Moving to Bali, the “Island of the Gods” is a dream for many retirees and digital nomads for multiple reasons. But between planning such an exciting international move and making it happen, there will be minor bumps that you need to tackle.

The best way to make your move smooth is to do the necessary research, arrange your finances, and choose the right moving company. Here are some points that you need to consider before shifting your dream home to this tropical paradise.

The Power of Agoyu

Managing an international move on your own can be challenging, but when you pick a brand like Agoyu, a stress-free move is ensured. The Agoyu moving app brings the power of AI-based analytics to your fingertips, allowing you to generate moving quotes, compare pricing, and pick the best mover. All from a single platform!

Here is a closer look at the benefits of using Agoyu.

1. Instead of sending inquiries to multiple moving companies, place inquiries and compare moving rates easily from Agoyu’s all-in-one platform.
2. Designed with proprietary technology, the Agoyu app is an easy-to-use moving cost calculator. By using advanced AI-based visual analysis to calculate weights, the app generates accurate quotes for your move.
3. Book your move directly through the Agoyu app and wait for an on-site visit from the mover of your choice.
4. Agoyu uses AI-powered predictive analysis to plan optimal delivery paths and schedules. Not to forget, you can track your move in real time.

Understanding Bali

The rich culture and breathtaking natural attractions of Bali have resulted in off-the-charts popularity of the island among tourists. It is a mountainous island in the Indonesian Archipelago and a province in Indonesia with an area of 2,232 square miles. The life of the people in Bali is centered around a religious culture that is a mix of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Being close to the equator, Bali remains hot and humid throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 86 °F and the average humidity is close to 80%. It has two seasons – between November to March is the wet season and the rest of the year is dry. 

The mountainous central regions in Bali are cooler than the coastal belts, even though they get more rain. The island has multiple volcanoes, both active and inactive. Mount Agung, with a height of 10,308 feet is the highest peak and an active volcano. 

The island can be divided into multiple areas and South Bali is the most touristy area because of the famous beaches like Kuta, Sulaban, Uluwatu, and Canggu. The southeastern part has the capital city of Denpasar and the town of Seminyak – a shopper’s paradise. These are good spots if you want to stay near the best facilities. The central region is the island’s cultural heart and has towns like Ubud, Gianyar, and Bedugul. 

The northern and northwestern belts of the island are great spots nature lovers. Pemuteran, Banjar, Lovina, Kintamani, and Singaraja are some scenic locations that you can choose as home. However, some of these spots do not have the best facilities and connectivity.

Visa and Legal Requirements

The types of visas in Bali can be broadly classified into three categories. Since the Indonesian immigration laws keep changing, keep a close eye on any updates on the visa rules. 

Tourist Visas

In Bali, US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for short-term stays of up to 30 days. For a longer stay period, at most 60 days, you need to apply for a 211A Visit Visa. If you need to enter the country multiple times per year, you can apply for a D1 & D2 Visit Visa. However, these permits do not allow you to work or make money in Indonesia.

Business Visas

A multiple-entry business visa is for foreigners who visit Bali for business purposes. The permit is valid for a year and the maximum period of stay for each visit is 60 days. Remember, you can’t generate income or get employed in the country under this permit. 

Another option is the D12 Pre-investment Visa which is valid for 2 years and allows you to stay for 180 days for each visit. Since this visa is for investment and market research, you need an invitation from the government of a company registered in Indonesia.

Limited Residency Permits ( ITAS/KITAS)

ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas) or KITAS as it was previously known, is the permit to choose if you want to reside and work in Bali for longer periods. The documents needed will vary depending on the type of permit.

Working ITAS

The Working ITAS is for those planning to work while residing in Bali. For this, you need sponsorship from the employer which should be a company registered in Indonesia. Keep in mind that you need to earn a minimum taxable salary to be eligible for this permit.

Retirement ITAS or Second Home Visa 

This visa can be used by investors, tourists, and retirees to stay in Bali for a maximum period of 10 years. It does not provide the right to work in the country though. Foreigners who are above 55 years of age can apply for this.

