common pitfalls.
Leasehold vs. Hak Pakai: A Guide to Bali Land Control
Foreigners cannot 'own' freehold land in Indonesia. Instead, they use Leasehold (Hak Sewa) or 'Right to Use' (Hak Pakai) titles. While these structures are secure when notarised correctly, they are time-limited. Avoid 'nominee' structures at all costs—they offer no legal protection and are increasingly targeted by Indonesian authorities.
Shipping and Moving Pets to Bali
Bringing a pet to Bali is a complex, expensive, and logistically heavy process due to Indonesia's strict rabies regulations and the island's 'rabies-infected' status. It requires professional import agents, specific vaccinations, and mandatory quarantine, costing anywhere from AUD 5,000 to 12,000 depending on the animal and origin.
Life in Bali
Schools, healthcare, money, driving and the first ninety days on the ground.
Cost of Living in Bali for Australian Families
A comfortable life for a family of four in Bali typically ranges between AUD 5,000 and 8,500 per month. This covers a quality 3-bedroom villa, international schooling, a car, and regular dining out. While 'lean' living is possible for much less, most Australian expats find that maintaining a standard of living comparable to home requires a budget that accounts for the 'expat tax' on imported goods and private services.
International Schools in Bali: A Guide for Families
Bali offers a diverse range of international schools following IB, British, or Australian curricula, with annual fees typically ranging from AUD 8,000 to 25,000. Choosing a school is often the primary driver for where a family decides to live, as traffic can make school runs exhausting if not planned carefully.
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bali
While Bali has several international-standard clinics and hospitals like BIMC and Siloam, serious medical emergencies often require stabilization followed by evacuation to Singapore or Australia. Comprehensive private health insurance is non-negotiable, as local costs for major procedures can quickly reach AUD 20,000+ for foreigners.
Banking and Managing Money in Bali
Opening a local bank account in Bali typically requires a KITAS (residency permit), though some banks offer limited 'tourist' accounts with a sponsor. For Australians, the most efficient setup is a combination of a local account (like Permata or BCA) for local bills and QRIS payments, and a multi-currency service like Wise for transferring funds from Australia. Always consult a professional regarding your specific tax residency obligations.
Driving in Bali: Scooters, Cars, and Licences
To drive legally in Bali, you must have a valid Australian licence for the vehicle class (e.g., a motorcycle licence for a scooter) AND a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). For long-term stays, obtaining a local Indonesian licence (SIM C for motorbikes, SIM A for cars) is highly recommended. Driving without the correct paperwork usually voids your travel or health insurance, which can be a catastrophic financial risk.
Your First 90 Days in Bali: A Settling Checklist
The first 90 days are the most challenging period of any relocation. By breaking it down into phases—Arrival, Administration, and Integration—you can avoid burnout. The first week is about connectivity and transport; the first month is about housing and school routines; and by the end of the third month, you should have your long-term visa, bank account, and a growing local community.
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