Complete Guide to Moving to Bali in 2026

Bali has become shorthand for a certain kind of life — laptops by the pool, $3 smoothie bowls, rice paddies at sunset, yoga at dawn. The island has arguably done more to popularize the digital nomad lifestyle than any other place on earth. And much of the appeal is real. The community is massive, the cost of living is genuinely low, the food is extraordinary, and there is a creative energy on this island that is hard to replicate.

But Bali in 2026 is not the quiet surf village that early nomads discovered in 2014. Canggu’s main street is gridlocked with motorbikes. Villas that cost $300 a month now go for $800. The gentrification debate is real and growing. Waste management remains a visible problem. And the legal framework for actually living here long-term — as opposed to vacationing — is complicated at best.

This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Bali: visas, costs, healthcare, safety, taxes, neighborhoods, the nomad scene, and the cultural considerations that most guides skip. It is honest about both the magic and the mess. You can explore the full Indonesia country profile for real-time data, or keep reading for the Bali-specific breakdown.

For a focused comparison with the other Southeast Asian giant, see our Thailand vs Bali for digital nomads guide, or browse our digital nomad destination rankings.

Indonesia at a Glance: Where Bali Fits

First, an important distinction: Bali is not a country. It is one island — population roughly 4.3 million — within Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000+ islands and 275 million people. This matters because your visa, taxes, and legal status are governed by Indonesian national law, not Bali-specific rules. The island has its own governor and cultural identity (Hindu, in contrast to Muslim-majority Indonesia), but immigration is a federal matter.

At WhereNext, we score every country across seven data-driven dimensions. Here is how Indonesia performs — with the caveat that these scores reflect the national average, and Bali specifically scores higher on some dimensions (lifestyle, community) and lower on others (healthcare infrastructure).

The Visa Situation: Complicated and Evolving

The single biggest practical challenge of living in Bali is getting legal. Indonesia does not make it easy for long-term foreign residents unless you are an investor, retiree, or have an employer willing to sponsor you. Here is the current landscape.

B211A Social/Cultural Visa

This is the visa most digital nomads and long-term visitors use. It grants 60 days, extendable up to 180 days (six months) with monthly extensions through an immigration agent. Cost: roughly $200–$350 for the initial visa plus $50–$100 per extension through an agent.

The B211A is technically a “social/cultural” visa — it is not designed for people working remotely. In practice, it is what the vast majority of nomads use, and immigration officials rarely question it. But you should understand that you are operating in a legal gray area. If Indonesia ever decided to crack down, B211A holders doing remote work would be technically non-compliant.

Second Home Visa

Launched in 2022, this visa grants 5–10 years of residency for foreigners who can demonstrate savings of at least $130,000 USD (approximately IDR 2 billion) in an Indonesian bank account. It does not require a sponsor, and holders can come and go freely. The catch: that $130K needs to sit in an Indonesian bank, and the visa does not grant a work permit. It is designed for wealthy retirees and investors, not working-age nomads.

Retirement KITAS (55+)

If you are 55 or older, you can apply for a retirement KITAS (limited stay permit). Requirements include proof of monthly income of at least $1,500 USD, health insurance, and a rental contract or property lease. The KITAS is renewable annually and offers a legitimate long-term pathway. It is one of the simpler options for retirees.

KITAS (Work Permit)

A work KITAS requires an Indonesian employer to sponsor you. The process is bureaucratic and costly for the employer (roughly $1,200–$2,000 in fees), and your position needs to qualify under Indonesia’s foreign worker regulations. This is the route for people with actual jobs in Bali — at hotels, international schools, or businesses with a PT (Indonesian company) structure.

Golden Visa (Investment)

Indonesia launched its Golden Visa program in 2024 for high-net-worth individuals. Investment thresholds start at $2.5 million USD for a 5-year visa or $5 million for 10 years. This is aimed at serious investors, not typical relocators.

The bottom line: there is no clean, affordable, long-term visa for a remote worker in Bali. The B211A works, but it is not what it was designed for. Plan for visa runs, agent fees, and the nagging awareness that your legal situation is imperfect.

