禁漫天堂

This site isn't 100% accurate, but it will give you a pretty good idea. It fails when it comes to local situations as cities and tourist destinations tend to cost a lot more than small towns, but it'll give you an idea.



Bali will cost more than many destinations in Indonesia, especially if you chose Kuta - and your posts suggest you'd hate the place anyway. I'm assured the north of the island is far better, but you have schools to consider so that might be a problem. There is a place you might like to google, Green school.

Thanks a lot for all the suggestions!
Actually, my younger son was going to a very similar school here in Auroville, and he expressed the desire to go to a more "classical" school, as the elder brother who is actually studying at Lycee Francoise. I guess a not so alternative, but good and anyway open-minded International School would be better. I see, there are a few... any suggestion about that? And, sure, my location will depend from an eventual job too... I am searching to find something good for me too!

Chiara Meriani wrote:

And, sure, my location will depend from an eventual job too... I am searching to find something good for me too!

That can be difficult. especially with this covid mess. What sort of work were you looking for?

Living in Bali is pretty nice.

I lived in a place called Sanur for two years聽 with my french wife and four children and we had a maid that came to our villa daily. We sent three of our children to the Bali International School in Sanur which was and I think still is an excellent international school and one of the best established schools in Bali. The teachers back then were mostly Australian. I'm talking about 20 years ago, but I hear that it is still a very excellent school.

However, there are schools in most of the most popular parts of Bali, of course geared towards foreigners, so you should consider where in Bali you wish to live. There are schools down in the south such as in Kuta, Umalas, Kerobokan, and Sanur which is not quite so south and a nice place to live close to the beach, very suitable for expats and a safe beach for children to swim. The beaches near Kuta, Legian and Seminyak tend to have strong rip currents that can be dangerous. But in the northern part of Sanur they are very safe and perfect for kids to swim and play in the sea.

There are also good schools in Ubud which is more central and far from the crowded south but of course there aren't any beaches in Ubud, but you will have stunning scenery.

The following site lists some of the schools but you can easily google this kind of information:

Ah, ciao Chiara,

Ubud Bali has been my 24/7 home for the past 21 years and my wife and I have raised our three sons here.聽 It has been one hell of a magnificent ride, and I鈥檇 do it all over again in a heart beat.

Unfortunately, your situation calls for a job here, and without question, that is the biggest obstacle you will face in your quest to live in Bali.聽 Work permits in Indonesia are generally only granted to those foreigners whose specific skills and experience cannot be matched by an Indonesian citizen.聽 And Bali is just as appealing to other Indonesians as it is to foreigners, thus the competition is more brutal than elsewhere.

Most foreign expats who have been able to make Bali their home fall into one of these three categories:

1)聽 聽 They are on a pension.
2)聽 聽 They are independently wealthy
3)聽 聽 They opened a business here in Bali

I don鈥檛 want to appear to rain on your parade, but for me, I find that being totally honest about the reality of living on Bali is best.聽

That all being said, what is your field of expertise in which you would seek employment here in Bali?

颁丑别别谤蝉!听

Ciao Chiara, I live in Bali since 9 year, I can say that the cost of living depends a lot on the lifestyle, can be very cheap or extremaey exspensive.
About scool for children, here is a link where u can find all the international schools in Bali, by clicking on the name of a school u will be redirect to his web site where u can find all the info regarding programs and, most important, fees, wich are quite expensive.

About to find a job, in Indonesia foreigners cannot be hired for jobs that can be covered by locals, thats mean that foreigneir can get a job only forspecialized positions with at least 5 years of proven experience.
Here a limk where, starting from pag. 8, u can find all the jobs available for foreigners, divided by sector.

Ubudian wrote:

Unfortunately, your situation calls for a job here, and without question, that is the biggest obstacle you will face in your quest to live in Bali.聽 Work permits in Indonesia are generally only granted to those foreigners whose specific skills and experience cannot be matched by an Indonesian citizen.

Work is possible, but the above is accurate so specialist skills are a must.

Ubudian wrote:

Bali is just as appealing to other Indonesians as it is to foreigners, thus the competition is more brutal than elsewhere.
:

Maybe not for Fred

"Work is possible..."

In Bali, my friend, it's next to impossible.聽 It is much different here than in Jakarta.聽

And a warning to Chiara...beware of head hunters or potential employers who offer jobs in Bali while promising a work permit.聽 This is an all to often scam used to entice foreigners to come to Bali, and even begin working, all the while without a work permit.聽 聽If, and when caught, (and that's only a matter of time), the illegal employee will be deported, but the employer faces no consequences.聽 聽For young single foreigners, sometimes that risk is worth it, but for someone with children, no.聽 聽

"Maybe not for Fred"聽

Ah my friend, that's only because you have yet to see and experience the real Bali...which isn't Kuta.聽 聽聽 聽 Next time you're headed my way, I can change that for you.聽 聽

Ubudian wrote:

In Bali, my friend, it's next to impossible.聽 It is much different here than in Jakarta.

