What It's Really Like to Move and Live in Bali: Stories, Tips, and a Podcast About Real Life on the Island

Dreaming of relocating to Bali? The warm climate, ocean breeze, and work-life balance make it easy to believe life can be simple here. But behind sunset pictures lie visa hassles, bureaucracy, tax obligations, and a completely different cultural rhythm. In the latest episode of our podcast, we share real relocation stories to Bali and tips from those who have already settled on the island.

This article expands on the podcast with practical information about visas, taxes, healthcare, and the cost of living—everything you need to prepare for a conscious move to Bali.

Why a Podcast? And What Makes It Special?

Each episode tells the candid stories of people who have moved to the island. We not only explore the tough parts—paperwork, cultural adaptation—but also openly share failures, missteps, and unexpected discoveries. Real stories you won’t see in Instagram Stories.

In this episode:

IT specialist Alexey talks about tax pitfalls of remote work;
Yoga instructor Olga discusses the consequences of overstaying a visa;
Married couple Mikhail and Natalia share their experience getting a Second Home Visa with their child.

Subscribe to the podcast and listen to the full version so you don’t miss essential details and genuine conversations.

Visa Extensions: Why Even a One-Day Overstay Is a Problem

“Overstay” Is a Real Risk, Not Just for Tourists

If you stay in Indonesia longer than your visa allows—even by a single day—it's considered an administrative violation. Informal attitudes (“it’ll be fine”) won’t work here.

Overstay fine: 1,000,000 IDR (~$64) per day;
Over 60 days of overstay brings serious consequences:
- Fines up to 500,000,000 IDR (~$32,000);
- Up to 5 years in prison;
- Deportation and up to a 2-year re-entry ban.

Podcast story: Olga recounts how her friend was detained at the airport after 30 days of overstay. “He thought leaving the country would reset things. Instead—immediate deportation and a one-year ban.”

Tip: Always check your visa dates and apply for extensions early—ideally a week before your current visa expires.

Taxes in Bali: What Foreigners Need to Know

Remote Income Doesn’t Exempt You from Tax Residency

Indonesia’s tax system considers how long you stay in the country:

Over 183 days per year automatically makes you a tax resident;
Working remotely? It doesn’t matter where your company is registered—you may still be liable for Indonesian taxes if you're living in Bali long-term.

Key taxes affecting foreigners include:

PPh 26: 20% for non-residents on locally earned income;
Lease tax on rentals over 20 years: 5%—relevant for investors and tenants of premium housing;
Bali Tourism Levy (from 2024): 150,000 IDR (~$10), payable upon entry.

From the podcast: Alexey shares—“After 7 months on the island, the tax office called me in. Luckily, I had already obtained my NPWP (tax ID), which made things easier to explain.”

Useful: If you plan to live in Bali long-term, get your NPWP tax ID in advance. It helps prevent misunderstandings.

How to Choose the Right Visa for Long-Term Living

Second Home Visa – A Stable 5–10 Year Solution

The Second Home Visa is a new immigration program by the Indonesian government to attract wealthy foreigners and remote professionals. It’s suitable for those wishing to live in Bali legally and permanently.

Validity: 5 or 10 years
Financial requirement: minimum deposit of 2 billion IDR (~$130,000) or property ownership
Target group: investors, freelancers, retirees

Podcast story: Mikhail and Natalia obtained this visa with their child in three months. “We weren’t chasing a temporary paradise—we wanted stability. This was an investment in comfort.”

Other Visa Options:

B211A (Social-Cultural Visa): valid up to 180 days with extensions;
Visa on Arrival (VOA): 30 days + one 30-day extension.

Healthcare and Insurance in Bali: What You Need to Know

Policy Is Not a Formality—It’s a Necessity

Healthcare in Bali is private and paid. Even a basic GP visit can cost $30. Complex issues? Multiply the price. Without insurance, you might face huge bills or lack access to necessary care.

Basic tourist insurance: from 600 RUB for 2 weeks with $30,000 coverage;
Extended health coverage: from $150/month;
Must-have features: COVID-19, evacuation, personal accident, hospitalization.

Tip: For long-term visas, you’ll need more than just insurance—you’ll often need to show proof of financial stability. This usually means a bundle of documents: bank statement + insurance policy + NPWP registration.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Bali? Budget for One Person

Average Cost of Living With a Moderate Lifestyle

Prices vary depending on the area, lifestyle, and season. Here’s a basic guideline:

Apartment rent: from 7,500,000 IDR (~$500/month) in Canggu or Ubud;
Utilities and internet: ~900,000 IDR (~$60);
Food:
- cafes and warungs: from 3,000,000 IDR (~$200);
- home cooking and restaurants: up to 6,000,000 IDR (~$400);
Transport: scooter – from 1,000,000 IDR/month, fuel – ~10,000 IDR/liter.

Total: from 12 to 20 million IDR (~$800–1,300) per month for a modest lifestyle. For two people, add about 40%–50% more.

Conclusion – The Key Takeaway from the Podcast

Living in Bali isn’t a vacation—it’s entering a whole new system. The main insight from our guests: behind the island’s charm lies a reality you need to understand in advance. But with proper preparation, relocating becomes a smooth life transition instead of a stressful move.

Where to Start: