Tips for Moving to Bali from Australia

Moving to Bali from Australia is something many people dream about—warm weather, laid-back culture, affordable living, and the sense that every day holds a bit of adventure. With that said, between the beaches, the sunsets, and the promise of a slower pace of life, it’s important to know what the transition really involves. Bali is incredible, but it also has its own rhythm, paperwork, quirks, and challenges. If you’re planning to make the move, here are the most important things you should know, based on what expats consistently learn the moment they arrive.

1. Sort Out Your Visa Options Before You Fly

If there’s one thing that can derail your move before it even begins, it’s showing up without the right visa or the right documents. Indonesia’s immigration system is straightforward but strict.

Common options Australians use:

• Visa on Arrival (VOA): Valid for 30 days, extendable once to 60 days total. Good for starting out, but not a true long-term solution.
• B211A Visa (Social/Cultural/Business): This is the popular “stay 6 months” option. You enter on 60 days and extend monthly up to 180 days. But it necessary to note, that now b211A no longer exists under this name. The new one is C1 (Social), C2 (Business), and they work the same as the old B211. Also, a visa costs between $30 and $1,000, more or less.
• KITAS (Long-Term Stay Permit): Work, Investor, or Retirement KITAS. These are 1-year renewable visas and are what long-term expats eventually move to.

Important: No matter which visa you pursue, Indonesia requires proof of onward travel before you’re allowed to enter. Many expats use Fast Onward Tickets to generate a valid onward reservation they can show at immigration. It saves you from buying an actual return ticket you don’t plan to use.

2. Choose the Right Area for Your Lifestyle

Bali is tiny on a map, but the different regions feel like completely separate worlds.

Canggu – The unofficial capital of expats. Surf, cafés, coworking, gyms, and a young digital-nomad crowd. Traffic can be wild, but it’s easy to meet people.
Seminyak – Trendy, beach clubs, restaurants, and closer to the airport. Generally more polished than Canggu.
Uluwatu – Cliffside beaches, surfer paradise, cleaner air, quieter vibe. Great if you want nature and views.
Ubud – Yoga, nature, rice fields, creatives, and a strong wellness community. Cooler climate and calmer pace.
Sanur – More laid-back, family-friendly, quieter nightlife, and a solid expat base.
Amed / Lovina / North Bali – Slow living, diving, peaceful. Remote compared to the south.

Spend your first month exploring before choosing a long-term spot.

3. Budget Realistically—Bali Can Be Cheap or Expensive

Many people think Bali is universally cheap. It can be, but it depends entirely on your choices.

Typical monthly costs for an expat:

• Accommodation:
  – Local-style room: AUD $250–$500
  – Private apartment: $600–$1,000
  – Villa with pool: $1,200–$2,500+
• Scooter rental: $80–$120/month
• Fuel: $1.10 per litre (roughly)
  
• Coworking: $150–$250/month
  
• Gym membership: $60–$150/month
  
• Food:
  – Local warungs: $3–$5 per meal
  – Western restaurants: $10–$20 per meal
  
• Laundry: $1.50–$3 per kg
  
• Visa costs: ~$500–$1,000 depending on the visa type and agent
  
• Medical insurance: $60–$150/month depending on coverage

If you eat local, live in a simple place, and avoid constant nightlife, Bali is extremely affordable. If you want cafés, cocktails, and a private villa, your costs will look similar to living in a mid-sized Australian city.

4. Learn How to Drive a Scooter Safely

You will almost certainly end up driving a scooter. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get around, and most areas are designed around scooter flow.

Tips:

• Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Australia before flying.
  
• Wear a helmet every time, no exceptions.
• Learn how to ride slowly and confidently before entering main roads.
• Understand Bali traffic flows like a river: predictable, but fast.
• Avoid riding drunk—police do check.
• Never leave your scooter unlocked.

If you’re not comfortable on a scooter, live somewhere walkable like Canggu or Sanur.

5. Use Trusted Visa Agents

Indonesia’s immigration system has many steps, especially if you extend visas or apply for a KITAS. A good visa agent in Bali saves time and prevents headaches.

Look for agents with:

• WhatsApp support
  
• Clear pricing
  
• Good Google reviews
  
• Same-day document pickup/drop-off

Never use someone who approaches you on the street or in Facebook groups with unbelievable prices. Make sure you use an honest and reliable business in Bali that delivers for their client who are moving to Bali as foreigner.

6. Understand Bali Culture and Etiquette

Balinese culture is warm, gentle, spiritual, and deeply rooted in tradition. Being respectful goes a long way.

• Dress modestly in temples.
  
• Don’t step on offerings (canang sari) placed on the ground.
  
• Be patient—Bali time is real.
  
• Learn a few Bahasa Indonesia basics:
  – “Terima kasih” (thank you)
  – “Selamat pagi” (good morning)
  – “Berapa?” (how much?)

Respect gets you better service, better friendships, and a smoother life overall.

7. Get Health Insurance

Do not skip insurance in Bali. Accidents happen—road rash, broken bones, food poisoning, dengue fever—and private hospitals aren’t cheap.

Popular options include:

• SafetyWing
  
• World Nomads
  
• IMG Global
  
• Allianz expat plans

A single ER visit can cost $200–$800. Surgery can cost thousands. Insurance is a must.

8. Find Long-Term Housing Smartly

Start with a guesthouse or monthly Airbnb. Then explore neighborhoods by scooter and contact landlords directly.

Tips:

• Annual rentals are far cheaper than month-to-month
  
• Always inspect the property in person
  
• Check for mold—Bali humidity is intense
  
• Ask about included utilities (many rentals exclude electricity)
  
• Negotiate—it’s normal

The best deals aren’t online; they’re found by driving around looking for “Dikontrakkan” or “Dijual” signs.

9. Prepare for Practical Differences

Bali is paradise, but it’s not Australia.

• Power outages happen.
  
• Roads flood in the rainy season.
  
• The internet can drop for seconds at a time.
  
• You’ll hear roosters at 4 am.
  
• Bureaucracy moves at its own pace.

If you can adapt quickly and laugh through the chaos, the island rewards you.

10. Make Community Early

Expat life is easier when you meet people. Popular ways:

• Coworking spaces
  
• Gyms
  
• Surfers’ meetups
  
• Yoga studios
  
• Open mic nights
  
• Sports leagues
  
• Facebook groups (Canggu Community, Bali Expats, Uluwatu Community)

Bali is full of solo travelers and long-term expats—making friends is easier than in most countries.

Final Thoughts

Moving from Australia to Bali is one of the smoothest relocations you can make—short flights, easy visas, and a lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Just handle your visa properly, arrive with proof of onward travel ( Fast Onward Tickets makes this simple ), budget realistically, and stay adaptable.

Bali rewards people who embrace both the beauty and the imperfections. If you show respect, stay flexible, and take things one day at a time, you’ll quickly discover why so many Australians come for a month and end up staying for years.