Cost of Living: Canggu vs Ubud

Bali is cheap by Western standards. A comfortable life on the island costs a fraction of what you would spend in any major US or European city. But “cheap” is relative, and Bali’s costs have climbed significantly over the past few years — particularly in Canggu, which has experienced genuine gentrification-driven inflation.

Here is a realistic breakdown comparing the two most popular areas for longer-term expats. All figures are monthly, in USD.

A few cost notes that matter. Rent is your biggest variable. A basic apartment or studio in Canggu runs $400–$600. A nice villa with a pool — the Instagram standard — is $700–$1,200. In Ubud, you can find a private villa surrounded by rice paddies for $400–$600. Seminyak is the most expensive area ($1,500–$2,500 total monthly), while Sanur offers a middle ground ($900–$1,500).

Local food is extremely cheap. A nasi goreng (fried rice) at a warung (local restaurant) costs $1–$2. A meal at a Western-style cafe in Canggu costs $6–$12. Groceries at a supermarket like Pepito or Bintang are modestly priced, though imported goods (cheese, wine, cereal) carry significant markups.

Transport means a motorbike. There is no public transit system in Bali. You either rent a motorbike ($60–$90 per month), hire a driver when needed ($30–$50 per day), or use Grab/Gojek (ride-hailing apps, $2–$8 per trip). Most expats ride motorbikes. This is both the cheapest option and, statistically, the most dangerous thing you will do on the island.

Healthcare: The Weakest Link

Let us be direct: healthcare in Bali is basic. If this is a primary concern for you — and it should be — Bali may not be the right choice. The island has hospitals and clinics, but they are not comparable to what you would find in Bangkok, Singapore, or any major Western city.

The two best hospitals on the island are BIMC Hospital (locations in Kuta and Nusa Dua) and Siloam Hospital in Denpasar. Both handle routine care, minor surgeries, and emergencies competently. BIMC is the go-to for expats — English-speaking staff, international standards, and direct billing with major insurance providers.

For anything serious — complex surgery, cancer treatment, cardiac care, complicated pregnancies — you will need to fly to Singapore or Bangkok. This is not optional. Bali does not have the specialist infrastructure, diagnostic equipment, or blood supply for high-acuity care. Medical evacuation to Singapore takes about 3 hours by air.

Insurance is essential. Private international health insurance runs $100–$200 per month depending on your age and coverage level. Make absolutely sure your policy includes medical evacuation coverage — this is non-negotiable in Bali. A medevac flight to Singapore can cost $20,000–$50,000 out of pocket.

On the upside: routine care, dental work, and wellness services (massage, physiotherapy, acupuncture) are both affordable and good quality. A dental cleaning costs $15–$30. A one-hour Balinese massage is $8–$15. These small comforts are part of what makes daily life in Bali so pleasant.

Taxes and the Gray Area

Here is where most Bali guides get evasive. Let us not.

Indonesian tax law is clear: if you are a tax resident of Indonesia (present in the country for more than 183 days in a 12-month period), you are liable for Indonesian income tax on your worldwide income. The progressive rate runs from 5% to 35%, with the top rate applying to income above approximately $330,000 USD.

The practical reality is murkier. The vast majority of digital nomads in Bali on B211A visas do not register for Indonesian tax, do not have Indonesian tax IDs (NPWP), and do not pay Indonesian income tax. The Indonesian tax authority (DJP) has not historically pursued enforcement against remote workers on tourist-class visas. This does not make it legal — it makes it unenforced.

This gray area creates risk. Indonesia has signaled interest in taxing remote workers, and as the government formalizes its digital nomad visa framework, tax obligations will likely become clearer and more enforced. If you plan to stay long-term, you should at minimum consult an international tax advisor to understand your exposure.

For Americans: you still owe US taxes on worldwide income regardless of where you live. The FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) can exclude over $126,000 of foreign-earned income, and the Foreign Tax Credit prevents double taxation. But you need to file, and you need to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR) if your combined balance exceeds $10,000. See our digital nomad tax guide for the full breakdown.

Safety: Motorbikes Are the Real Danger

Bali is generally very safe. Violent crime against foreigners is exceptionally rare. You are unlikely to encounter anything more threatening than a persistent souvenir vendor. The island’s Hindu culture is welcoming and non-confrontational, and the Balinese people are genuinely warm toward visitors.

