I would listen to you for hours! Thanks for your videos, we are young 60's and are planning to sell everything and live in bali 6 months a year. Also, we are not rich! So your knowledge is precious to people like us, again, thank you so much!
I make 7m rupiah ($500) a month and I'm quite comfortable. Just don't think you'll be doing anything with a tourist price. Do what the locals do and it's still double what a lot of locals make. I live in a kost in Denpasar with my wife and pay 1.3m a month with a private bathroom, shared kitchen and shared kitchen area and free wi-fi. "Liveable" is relative.
Nailed it. After all we're on an island where many Indonesians are raising families on a few million/mo., or even less. Breaking out of the tourist economy and mindset is key, and it's not hard to do, as you know Darren. We also can live very well eating at our favorite warung(s), living in a kost whose location you like, etc. Thanks a lot for your comment Darren.
Great video. Heading to Bali in a week. Scoping it out for a potential new place to shack up. This video was very informative and helpful. Cheers mate.
Hi William and thank you very much for your comment and the encouragement, glad you found some value in it. Let me know if there was anything I missed!
Thanks for letting this info. My partner and I have mused over moving to Bali for six months from Australia and renting our home BUT my stumbling block is medical care. My opinion about Balinese health care is very low. Your thoughts on this for the over 60 female or male. Cheers from Brisbane, Australia.
Good stuff . How about tv , internet , transportation , prepared food vs make your own , water , power , Laundry , telephone , fuel , and then perhaps some tips to save money . Do they barter ? Are there different prices for natives vs others? Do you have to leave and come back in to keep visa fresh like some places ? If so , how much does that cost ? How stable is their currency? Do you have to bribe people ? How much ? Thanks .
Hi and thank you for all the terrific questions. You've given me topics for more videos, which I really appreciate! It's sort of a tricky time to be making videos since it's not clear what the lay of the land will be after C-19, but it feels like we're moving out of this period *hopefully* in Bali. I'll start up again when things stabilize. Btw I have touched on several of these topics on other videos on this channel. Thank you very much again.
'kost' is a Dutch word, probably from 'kosthuis'' , meaning a house of single rooms giving a place to sleep an meals. In those days (when Indonesia was a Colony of the Netherlands for hundreds of years) we had them in the Netherlands and a lot of young or retired single men lived there.
I'd start on the first page of Google And also Facebook groups like Canggu Community, Seminyak Community etc but the prices will be inflated compared to if you are here and calling around. Don't send any money in advance! I always suggest that people come here and rent a hotel room for a few nights to figure out where they'd even like to stay first, since the neighborhoods here are so different. Take your time looking around, especially if you're staying for more than a few months. Thanks for the question and good luck to you Ghesoon!
Thanks for taking the time and effort to enlighten people like myself. Do any of your other videos address Dentistry Costs, Entertainment costs and the types of entertainment generally available e.g. English speaking movie theaters, etc. and what country customs to be VERY mindful of so as to not run afoul of the people or the authorities and to just assimilate relatively seamlessly? I've been looking at retiring in or near the town of Ajijic, Mexico which is a little town on the shores of the largest fresh water lake which is located in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. I like the proximity to the States, the inexpensive travel costs and the shorter travel times, the people and culture, the relatively low cost of living, etc. but you've got me rethinking that plan. Thanks again!
Hi AngelGeeks, these are excellent topics for me to cover in future videos, thank you very much! Dentistry, etc: there are good dentists here, many Aussies come for dentistry and medical tourism generally btw, costs are reasonable, I got a root canal and crown for I think 4.4 million (about US$300 at the time) a few years ago. A friend's wife just got a cosmetic procedure and is very happy with it. There certainly are comfortable movie theaters where you can see a film in English for 50k rupiah (about US$3.40 atm) on weeknights, cheaper even. The latest releases. We usually just stream from home if we feel like a movie or TV show, also Netflix and HBO. Customs: you'll be fine. To be frank, the Balinese have been hosting foreigners in holiday mode for almost 50 years now, and for outsiders the bar in terms of expectations is pretty low. Don't go breaking any laws obviously but a simple interest in local customs and people you meet will outweigh any minor faux pas you make. And, you'll be met with disarming friendliness and openness. It's one of the best things about Bali. Thanks for sharing your story too AngelGeeks. I'd say that if you can swing it doing a little exploration in Bali and maybe a couple of other places in SE Asia would be a very good idea. Not to take anything away from Ajijic, Mexico or anywhere else of course. Places like Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City...but really there are so many enclaves for expats and digital nomads in SE Asia today, all far more comfortable and modern than they used to be, while retaining varying degrees of authenticity. And still very cheap compared to the 'developed' world (btw not sure we have a clear distinction between developed and undeveloped world anymore but don't get me started!!) I hope all that helps AngelGeeks!
Thank You! & You're welcome too! It definitely helps! Will be sure to keep your answers in mind and check in on your channel from time to time. Kindest Regards!
Sounds exciting and we have also decided that we will be moving to Bali permanently in 2 years’ time. We want to lease a piece of land say 200 to 250 m/s and build our own Villa Do you perhaps have a idea what the current build cost is per sqm (nor finishes) Also can you recommend a contractor for that and to put in a pool. Thanks Steve
I wouldn't have a clue Steve what building costs are nowadays sorry, but the big cost is going to be the land. In some places the prices are shocking, Western prices, and often those places are where most people would tend to want to be! If you wouldn't mind being on the north side of the island or up in the mountains of course than the math totally changes. Something you might consider is doing a renovation job instead of building from the ground up, a lot of places in the beach areas would already have been renovated but do you only need to find the one property. And I'm sorry I really can't suggest any builders, but I know there are builders here who cater mostly to bule. Bottom line it'll all take some legwork but it is still definitely do-able, especially if you're looking for two or 2.5 are worth of land. Good luck, sorry I couldn't be of more help Steve!
Hi Tuyen, I think I did in this video, didn't I? Well, everybody'd situation is different, the best advice I can give you is to Google 'asia life bali natalie' and ask for Natalie when you call. She's been my agent for years, very happy with her. I get nothing for the referral by the way. I hope that helps-- good luck Tuyen.
Hey Tom! Thank you for taking the time and making the effort in sharing your knowledge on this popular topic. It is extremely generous of you indeed, well done! I'm most likely going to come and try and live in Bali or around for maybe 2-4 years... However, my intention is mainly to occupy my time painting canvases and making sculptures. Do you somehow have any insight on the accessibilities to Art materials and raw materials over there? Thank you once again!
Hi Larisa and thanks a lot for your question! Well as you probably know, lots of people come to Bali with the intention of making art, and not just up in Ubud either! For art supplies, I can't speak for what you need for sculpture but for painting I know I was struck years ago wandering upstairs at the Bintang supermarket in Seminyak at all the pre-framed canvases that were available upstairs on the second floor. Inexpensive too. I am sure you'll be helped in sourcing supplies by other artists you'll meet here, no matter what your medium is. Another suggestion would be sites like Lazada.com. We're doing more and more shopping online, you can find *very* good deals and shipping is very reasonable too, and often free. I hope that helps Larisa, bottom line the demand for art supplies is here because of all the artist who are definitely here, so you shouldn't have any problem find what you need. Good luck to you!
Great video, second time watching it after seeing it about a year ago. Was just wondering if it is an Indonesian government requirement that expats have health insurance while living in Indonesia? Also, any info on buying a new motor bike in Indo, using it for the duration and then shipping it home. P.S. Are you still doing new videos? Haven't seen a new one in awhile and yours are the best and most informative for long term expats in Indo.
Gee James that really makes my night. Thank you so much for the kind words. What can I say, I've been quite busy, sometimes it takes me a couple days for editing, but I hope to have some time soon. I am going to be doing a webinar soon about living in Bali longer-term. I'll probably make a video about that to announce it but if you want to be sure to not to miss it go to Wagefreedom.com and just sign up for the two free chapters of my book and you'll be on my list. It goes without saying I'll never spam you of course. If you're on a Social Visa or a VOA there's no requirement for health insurance. Health insurance is a requirement for a retirement kitas however. I'm not sure if your home country insurance policy or social net ticks that box for Indonesia Immigration or not, it might be on a country-by-country basis. I should say for a long-term expat I really would advise having expat insurance, it's probably cheaper than you think. Get with Natalie at Asia Life here in Bali, she's helped us for years. As for buying a bike here, I really should know the answer to this even though I don't have a bike but I'm not sure. I suspect you can buy a bike here but it might be weird trying to export it with taxes. I'm sorry I can't be of more help on this topic James. I hope some of that helped James, thank you very much again.
Hi and thanks for your question. I don't use repellent, we live in an enclosed condo and I rarely get bitten by mosquitoes in my normal routine. Depending on where you live that might not be the case for you of course. Plenty of repellent is available here naturally too.
In 2003/2004 I remember paying $848 from the US west coast to Bali with either Eva Air or China Air. Less than $500 from the US is nuts and China Eastern often has these sub $500 fares. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks this is helpful. Obviously things will be a bit different now in 2021 with covid restrictions. I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 and we’re not allowed to fly to Bali at this stage. We do plan on spending our retirement in Bali one day.
Hi Alison, you're welcome. Yeah I have Aussie friends here who don't want to return right now because of the quarantine there---here's hoping both Australia and Indonesia open up soon!
I have been checking flights to Bali. It looks like China Air is the lowest. Do you have any feedback on this airline? I flew Singapore Air the last 2 times I went to Bali.
Hi Cheryl, yes I've come many times on China Air from the US to Asia, EVA Air about the same. In my opinion not as good as Singapore Airlines but fine.
Loved your video, great information. I'm planning on moving to Southeast Asia and perhaps Bali. Would it be possible to live in Bali indefinitely? I have an online business so I don't really want to get a work permit to work in Indonesia, I just want to live there while I'm conducting my business online. Do you know if this would be possible, and if so, what type of visa does this require?
Hi Tom, can you make an update about costs of living in 2022 forward - especially how do you see inflation overall affecting this part of the world (It is a big topic in Europe and the US atm). Thanks a lot in advance! Great channel, your opinion is very valuable to a lot of people, especially because you are not the stereotypical „Instagram Influencer“ type.
If you look younger than you are, could you fake your age to get a lower price on health insurance or would they find out (if something happens) and then you'd be sunk?
Ahhh, well it's not a game I'd ever try to play personally--I think age verification would be very difficult (and likely illegal) to try to fake, and you'd hate to be out your insurance if you needed it!
I enjoy your videos. I have been living in Tokyo for 7 years but have always thought living in SE Asia for a few months out of the year would be amazing if I could sustain it. I hope you continue to enjoy Bali.
Hi there and thanks for your comment. Well it's something a lot of people do, stay for 2 to 6 months out of the year. As I say even though managers will want to rent for six months or more you can definitely negotiate month-to-month deals. Good luck to you there in Japan!
Hi there thanks for your question! My preferences might not match yours at all but I enjoy Seminyak and Petitinget basically. If you're looking for a place to stay for a while you could do worse than these two places, so you might get a motorbike or a driver and look around. If the beach isn't that important to you might try Ubud also. There you can sort of choose how much busy-ness you'd like, if you want quieter just go a little way outside of the town. Sanur has plenty of infrastructure but some people find it a little bit slow.
Hi Lina, many locals live for that much or less, you definitely could do it, but I will say that that's not a lot to be living on nowadays in Bali. You should be able to find accommodations in Ubud for three or four million a month but it may not be a full-on villa. On the other hand you never know, especially if you could pay in advance for 6 months or a year or more. I hope that helps you!
