Living in Bali

Where to stay in Bali: While Bali has a lot of different areas, each with their distinct charm, these are the most recommended ones for digital nomads. This guide comes complete with recommended accommodations and a peek at what digital nomad living is like in each of the locations.

Ubud

(for those who love nature, art, and spirituality)

📌 Advantages of staying/living in Ubud:

• Tranquil atmosphere and close to nature.
• Thriving arts and culture scene, with plenty of galleries,  museums, and studios.
• Hub for wellness and spirituality, with numerous yoga studios, spas, and meditation centers.
• Traditional Balinese architecture and way of life.
• Wide range of dining options, including healthy and vegetarian/vegan options.

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Ubud:

• The Onion Collective - a sustainable co-living and co-working space in a beautiful location.
• Bhuwana Ubud Hotel - a peaceful hotel with beautiful gardens and an infinity pool.
• Arjuna Homestay Ubud - a quaint and tiny homestay in the middle of Ubud.

‍

Canggu

(for those who love the hipster vibe and surfing)

📌 Advantages of staying in Canggu:

• Laid-back, bohemian vibe
• Excellent surfing opportunities
• Growing community of entrepreneurs and creatives
• Plenty of co-working spaces, cafes, and yoga studios
• Close proximity to beaches and rice paddies

📌Recommended places to stay long-term in Canggu:

• The Farm Hostel - a budget-friendly hostel with co-working spaces and a community kitchen
• The Chillhouse - a stylish and eco-friendly hotel with a focus on wellness and surf culture
• Serenity Eco Guesthouse & Yoga - a family-owned guesthouse with vegan food and yoga retreats
• Canggu Village - a modern and spacious villa complex with private swimming pools and lush tropical gardens

‍

Seminyak

(for those who love fine living and sophisticated vibes)

📌 Advantages of staying in Seminyak

• Plenty of dining and shopping options
• High-end accommodations available
• Proximity to popular tourist attractions
• Good nightlife scene
• Great beaches nearby

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Seminyak:

• The Colony Hotel - boutique hotel at the heart of Seminyak
• T Lofts & Co-living - an “all-sufficient” co-living space made with digital nomads in mind
• Clio Apartments Bali - convenience, style, and luxury made affordable
• M Box Seminyak - affordable budget hostel with regular social events

‍

Options for living arrangements in Bali for digital nomads

Here's a breakdown of the different types of accommodation available and their usual ranges of rates

PRO TIP:

If you’re planning to move to Bali, or stay for a long time, you don’t need to lock in a place right away. We suggest booking hostels or Airbnbs depending on your budget. Try to move around until you determine which area you want to settle down in.

Spending time in co-working spaces will also expand your network and you will surely meet fellow digital nomads who can help you in your search.

‍

Education

Some digital nomads travel with their families. So if you are relocating with your children, or if you’re planning to raise kids in Bali, it’s good to be aware of the schooling options.

International schools

These schools typically follow an International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge International curriculum and have a strong focus on English language proficiency.

• Bali Island School (formerly Bali International School)
• Canggu Community School
• Green School Bali

Depending on the age of your child and year level, most international schools on the island cost approximately $5,000 - $20,000++ USD per year.

Distance education schools

Tuition fees for distance learning schools range from $200 USD per course up to $3,000++ USD per year.

Non - traditional alternatives

• Self Design
• K12 Online Homeschool Program
• Time4Learning
• Wood School Bali
• Our Learning Community

‍

Healthcare

One of the reasons why Bali is a top destination for digital nomads is its accessibility to quality healthcare.

BIMC Hospitals

Siloam Hospital

BaliMed Hospital

Experienced digital nomads will probably have existing travel insurance with wide coverage for medical emergencies. Many international insurance providers also now offer plans for long-term travellers and expats—coverage can range from basic medical expenses to surgery.

Pro Tip: Before moving, do check your existing healthcare plan to see if it has tie-ups with some of the hospitals in Bali.

