Living in Bali: the parts nobody mentions.
We have been here since 2016 and we have watched plenty of people come for three months and stay. We have also watched people leave after two. This is what we know about both.
Where people settle
Almost everyone ends up in one of two places. Canggu, where the cafes, the coworking and the traffic are. And Uluwatu, cliffs, surf and quiet at night. Come for the social life, Canggu. Come for the ocean, Uluwatu.
Rent first, buy later
This is the advice we always give, even though the opposite would suit us better. Live in the area before you buy anything: the spot that feels perfect in January can be a different place in August. We rent villas by the month and by the year, furnished and with a pool, exactly for that phase.
The good part, plainly
- Cost of living is lower than western Europe, especially eating local and getting around by scooter.
- There is no winter. The rainy season is humid, not cold.
- The community is huge and easy to join: almost nobody is from here, so everyone is open to meeting people.
And the hard part, which is real
- Paperwork. Visas and permits take time and change. Use a local agent, do not do it alone.
- Serious healthcare is far. Anything major means Singapore. International insurance is not optional.
- Traffic and construction. The island is growing fast and you hear it and sit in it.
- Distance. Europe is 16 to 20 hours away and six or seven hours out of sync.
If you end up staying
When people decide to stay, the next question is the house. What a foreigner can buy, what it costs and which documents to check is on Bali real estate. And if you want the house to pay for itself while you are away, that is investing in Bali.
What people ask us most.
What do you need to live in Bali?
A visa that allows long stays. There are several types and the rules change, so confirm it with an immigration agent before you move anything.
Rent or buy when you arrive?
Rent first, always. Six months living in an area teaches you more than any visit. If you stay, then buying makes sense.
Where do people settle?
Canggu and Uluwatu hold most of the foreign community. Canggu is busier and louder; Uluwatu is quieter, cliffs and surf.
Can you work remotely from here?
Yes, it is the norm. Fibre works well in developed areas; in remote villas, check it before signing anything.
The rest of stays.
Want us to find you a villa?
Tell us your dates and preferred area and we will send what is free, with the price. You are talking to the team that runs the villa, not to a platform.