You would think that but believe it or not I've seen round trip flights from both Europe and the United States for less than I used to pay round trip 20 years ago!. And then of course once you're here it can be unbelievably inexpensive. Amazing value for money in Bali, really.
@@bluelibradorite9566 well that's quite inexpensive as well especially if you book more than 30 days out. We normally prefer AirAsia, go take a look at their site, especially with a little planning regional fares in SE Asia are very reasonable nowadays.
Okay the social Visa and the (two types of) VOA are two different things. You can get the free VOA which is good for 30 days. You could instead go for the paid VOA which allows you to stay for 60 days maximum, but with that one after about three weeks you have to go down to immigration to extend it, so it might be worth it to just do the 30 day VOA, and then leave Indonesia and start on your Social Visa upon your return. The social Visa is the one that allows you 60 days off the airplane and then a maximum of four extensions every 30 days adding up to a total 180 days' stay maximum.
Hi! My name is Alyssa, I’m a 18 year old girl from the states! I have always wanted to travel out of the country! Since I was young I’ve looked at other places to live other than the United States! All I’ve ever wanted to do was just live! I’m straight out of high school, I have a small restaurant job and I want to save about $6,000 for costs of living and move to Bali or some place just as cheap and beautiful! For about 3-4 months. Do you think I can do it!?!
Hi Alyssa --- I know you can do it! And I applaud you. Traveling while you're young is an investment in your own education that will pay off for the rest of your life. The smartest thing you're doing is to have a set amount of money goal in your head that you need to reach. I think that is a realistic amount to budget for 3 or 4 months, by the way. If you've never been outside the US you'll be very surprised at how low prices can be in this part of the world--and you can still live very, very well spending far less too. I wish you good luck Alyssa, let me know if you have questions!
Hey Alyssa I'm with him i know you can do it I'm also 18 and looking into it so I've done sooo much research and it seems really practical i hope it works for you
Hi... great vids... planning on moving next year...coming for a try before you buy for a couple of months.... I'll have a pot of between $200 to $3000 a month for me as a single male, so I am guessing I can rent a nice home and have a good lifestyle with that.... I do like to dive and I know that can be a cost $50 a day for 2 dives...I'd like to dive a few times a month.. I am 62..in decent health too... like your vibe in the videos...
Hi Kevin, thanks for that. US$2k-$3k is absolutely still do-able if you're motivated enough to be here that you'll make it work. Diving is a part of the local economy that caters mostly to tourists on a holiday budget so that will be relatively expensive, but again as always it's about priorities. Great diving here, as you know.
Can you give the breakdown in US dollars? It sounds pricey to say this costs a million and that costs 50 million! I'm not sure if I speak for everyone but the numbers that seem to matter the most are rent and wifi, in US dollars. Also, how ubiquitous and how fast is the wifi?
when i looked at the website you linked in the description, one of the cheapest was still around $510 a month, i believe you mentioned it’s possible to do 37 a month us dollars? maybe i heard wrong, please correct me if so
Hi Haley--- you'll find better deals when you're looking around here, once you're here. Also the 500k rupiah per month kosts will be about as cheap as you can go and will be extremely basic. I've known foreigners who've lived in very cheap kosts out of necessity but frankly you're probably going to want better. The basic places definitely won't be advertised online, but you could take a look when you get here. Also as a foreigner they'll probably ask you for more than a local would pay in the very cheap places. Basically I would take internet prices as just indications, and do your legwork once you get here, without an agent if you want to go really cheap.
Hey, that was a wonderful and thoughtful video. Quick question. I have a 1 year old and a wife looking to get back to Bali soonest. I've been there several times but am curious on your thoughts given the current environment and any cost of living adjustment with what is happening. Thanks.
Hi Charles, thanks for your question. Well first, they aren't yet (July 22, 2020) issuing VOAs or Social visas, so the *current* environment might not apply to you when you come back. But they sure are trying to get to a point where they can responsibly open up, at least partially. I'm really impressed at how much contact tracing and other steps they are taking in Bali to get this thing under control. So I've heard the second week in September, but things are fluid, as we'd expect. Meanwhile I think a lot of long-term visitors and expats aren't here at the moment and it's impossible to say when or if some will return. That should add up to an oversupply of properties for rent or lease. So if you've been thinking about coming and staying for a while, I think the period when we're coming out of this will be a very, very good time to do so. I hope that helps Charles. Stay safe.
@@Wagefreedom Thank you so much Tom. That is a solid update. Last I heard it was September 11th for reopening and I am stoked to get back there with my family. I have a quick follow up question. Can you recommend any websites or provide some legit contact information for finding long term leases. There are so many out there and I was hoping to understand your favorites. Thanks Again Tom. Be safe as well.
Hi Charles, I'm not a fan of aggregator sites like that, they'll try to get you sucked into paying retail. Even without a pandemic there's not much reality to those prices; now you can do far better. Deal directly with property owners or people looking to sublet, and that 's easy to do. I'd suggest joining Facebook groups like Canggu Community or Ubud Community if you're thinking up there, Bali digital Nomads, etc. there's a ton of them that are extremely active with people offering everything under the sun. You've been here before so you might have an idea of where you'd like to stay, even just driving around and looking for signs and talking to people. I wouldn't rush, there are going to be deals out there and you'll be rewarded for taking your time. Also if you're returning in September/October, historically it's a slightly better time to rent as the rainy season is just starting, so you've got that in your favor as well. You should have your pick of places. Good luck Charles!
Hi Bobby -- there will be endless good deals coming out of the C-19 period, just come and figure out which part of the island you'd like to stay, then talk to people. Or check Facebook groups like Ubud Community, Canggu community, Seminyak Community etc. Very good sources of up to date info. But never, ever send any money to 'reserve' something. Hope that helps Bobby.
Hey Tom great content :) Just wondering whether it's the norm for landlords to ask for 1 months bond (or any bond) for 1,3 or 6 month rentals? (Will be spending < $800US per/month)
Hi Tanya and thanks for your question. This will differ from landlord to landlord. It might depend on the season too, you might find more flexibility during the rainy season. Everybody will prefer 6 months + up front but unless it's a really premium property just go in assuming you can negotiate everything. I'm serious. Things are far less formalized here. Also if you'll spend anywhere near $800/mo.... I mean six or seven hundred dollars US/mo will get you into a nice place here. So you should have some leverage. I always suggest to look at shared situations too, just join the Canggu Community Facebook page or the Bali Digital Nomads Page; you see rooms for rent in gorgeous villas in groups like that all the time. This could save you a lot of hassle and if there's good chemistry with your roommates it could be a big plus, just like anywhere. It also would get you up to speed quickly on the lay of the land. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you Tanya!
Hey Tom, Is there any way we could get our dog to Bali with us for a few months? We are coming from the U.S., but I’ve seen a lot of different information out there and wanted to get your opinion.
Hi Mac and thanks for your question. This would have been easier to answer back when we had the rabies scare in 2009-2010 or so. Back then it was next-to impossible. Now I'm hearing that it is possible, but I'd be careful with who you get to help you. The link below is to a company a friend of ours recommended. Our friend works for a shipping company here and has had clients use the service below to take animals out of Bali, but I'm not sure about bringing them in. It's a place to start, but please do be careful and I'd ask to speak to references: facebook.com/sevenheavenpetexpress/ I hope that helps Mac.
Hi Cheryl--yes, if you have a local bank account you can connect it to payment systems like Gopay and OVO and others, and easily transfer from your bank account to your online payment systems. A lot of locals don't have bank accounts so they simply top up with cash at mini-marts, it's quick and easy to do. You can't pay for everything with your phone yet but things are rapidly changing, I think in a couple years it'll be pretty much like the 'developed' world.
Hi I'm looking to come to bali. I have a budget of £1500 per month and will stay for 3 months. I would like to stay somewhere relatively nice doing things like yoga and maybe eat out now and again. I will try hold off the alcohol side of things.. where would you recommend I stay? And would you say that £1500 would be okay? Nice video by the way... God bless
Hi Patrick and thanks for your comment and questions. Well first, £1500 is almost 30 million rupiah at the moment, and you'll have no problem at all living well on that amount, especially if you don't drink a lot. That includes your visa, eating out every day if you want to, etc. I mean you can still get a very nice plate of food for 80,000/£4. Well, £1 for that matter. As I say in the video, you can get very livable place for 5 million/month. I have expat friends renting for less, still in very decent places. 10 million/month would get you a very nice apartment or small villa. For a stay of 3 months you might have to pay a little more but it won't break the bank. As you'll see when you get here, there is just very good value for money for accommodations in Bali now, due to continued overbuilding. Really a renters' market. Don't put any deposits on anything until you get here and look around. Get a hotel for £20/night the first few days. A far as areas to look, without knowing you it's hard to say but in 2018 I'd start in Seminyak on a motorbike if your're comfortable, or a motorcycle taxi for a half day if you're not, and just head north. Petitinget/Kerobokan etc. Canggu is a hot spot now for the last few years, lots of digital nomads and expats and a real buzz there now. Ubud is very nice if it's not critical for you to be near the beach. If you're looking at somewhere quieter you might try Sanur. Well that's a few thoughts....I end up telling everyone the same thing about coming here to live though: Bali is a place that will reward you if you resist the impulse to plan everything out and let the your impressions of each area drive your decisions. You'll encounter a far different Bali living in Sanur than you would in Canggu. But for that reason, I think there's a lifestyle to suit almost anyone here. And at the risk of give you a hard sell, if you're serious just about everything I know about living in Bali as an expat is here: wagefreedom.com/cost-of-living-in-bali-guide/ I hope all that helps Patrick!
Hi thanks for all that information that was really helpful and I really appreciate it. Yes, I think I will buy the book that will help me loads and get me set for my travels. Thanks for the reply.
Hi James --- hey sounds like you're going all-in on surfing! Good for you. One of the best things in life. If you're planning to go surfing that much definitely look into buying a used board once you get here. There are a ton of surf shops down in Kuta of course, bargain very hard. They shouldn't have any problem with you testing the board before you buy it either. I have a friend who was here for a couple months and she sold the used board she bought back to the same shop she bought it from when she left. And you probably know this but if you're just starting get a big board, it'll make learning much easier for you. If you're here for awhile or as you get better you might want to swap it for a more maneuverable board. I hope that helps James, good luck and have fun!
Hi Tom, pls do a video about the social visa and how to go about getting one. Do you get this visa thru an agent? If so, can you post contact details for agents you trust and can recommend in Seminyak/Legian. Also, talk about how you yourself stay in Bali. Do you leave Bali every 6 months? Or are you on a different visa that allows you to stay indefinitely. Thanks.
Hi Josh and thank you very much for the comment. I did a video on the social visa, here's the URL: th-cam.com/video/alcCg0QeSXg/w-d-xo.html . I hope that answers your questions. Here's a link to a long article on wagefreedom.com about the social visa too: wagefreedom.com/a-visa-for-long-stays-in-bali-indonesia-what-you-need-to-know/ . I'd prefer not to point people to any agents however Josh. Unless I am personally familiar with an agent I really don't want to recommend one, I'd just be guessing. My agent has moved on to bigger things and helps me as a personal favor (he's an old friend). You will find many agents on the first page of Google, the industry is big here in Bali as you might imagine.The competition between agents here is fierce too and that helps. As I say in the video do call around, not just to compare prices but to determine if an agent can clearly tell you **exactly** what you'll need to get the social visa. Good agents must do dozens, or even hundreds of social visas per year.
