Bali Digital Nomad Guide: Where to Stay, Cost of Living (2023)
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Bali Digital Nomad Guide
Bali, the tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, has become a popular destination for digital nomads.
With its affordable cost of living, great internet speeds, and vibrant digital nomad community, Bali offers a great lifestyle for those looking to travel and work remotely.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best places to stay in Bali long term, how to move to Bali, and what to expect in terms of cost of living and internet speeds.
We will also cover the digital nomad visa in Bali and answer some frequently asked questions.
Best Places To Stay in Bali Long Term
When it comes to finding the best place to stay in Bali long term, it really depends on your personal preferences.
Some popular areas for digital nomads include Canggu, which is known for its laid-back surf vibe, and Ubud, which is more focused on wellness and spirituality.
Both of these areas offer a variety of accommodation options, from shared co-working spaces to villas and apartments.
Top 3 Things To Do in Bali
Another option is to stay in Pererenan, which is known for its upscale restaurants and ricefield views. It’s a great area if you enjoy a more luxurious lifestyle, but it can be more expensive compared to other areas in Bali – especially when looking for a long term villa.
Here are our Top 5 Places for Digital Nomads in Bali:
#1 Pererenan
Pererenan is the perfect destination for digital nomads looking to enjoy the best of what Bali has to offer.
It offers an idyllic lifestyle, with a beautifully empty beach and tranquil ricefield views that are perfect for unwinding and finding inspiration.
With its laid-back atmosphere and convenient access to amenities, Pererenan is the ideal place to stay and take advantage of Bali’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and proximity to Canggu.
Top 3 Things To Do In Pererenan
#2 Canggu
Canggu is still an ideal destination for digital nomads looking to explore Bali.
With its party atmosphere and coffee shops galore, Canggu offers a great balance of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and modern amenities.
From the bustling cafés and restaurants to the world-class surf spots, there’s something for everyone in Canggu.
In addition to its bustling nightlife, the area offers plenty of co-working spaces, yoga studios, and massage parlours to keep you productive and relaxed.
READ MORE: Reasons to Move to Canggu as a Digital Nomad
#3 Ubud
Located in the lush Balinese jungle, Ubud offers a peaceful and relaxing environment to help you stay focused on your work.
The locals are friendly and welcoming, with plenty of delicious dining and cultural activities to keep you entertained.
There is also a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and jungle villas to affordable homestays, so you can choose the perfect place to stay.
Plus, with its excellent Wi-Fi connection, Ubud is the perfect place to get some serious work done.
Top 3 Things To Do In Ubud
READ MORE: Best Things To Do In Ubud
#4 Uluwatu
With its stunning beaches, lush cliff views and spectacular sunsets, Uluwatu is a beautiful place to work and relax.
The area has a range of accommodation options for digital nomads, from luxurious beachfront villas to more affordable hostels.
The area is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, meaning you can easily find the perfect place to work and unwind.
Uluwatu also offers a range of activities, from surfing and yoga, to exploring nearby hidden beaches and temples.
#5 Seminyak
While more touristy than the other areas, Seminyak is centrally located and close to the beach, making it the perfect spot for taking a break from work.
It has a wide variety of accommodations available, from luxury villas to budget-friendly hostels, so there is something to suit every digital nomad’s needs.
The area also has plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and entertainment options, so you will never get bored.
It’s more of a vacation destination rather than expat living, so be aware of this before you book a long-term villa.
How to Move to Bali
So you’ve decided you want to move to Bali? Welcome to the club!
In this section, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know before moving to Bali.
As luck would have it, I recently made a YouTube video where I explain everything. Check it out below.
Finding a Place to Live
When it comes to finding a place to live, you can either start looking before you arrive in Bali or wait until you get there.
If you decide to look before you arrive, you can use websites like Airbnb or Booking.com to find short-term rentals.
Once you arrive, you can explore the different areas and see which one suits your lifestyle the best.
You can also use the Facebook groups, such as Canggu Community Housing to find longer term accommodation.
What is the Cost of Living in Bali?
With its stunning natural beauty and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that you might be considering making the move to this tropical paradise.
But while this island may seem like a dream, it is important to know what the cost of living in Bali is before making the move.
Accommodation Costs in Bali
Accommodation costs in Bali vary greatly depending on the location, size, and quality of the property. For a villa in a somewhere like Canggu, you can expect to pay around $1500 – $2500 per month.
If you’re looking for a larger property in a more exclusive area, the price can easily reach $3000 – $4000 per month.
Hotels are typically cheaper than this, with the average cost being around $30 per night and guesthouses / hostels will be cheaper again.
Long-term accommodation in Bali is not cheap, but it will most likely be your biggest expense.
Utility Costs in Bali
Utility costs in Bali are fairly reasonable. Electricity is the most expensive utility and can cost anywhere from $50 – $100 per month.
Water is the cheapest, costing around $10 – $15 per month.
High-speed internet prices range from $20 – $50 per month, depending on the speed and data package you choose.
Food Costs in Bali
Food costs in Bali are incredibly affordable. Eating at local restaurants will cost around $2 – $5 per meal, while more upscale restaurants will cost around $10 – $20 per meal.
Groceries are also very affordable, with basic items such as fruits and vegetables costing around $1 – $3 per kilo, especially if you shop from local markets.
Transportation Costs in Bali
Transportation costs in Bali are also relatively low. Taxi fares range from $0.50 – $5 depending on the distance, while motorbike taxi fares are around $2 – $3.
The best option is to rent a motorbike or a scooter. Daily rental is more expensive at around $7 – $10 per day, but you can also rent longer term.
The prices are always changing, but anything around $2.50 per day is normal when renting for longer than 30 days.
How to Find a Place to Live in Bali
If you’re considering living in Bali, the process of finding a place to live can be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect place to call home.
Do Your Research
Before you start your search for a place to live, it’s important to do some research. Consider factors such as the area’s climate, culture, and cost of living. There are a number of online resources that can help you get a better understanding of the region and what to expect.
Explore the Different Areas
Bali is an incredibly diverse island, so it’s important to explore the different areas to find the best fit for you. From the bustling digital nomad hub of Canggu to the peaceful villages of Ubud, there’s something for everyone.
Take the time to visit each area and get a feel for the atmosphere and lifestyle.
Talk to the Locals
When you’re looking for a place to live, talking to the locals can be a great way to get insider knowledge about the area.
Ask them about their experiences living in Bali and the pros and cons of different neighborhoods. They can also be a valuable source of information about rental options, cost of living, and other important factors.
What Language do they Speak in Bali?
Use Online Resources
There are a number of online resources that can help you in your search. Sites like Airbnb and Expedia offer a wide selection of rental properties, while forums like Canggu Community on Facebook are a great place to find helpful advice and tips from other expats.
Choose Your Budget
When it comes to finding a place to live in Bali, budget is an important factor. Depending on the area, rental prices can range from very affordable to quite expensive. Consider your budget and find a rental that fits your needs and budget.
Take Your Time
When it comes to finding a place to live, it’s important to take your time. Look at as many properties and neighborhoods as possible before you make your decision. This will ensure you find the perfect place to call home.
Finding a place to live in Bali can be a daunting task, but with the right research and preparation, you can find the perfect place to call home. Take your time, do your research, and explore the different areas to find the best fit for you.
What is the Internet Speed Like in Bali
Bali is serviced by two main internet providers – Telkom Indonesia and Indosat. There are also a variety of smaller providers, including First Media and Biznet.
Telkom Indonesia is the largest provider and offers a range of services from basic broadband to fiber-optic connections. Indosat also provides broadband and fiber-optic internet, but their services are more limited.
Internet Speeds
The internet speed in Bali can vary greatly depending on the location and the provider. Generally, most areas have access to speeds of up to 10Mbps, which is enough for most everyday tasks such as browsing and streaming.
However, some areas may have access to faster speeds of up to 20Mbps or even higher.
Cost of Internet in Bali
The cost of internet in Bali is relatively affordable compared to other countries.
Prices range from approximately Rp 150,000 ($10) per month for basic broadband to Rp 800,000 ($50) per month for fiber-optic connections.
So What’s the Internet like?
Overall, the internet speed in Bali is satisfactory for most everyday tasks.
Prices are also affordable, making it a great option for digital nomads and tourists who want to take advantage of the great infrastructure here.
Bali Digital Nomad Visa
The Bali Digital Nomad Visa is a proposed special visa created for digital nomads who want to live and work in Bali for an extended period of time. It’s a long-stay visa that allows digital nomads to stay in Bali for up to 12 months.
The visa would allows digital nomads to travel in and out of Indonesia during the 12-month period.
While it hasn’t officially come into effect as of 2022, you can read more about the proposed plans here.
Bali Digital Nomad FAQ
Yes, Bali is generally considered to be safe. However, it is always wise to take necessary precautions when travelling, such as not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables and being aware of your surroundings.
Bali is in the Central Indonesian Time Zone (WITA), which is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
Bali can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. Accommodation and dining can range from budget-friendly to luxurious, and activities can be tailored to suit any budget.
Bali enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures averaging between 28-33°C (82-91°F). The wet season runs from October to April, with the dry season from May to September.
Bali is an Indonesian island located between Java and Lombok in the westernmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, which is home to the highest diversity of marine life in the world.
Why Move to Bali as a Digital Nomad?
Living and working in Bali as a digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience. The combination of beautiful scenery, friendly people, and an affordable cost of living make this a popular destination for digital nomads.
With its high-speed internet and international airport, it’s easy to stay connected, while its wonderful culture, health-conscious environment, and range of activities provide plenty of opportunities for relaxation and self-care.
Whether you’re looking for a new way to work, hoping to start a business, or simply seeking a change of pace and a fresh start, Bali is an ideal destination for digital nomads.
READ MORE: Where is Bali Located? Full Bali Travel FAQ