In general, yes, but a reputable school might well have a suitable position, and the lady's profile mentions teaching.

Ubudian wrote:

.
And a warning to Chiara...beware of head hunters or potential employers who offer jobs in Bali while promising a work permit.聽 This is an all to often scam used to entice foreigners to come to Bali, and even begin working, all the while without a work permit.聽 聽If, and when caught, (and that's only a matter of time), the illegal employee will be deported, but the employer faces no consequences.聽 聽For young single foreigners, sometimes that risk is worth it, but for someone with children, no.

Wise words. These scam are all over the place, Bali and Jakarta being two big blackspots for that mess. A common one on Facebook is teaching jobs but the company is shy to talk about visa and permits.聽 Roy has that absolutely spot one - Take care.

Ubudian wrote:

Fred wrote:

Maybe not for Fred

Ah my friend, that's only because you have yet to see and experience the real Bali...which isn't Kuta.聽 聽聽 聽 Next time you're headed my way, I can change that for you.聽 聽

I absolutely hated Kuta, a place I will only ever return to if someone pays me or I pass through from the airport to some other part of the island. If it's paid work, it would have to be extremely well paid, but I'm unsure there's enough cash in the Bank of England to make me want to move there. The locals (except every non-Blue bird taxi drivers I encountered) were nice, even the guys with the 'win a prize' scams once they got to know you weren't just another mug, but the tourists - OUCH. You may notice I didn't use an exclamation mark, that being because there isn't one large enough to express my disgust at the rubbish many of that lot got up to.
Perhaps I'll take you up on that offer one day, it would be nice to see bits of Bali that haven't been destroyed by bogan tourism and unbridled greed (if my wife lets me).
OMG - I sound old, stuck in the mud, and as boring as Hell.

Chiara, it would be interesting to know what you plan to do work-wise or business-wise if you decide you want to move to Bali. In my opinion that is a far more important question than deciding whether to go or not, and many of us could offer you advice. Finding a job there is not easy, and starting a business can be extremely expensive.

About Bali itself, most of Bali is still beautiful with just the small area of Kuta and Legian and other nearby places that are very commercial. Once you get away from there it may still seem a bit busy along the main roads but it does get better and better the further you head out and actually you can find nice, not so spoiled areas, just 30 minutes or so outside of Kuta. So no need to worry about finding a place to live near nature.

But as I said, you need to have a plan before deciding to move there as it may or may not be feasible,

My good friend Fred writes鈥︹�淚n general, yes, but a reputable school might well have a suitable position, and the lady's profile mentions teaching.鈥�

The teaching positions which are overwhelmingly available to foreign teachers in Bali are in English.聽 A basic requirement for such a position is that the teacher be 鈥渘ative English speaking鈥� which means, UK, Canadian, US, Australia and New Zealand.聽

On the surface, this might seem somewhat xenophobic, but in fact, it makes perfect sense that all aspect of the language being taught include all of its nuances, including slang and colloquial usage.聽

To put this another way鈥�did you learn Bahasa Indonesia from a foreigner?聽 A rhetorical question to be sure...but it makes my point.聽 聽

That being said, can I also say that there has never been a teaching position available in Bali for Italian?聽 No, I cannot, but when I first hear of that鈥�it will be the first time.

My good friend Fred also writes, 鈥渋t would be nice to see bits of Bali that haven't been destroyed by bogan tourism and unbridled greed.鈥�

What my good friend fails to understand is that those 鈥渂its of Bali鈥� still remain today as the overwhelming essence of what the real Bali is.聽 Under the great pressure of the common human frailty of greed, this remains Bali鈥檚 greatest challenge.聽 But鈥�this essence of Bali still remains, and likely, it will always remain.聽 And, it isn't a recognition by the Balinese that to remain attractive to tourists, that this commitment to their culture remain.聽 On the contrary, the Balinese steadfast and uncompromising commitment to their culture, and their beliefs are the bedrock of their continued existence, and growth.聽 At most all Balinese ceremonies I attend (and they are numerous) hardly a bule can be found.聽

I suggest an excellent book which is a collection of essays written by a number of Balinese scholars, balians and priests, which is titled, Bali, Living in Two Worlds.聽 It is edited by the renown Swiss scholar and Baliophile, Urs Ramseyer.聽

Yes my friend, I do hope you take me up on my offer.聽 I can guarantee that even after a short visit, you will not depart Bali as the same man who arrived.