Great video and informative. I’m considering getting a Retirement Visa and moving there semi-permanently. I should have around $4000 a month coming in from retirement and SSA. I’ve watched a lot of these Bali videos and almost all state that you can live on $1500 US. Per month. We would get our Villa based on an annual rate and save some money.... you did not mention laundry. Not sure when you made this video but you really could use a small Tripod. The camera was moving up and down and it can get a little distracting.
US$4k/month will set you up very nicely as an expat in Bali. And laundry is great: there are small laundry businesses all over, extremely inexpensive next-day service, returned ironed. Maybe US 15 cents or so for a t-shirt, a bit more for pants--it's just another of dozens and dozens of small life upgrades you'll experience here. A lot to like!
Very valuable advice and useful info! The Social Visa cost mentioned; 750,000 rp/mo = $52.30USD/mo. Over 55 yrs staying 1 year is $900USD/mo or 13M rp IIRC
Hi Billy, thanks, well it will vary depending in the agent one uses. 750k is competitive right now (early 2020) for the social visa extensions, including agent fees, but one can definitely pay 9 million for a retirement visa/KITAS all in, 10 million if you opt for the supplement that makes it a multiple entry visa. The reason I say the total cost for the Social Visa and the Retirement KITAS is about the same is because with the social visa one has to leave every 6 months, so there are costs there. Anyway, either way is good and probably a reasonable cost for what it gives you.
Absolutely. I do every day. The restaurant industry in Bali is extremely competitive, which keeps prices down and quality and hygiene standards very high. Hope that helps!
hello my name is Frank I'm looking forward I'm moving to Indonesia getting married soon in Indonesia looking for a place that is not too expensive I'm on disability on $1,400 dollars a month where would you recommend that is good and safe I was in Jakarta in January to February also visited mojokerto Surabaya looking for a safe place to live and start a family Im a Christian I know is different there
Hi Frank, welll as you can tell from my videos I'm pretty excited about Bali as place for expats to create a base. With the budget you mention you should be able to make it work with sufficient planning. I'd definitely look at Bali before committing to Jakarta or Surabaya, just for the sake of knowing your options. Good luck to you Frank, I hope that helps!
@@Wagefreedom thank you I really appreciate it wow I'm super excited looking forward on calling Indonesia my new home will do look into Bali my fiance tells me is a tourist city people from all around the world go there I lived in Las Vegas Nevada for most of my life I'm in Seattle Washington at the moment super expensive here hopefully we can settle down in a safe quite peaceful area and raise a family ones we get married so awesome th-cam.com/video/5h_svhcgLJA/w-d-xo.html Thanks again awesome 👍 God bless
Hi Bill and thanks for your questions. First, here's a video I did on the Bali Internet situation with emphasis on how to get and stay connected on your phone, with details on costs: th-cam.com/video/nKOUdVP7Qeg/w-d-xo.html If you rent in Bali by the month you might have Internet already set up for you and included with the rent. If not, the costs vary, from say 250k/mo to over a million per month depending on the speed you want. There are many ISPs in Bali now and if you call them speaking English won't be a problem as the environment is so competitive. We've had 4 ISPs since 2005, costs are dropping and tech support is getting more efficient. Internet was always a sore point years ago, I used to pay by data transfer and it got expensive! For speed and costs it's far better now. Also, free internet is in just about every restaurant nowadays, though usually you'll need a password. Condos in Kuta: I think the best suggestion I can give you honestly is to rent a bike or get a Grab or Gojek motorbike taxi to take you around areas you're interested in. There are so many apartment/condo/kost complexes nowadays, not sure it makes sense to list any: you will be spoiled for choice as they say. It is a renter's market in Bali and it will be for a long time imo. You can always Google for Bali real estate agents, and that might be a faster way to find a place, but it should be cheaper if you search on your own if you have the time. If I can make a suggestion, even if you prefer Kuta look also in Legian or even further north. Depending on what you want you should pay a bit less in Legian, especially if being very close to the beach isn't totally necessary. If money is tight you could look around the Jalan Dewi Sri area. Visas: here's a video I did going more in depth about visas, include the one I recommend for most people in the beginning-- it gives you a maximum 6-month stay: th-cam.com/video/alcCg0QeSXg/w-d-xo.html After that you could look into other visa options like the retirement visa/KITAS, etc. As for a 12-month visa, the retirement visa and the business visa are renewable each year but again, imo it's easiest to start with a social visa, the one I recommend in the video above. I hope that helps Bill.
So what kind of health insurance can you purchase from Indonesia for $275/month/person, and what are being covered? how can you find a DR who accept that insurance?
Hi Joe and thanks for your questions. Google Natalie Baldwin at Asialife in Kuta. She can give you all the info you'd need about 'expat insurance'. It's good for people who have insurance that might not cover international travel, and you can use it anywhere in the world with the exception of your home country and a couple of others. It often includes air evacuation in case of an emergency.
Thank you for the info Tom. I'll contact her when I get closer to making decision to live there. Do you banking with local bank? I know there is Bank of America in Jakarta, but if you live in Bali what foreign bank that provides general banking services with small fees?
That look amazing. I'm on disability fixed income of $1000. My rent is $430, my internet service is $30, my phone service is $94 and my entertainment apps that I've paid for is: $45. I am wondering if the healthcare is ok and reasonable, food actual taste like food (not GMOs), and what's the cultures are like in Bali? 😀😲
Hi Martel and thanks for your comment--- well the food is absolutely terrific, and cheap too! There are a lot of foreigners here so it is quite a mix of cultures, and of course you're immersed in the Balinese culture here. Health care is improving I think, though it is not yet on par with what you'd find in other parts of the world. Everything seems to be improving in Indonesia though, in my opinion!
@@Wagefreedom thank you for responding back to me. I'm concerned of the healthcare portion, as I got chronic health issues and I am being realistic that other countries healthcare aren't that up to par but I am understanding how expensive American healthcare to me. It's crazy to see that $1000 an month in Bali in reasonable. Lol America getting too expensive 😂😅 I paid $430 in some low income housing. (I know it's disgraceful to mention)
@@MartellThaCool Hi again Martell, well I don't think there's anything disgraceful about that, we're all trying to get along and do our best, all of us. But as far as healthcare goes, yes you really have to take it into account relative to your own situation. I wish you all the best in the future Martel!
@@Wagefreedom I love different cultures. Is the housing market affordable for my disability income and how much for basic utilities via gas, lights and electricity? Sorry for asking alot
Hi there - all I would have is what Google would show us. Once you get here if you hop on a bike and go around you will see signs, or you should if there are any kosts available. Also talking to people once you get here is a good way too of course. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.
Hi Cheryl and thanks for your question. I sometimes offer one-on-one coaching both for living in Bali and also on earning enough to live on here, but I've been very busy with client work lately. Here's the URL if you're interested: wagefreedom.com/wage-freedom-coaching/
Hi Phil--well there's only one way to say it, the surfing in Bali is world class! Google 'Uluwatu' to start with. I think for any surfer the reefs on the Bukit Peninsula should definitely be on the bucket list.
So should I just take the flight out and then when I get there look for a spot to stay as opposed to booking on airbnb? Maybe I can negotiate better for a longer term possibly? Also $1000 Canadian should do me good if I'm just looking to get away and not so much partying. More sight seeing and volunteer work?
Hi k s - - well you can get good deals on Airbnb in Bali, $15 a night or maybe less, or maybe go with a cheap hotel for the first couple days of jetlag for 300k to 350k rupiah per night, you can do the math. I absolutely would not book any place for the longer-term before you come here though. You don't know where you want to be yet and talking to people will get you into much, much better deals. Also I always suggest people look at the Canggu digital nomad Facebook group, probably Ubud and Seminyak expat or digital nomad FB groups too. Unless you really want to be living by yourself you might consider a roommate situation, it's easy to find enormous houses here and you'll very quickly get up to speed on the whole lay of the land. Just a suggestion. Thanks again for your question and good luck to you!
Not personally but I know people are doing it. Check out the Bali Digital Nomads Facebook group. Also Google "teaching English to Chinese online". Open several entries from individuals doing this and see how people are both marketing themselves and delivering their lessons. Of course you could start with teaching for a school but marketing yourself will be more lucrative. This is absolutely a way one can support themselves in Bali.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I want to get a 6 mos social visa before coming to Bali. I'm currently based in Miami, Florida. Do you have a referral for a great agent that can facilitate the process while i'm in my home country?
Hi and thank you for your comments! I've never used this company but I have had very good reviews from many, many readers of wagefreedom.com and I would recommend them to you: visaforbali.com/content/contact --they are able to get you everything you need in your home country for a Social Visa before you arrive in Bali the first time. I hope that helps and good luck!
@@Wagefreedom Blessings Tom! When I click on the link you gave me above it sends me to the following page: PT.Visa4Bali. Is that the same company although the name is different? I've been in touch with Alyssa via whatsApp and was in the process of submitting a payment of $20 USD for my sponsor letter. During the transaction process my bank required an authorization, and informed me that the actual charge being requested was not $20USD but $3,514.18 USD! I immediately called Alyssa for clarification and she texted that she wasn't comfortable in talking with me (When previously she always answered my calls) and told me to text her. This sent a big red flag. Just wanted to confirm that I am actually in contact with the same company your readers have given raving reviews about? Is there someone that you personally have worked with that can do my sponsor letter and provide a K.T.P? I really appreciate your assistance!
Hi well that is odd. Having the domain name not exactly match the brand isn't necessarily a problem but the charge being such a ridiculous number like that definitely would give me pause too. I think I'm going to remove that link from my comments. I'm surprised because I've had multiple people tell me that agency helped them. I can't point you at somebody because the guy who helps me no longer does social visas, he just does corporate structures. He does help me just as a favor as I've known him for 15 years. I wish I could think of something to tell you other than go to the first page of Google and start calling these agents. That $20 for the sponsor letter is probably the going rate, but wow that charge, I just don't know. Rrally sorry I can't be of more help to you.
Hi. I was wondering if there are any people I could go to a company or person who does all the running around for you to get a retirement visa. I so some expats in Chiang Mai, Thailand that do the leg work for you and take away the frustration of dealing with the bureaucrats. Thanks and really enjoying your vids.
Hi Al Karim, thanks for your question. You absolutely can get an agent for this, I wouldn't suggest doing it any other way. The **best** way by far is to ask around and get referred to a reliable one. Otherwise you could look on the first page of Google, but do ask several agents. There are many of them and it is very competitive. Make sure you understand the entire process before you give anyone money!
Hey Kon, thank you so much for subscribing and for the kind words! If you have any specific questions about living in Ball as an expat don't hesitate to ask me bud.
Hi Ricky and thanks for your comment. Well it's higher of course, and especially schools here can get expensive. There are less expensive good options for schools here too though. I don't think I can put a figure on what your family would need to get by in Bali though Ricky, sorry----just too many variables. There are hundreds or maybe thousands of expats from all over the world who have moved here though, so with a plan I think it's do-able.
Hi Austin. Thanks for your comment. There are some Western companies, especially large hotel chains and maybe higher-end Western restaurants that to hire foreigners, but unless you have a connection these would be positions that they'd be looking to fill internally. So, you'd often have the job with them before you ever came here. As you can imagine you're competing with locals for most jobs. There's also the issue of what your Visa will allow, which is basically no employment at all. If you find somebody to employee you they can get a KITAS for you to work legally, but this is costly and again there would have to be a reason for them to hire you over an Indonesian. The people I know who fit both these descriptions in the hospitality industry, hotels and restaurants, have years or decades of experience. This probably is not what you wanted to hear Austin but I would be doing you a disservice if I wasn't clear about all this. If you are in a position to open your own business you can essentially buy into your own KITAS residence/work permit, but competition in bars, restaurants etc. here is fierce. My suggestion would be to join the Bali Digital Nomads Facebook group, maybe the Canggu Community Facebook group also, and there are more like this. This should give you a ton of information and ideas on how to approach this. And not to push my book too hard but about a third of it is about how to support yourself in Bali: wagefreedom.com/cost-of-living-in-bali-guide/ Good luck Austin, I hope that helps!