That said, there are real risks:

• Motorbike accidents are the number one safety threat in Bali — by a wide margin. The roads are narrow, chaotic, and poorly maintained. Tourists ride without experience or helmets. Serious injuries and fatalities among expats happen regularly. If you ride a motorbike (and you probably will), wear a helmet, get licensed, and ride sober. This is not a joke.
• Petty theft exists, particularly bag snatching from motorbikes in tourist areas. Keep valuables close, do not hang bags off your scooter handlebars, and use a villa safe for passports and cash.
• Natural disasters: Bali sits in an active seismic and volcanic zone. Mount Agung erupted in 2017–2018, disrupting flights for weeks. Earthquakes strike periodically — the 2018 Lombok earthquake (felt strongly in Bali) killed over 500 people. These events are infrequent but real.
• Scams: money exchange scams (use ATMs or reputable exchange counters), inflated taxi fares (use Grab/Gojek), and villa rental scams (always verify through a trusted agent). Nothing violent — just annoying.
• Rip currents: Bali’s surf beaches have powerful currents. Swim at flagged beaches and pay attention to lifeguard warnings.

Overall, if you use basic common sense and respect the motorbike risk, Bali is safer than most places you have lived. The threat profile is very different from urban crime in major Western cities.

Best Areas to Live in Bali

Where you live in Bali fundamentally shapes your experience. Each area has a distinct personality, price point, and community. Here are honest takes on the main options.

Canggu

Canggu is the undisputed digital nomad capital of Bali — and possibly the world. The concentration of coworking spaces, cafes, coliving options, and fellow remote workers is unmatched anywhere. If you want a built-in social life from day one, Canggu delivers.

The downsides are increasingly hard to ignore. Traffic on the main road (Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong and Jl. Batu Mejan) is genuinely terrible — what should be a 10-minute ride takes 30–45 minutes at peak times. Construction is constant. The vibe has shifted from “charming surf village” to “Instagram factory.” Prices have risen 50–100% in five years. And the gentrification debate — local Balinese being priced out of their own neighborhoods — is a real ethical consideration.

Best for: First-time Bali residents who want instant community and do not mind the chaos. Budget: $1,200–$2,000/month.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and spiritual heart. Set in the lush interior among rice terraces and ravines, it attracts a different crowd: yoga practitioners, artists, writers, wellness seekers, and digital nomads who want focus over frenzy. The pace is slower, the air is cooler (slightly — it is still tropical), and the landscape is stunning.

Ubud has good coworking options (Outpost and Hubud are the anchors), excellent cafes, and a strong wellness economy. The trade-off is that it is more isolated — the beach is 45 minutes to an hour away, and the social scene is smaller and quieter than Canggu. If you are an introvert or want deep work time, Ubud is ideal. If you thrive on nightlife and a big social scene, you may find it sleepy.

Best for: People prioritizing wellness, creativity, nature, and focus. Budget: $800–$1,400/month.

Seminyak

Seminyak is Bali’s upscale, polished side. Beach clubs (Potato Head, Ku De Ta), high-end restaurants, boutique shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene. It draws a mix of well-heeled tourists, expat couples, and entrepreneurs who want Bali’s lifestyle with a more cosmopolitan edge.

The cost reflects the polish. Seminyak is the most expensive area in Bali for rent, food, and entertainment. The coworking scene is less developed than Canggu, and the vibe is more “vacation” than “productive base.” Great for a month; potentially draining for longer.

Best for: Couples and higher-budget expats who want restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife. Budget: $1,500–$2,500/month.

Sanur

Sanur is Bali’s calm, family-friendly option. The beach is reef-protected (calm water, no big waves), the town has a seaside promenade, and the pace is markedly slower than the south coast. It attracts an older expat crowd, families, and people who have “done” Canggu and want something quieter.

Sanur has reliable internet, a few coworking options, and easy access to Denpasar (the actual capital city) and the airport. The restaurant scene is good but not as diverse as Canggu or Seminyak. It is also a launching point for boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.

