So, You Want to Move to Bali?

Not surprisingly, that topic comes up on this forum with great frequency.  For certain the idea of living on Bali has mucho appeal, especially for those who have been fortunate to visit this island of the Gods on vacation, and thus have been served a delicious appetizer which only fuels the fire of desire in their belly. 

Having responded to a multitude of posts on the ilk of… “I want to move to Bali, please help”  may I lay out some basics of what to think about before even posting such a question?

Money Matters. 

Bali, and indeed all of Indonesia, is not an entitlement state.  “No money, no honey” is as true here as anywhere else in SE Asia.  A temporary or permanent move to Bali takes a lot of money, and these days, unless you have a regular and reliable source of funds sufficient to support yourself, then file the idea of moving to Bali in the back of your head under the file name “Consider This Later.”

Legal jobs for foreigners on Bali are as rare as two headed macaques.  Unless you have very specialized skills, education and job experience that cannot be found within the available Indonesian work force, you will not, and cannot, be legally be hired.  Moreover, consider that employers of foreigners on Bali must pay US $200.00 a month for work permits for foreign employees, and this is twice the rate for employment on other provinces of Indonesia. 

I’ll Work “Under the Table”

Foreigners who are caught working illegally on Bali (and elsewhere in Indonesia) are subject to a fine of $50,000 US,  and up to ten years in our wonderful “Kerobokan Hotel” (Bali’s prison) as well as permanent deportation after all that is left of you is a shell. 

The why of that is simple…Bali has a very high unemployment rate and there is an understandable attitude prevailing in Indonesia which is “jobs first for Indonesians.”

Given the high unemployment rate in Bali, immigration and police authorities are very much on the look out for illegal foreign workers on Bali.  Worse yet, that nice expat you just befriended may darn well turn you in for a little reward.   

Get Real.

Frankly I am astonished with the many posts from young folks all over the globe thinking along the lines that a move to Bali is about as simple as changing jobs or moving to a new apartment in their own home country.  Where this thought process comes from totally escapes me, but I assure you, it isn’t the case.  Bali is not a part of your country, and Bali is not obligated to serve your every need or desire.  Don’t fall into the common trap of thinking that the world famous Balinese hospitality and warmth means that you are welcome to live here. 

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men.

Bali is the ultimate seductress, or better yet, narcotic.  It constantly blows my mind how so many otherwise logical and practical thinking folks come to live here, but are totally clueless about the realities that ultimately face each and every expat.  It’s in the air I guess, but good grief, keep a hold on yourself and understand right off that what seems like a wonderful dream can so quickly turn into the worst possible nightmare.  Arrogance and ignorance are the two most common features to be found amongst failed expats…and their lessons are always VERY costly.  Expats on Bali ebb and flow like the tide.  And when they flow, they are usually broke.   

Any chance for a successful move to Bali requires a great deal of homework and logical thought as well as several advance long terms visits.  These long term advance visits are essential to getting to know the island, its people, their culture and what your life here will most likely be like.  As obvious as this sounds, it is often totally ignored and folks just show up with a wonderful smile and a glazed look in their eyes pronouncing, “I’m here.”

Yeah, true enough, you’re here, but for how long?