So what I get from all of this is.. yes you can live like a bank robber on the lamb..OR you need to spend a bit more to get a descent lifestyle.. so AUD$3000 sounds like the target income to live decently in Bali.
hi tom, simon is my name. my girl heike and i want to move to bali permanently. we are currently in nz, which is where i've lived most of my life. both heike and i are from germany originally. we're trying to figure out what it would take to make bali home rather than destination. also we are wondering what it takes to do business there. We are both chefs,(25years plus experience) , and like the idea of starting a small b&b.... so now we have a billion questions and few answers. btw thanks for responding so quickly, quite a buzz! if you have any tips or know where we should look any help will be greatly appreciated. i promise we'll cook you dinner if all goes well
Hi Ni Surni -- and thanks for your questions. Well first re electricity, sometimes electricity will be included but usually you'll have to pay it yourself. Make sure it's clear when you move in. Btw often you'll get a better deal than when they wrap it into the rent. On a long term lease you'll definitely be having to pay utilities yourself. Same with internet, often included if you rent but you have to set up something with a local ISP to get service. Not hard at all, they'll come right out, and it's very competitive in Bali between providers so not too expensive. When you're sick...I'd very strongly advise expat insurance. Different from travelers' insurance and often includes evacuation. I hope that helps, good luck to you Ni Surni.
Hi Rob and thanks for your comment. It is a great point, and I don't think most people realize (or even sometimes believe!) how well one can live in SE Asia for a fraction of their budget back home. I'm just trying to outline how, as one moves away from the tourist economy one can take advantage of the lower cost of living without compromising comfort and safety. If emails I get and blog comments on wagefreedom.com are any indication most of my audience doesn't want to go completely low-budget and is looking for specifics with regard to viable compromises. I've thought for years that if more people were aware of the specifics that they might consider a break or sabbatical if the time was right for them. Thanks again for your question Rob!
It's probably worth a video lol! Seriously it's been interesting to watch the situation evolve. I think under the circumstances the government is doing a very good job trying to set and enforce policies. Bali hasn't been hit too hard in terms of number of cases and deaths. Unfortunately it's still pretty empty, (has to be that way, they're being careful) because currently there are no visas on arrival or social visas being issued, that really reduces the number of people in the tourist areas and it feels quite eerie. I'm going to have to make a video on the situation in Bali, there's a lot to tell. Stay tuned and thanks for your question.
I've always been curious what you do during the day once your "work" is complete? Stay in the gym? Any volunteer work like carpentry or teaching? It's sounds silly to say out loud, are you bored?
Hi Roar, and thanks for you questions. And it's not silly at all: **a lot** of people have said to me "I could never live in a place like Bali, what would I do? I'd be so bored!" The thing is, not knowing what you'd do before you come here doen't meant you'd be bored once you get here! There is so much one can do: volunteering, exercise, reading, go exploring on the motorbike. Build a house, or furniture, or a business, etc. Hey, you might be surprised how much time socializing can take up, especially with so many friendly Indonesians and expats who have quite a bit of free time. The way I think of it is this: if there is something you wanted to do when you were younger, before school/work/mortgage etc. became priorities (not that there is anything wrong with them!), well that is what you'll now have time to do in Bali. I like to write, and read, and I spend a lot of time online. I walk about 90 minutes on the beach every day. Either at sunset or early in the morning before it gets too hot. I see friends, and spend a lot of time over long meals in restaurants having drawn-out conversations to tell you the truth. Funny how there's so much to talk about when you have the time. But the answer as to how to fill your days is different for everyone, and I bet no two expat schedules are the same. It will be different for you too. Part of the fun of it all--and the enrichment of it too--has been to discover what my preferred life is.
Wage Freedom this actually makes a lot of sense. It’s why I would leave the job and Mortgage. To do what I’ve always wanted. Didn’t occur to me. Just watch the misconception video I enjoy that one too
Exactly! Speaking just for myself--I didn't come here to 'retire'--I came to discover the next phase of my life! This is such a critical point that you inspired a wagefreedom.com blog post. I'm just finishing it now and I'll post a link here when I publish it. Thank you very much for the comments Roar.
Shop in the local markets and they're really really cheap, especially when they're in season. Even at my regular grocery store they're cheap so I normally don't bother going further to the local market. Most tropical fruits are available year-round also. For example 4 bananas maybe US$0.60, a nice big mango maybe the same or even less. If you're a fruit lover it is total paradise! You'll find a lot of tropical fruits you've never seen before unless you've spent time in this climate.
Hi there and thanks for your comment -- I was just looking for a round number, and it's an amount people often throw out when they ask me how much they need to live here. You could definitely live in Bali for less, and of course most people here certainly do.
I've lived in Bali in 2017 have been years almost 3 years 1,000usd you'd be living miserably and dirty backpackers life and you wouldn't even enjoy Bali ...Bali is now expensive I was living in a shithole for 7.5mil a month. Thank god for covid and that prices have gone down a bit for now.
Other YTers are showing their beautiful villas, all included, on their channels renting at 450-650 USD a month. Are they blowing smoke out their butt holes? YT is very hard to get the down low.
Hi Brian, and thanks for your comment. What I'd say is this: there are several ways you can rent a nice villa for prices like that. * Being further away from the beach * splitting the cost of a villa with other people. It’s not unusual to find villas here with eight or 10 bedrooms, and people are always looking to rent rooms out, as digital nomads/travelers naturally are always moving on. * getting a villa with a few rough edges. * getting a villa with no pool * doing a very long-term lease on a villa. A lot of people here rent for 20 or 25 years...most of the friends I’ve had for a long time here do. That probably won’t be your average TH-camr, but it's not unusual. Buying property in Indonesia is a problem for foreigners. Using a mix of these strategies, as well understanding that you'll be rewarded if you take your time looking around and really, really, really bargain when you do find something you like, will help. It probably does seem hard to believe but all I can tell you is that while Indonesia is making **huge** strides forward in terms of development, wages and prices are still lower than they are in the 'developed' world. In 2018 Bali is one of the best places anywhere where you can benefit from still-low prices but enjoy most of the amenities you have in the West. It is amazing really. Still. I have to thank you Brian because I think you've given me a topic for a video and a blog post on Wagefreedom.com, specific strategies for renting nice villas cheaply in Bali. We rented three different villas for several months before we bought our condos. Actually pros and cons of condos in Bali vs Bali villas is probably another good topic! I hope all that helps Brian. Come and check it out!
Thanks for the detailed response, WF. I'm moving to Vietnam for a year (leaving U.S. on Halloween) and have been thinking of doing Bali for 6 mos. before heading into Thailand, Laos and Cambodia for an indeterminate (SP.?) amt of time. Your answer was really helpful to me and I'm sure many others here. 😀 Will check out your website too. 😀 Naturally, the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. I'm going into this like wherever the breeze carries me. But good research is ESSENTIAL for making this kind of trip. 😀😀😀😀😀
A lot of people seem to think so, I don't know how many expats there are here in Bali but I would guess in the thousands. You find a very good balance of infrastructure here but still at very reasonable prices. Also it has to be said that for retirees or others without much money you have at least the option of living very cheaply, and well, eating in local warungs and paying US$200 or US$300/month in rent. You can live really well doing that actually, I have many expat friends who do, it's an eye-opener.
Ah ok I will take that as a compliment-- I think he's doing quite a bit better than I am in the personal finance department though from what I've heard! Thank you for watching.
I would listen to you for hours! Thanks for your videos, we are young 60's and are planning to sell everything and live in bali 6 months a year. Also, we are not rich! So your knowledge is precious to people like us, again, thank you so much!
I make 7m rupiah ($500) a month and I'm quite comfortable. Just don't think you'll be doing anything with a tourist price. Do what the locals do and it's still double what a lot of locals make. I live in a kost in Denpasar with my wife and pay 1.3m a month with a private bathroom, shared kitchen and shared kitchen area and free wi-fi. "Liveable" is relative.
Nailed it. After all we're on an island where many Indonesians are raising families on a few million/mo., or even less. Breaking out of the tourist economy and mindset is key, and it's not hard to do, as you know Darren. We also can live very well eating at our favorite warung(s), living in a kost whose location you like, etc. Thanks a lot for your comment Darren.
For a simple life in Bali with $ 400 you can, depending on your lifestyle
Great video. Heading to Bali in a week. Scoping it out for a potential new place to shack up. This video was very informative and helpful. Cheers mate.
Hi William and thank you very much for your comment and the encouragement, glad you found some value in it. Let me know if there was anything I missed!
@@Wagefreedom I'll be watching all your videos and reading your book. That's for sure. I'll certainly share any thoughts or questions with you. Thanks
Thanks for letting this info. My partner and I have mused over moving to Bali for six months from Australia and renting our home BUT my stumbling block is medical care. My opinion about Balinese health care is very low. Your thoughts on this for the over 60 female or male. Cheers from Brisbane, Australia.
Good stuff . How about tv , internet , transportation , prepared food vs make your own , water , power , Laundry , telephone , fuel , and then perhaps some tips to save money . Do they barter ? Are there different prices for natives vs others? Do you have to leave and come back in to keep visa fresh like some places ? If so , how much does that cost ? How stable is their currency? Do you have to bribe people ? How much ? Thanks .
Hi and thank you for all the terrific questions. You've given me topics for more videos, which I really appreciate!
It's sort of a tricky time to be making videos since it's not clear what the lay of the land will be after C-19, but it feels like we're moving out of this period *hopefully* in Bali. I'll start up again when things stabilize.
Btw I have touched on several of these topics on other videos on this channel.
Thank you very much again.
'kost' is a Dutch word, probably from 'kosthuis'' , meaning a house of single rooms giving a place to sleep an meals. In those days (when Indonesia was a Colony of the Netherlands for hundreds of years) we had them in the Netherlands and a lot of young or retired single men lived there.
Ah thanks a lot pim1234, I'd wondered where that word came from!
yeah, as the Dutch colonised Indonesia for a few hundered years you still find a lot of Dutch words
Thank you and happy new year 🌟
What is a good site to rent a place from?
I'd start on the first page of Google And also Facebook groups like Canggu Community, Seminyak Community etc but the prices will be inflated compared to if you are here and calling around. Don't send any money in advance!
I always suggest that people come here and rent a hotel room for a few nights to figure out where they'd even like to stay first, since the neighborhoods here are so different. Take your time looking around, especially if you're staying for more than a few months. Thanks for the question and good luck to you Ghesoon!
Thanks for taking the time and effort to enlighten people like myself.
Do any of your other videos address Dentistry Costs, Entertainment costs and the types of entertainment generally available e.g. English speaking movie theaters, etc. and what country customs to be VERY mindful of so as to not run afoul of the people or the authorities and to just assimilate relatively seamlessly?
I've been looking at retiring in or near the town of Ajijic, Mexico which is a little town on the shores of the largest fresh water lake which is located in the State of Jalisco, Mexico. I like the proximity to the States, the inexpensive travel costs and the shorter
travel times, the people and culture, the relatively low cost of living, etc. but you've got me rethinking that plan. Thanks again!
