An Expat Guide To Moving To Bali In 2022 part 2 – Part one is here.
Things to Know Before Moving to Bali
Bali is a great place to visit, but even better if you decide to call it home. Bali is an ideal destination for expats to relocate because of its tropical weather, laidback vibes, and diverse culture.
It’s no wonder that Bali is one of the most popular places around Southeast Asia for expats and digital nomads to call home. Before you pack your bags and buy your one-way ticket, here are seven things to keep in mind.
1. Rentals are Paid Ahead of Time
It’s no doubt that living costs are much cheaper than back home, but this doesn’t mean you should avoid paying your bills. Most places require renters to pay for rent and utilities in advance (usually 1-2 months), which can be a big shock to that first starting.
2. Western “Rights” Aren’t Always Enforced
Although Bali does have a strong sense of culture, but that doesn’t stop issues from arising when it comes to the rights of expats. In Bali especially, expat rights aren’t always enforced, and although you’re not in your home country where certain laws can be used to protect you, your landlord is much more likely to side with sick Balinese neighbors than with you.
3. Cars and Motorcycles Are a Necessity
With the lack of street lights and sidewalks, driving yourself around town is a necessity. Having a motorcycle or car will make your life much easier and more convenient. Be sure to bring all relevant documents (registration, insurance, etc.) when registering your vehicle; otherwise, you could be in for a nightmare involving fines.
4. Don’t Go Shopping at Night
In Bali, most shop hours are from morning until evening, and many shop owners actually lock up early or close their shutters with no warning. Be sure to call ahead of time before going out to do some “night shopping,” as your experiences may vary.
5. There’s More to Bali than Just Kuta
Many places in the world equate itself with one thing, and Bali is no different. Although this small island holds a great amount of natural beauty, it also has fantastic beaches, national parks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
This provides expats with an endless amount of things to do and places to explore. With over 100,000 expats living in Bali, there’s much more to this island than meets the eye!
6. A Word of Caution
Bali is very different from most places in the world. With a growing expat community, this island has become an increasingly popular place to live with many advantages that come along with it. However, many cultural differences must be respected when living here. Although you’ll encounter some less-than-ideal situations, remember to stay calm and always stay positive!
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re struggling with anything or simply feel like you need some guidance, don’t hesitate to ask! There are many people here on the island that can speak English and would love to help. Use your resources and enjoy your stay in Bali.
Visa and Immigration Requirements to Move to Bali
Acquiring immigration permission to enter Bali appears deceptively simple, but it’s actually complicated. The Balinese immigration authority has strict entry requirements that are not always obvious or easy to meet. This article will help you plan your trip by explaining the ins and outs of getting a visa for Indonesia.
Indonesia has three main options for immigration: a free visa on arrival, a visa on arrival (VoA), and a visa before arrival (Visa On Arrival or VOA). You can choose which option is best for you. In general, tourists from most countries are issued either a 30-day free stay visa upon entry, or they are issued a 60-day VoA after arrival that cannot be extended.
The 30-day visa on arrival can be obtained at any of Indonesia’s ten international airports by presenting a passport with at least six months validity and one blank page, proof of onward transport out of the country (a return/onward ticket), and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (a credit card and cash). The visa is free, but it cannot be extended.
The 60-day VoA can be used for traveling throughout Indonesia, and within the 30 days of the initial entry to the country, you may also exit and reenter as many times as you wish. This VoA can be extended once for an additional 30 days, but it can only be extended at an immigration office in Indonesia. The cost for this extension is about USD 50.
If you wish to stay in Indonesia for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a Tourist Visa (Visa Kunjungan or VK) before arriving. A VK allows entry into Indonesia for up to 60 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days.
While a VK is not required for nationals of certain countries, it’s always a good idea to apply for one since there are quite a few nationalities that do require visas before arrival. This includes citizens from less common countries such as Afghanistan, Angola, Cuba, Ghana, Iraq, Laos, Libya, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Palestine, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
Below is a list of countries whose citizens are required to apply for a VK before arriving in Indonesia:
| Afghanistan | Angola | Iran |
| Benin Burkina Faso | Chad | Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) |
| Eritrea | Democratic Republic of Congo | Laos |
| Congo | Cambodia | Liberia |
| Cameroon | Central African Republic | Libya |
| Djibouti | Burundi | Madagascar |
| Nepal | Niger | Mali |
| Nigeria | Palestine | Myanmar (Burma) |
| Leone | Somalia | Pakistan |
| Sri | Lanka | Senegal |
| Lanka | Sudan | Sierra |
| Suriname | Tanzania | Togo |
| Vietnam | Ethiopia | Ghana |
| Guinea | Haiti | Sri |
Frequently Asked Questions about Bali
How long does it take to process the visa?
Processing times for Indonesian visas can vary from one embassy to another. In general, the length of time is between 15-35 days and costs about $75-$95. A consulate runs an express service that takes 3-5 working days and costs $120.
What are the different types of visas?
The type of visa you apply for depends on your nationality and reason for visiting. There is a Social Visa, Business Visa (ITAS), and Tourist Visa (KITAS). Each type has its own requirements, such as how long you are allowed to stay in Indonesia, if you can work there, etc.
How much are the visa fees?
Visa fees vary by nationality and processing time. A quick express service costs an additional $120. The average cost for a Tourist Visa is between $45-USD 55. Also, make sure you check to see if you need an additional visa for your wife or husband.
Conclusion
There are many reasons to move to Bali. With five million tourists visiting the island each year, it’s no question why people are drawn to this Indonesian paradise. If you’re planning a move there, this article should be your guide. Nonetheless, follow this platform for more updates.