‍

✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts

✅ Do research about Bali's culture, customs, and laws to avoid unintentionally offending or disrespecting the locals.

✅ Do get a proper visa or work permit before arriving in Bali. You wouldn’t want any legal issues.

✅ Do learn some basic Indonesian phrases so you can communicate with locals and show respect for their language.

✅ Do dress appropriately when visiting temples and other religious sites. Wear long pants or skirts and cover your shoulders. Reserve your swimwear for the beaches!

✅ Do respect the environment and nature. Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, forests, and rice fields, so it's important to keep them clean and avoid littering.

❌ Don't overstay your visa or work permit! The penalties can be severe—we’re talking fines, deportation, and even a ban from re-entering Bali.

❌ Don't engage in illegal activities, such as drug use or trafficking. Bali has strict laws, and the penalties include imprisonment and even the death penalty.

❌ Don't haggle aggressively in markets or shops. Bargaining is common in Bali but it's important to be respectful and polite.

❌ Don't disrespect Balinese culture and religion. Avoid stepping on offerings or sacred objects, and don't use temples or shrines as photo backdrops.

❌ Don't drive recklessly or without a valid license. Bali's roads can be chaotic and dangerous, so follow traffic rules strictly and practice defensive driving.

How to move around in Bali

To be totally honest, traffic in Bali can be very busy, so it’s tricky to navigate. Knowing your transport options can help you plan your way around different destinations.

Co-working spaces

• Outpost (Ubud, Canggu, and Sanur) - known for its modern facilities, community events, and workshops.
• Bali Bustle (Seminyak) - co-working and co-living space, known for its comfortable workspace, networking events, and mentoring programs.
• ZIN Cafe Canggu (Canggu) - gorgeous open-air space that’s only a two-minute walk to the beach.
• Tropical Nomad Co-working Space (Canggu) - 24/7 space with open areas and private areas.

‍

Public workspaces

• Coffee Cartel (Seminyak) - known for its strong coffee, free wifi, and comfortable seating.
• Watercress (Canggu and Ubud)  - featured in New York Times and Conde Nast Traveller. (Tip: try their homemade Kombucha!)
• Warung Biah Biah (Ubud) - good yet affordable food, fast wifi and a good supply of power sockets for your laptops.
• Potato Head (Seminyak) - beachfront destination for productive work while lounging around.

How much does it cost to live in Bali?

It goes without saying that your dollar will go a long way in Bali. Here’s a sample cost sheet of monthly expenses in Bali:

Additional expenses for a family of four:

Taxes and visas

As a digital nomad, remember that you cannot be employed by an Indonesian company or receive payment in Indonesia. It is the individual’s responsibility to declare their taxes in their home country.

However, the tax system in Indonesia is based on the principle of residence. If you stay in the country for more than 183 days in a year, you are considered tax residents and are subject to Indonesian tax laws.

Reminder: Do consult a tax professional who has experience in Indonesian tax laws to ensure that you are paying your taxes correctly.

Work visa / Permits

‍

What will get your stay terminated and your visa revoked?

Penalties include huge fines, visa termination, deportation, and possibly even being banned from returning to this glorious paradise.

❌ Don’t blindly trust visa or relocation agencies. Your best bet is to process everything by yourself or ask your fellow digital nomads to refer you to a trusted agency.

❌ Don’t accept any fake employment or working permits just to get a side gig in a local business. Process your work permits accordingly.

❌ Don’t work for any Indonesian companies without the proper process and documentation.

❌ Don’t offer yoga classes, DJing, coaching, or other paid services if you only have a B211A or Visa on Arrival.

❌ Do not rent your room or villa to others. Do not even attempt to advertise these on public platforms.

‍

Important links: Must-know websites & emergency numbers

Government Website links

• Indonesian Visa issuance
• Director General of Immigration
• Province of Bali
• Bali Government Tourism Office
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Other useful contact numbers