Hi AngelGeeks, these are excellent topics for me to cover in future videos, thank you very much!
Dentistry, etc: there are good dentists here, many Aussies come for dentistry and medical tourism generally btw, costs are reasonable, I got a root canal and crown for I think 4.4 million (about US$300 at the time) a few years ago. A friend's wife just got a cosmetic procedure and is very happy with it.
There certainly are comfortable movie theaters where you can see a film in English for 50k rupiah (about US$3.40 atm) on weeknights, cheaper even. The latest releases. We usually just stream from home if we feel like a movie or TV show, also Netflix and HBO.
Customs: you'll be fine. To be frank, the Balinese have been hosting foreigners in holiday mode for almost 50 years now, and for outsiders the bar in terms of expectations is pretty low. Don't go breaking any laws obviously but a simple interest in local customs and people you meet will outweigh any minor faux pas you make. And, you'll be met with disarming friendliness and openness. It's one of the best things about Bali.
Thanks for sharing your story too AngelGeeks. I'd say that if you can swing it doing a little exploration in Bali and maybe a couple of other places in SE Asia would be a very good idea. Not to take anything away from Ajijic, Mexico or anywhere else of course. Places like Chiang Mai, Ho Chi Minh City...but really there are so many enclaves for expats and digital nomads in SE Asia today, all far more comfortable and modern than they used to be, while retaining varying degrees of authenticity. And still very cheap compared to the 'developed' world (btw not sure we have a clear distinction between developed and undeveloped world anymore but don't get me started!!)
I hope all that helps AngelGeeks!
Thank You! & You're welcome too!
It definitely helps! Will be sure to keep your answers in mind and check in on your channel from time to time. Kindest Regards!
Sounds exciting and we have also decided that we will be
moving to Bali permanently in 2 years’ time.
We want to lease a piece of land say 200 to 250 m/s and build
our own Villa
Do you perhaps have a idea what the current build cost is
per sqm (nor finishes)
Also can you recommend a contractor for that and to put in a
pool.
Thanks Steve
I wouldn't have a clue Steve what building costs are nowadays sorry, but the big cost is going to be the land. In some places the prices are shocking, Western prices, and often those places are where most people would tend to want to be! If you wouldn't mind being on the north side of the island or up in the mountains of course than the math totally changes.
Something you might consider is doing a renovation job instead of building from the ground up, a lot of places in the beach areas would already have been renovated but do you only need to find the one property.
And I'm sorry I really can't suggest any builders, but I know there are builders here who cater mostly to bule. Bottom line it'll all take some legwork but it is still definitely do-able, especially if you're looking for two or 2.5 are worth of land. Good luck, sorry I couldn't be of more help Steve!
If you want to stay in uluwatu area,,you can rent my land and i also can help you to build it ..please reach me in uluwaturental1@gmail.com
What is the best insurance policy/ company in Bali
Call Natalie at Asialife Bali. Extremely helpful. She's been our agent for years.
What about cost of medical insurance and coverage etc. Can you touch on that subject?
Hi Tuyen, I think I did in this video, didn't I? Well, everybody'd situation is different, the best advice I can give you is to Google 'asia life bali natalie' and ask for Natalie when you call. She's been my agent for years, very happy with her. I get nothing for the referral by the way.
I hope that helps-- good luck Tuyen.
Hey Tom! Thank you for taking the time and making the effort in sharing your knowledge on this popular topic. It is extremely generous of you indeed, well done!
I'm most likely going to come and try and live in Bali or around for maybe 2-4 years...
However, my intention is mainly to occupy my time painting canvases and making sculptures. Do you somehow have any insight on the accessibilities to Art materials and raw materials over there? Thank you once again!
Hi Larisa and thanks a lot for your question! Well as you probably know, lots of people come to Bali with the intention of making art, and not just up in Ubud either!
For art supplies, I can't speak for what you need for sculpture but for painting I know I was struck years ago wandering upstairs at the Bintang supermarket in Seminyak at all the pre-framed canvases that were available upstairs on the second floor. Inexpensive too. I am sure you'll be helped in sourcing supplies by other artists you'll meet here, no matter what your medium is.
Another suggestion would be sites like Lazada.com. We're doing more and more shopping online, you can find *very* good deals and shipping is very reasonable too, and often free.
I hope that helps Larisa, bottom line the demand for art supplies is here because of all the artist who are definitely here, so you shouldn't have any problem find what you need. Good luck to you!
Great video, second time watching it after seeing it about a year ago. Was just wondering if it is an Indonesian government requirement that expats have health insurance while living in Indonesia? Also, any info on buying a new motor bike in Indo, using it for the duration and then shipping it home. P.S. Are you still doing new videos? Haven't seen a new one in awhile and yours are the best and most informative for long term expats in Indo.
Gee James that really makes my night. Thank you so much for the kind words. What can I say, I've been quite busy, sometimes it takes me a couple days for editing, but I hope to have some time soon.
I am going to be doing a webinar soon about living in Bali longer-term. I'll probably make a video about that to announce it but if you want to be sure to not to miss it go to Wagefreedom.com and just sign up for the two free chapters of my book and you'll be on my list. It goes without saying I'll never spam you of course.
If you're on a Social Visa or a VOA there's no requirement for health insurance. Health insurance is a requirement for a retirement kitas however. I'm not sure if your home country insurance policy or social net ticks that box for Indonesia Immigration or not, it might be on a country-by-country basis.
I should say for a long-term expat I really would advise having expat insurance, it's probably cheaper than you think. Get with Natalie at Asia Life here in Bali, she's helped us for years.
As for buying a bike here, I really should know the answer to this even though I don't have a bike but I'm not sure. I suspect you can buy a bike here but it might be weird trying to export it with taxes. I'm sorry I can't be of more help on this topic James.
I hope some of that helped James, thank you very much again.
Thank you for the reply and thanks for the additional advice. Can't wait to see the next video. Have a wonderful day.
love your info Tom ,
l,ve lived here for 7 yrs would like to catch up sometime
Hi Michael thanks a lot! Let's do that when this whole covid thing is behind us, hopefully in the next few months.
Thanks for your informations. How do you handle moskito protection. Do you buy a Repellent?
Hi and thanks for your question. I don't use repellent, we live in an enclosed condo and I rarely get bitten by mosquitoes in my normal routine. Depending on where you live that might not be the case for you of course. Plenty of repellent is available here naturally too.
Just checked out airfares in March, San Francisco to Bali, round trip, $450, China Eastern airlines. Bali is nice.
In 2003/2004 I remember paying $848 from the US west coast to Bali with either Eva Air or China Air. Less than $500 from the US is nuts and China Eastern often has these sub $500 fares. Thanks for the comment!
What is the best price for Signapore Air?
Thanks this is helpful. Obviously things will be a bit different now in 2021 with covid restrictions. I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 and we’re not allowed to fly to Bali at this stage. We do plan on spending our retirement in Bali one day.
Hi Alison, you're welcome. Yeah I have Aussie friends here who don't want to return right now because of the quarantine there---here's hoping both Australia and Indonesia open up soon!
I have been checking flights to Bali. It looks like China Air is the lowest. Do you have any feedback on this airline? I flew Singapore Air the last 2 times I went to Bali.
Hi Cheryl, yes I've come many times on China Air from the US to Asia, EVA Air about the same. In my opinion not as good as Singapore Airlines but fine.
I’m loving your videos. Very informative. You also come across as someone my husband and I would like to be friends with if we make it to Bali.
Why thank you so much, very nice of you! Glad you found them helpful.
Loved your video, great information. I'm planning on moving to Southeast Asia and perhaps Bali. Would it be possible to live in Bali indefinitely? I have an online business so I don't really want to get a work permit to work in Indonesia, I just want to live there while I'm conducting my business online. Do you know if this would be possible, and if so, what type of visa does this require?
Hi Tom, can you make an update about costs of living in 2022 forward - especially how do you see inflation overall affecting this part of the world (It is a big topic in Europe and the US atm). Thanks a lot in advance! Great channel, your opinion is very valuable to a lot of people, especially because you are not the stereotypical „Instagram Influencer“ type.
If you look younger than you are, could you fake your age to get a lower price on health insurance or would they find out (if something happens) and then you'd be sunk?
Ahhh, well it's not a game I'd ever try to play personally--I think age verification would be very difficult (and likely illegal) to try to fake, and you'd hate to be out your insurance if you needed it!
What is the best place to live there, I mean most original Indonesian lifestyle and a bit touristy. So no loud streets full of drunk Australians ...
I enjoy your videos. I have been living in Tokyo for 7 years but have always thought living in SE Asia for a few months out of the year would be amazing if I could sustain it. I hope you continue to enjoy Bali.
Hi there and thanks for your comment. Well it's something a lot of people do, stay for 2 to 6 months out of the year. As I say even though managers will want to rent for six months or more you can definitely negotiate month-to-month deals. Good luck to you there in Japan!
How much utilities would cost?
Which parts of Bali do you recommend (kuta, noth kuta, canggu, seminyak,denpasar..)?
Hi there thanks for your question! My preferences might not match yours at all but I enjoy Seminyak and Petitinget basically. If you're looking for a place to stay for a while you could do worse than these two places, so you might get a motorbike or a driver and look around. If the beach isn't that important to you might try Ubud also. There you can sort of choose how much busy-ness you'd like, if you want quieter just go a little way outside of the town. Sanur has plenty of infrastructure but some people find it a little bit slow.
I d have about 600 USD and d be happy with a 3-4 M villa in Ubud. As i investigated it is possible to live off so much a month?
Hi Lina, many locals live for that much or less, you definitely could do it, but I will say that that's not a lot to be living on nowadays in Bali. You should be able to find accommodations in Ubud for three or four million a month but it may not be a full-on villa. On the other hand you never know, especially if you could pay in advance for 6 months or a year or more. I hope that helps you!
Many thanks for your reply. Your videos are very useful, thanks.
That's very nice of you to say, glad you're finding them useful!
What could cost the most are the flights ? Txxx
You would think that but believe it or not I've seen round trip flights from both Europe and the United States for less than I used to pay round trip 20 years ago!. And then of course once you're here it can be unbelievably inexpensive. Amazing value for money in Bali, really.
@@Wagefreedom TKS for the answer. What about the cost to Singapor or KL for immigration pls ?
@@bluelibradorite9566 well that's quite inexpensive as well especially if you book more than 30 days out. We normally prefer AirAsia, go take a look at their site, especially with a little planning regional fares in SE Asia are very reasonable nowadays.
@@Wagefreedom So if we go for a voa social visa, we have to book a flight before the end of the first month in Bali. Is that right ? Tks a lot
Okay the social Visa and the (two types of) VOA are two different things. You can get the free VOA which is good for 30 days. You could instead go for the paid VOA which allows you to stay for 60 days maximum, but with that one after about three weeks you have to go down to immigration to extend it, so it might be worth it to just do the 30 day VOA, and then leave Indonesia and start on your Social Visa upon your return. The social Visa is the one that allows you 60 days off the airplane and then a maximum of four extensions every 30 days adding up to a total 180 days' stay maximum.
Hi! My name is Alyssa, I’m a 18 year old girl from the states! I have always wanted to travel out of the country! Since I was young I’ve looked at other places to live other than the United States! All I’ve ever wanted to do was just live! I’m straight out of high school, I have a small restaurant job and I want to save about $6,000 for costs of living and move to Bali or some place just as cheap and beautiful! For about 3-4 months. Do you think I can do it!?!