Best for: Families, retirees, and anyone who wants Bali without the party scene. Budget: $900–$1,500/month.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu sits on Bali’s southern Bukit peninsula, perched on dramatic limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean. It is the surfer’s Bali — world-class breaks, spectacular sunsets, and a more local, less commercialized feel. The area has developed rapidly in recent years with new restaurants and beach clubs, but it retains a rawer energy than Canggu.

The downside: Uluwatu is relatively isolated. Coworking options are limited, the road infrastructure is basic, and you will need a motorbike for everything. Internet connectivity is less reliable than in Canggu or Ubud. It works best for experienced Bali hands who know what they want and do not need the nomad community infrastructure.

Best for: Surfers, couples, and experienced expats seeking a quieter, clifftop lifestyle. Budget: $1,000–$1,800/month.

The Digital Nomad Scene

If there is one thing Bali does better than anywhere else, it is community for remote workers. The island’s nomad ecosystem has been building for over a decade, and the result is a social infrastructure that is genuinely unmatched.

Coworking Spaces

Bali has more coworking spaces per capita than any island on earth. The major ones:

• Dojo Bali (Canggu): The original Bali coworking space. Open-air design over a rice paddy, strong community events, fast internet. Monthly memberships $120–$180.
• Outpost (Canggu & Ubud): More polished and professional. Air-conditioned rooms, Zoom-friendly pods, coliving option. Monthly $150–$200.
• ZinCafe (Canggu): Hybrid cafe-coworking with a loyal following. Affordable day passes, solid wifi.
• Hubud (Ubud): The spiritual counterpart to Dojo. Bamboo architecture, community-focused, great for networking. Monthly $100–$150.
• B-Work (Sanur): Newer, well-equipped, less crowded. Good option if you are based in the Sanur area.

Internet

Internet in Bali has improved dramatically. Fiber connections delivering 50–200 Mbps are available in villas across Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. Coworking spaces generally offer 50–100 Mbps with backup connections.

That said, outages happen. Power cuts occur, especially during wet season storms. If you have critical video calls, a mobile hotspot (Telkomsel or XL Axiata provide the best coverage) is essential backup. Some villa owners have invested in UPS battery systems, which is worth asking about before signing a lease.

Community

The social side is where Bali truly excels. Within a week of arriving in Canggu, you can have a full social calendar: coworking events, surf sessions, sunset gatherings, skill-share meetups, entrepreneurship talks, yoga classes, and group dinners. The community skews 25–40, international (heavy representation from Europe, Australia, the US, and South America), and entrepreneurial.

The downside of such a transient community is turnover. People come and go constantly. Deep, lasting friendships take effort — your closest friends might leave next month. This “revolving door” effect is the emotional cost of living in a nomad hub.

Cultural Respect and Integration

This section matters more than most guides acknowledge. Bali is not just a tropical backdrop for your remote work life. It is a deeply spiritual place with a living Hindu culture that deserves genuine respect.

Hindu Ceremonies and Offerings

Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, and religion is woven into every aspect of daily life. You will see canang sari — small palm-leaf offerings filled with flowers, rice, and incense — placed on doorsteps, sidewalks, and temple entrances multiple times a day. Do not step on them. Ceremony days (Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi) bring processions, decorations, and sometimes road closures. Nyepi (Day of Silence) is particularly notable — the entire island shuts down for 24 hours. No lights, no noise, no leaving your accommodation. Even the airport closes.

Temple Etiquette

When visiting temples, wear a sarong and sash (usually provided or available for rent). Cover your shoulders. Do not climb on sacred structures for photos. Women who are menstruating are traditionally asked not to enter temples — this is a religious custom, not a suggestion.

The Gentrification Conversation

The influx of foreign remote workers has brought real economic benefits to Bali — and real tensions. Property prices in Canggu have skyrocketed, pushing local Balinese families out of areas they have lived in for generations. Western-priced cafes and boutiques replace local warungs. Waste from the expat lifestyle strains already-limited infrastructure.

Being a responsible expat means engaging with this reality rather than ignoring it. Eat at local warungs, not just Western cafes. Learn basic Bahasa Indonesia — even “Terima kasih” (thank you) and “Selamat pagi” (good morning) go a long way. Support Balinese-owned businesses. Be conscious of your water and electricity consumption. Participate in beach cleanups. These are small acts, but they matter.

