The Global Expat Hub
Bali
The remote-worker capital of Asia: villas, surf, temples and a huge expat scene at a low cost, with traffic, visa churn and thin hospital cover as the trade-offs.
Your plan for Bali checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Bali
Costs and character vary significantly within Bali. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Digital nomad and surf hub — cafés, coworking and a buzzing social scene
Rice terraces, temples and wellness retreats in the island's spiritual heart
Upscale beach area with boutique hotels and great dining
Quieter beach town popular with longer-term expats and retirees
Bali by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Tropical; wet season Nov–Mar, dry season Apr–Oct. Coasts hot and humid; Ubud and the highlands cooler and wetter.
Mean temperatures for Canggu.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,900 mm (75 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationPeraturan.go.id (Indonesian legislation) ↗
OverviewLaw of Bali on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the left. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax PBB ~0.1–0.3% of assessed value.
Local & regional income tax None.
🎓 University
Udayana University public ~$1–2k/yr; international programmes in Denpasar $3–6k.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Telkomsel, Indosat, XL.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $8/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $12 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Remote Worker visa
- Second Home visa
- Retirement KITAS from 55
- Foreign remote income untaxed
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Bali embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Bali faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Bali: remote work you can do from Canggu, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Bali and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bali safe for expats?
Bali scores 72 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 63 out of 100 for liveability — #49 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Bali?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Bali from around $1,550 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Bali?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Bali include: Remote Worker visa; second Home visa; retirement KITAS from 55; foreign remote income untaxed. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Bali for expats?
The top cities for expats in Bali profiled on this page are Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak. Denpasar is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.