Hi Alyssa --- I know you can do it!
And I applaud you. Traveling while you're young is an investment in your own education that will pay off for the rest of your life.
The smartest thing you're doing is to have a set amount of money goal in your head that you need to reach. I think that is a realistic amount to budget for 3 or 4 months, by the way. If you've never been outside the US you'll be very surprised at how low prices can be in this part of the world--and you can still live very, very well spending far less too.
I wish you good luck Alyssa, let me know if you have questions!
Hey Alyssa I'm with him i know you can do it I'm also 18 and looking into it so I've done sooo much research and it seems really practical i hope it works for you
Hi... great vids... planning on moving next year...coming for a try before you buy for a couple of months.... I'll have a pot of between $200 to $3000 a month for me as a single male, so I am guessing I can rent a nice home and have a good lifestyle with that.... I do like to dive and I know that can be a cost $50 a day for 2 dives...I'd like to dive a few times a month.. I am 62..in decent health too... like your vibe in the videos...
Hi Kevin, thanks for that. US$2k-$3k is absolutely still do-able if you're motivated enough to be here that you'll make it work. Diving is a part of the local economy that caters mostly to tourists on a holiday budget so that will be relatively expensive, but again as always it's about priorities. Great diving here, as you know.
Can you give the breakdown in US dollars? It sounds pricey to say this costs a million and that costs 50 million! I'm not sure if I speak for everyone but the numbers that seem to matter the most are rent and wifi, in US dollars.
Also, how ubiquitous and how fast is the wifi?
70$ US. Is a million rp there in Bali
50 mil is 3500
when i looked at the website you linked in the description, one of the cheapest was still around $510 a month, i believe you mentioned it’s possible to do 37 a month us dollars? maybe i heard wrong, please correct me if so
Hi Haley--- you'll find better deals when you're looking around here, once you're here. Also the 500k rupiah per month kosts will be about as cheap as you can go and will be extremely basic. I've known foreigners who've lived in very cheap kosts out of necessity but frankly you're probably going to want better. The basic places definitely won't be advertised online, but you could take a look when you get here. Also as a foreigner they'll probably ask you for more than a local would pay in the very cheap places. Basically I would take internet prices as just indications, and do your legwork once you get here, without an agent if you want to go really cheap.
Hey, that was a wonderful and thoughtful video. Quick question. I have a 1 year old and a wife looking to get back to Bali soonest. I've been there several times but am curious on your thoughts given the current environment and any cost of living adjustment with what is happening. Thanks.
Hi Charles, thanks for your question.
Well first, they aren't yet (July 22, 2020) issuing VOAs or Social visas, so the *current* environment might not apply to you when you come back. But they sure are trying to get to a point where they can responsibly open up, at least partially. I'm really impressed at how much contact tracing and other steps they are taking in Bali to get this thing under control. So I've heard the second week in September, but things are fluid, as we'd expect.
Meanwhile I think a lot of long-term visitors and expats aren't here at the moment and it's impossible to say when or if some will return. That should add up to an oversupply of properties for rent or lease. So if you've been thinking about coming and staying for a while, I think the period when we're coming out of this will be a very, very good time to do so.
I hope that helps Charles. Stay safe.
@@Wagefreedom Thank you so much Tom. That is a solid update. Last I heard it was September 11th for reopening and I am stoked to get back there with my family.
I have a quick follow up question. Can you recommend any websites or provide some legit contact information for finding long term leases. There are so many out there and I was hoping to understand your favorites.
Thanks Again Tom. Be safe as well.
Hi Charles, I'm not a fan of aggregator sites like that, they'll try to get you sucked into paying retail. Even without a pandemic there's not much reality to those prices; now you can do far better. Deal directly with property owners or people looking to sublet, and that 's easy to do. I'd suggest joining Facebook groups like Canggu Community or Ubud Community if you're thinking up there, Bali digital Nomads, etc. there's a ton of them that are extremely active with people offering everything under the sun. You've been here before so you might have an idea of where you'd like to stay, even just driving around and looking for signs and talking to people. I wouldn't rush, there are going to be deals out there and you'll be rewarded for taking your time. Also if you're returning in September/October, historically it's a slightly better time to rent as the rainy season is just starting, so you've got that in your favor as well. You should have your pick of places. Good luck Charles!
how many people speak english in bali compared to thailand?
As in Thailand, specially in the tourist areas (much of the southern part of Bali) you can very easily get by with English.
i need a one bedroom with air, wifi, air con on the beach. What can you recommend?
Hi Bobby -- there will be endless good deals coming out of the C-19 period, just come and figure out which part of the island you'd like to stay, then talk to people. Or check Facebook groups like Ubud Community, Canggu community, Seminyak Community etc. Very good sources of up to date info. But never, ever send any money to 'reserve' something. Hope that helps Bobby.
Hey Tom great content :) Just wondering whether it's the norm for landlords to ask for 1 months bond (or any bond) for 1,3 or 6 month rentals? (Will be spending < $800US per/month)
Hi Tanya and thanks for your question. This will differ from landlord to landlord. It might depend on the season too, you might find more flexibility during the rainy season. Everybody will prefer 6 months + up front but unless it's a really premium property just go in assuming you can negotiate everything. I'm serious. Things are far less formalized here.
Also if you'll spend anywhere near $800/mo.... I mean six or seven hundred dollars US/mo will get you into a nice place here. So you should have some leverage. I always suggest to look at shared situations too, just join the Canggu Community Facebook page or the Bali Digital Nomads Page; you see rooms for rent in gorgeous villas in groups like that all the time. This could save you a lot of hassle and if there's good chemistry with your roommates it could be a big plus, just like anywhere. It also would get you up to speed quickly on the lay of the land. Just a suggestion. Good luck to you Tanya!
Hey Tom, Is there any way we could get our dog to Bali with us for a few months? We are coming from the U.S., but I’ve seen a lot of different information out there and wanted to get your opinion.
Hi Mac and thanks for your question. This would have been easier to answer back when we had the rabies scare in 2009-2010 or so. Back then it was next-to impossible.
Now I'm hearing that it is possible, but I'd be careful with who you get to help you. The link below is to a company a friend of ours recommended. Our friend works for a shipping company here and has had clients use the service below to take animals out of Bali, but I'm not sure about bringing them in.
It's a place to start, but please do be careful and I'd ask to speak to references:
facebook.com/sevenheavenpetexpress/
I hope that helps Mac.
Do they use digital payments in Bali? Paying with your phone.
Hi Cheryl--yes, if you have a local bank account you can connect it to payment systems like Gopay and OVO and others, and easily transfer from your bank account to your online payment systems. A lot of locals don't have bank accounts so they simply top up with cash at mini-marts, it's quick and easy to do. You can't pay for everything with your phone yet but things are rapidly changing, I think in a couple years it'll be pretty much like the 'developed' world.
Hi I'm looking to come to bali. I have a budget of £1500 per month and will stay for 3 months. I would like to stay somewhere relatively nice doing things like yoga and maybe eat out now and again. I will try hold off the alcohol side of things.. where would you recommend I stay? And would you say that £1500 would be okay?
Nice video by the way...
God bless
Hi Patrick and thanks for your comment and questions. Well first, £1500 is almost 30 million rupiah at the moment, and you'll have no problem at all living well on that amount, especially if you don't drink a lot. That includes your visa, eating out every day if you want to, etc.
I mean you can still get a very nice plate of food for 80,000/£4. Well, £1 for that matter.
As I say in the video, you can get very livable place for 5 million/month. I have expat friends renting for less, still in very decent places. 10 million/month would get you a very nice apartment or small villa. For a stay of 3 months you might have to pay a little more but it won't break the bank.
As you'll see when you get here, there is just very good value for money for accommodations in Bali now, due to continued overbuilding. Really a renters' market. Don't put any deposits on anything until you get here and look around. Get a hotel for £20/night the first few days.
A far as areas to look, without knowing you it's hard to say but in 2018 I'd start in Seminyak on a motorbike if your're comfortable, or a motorcycle taxi for a half day if you're not, and just head north. Petitinget/Kerobokan etc. Canggu is a hot spot now for the last few years, lots of digital nomads and expats and a real buzz there now. Ubud is very nice if it's not critical for you to be near the beach. If you're looking at somewhere quieter you might try Sanur.
Well that's a few thoughts....I end up telling everyone the same thing about coming here to live though: Bali is a place that will reward you if you resist the impulse to plan everything out and let the your impressions of each area drive your decisions. You'll encounter a far different Bali living in Sanur than you would in Canggu. But for that reason, I think there's a lifestyle to suit almost anyone here.
And at the risk of give you a hard sell, if you're serious just about everything I know about living in Bali as an expat is here: wagefreedom.com/cost-of-living-in-bali-guide/
I hope all that helps Patrick!
Hi thanks for all that information that was really helpful and I really appreciate it. Yes, I think I will buy the book that will help me loads and get me set for my travels.
Thanks for the reply.
You're very welcome Patrick!
Great video! What about surf hire per month - assuming you want to surf 5 times per week?
Hi James --- hey sounds like you're going all-in on surfing! Good for you. One of the best things in life. If you're planning to go surfing that much definitely look into buying a used board once you get here. There are a ton of surf shops down in Kuta of course, bargain very hard. They shouldn't have any problem with you testing the board before you buy it either. I have a friend who was here for a couple months and she sold the used board she bought back to the same shop she bought it from when she left. And you probably know this but if you're just starting get a big board, it'll make learning much easier for you. If you're here for awhile or as you get better you might want to swap it for a more maneuverable board. I hope that helps James, good luck and have fun!
Thanks very much!
How much for health insurance per month age 68 and wife 64.
Thank you Sir,
We are from California USA
Thanks for your comment--my local agent is Natalie at www.asialife.net, I would start there. Good luck!
Hi Tom, pls do a video about the social visa and how to go about getting one. Do you get this visa thru an agent? If so, can you post contact details for agents you trust and can recommend in Seminyak/Legian.
Also, talk about how you yourself stay in Bali. Do you leave Bali every 6 months? Or are you on a different visa that allows you to stay indefinitely. Thanks.
Hi Josh and thank you very much for the comment. I did a video on the social visa, here's the URL: th-cam.com/video/alcCg0QeSXg/w-d-xo.html . I hope that answers your questions.
Here's a link to a long article on wagefreedom.com about the social visa too: wagefreedom.com/a-visa-for-long-stays-in-bali-indonesia-what-you-need-to-know/ .
I'd prefer not to point people to any agents however Josh. Unless I am personally familiar with an agent I really don't want to recommend one, I'd just be guessing. My agent has moved on to bigger things and helps me as a personal favor (he's an old friend).
You will find many agents on the first page of Google, the industry is big here in Bali as you might imagine.The competition between agents here is fierce too and that helps. As I say in the video do call around, not just to compare prices but to determine if an agent can clearly tell you **exactly** what you'll need to get the social visa.
Good agents must do dozens, or even hundreds of social visas per year.
Great video and informative. I’m considering getting a Retirement Visa and moving there semi-permanently. I should have around $4000 a month coming in from retirement and SSA. I’ve watched a lot of these Bali videos and almost all state that you can live on $1500 US. Per month. We would get our Villa based on an annual rate and save some money.... you did not mention laundry.
Not sure when you made this video but you really could use a small Tripod. The camera was moving up and down and it can get a little distracting.