Climate: What to Actually Expect

Bali has two seasons, and the difference between them is significant:

• Dry season (April–October): The best time to be in Bali. Sunny days, low humidity (by tropical standards), temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). Clear skies, great surf conditions, and comfortable evenings. This is peak tourist season for a reason.
• Wet season (November–March): Hot, humid, and rainy. Expect daily downpours, usually in the afternoon, lasting 1–3 hours. Morning are often clear. Humidity pushes 80–90%. Mold becomes a real issue in poorly ventilated villas. Roads flood. But the rice paddies are at their greenest, and tourist crowds thin out significantly.

The wet season is not unbearable — it is not monsoon-level rain — but it tests your patience and your gear. A waterproof bag for your laptop is essential. Budget for air conditioning or dehumidifiers if you are staying through wet season.

Is Bali Worth the Hype?

The honest answer: it depends on what you are looking for, and how long you plan to stay.

Bali is excellent for:

• Remote workers earning in Western currencies who want an affordable, tropical base with a massive social scene
• First-time expats or nomads who want a soft landing — Bali’s ecosystem makes the transition easy
• Creative professionals, wellness practitioners, and entrepreneurs in the online space
• People who value community, warmth, nature, and spirituality over infrastructure and efficiency
• Short to medium-term stays (3–12 months) rather than permanent relocation

Bali may not be right for:

• Anyone who needs reliable, high-quality healthcare — this is Bali’s biggest weakness
• People who want clear, stable, long-term legal residency — the visa situation is messy
• Families with school-age children (international schools exist but are limited and expensive)
• Those easily frustrated by inefficiency, traffic, bureaucracy, and infrastructure gaps
• People seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience — Canggu in particular has become very commercialized

The best approach for most people: do a trial run. Spend 2–3 months in Bali before committing to a longer stay. Try both Canggu and Ubud. Work through the visa logistics. See how you handle the traffic, the heat, the humidity, and the distance from quality healthcare. Bali reveals its best self over time, but it also reveals its frustrations. Make sure you can live with both.

For a data-driven comparison with other Southeast Asian options, see how Indonesia stacks up against Thailand in our Thailand vs Bali comparison, or explore all digital nomad destinations ranked by the metrics that matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to live comfortably in Bali?

A comfortable lifestyle costs $1,200–$2,000 per month in Canggu, $800–$1,400 in Ubud, and $1,500–$2,500 in Seminyak. This includes rent (your biggest expense), food, motorbike rental, coworking, health insurance, and entertainment. You can go lower by living more locally, or significantly higher with a pool villa and daily beach clubs.

Do I need to speak Indonesian?

No. English is widely spoken in expat areas — Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur. But learning basic Bahasa Indonesia transforms the experience. It is one of the easiest languages for English speakers to pick up: no conjugation, no gendered nouns, Latin alphabet. A few phrases earn enormous goodwill with Balinese locals.

What is the best time of year to move to Bali?

Arrive during dry season (April–October) for the best first impression. May and June are ideal — good weather, lower tourist density than July–August, and you will have time to settle before peak season. Avoid arriving in December–January unless you enjoy humidity and daily rain.

Can I open a bank account in Bali?

Opening an Indonesian bank account on a tourist visa (B211A) is technically possible but depends on the bank branch and your documentation. Banks like BCA and BNI sometimes allow it with a passport, KITAS letter, or sponsor letter. Many expats rely on international accounts (Wise, Revolut) and ATM withdrawals instead. ATMs dispense IDR and charge $2–$5 per transaction.

Is Bali safe for solo female travelers and expats?

Yes. Bali is one of the safest destinations in Southeast Asia for solo women. The Balinese culture is respectful and non-confrontational. Standard precautions apply — avoid walking alone in unlit areas late at night, secure your belongings, and be cautious with motorbike riding after dark. The nomad community is also large and supportive, making it easy to find companions for activities.

Can I buy property in Bali as a foreigner?

Foreigners cannot own freehold land in Indonesia. The most common structures are Hak Pakai (right to use, 25–30 years, renewable) and nominee arrangements (using an Indonesian citizen’s name, which is legally risky). Many expats choose to rent long-term instead. A long-term lease (5–25 years) on a villa is common and avoids the legal complexity of ownership.