For this, you need to buy real estate in Bali or have a deposit in a local bank amounting to a minimum of  2 billion Indonesian Rupiah. After 3 years, an application for permanent residency can be made.

ITAS Marriage Visa

This visa is for foreigners married to an Indonesian citizen and can have a 1-year validity period. It can be extended upto 5 years. This permit allows you to own an Indonesian ID and also makes you eligible to work or start a business in the country.

Investor ITAS

This is the stay permit for individuals who are company owners or shareholders in an Indonesian company. This permit is valid for two years during which they can carry out business expansion and investment activities on the island.

Preparing Financially 

While rent prices in Bali vary depending on the property type and location, the costs are considerably cheaper than in the US. The costs of utilities and internet are much cheaper as well. For example, a basic fast food combo meal that will cost you close to USD 12 will be available for less than USD 5 in Bali. 

Depending on your lifestyle, you will need between USD 750 and USD 2,500 per month to live in Bali. For families, the costs will be higher.

Keep in mind that you will need a residency permit (ITAS), a valid passport, and a residency address to open an Indonesian bank account. A visit to the branch will be necessary for that. If you do not have permanent or temporary residency, choose a limited-value tourist account.

Packing and Moving

It is best to pack only the necessary items and leave any extra items behind while moving to Bali from the US. If you have chosen furnished housing, bring the basic household items only. 

Plus, buying new items in Bali can be a better option than shipping an old piece from the US. If you are planning to rent a scooter in Bali, you can get rid of the car and avoid the expense of international car shipping.

The Agoyu app can help you pack efficiently and compare the best prices for an international move. Moreover, the task of narrowing down the best international movers gets much easier with Agoyu.

Healthcare

Healthcare is an extremely important aspect to consider before any long-distance move. Bali offers comprehensive healthcare facilities with both public hospitals and private clinics. There are 24/7 clinics and international standard hospitals that are reasonably priced. 

The island also has an ambulance service that responds to medical emergencies. Pharmacies are present in most locations and home delivery of medicine is available. Most top private healthcare facilities are near urban and touristy locations like Ubud, Denpasar, and Kuta.

In fact, the island has become a popular hub of medical tourism in recent years with its world-class facilities. Even so, those with a pre-existing medical condition should check if the hospitals and medical centers have the necessary facilities and medicines they need.

While the medical costs are more affordable compared to the US, the amount will depend on the choice of the hospital and the type of treatment. Since long-term treatments can get expensive, choosing medical insurance is a good idea. 

You can choose the national health insurance scheme of the Indonesian Government that accommodates expatriates. If you need services that are not covered by the government policy, opt for an additional private health insurance plan.

Education

With such a large expat community, it is no wonder that Bali has multiple top-grade international schools in places like Denpasar, Ubud, Kerobokan, and Canggu. Some schools like the Bali Island School and the ProEducation School Bali follow internationally accredited curriculums. 

Beyond that there are nature-based schools with open-air classrooms and eco-friendly settings. Plus, there is no lack of exciting after-school extracurricular options that children can pursue.

Many expat families are choosing homeschooling in Bali. Some students also follow distance education courses in other countries. You can take the help of private teachers for Indonesian lessons.

Transportation

Even though the public transportation facilities are not so developed in Bali, renting a private car with a driver is affordable. Taxis are available in all major towns. Public buses are not common in touristy areas, but you will find them in rural locations. 

Remember, the roads in Bali are much different than the ones you are accustomed to. One problem with living in Bali is that the traffic in the main towns and cities can get chaotic.

If you have an international driver’s license, you can rent a car. But be warned, driving can be mentally exhausting and parking is often a nightmare. Renting a scooter for regular commutes is a better option. Make sure to include a comprehensive insurance plan with the car you hire.

Final Thoughts

The combination of outstanding natural beauty and tropical flavors makes Bali an incredible choice for settling down. Besides, the expat community on the island is extremely welcoming and you will have no problem with settling down. 

That being said, living in Bali is much different than holidaying on the island. So be ready for an adventure filled with new experiences.

Agoyu is there to help you find the best international moving company for a hassle-free move to Bali. For any queries, feel free to contact us.