US$4k/month will set you up very nicely as an expat in Bali. And laundry is great: there are small laundry businesses all over, extremely inexpensive next-day service, returned ironed. Maybe US 15 cents or so for a t-shirt, a bit more for pants--it's just another of dozens and dozens of small life upgrades you'll experience here. A lot to like!
Very valuable advice and useful info!
The Social Visa cost mentioned; 750,000 rp/mo = $52.30USD/mo.
Over 55 yrs staying 1 year is $900USD/mo or 13M rp
IIRC
Hi Billy, thanks, well it will vary depending in the agent one uses. 750k is competitive right now (early 2020) for the social visa extensions, including agent fees, but one can definitely pay 9 million for a retirement visa/KITAS all in, 10 million if you opt for the supplement that makes it a multiple entry visa.
The reason I say the total cost for the Social Visa and the Retirement KITAS is about the same is because with the social visa one has to leave every 6 months, so there are costs there. Anyway, either way is good and probably a reasonable cost for what it gives you.
I want to relocate to Indonesia from China. I really appreciate the info. Thanks.
Thank you for the comment Freebird, good luck and let me know how I can help.
You say you've been there over 12 years, Are you still there ? Just asking , Al
Hi Al-- yep, still here!
Is it safe to eat salad in Bali?
Absolutely. I do every day. The restaurant industry in Bali is extremely competitive, which keeps prices down and quality and hygiene standards very high. Hope that helps!
hello my name is Frank I'm looking forward I'm moving to Indonesia getting married soon in Indonesia looking for a place that is not too expensive I'm on disability on $1,400 dollars a month where would you recommend that is good and safe
I was in Jakarta in January to February also visited mojokerto Surabaya looking for a safe place to live and start a family Im a Christian I know is different there
Hi Frank, welll as you can tell from my videos I'm pretty excited about Bali as place for expats to create a base. With the budget you mention you should be able to make it work with sufficient planning. I'd definitely look at Bali before committing to Jakarta or Surabaya, just for the sake of knowing your options. Good luck to you Frank, I hope that helps!
@@Wagefreedom thank you I really appreciate it wow I'm super excited looking forward on calling Indonesia my new home will do look into Bali my fiance tells me is a tourist city people from all around the world go there I lived in Las Vegas Nevada for most of my life I'm in Seattle Washington at the moment super expensive here hopefully we can settle down in a safe quite peaceful area and raise a family ones we get married so awesome
th-cam.com/video/5h_svhcgLJA/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again awesome 👍 God bless
You missed the internet costs? Can you recommend any condos to rent in Kuta? For a single. How can I get a 12 month visa?
Hi Bill and thanks for your questions.
First, here's a video I did on the Bali Internet situation with emphasis on how to get and stay connected on your phone, with details on costs: th-cam.com/video/nKOUdVP7Qeg/w-d-xo.html
If you rent in Bali by the month you might have Internet already set up for you and included with the rent. If not, the costs vary, from say 250k/mo to over a million per month depending on the speed you want. There are many ISPs in Bali now and if you call them speaking English won't be a problem as the environment is so competitive. We've had 4 ISPs since 2005, costs are dropping and tech support is getting more efficient. Internet was always a sore point years ago, I used to pay by data transfer and it got expensive! For speed and costs it's far better now.
Also, free internet is in just about every restaurant nowadays, though usually you'll need a password.
Condos in Kuta: I think the best suggestion I can give you honestly is to rent a bike or get a Grab or Gojek motorbike taxi to take you around areas you're interested in. There are so many apartment/condo/kost complexes nowadays, not sure it makes sense to list any: you will be spoiled for choice as they say. It is a renter's market in Bali and it will be for a long time imo. You can always Google for Bali real estate agents, and that might be a faster way to find a place, but it should be cheaper if you search on your own if you have the time.
If I can make a suggestion, even if you prefer Kuta look also in Legian or even further north. Depending on what you want you should pay a bit less in Legian, especially if being very close to the beach isn't totally necessary. If money is tight you could look around the Jalan Dewi Sri area.
Visas: here's a video I did going more in depth about visas, include the one I recommend for most people in the beginning-- it gives you a maximum 6-month stay: th-cam.com/video/alcCg0QeSXg/w-d-xo.html
After that you could look into other visa options like the retirement visa/KITAS, etc. As for a 12-month visa, the retirement visa and the business visa are renewable each year but again, imo it's easiest to start with a social visa, the one I recommend in the video above.
I hope that helps Bill.
what is the retirement age for visa, is it 50, like in thailand?
Hi Bill -- it's 55
Billy K I stayed in an AirBnB in the Kuta hotel.
So what kind of health insurance can you purchase from Indonesia for $275/month/person, and what are being covered? how can you find a DR who accept that insurance?
Hi Joe and thanks for your questions. Google Natalie Baldwin at Asialife in Kuta. She can give you all the info you'd need about 'expat insurance'. It's good for people who have insurance that might not cover international travel, and you can use it anywhere in the world with the exception of your home country and a couple of others. It often includes air evacuation in case of an emergency.
Thank you for the info Tom. I'll contact her when I get closer to making decision to live there. Do you banking with local bank? I know there is Bank of America in Jakarta, but if you live in Bali what foreign bank that provides general banking services with small fees?
That look amazing. I'm on disability fixed income of $1000. My rent is $430, my internet service is $30, my phone service is $94 and my entertainment apps that I've paid for is: $45. I am wondering if the healthcare is ok and reasonable, food actual taste like food (not GMOs), and what's the cultures are like in Bali? 😀😲
Hi Martel and thanks for your comment--- well the food is absolutely terrific, and cheap too! There are a lot of foreigners here so it is quite a mix of cultures, and of course you're immersed in the Balinese culture here. Health care is improving I think, though it is not yet on par with what you'd find in other parts of the world. Everything seems to be improving in Indonesia though, in my opinion!
@@Wagefreedom thank you for responding back to me. I'm concerned of the healthcare portion, as I got chronic health issues and I am being realistic that other countries healthcare aren't that up to par but I am understanding how expensive American healthcare to me. It's crazy to see that $1000 an month in Bali in reasonable. Lol America getting too expensive 😂😅
I paid $430 in some low income housing. (I know it's disgraceful to mention)
@@MartellThaCool Hi again Martell, well I don't think there's anything disgraceful about that, we're all trying to get along and do our best, all of us. But as far as healthcare goes, yes you really have to take it into account relative to your own situation. I wish you all the best in the future Martel!
@@Wagefreedom thank you so much for understanding me and help me understand this
@@Wagefreedom I love different cultures. Is the housing market affordable for my disability income and how much for basic utilities via gas, lights and electricity? Sorry for asking alot
Thanks for the insight! I will keep in touch when ready to visit.
Hey thanks so much Jason, by all means do that!
Can't find any cheap kosts in Canggu, any other resources besides the one website you posted?
Hi there - all I would have is what Google would show us. Once you get here if you hop on a bike and go around you will see signs, or you should if there are any kosts available. Also talking to people once you get here is a good way too of course. Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance.
Have you thought about starting a service to help people make the transition?
Hi Cheryl and thanks for your question. I sometimes offer one-on-one coaching both for living in Bali and also on earning enough to live on here, but I've been very busy with client work lately. Here's the URL if you're interested: wagefreedom.com/wage-freedom-coaching/
Great info! How's the surfing in Bali?
Hi Phil--well there's only one way to say it, the surfing in Bali is world class! Google 'Uluwatu' to start with. I think for any surfer the reefs on the Bukit Peninsula should definitely be on the bucket list.
So should I just take the flight out and then when I get there look for a spot to stay as opposed to booking on airbnb? Maybe I can negotiate better for a longer term possibly? Also $1000 Canadian should do me good if I'm just looking to get away and not so much partying. More sight seeing and volunteer work?
Hi k s - - well you can get good deals on Airbnb in Bali, $15 a night or maybe less, or maybe go with a cheap hotel for the first couple days of jetlag for 300k to 350k rupiah per night, you can do the math. I absolutely would not book any place for the longer-term before you come here though. You don't know where you want to be yet and talking to people will get you into much, much better deals. Also I always suggest people look at the Canggu digital nomad Facebook group, probably Ubud and Seminyak expat or digital nomad FB groups too. Unless you really want to be living by yourself you might consider a roommate situation, it's easy to find enormous houses here and you'll very quickly get up to speed on the whole lay of the land. Just a suggestion. Thanks again for your question and good luck to you!
@@Wagefreedom thank you for your time and advice
You're welcome
Thanks Helpful how much is other transportation what's other options. How much for apt with AC? How do you live there for years. What kinda visas
Do you know any people in Bali that are teaching English to support their travels? Teaching English to Chinese children is getting popular in the US.
Not personally but I know people are doing it. Check out the Bali Digital Nomads Facebook group. Also Google "teaching English to Chinese online". Open several entries from individuals doing this and see how people are both marketing themselves and delivering their lessons. Of course you could start with teaching for a school but marketing yourself will be more lucrative. This is absolutely a way one can support themselves in Bali.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I want to get a 6 mos social visa before coming to Bali. I'm currently based in Miami, Florida. Do you have a referral for a great agent that can facilitate the process while i'm in my home country?
Hi and thank you for your comments!
I've never used this company but I have had very good reviews from many, many readers of wagefreedom.com and I would recommend them to you:
visaforbali.com/content/contact
--they are able to get you everything you need in your home country for a Social Visa before you arrive in Bali the first time. I hope that helps and good luck!
Thanks Tom. You ROCK!
@@Wagefreedom Blessings Tom! When I click on the link you gave me above it sends me to the following page: PT.Visa4Bali. Is that the same company although the name is different? I've been in touch with Alyssa via whatsApp and was in the process of submitting a payment of $20 USD for my sponsor letter. During the transaction process my bank required an authorization, and informed me that the actual charge being requested was not $20USD but $3,514.18 USD! I immediately called Alyssa for clarification and she texted that she wasn't comfortable in talking with me (When previously she always answered my calls) and told me to text her. This sent a big red flag. Just wanted to confirm that I am actually in contact with the same company your readers have given raving reviews about? Is there someone that you personally have worked with that can do my sponsor letter and provide a K.T.P? I really appreciate your assistance!
Hi well that is odd. Having the domain name not exactly match the brand isn't necessarily a problem but the charge being such a ridiculous number like that definitely would give me pause too. I think I'm going to remove that link from my comments. I'm surprised because I've had multiple people tell me that agency helped them. I can't point you at somebody because the guy who helps me no longer does social visas, he just does corporate structures. He does help me just as a favor as I've known him for 15 years. I wish I could think of something to tell you other than go to the first page of Google and start calling these agents. That $20 for the sponsor letter is probably the going rate, but wow that charge, I just don't know. Rrally sorry I can't be of more help to you.
Thanks for your response and suggestions!@@Wagefreedom
Hi. I was wondering if there are any people I could go to a company or person who does all the running around for you to get a retirement visa. I so some expats in Chiang Mai, Thailand that do the leg work for you and take away the frustration of dealing with the bureaucrats. Thanks and really enjoying your vids.
Hi Al Karim, thanks for your question. You absolutely can get an agent for this, I wouldn't suggest doing it any other way. The **best** way by far is to ask around and get referred to a reliable one. Otherwise you could look on the first page of Google, but do ask several agents. There are many of them and it is very competitive. Make sure you understand the entire process before you give anyone money!
just subbed to your channel... you've got some awesome tips and insights.
Hey Kon, thank you so much for subscribing and for the kind words! If you have any specific questions about living in Ball as an expat don't hesitate to ask me bud.
Hi what about cost of living with family ?
Hi Ricky and thanks for your comment.
