The Global Expat Hub
Indonesia
Bali is the draw: a full expat ecosystem on a low budget, with healthcare that is thinner outside the island.
Your plan for Indonesia 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 Indonesia
Costs and character vary significantly within Indonesia. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Indonesia's vast capital — full infrastructure and cheap living
Cultural heart of Java — temples, arts and a relaxed university city
Gateway to Sumatra — large city with low costs and authentic Indonesian life
Indonesia by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Tropical; wet season Nov–Mar, dry season Apr–Oct. Bali's highlands are cooler and wetter.
Mean temperatures for Bali (Canggu, Ubud, Sanur).
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 2,000 mm (79 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationPeraturan.go.id (national legislation database) ↗
OverviewLaw of Indonesia 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
Not free; public $1–3k/yr, international $4–8k.
📱 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.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Remote Worker visa
- Second Home visa 5–10 years on ~$130k funds
- Retirement KITAS for over-55s
- Golden Visa for investors
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 Indonesia 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 Indonesia 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 Indonesia: remote work you can do from Bali (Canggu, Ubud, Sanur), 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 Indonesia 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 Indonesia safe for expats?
Indonesia scores 62 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 71 out of 100 for liveability — #14 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 Indonesia?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Indonesia from around $1,400 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 Indonesia?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Indonesia include: Remote Worker visa; second Home visa 5–10 years on ~$130k funds; retirement KITAS for over-55s; golden Visa for investors. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Indonesia for expats?
The top cities for expats in Indonesia profiled on this page are Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Medan. Jakarta is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.