Hei everybody!!! Thanks so much for all your answers, full of useful information...
Well, I have few questions more... and some info more to share with you.

I have an incoming from Italy - the rent of my house. Not sooo much, but enough to have a start point (around 600/700 Euro).
Plus, I am trying to find a good online job, to be able to work "from everywhere". My CV is quite loooong聽 , mainly I was working in the field of tourism & communication, moving from journalist to writer, from teacher at tourism schools to tourist guide and holiday planner and I have been working in guesthouses too. Question: if I come with a tourist visa, and work online!? Is it allowed? How long is the tourist visa duration?
I am taking in consideration to stay in Bali eventually 6 months/year only, at least at the beginning, because the father of the kids - who will remain in India - would not probably permit me to move "forever"... so one idea is to stay here 6 month and there 6 months. I saw that some school as the Australian one, permit to do distance schooling too.
So.. if the kids get enrolled in one International School there, they will have a student visa. Which visa should/could I have? (by the way: the school fees would be paid by my Italian family, supporting me with the international education for the kids! I am very lucky, my kids too)聽 sure, if I would find some school, good but cheaper, it would be better... any suggestion is welcome (no green school thanks, we come out from a very similar experience here in Auroville and now we need some academic structure聽 )
Last but not least... I answered to one job proposal found in this site, a internship by聽 Radius Bali. Perhaps a good way just to do a first step...?

So, now you know (quite!) everything!! It seems already I have good friends in Bali聽 any further suggestion is welcome!

Question: if I come with a tourist visa, and work online!? Is it allowed? How long is the tourist visa duration?

No, but nobody would care as you aren't taking work from a local but you're spending money in local businesses. Immigration are far from silly so just keep it quiet and all will be well. If anyone asks, just tell them about your rental income.
As for the visa..

A free tourist visa is 30 days with no renewal.
A paid tourist visa is 30 days with one renewal
A Sosbud is 60 days with 2 possible renewals - That's your six months, but you'll need a sponsor.

That still leaves problems finding a school.

鈧�600 is about 10 million Rupiah - I live on less than that (including school fees), but my tastes are simple.

Oh good to know!! I like simple life too...!

...about the visa, how much is the price for that one, I could renovate for 6 months?
To renovate, is just a bureaucratic issue or I have to go out of Indonesia!?

Chiara Meriani wrote:

...about the visa, how much is the price for that one, I could renovate for 6 months?
To renovate, is just a bureaucratic issue or I have to go out of Indonesia!?

I think the best solution for you is to apply for a Visit Visa, wich can be applied n any Indonesian Embassy or Consulates.
A holder of Visit Visa is given up to 60 days stay and can be extended at the Immigration Office for 5 (five) times, each extension will be given for another 30 days stay, so u will arrive in Indonesia with the Visa on ur passport and dont need to go abroad,
Requirements are:
A valid national passport with minimum validity of 6 (six) months at the moment of entry to Indonesia
Visa application form must be fully completed and signed in the blank provided
One recent photo is to be attached : 4x6 cm, full face picture with a light background
Round trip reservation or itinerary with dates and flight number specifying entry and exit to-from Indonesia
Proof of accommodation reservation in Indonesia
For more info and fees,u can ask the indonesian embassy in India.

Thanks for the link to the job opportunities! Are that just theoretical options, or real vacancies? How can I eventually apply? I found something interesting聽

I'm writing a newsletter on the subject of living in Bali for $1500 usd per month.

neillkr wrote:

I'm writing a newsletter on the subject of living in Bali for $1500 usd per month.

Without wishing to seem off in any way, you might as well entitle the piece "What a massive number of expats do all the time - Anyone can live on half that easily with a wife and 2 kids to support".
That comes to over 21 million/month in a place where the minimum wage is a hell of a lot less.

True but in order to get a retirement kitas you need to prove $1,550 a month income or have $18000 in the bank.

Hi Chiara,

I've lived in Bali for close to 10 years, with a family of 2 kids (school aged). The major bulk of expenses goes into accommodation (paid up front for a year) which goes for anywhere between 50 million to 350 million yearly, and school which ranges from 20 million to 200 million per quarter per child for international schools.

Living costs for our household, which I have to say is on the lower end of an expat lifestyle, which covers school for both kids, a modest house with no pool, 2 household staff, electricity, local insurance and groceries comes up to about IDR 22 million - IDR 30 million monthly.

If you plan on working for a company or setting up a company, then obviously other costs such as visas and office rental comes into play...***
I haven't included holidays, beach club weekends, expat insurance, wine/alcohol and any other non-essential items to the list.聽

Hope this helps you decide, Bali is a wonderful island which welcomes families with open arms and my kids and I absolutely love being here.