Well it's higher of course, and especially schools here can get expensive. There are less expensive good options for schools here too though. I don't think I can put a figure on what your family would need to get by in Bali though Ricky, sorry----just too many variables. There are hundreds or maybe thousands of expats from all over the world who have moved here though, so with a plan I think it's do-able.
Do you know where an business degree american like myself would be able to find a decent job in Indonesia?
Hi Austin. Thanks for your comment.
There are some Western companies, especially large hotel chains and maybe higher-end Western restaurants that to hire foreigners, but unless you have a connection these would be positions that they'd be looking to fill internally. So, you'd often have the job with them before you ever came here.
As you can imagine you're competing with locals for most jobs. There's also the issue of what your Visa will allow, which is basically no employment at all. If you find somebody to employee you they can get a KITAS for you to work legally, but this is costly and again there would have to be a reason for them to hire you over an Indonesian.
The people I know who fit both these descriptions in the hospitality industry, hotels and restaurants, have years or decades of experience. This probably is not what you wanted to hear Austin but I would be doing you a disservice if I wasn't clear about all this.
If you are in a position to open your own business you can essentially buy into your own KITAS residence/work permit, but competition in bars, restaurants etc. here is fierce.
My suggestion would be to join the Bali Digital Nomads Facebook group, maybe the Canggu Community Facebook group also, and there are more like this. This should give you a ton of information and ideas on how to approach this.
And not to push my book too hard but about a third of it is about how to support yourself in Bali: wagefreedom.com/cost-of-living-in-bali-guide/
Good luck Austin, I hope that helps!
So what I get from all of this is.. yes you can live like a bank robber on the lamb..OR you need to spend a bit more to get a descent lifestyle.. so AUD$3000 sounds like the target income to live decently in Bali.
Guess it depends on lifestyle
Can I get a personal contact? We are looking to make the trip...
Hi Zambino, you can drop me an email at tom (at) wagefreedom.com
Keep this up! I just subbed and I'm going to buy your book
Hi and thank you so much for the kind words and subscribing! I'm just editing my next video now!
thank you tom, great video! i a have a ton of questions, but i'll do a bit more research before i bother you with them.
Hi Saberling -- thank you for subscribing and don't be shy with your questions, just let me know!
hi tom, simon is my name. my girl heike and i want to move to bali permanently. we are currently in nz, which is where i've lived most of my life. both heike and i are from germany originally. we're trying to figure out what it would take to make bali home rather than destination. also we are wondering what it takes to do business there. We are both chefs,(25years plus experience) , and like the idea of starting a small b&b.... so now we have a billion questions and few answers. btw thanks for responding so quickly, quite a buzz! if you have any tips or know where we should look any help will be greatly appreciated. i promise we'll cook you dinner if all goes well
How about electric bils internet and when u sick
Hi Ni Surni -- and thanks for your questions. Well first re electricity, sometimes electricity will be included but usually you'll have to pay it yourself. Make sure it's clear when you move in. Btw often you'll get a better deal than when they wrap it into the rent. On a long term lease you'll definitely be having to pay utilities yourself. Same with internet, often included if you rent but you have to set up something with a local ISP to get service. Not hard at all, they'll come right out, and it's very competitive in Bali between providers so not too expensive. When you're sick...I'd very strongly advise expat insurance. Different from travelers' insurance and often includes evacuation. I hope that helps, good luck to you Ni Surni.
Wow I'd been watching this video, impressed. When I saw the amount of views, only 3k?? Unbelievable, thanks for the tips!
Thank you very much-I'm glad you got some value out of it!
Thanks mate....love it
Phil Sara Thanks Phil!
Full body Balinese message starts under $5 US per hour.
Daniel Son I
whaa serious?
Does anybody realise that the average income in indonesia is $300 usd a month?
Hi Rob and thanks for your comment. It is a great point, and I don't think most people realize (or even sometimes believe!) how well one can live in SE Asia for a fraction of their budget back home.
I'm just trying to outline how, as one moves away from the tourist economy one can take advantage of the lower cost of living without compromising comfort and safety.
If emails I get and blog comments on wagefreedom.com are any indication most of my audience doesn't want to go completely low-budget and is looking for specifics with regard to viable compromises. I've thought for years that if more people were aware of the specifics that they might consider a break or sabbatical if the time was right for them.
Thanks again for your question Rob!
Thank you as you are awesome
How is Bali during the lockdown ?
It's probably worth a video lol! Seriously it's been interesting to watch the situation evolve. I think under the circumstances the government is doing a very good job trying to set and enforce policies. Bali hasn't been hit too hard in terms of number of cases and deaths. Unfortunately it's still pretty empty, (has to be that way, they're being careful) because currently there are no visas on arrival or social visas being issued, that really reduces the number of people in the tourist areas and it feels quite eerie. I'm going to have to make a video on the situation in Bali, there's a lot to tell. Stay tuned and thanks for your question.
Wage Freedom very interesting 🙏
great info but please put the camera down ha
thank you for this info!!
I've always been curious what you do during the day once your "work" is complete? Stay in the gym? Any volunteer work like carpentry or teaching? It's sounds silly to say out loud, are you bored?
Hi Roar, and thanks for you questions. And it's not silly at all: **a lot** of people have said to me "I could never live in a place like Bali, what would I do? I'd be so bored!"
The thing is, not knowing what you'd do before you come here doen't meant you'd be bored once you get here!
There is so much one can do: volunteering, exercise, reading, go exploring on the motorbike. Build a house, or furniture, or a business, etc.
Hey, you might be surprised how much time socializing can take up, especially with so many friendly Indonesians and expats who have quite a bit of free time.
The way I think of it is this: if there is something you wanted to do when you were younger, before school/work/mortgage etc. became priorities (not that there is anything wrong with them!), well that is what you'll now have time to do in Bali.
I like to write, and read, and I spend a lot of time online. I walk about 90 minutes on the beach every day. Either at sunset or early in the morning before it gets too hot. I see friends, and spend a lot of time over long meals in restaurants having drawn-out conversations to tell you the truth. Funny how there's so much to talk about when you have the time.
But the answer as to how to fill your days is different for everyone, and I bet no two expat schedules are the same. It will be different for you too.
Part of the fun of it all--and the enrichment of it too--has been to discover what my preferred life is.
Wage Freedom this actually makes a lot of sense. It’s why I would leave the job and Mortgage. To do what I’ve always wanted. Didn’t occur to me. Just watch the misconception video I enjoy that one too
In other words “Getting out” isn’t necessarily about “retiring”.
Exactly! Speaking just for myself--I didn't come here to 'retire'--I came to discover the next phase of my life!
This is such a critical point that you inspired a wagefreedom.com blog post. I'm just finishing it now and I'll post a link here when I publish it. Thank you very much for the comments Roar.
Why I feel like your a family member of mine!
Well thanks for the nice comment Izzy!
good tips thanks...maybe keep it in one currency to save having to recalculate
Hi Glenn and thanks for the suggestion, I'll probably take you up on it just to keep it simpler.
Fruit prices? Avos, mangos, pawpaws
Shop in the local markets and they're really really cheap, especially when they're in season. Even at my regular grocery store they're cheap so I normally don't bother going further to the local market. Most tropical fruits are available year-round also. For example 4 bananas maybe US$0.60, a nice big mango maybe the same or even less. If you're a fruit lover it is total paradise! You'll find a lot of tropical fruits you've never seen before unless you've spent time in this climate.
Thank you Mister Rogers!
$1,000 a month seems a little expensive to me. Guess depends on where you live ?
Hi there and thanks for your comment -- I was just looking for a round number, and it's an amount people often throw out when they ask me how much they need to live here. You could definitely live in Bali for less, and of course most people here certainly do.
Cost just 200$ / month
I've lived in Bali in 2017 have been years almost 3 years 1,000usd you'd be living miserably and dirty backpackers life and you wouldn't even enjoy Bali ...Bali is now expensive I was living in a shithole for 7.5mil a month. Thank god for covid and that prices have gone down a bit for now.
You missed a big one --utilities
Utilities aren't big at all in Bali. They're not really even worth mentioning...
Other YTers are showing their beautiful villas, all included, on their channels renting at 450-650 USD a month. Are they blowing smoke out their butt holes? YT is very hard to get the down low.
Hi Brian, and thanks for your comment. What I'd say is this: there are several ways you can rent a nice villa for prices like that.
* Being further away from the beach
* splitting the cost of a villa with other people. It’s not unusual to find villas here with eight or 10 bedrooms, and people are always looking to rent rooms out, as digital nomads/travelers naturally are always moving on.
* getting a villa with a few rough edges.
* getting a villa with no pool
* doing a very long-term lease on a villa. A lot of people here rent for 20 or 25 years...most of the friends I’ve had for a long time here do. That probably won’t be your average TH-camr, but it's not unusual. Buying property in Indonesia is a problem for foreigners.
Using a mix of these strategies, as well understanding that you'll be rewarded if you take your time looking around and really, really, really bargain when you do find something you like, will help.
It probably does seem hard to believe but all I can tell you is that while Indonesia is making **huge** strides forward in terms of development, wages and prices are still lower than they are in the 'developed' world. In 2018 Bali is one of the best places anywhere where you can benefit from still-low prices but enjoy most of the amenities you have in the West. It is amazing really. Still.
I have to thank you Brian because I think you've given me a topic for a video and a blog post on Wagefreedom.com, specific strategies for renting nice villas cheaply in Bali. We rented three different villas for several months before we bought our condos. Actually pros and cons of condos in Bali vs Bali villas is probably another good topic!
I hope all that helps Brian. Come and check it out!
Thanks for the detailed response, WF. I'm moving to Vietnam for a year (leaving U.S. on Halloween) and have been thinking of doing Bali for 6 mos. before heading into Thailand, Laos and Cambodia for an indeterminate (SP.?) amt of time. Your answer was really helpful to me and I'm sure many others here. 😀 Will check out your website too. 😀 Naturally, the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. I'm going into this like wherever the breeze carries me. But good research is ESSENTIAL for making this kind of trip. 😀😀😀😀😀
Hey Brian, what an epic plan, it will enrich your whole life. If I can help with your Bali planning just ask. Good luck to you!
It just sounds like a perfect place to retire.
A lot of people seem to think so, I don't know how many expats there are here in Bali but I would guess in the thousands. You find a very good balance of infrastructure here but still at very reasonable prices. Also it has to be said that for retirees or others without much money you have at least the option of living very cheaply, and well, eating in local warungs and paying US$200 or US$300/month in rent. You can live really well doing that actually, I have many expat friends who do, it's an eye-opener.
Get back to Washington, you've got a Treasury Dept to run 😏
Hey well thanks for the comment, but I'm not smart enough to understand it--and I'm definitely not smart enough to run a Treasury Department lol!
Wage Freedom I just thought you look a bit like the Treasury secretary Steve Mnuchin 😊
Ah ok I will take that as a compliment-- I think he's doing quite a bit better than I am in the personal finance department though from what I've heard! Thank you for watching.
Great hahaha. Maybe CONgress
1000 a month is so good for indonesia
Yeah, you could get by on much less, most Indonesian have no problem doing so. That's just a round number a lot of people throw out at me.
$1000 us is around 13 million rupiah Indonesian wages are around 2 to 3 million per month
No air con in Bali. Do not go there.
I've seen lots of videos with people showing air conditioning.
Air con is everywhere here in bali!
Bali is deaddd cheap, I blew most my money on beer, otherwise it's incredibly easy and cheap to live in Bali.
BathingWookie thanks, yes it's true!
A Wanker