Bali Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2023)

Bali has been one of the most attractive tourist destinations for years. 

In the last decade, it has also become an expat hotspot, making Bali the most popular place for digital nomads in Southeast Asia. 

What is the secret of this Indonesian island? 

Is it true that it is so good there that the island has the nickname “the Island of Gods”? 

This article will not only provide answers to these questions but also help you find out more about:

• Requirements for a Bali digital nomad visa, 
• The process of becoming a digital nomad in Bali, 
• Cost of living in Bali, 
• Advantages and disadvantages of living on “the Island of Gods”, and 
• The best destinations for digital nomads in Bali. 

Let’s waste no more time and see what Bali has to offer! 

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Bali

Here are the quick Bali digital nomad visa facts you might be interested in.

Bali visa questions	Bali visa answers
Does Bali have a digital nomad visa?	No. But it has a partially suitable alternative called — Second Home Visa.
Who can apply for the Bali digital nomad visa?	– Anyone of non-Indonesian nationality who needs an Internet connection to work. – Anyone who meets the other criteria stated later in the guide under the subheading Who is eligible to apply for Bali’s digital nomad visa?
How much does a Bali digital nomad visa cost?	Rp3,000,000 (~$200)
Bali’s digital nomad visa length?	5 years
Minimum stay requirement?	Not stated.
Possible to extend the visa?	Yes, for 5 more years.
Minimum income requirements?	Not stated, but you must have at least Rp2,000,000,000 (~$133,485) in savings
Processing time for visa application?	4 working days after you have submitted proof of payment for visa fees.
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?	Yes, but only with your spouse/registered partner and children.

What to expect as a digital nomad in Bali?

It’s good to know what to expect as a digital nomad in a foreign country. Here are some pieces of information that will help you prepare for living in Bali. 

Bali digital nomad FAQ	Bali digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	– Median download speed — 31.62 Mbps  – Median upload speed — 24.51 Mbps
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and number of voters):	Biliq Seminyak Coworking Space and Meeting Venue, Seminyak (4,8 stars from 241 votes)
Friendly to foreigners:	Yes. Bali has been a popular destination for foreigners for a long time now, hence, the locals are used to people from all around the world.
The most popular place for digital nomads in Bali:	Ubud
Weather in Bali:	Average annual temperature — ​​25.3°C (77.5°F); Coldest month average temperature (August) — 24°C (75,3°F) Hottest month average temperature (April) — 25,9°C (78,7°F)  Around 250 sunny days; Around 115 cloudy days;
Type of climate:	Tropical
Annual air quality average:	US AQI 38 (Good)  PM 2.5 — 2.1x the WHO annual air quality guideline value (Unhealthy for sensitive groups)
Average cost of living:	Family of four: Rp37,322,234 (~$2,500) Single person: Rp19,771,893–Rp22,813,722 (~$1,300–$1,500)
Average coworking space cost:	Rp1,632,398 (~$109) per month
Crime per 100k population:	94
Interesting fact for digital nomads:	Bali has the highest number of digital nomads in Southeast Asia.

Bali digital nomad visa

Unfortunately, the Indonesian government still hasn’t adopted an official Bali digital nomad visa.  

Instead of an Indonesian or Bali digital nomad visa, the government of this Southeast Asian country has adopted a visa called Second Home Visa. 

The Second Home Visa was introduced at the end of 2022, and since then, it has become the most popular solution for digital nomads who want to work and live in Bali for a year or more. 

The main benefits of this Bali digital nomad visa alternative version are the following: 

• You can stay in Bali for 5 years, 
• You can extend the visa for 5 more years, 
• Processing time for visa application is short, and
• You get a chance to work legally from Bali, one of the most popular destinations in the world.  

Although Second Home Visa is not a classic digital nomad visa, this Bali digital nomad visa alternative opens the door to one of the most beautiful destinations in Asia. 

What documents do you need to apply for the Bali digital nomad visa? 

The first step to getting a Second Home Visa and working from Bali is to gather all the necessary documents. 

To make everything easier for you, we have made a list of documents you need to apply for the Bali digital nomad visa alternative: 

• Your passport (must be valid for at least 36 more months at the moment of application), 
• A recent color ID photograph (4 cm x 6 cm), 
• A CV, 
• Proof you have at least Rp2,000,000,000 (~$133,485) in your account or the account of your benefactor. The proof of having enough funds can be submitted within 90 days of obtaining ITAS (Work and stay permit for holders of Second Home Visas),  
• A travel/health insurance that covers potential COVID-19 treatment in Indonesia as well, 
• Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, and
• A statement that you will follow Indonesian health authorities’ protocols in case of unforeseen circumstances. 

As you see, Indonesian authorities do not require proof of employment when applying for a Second Home Visa. 

Now, let’s learn more about who’s eligible to apply for this alternative version of the Bali digital nomad visa. 

Who is eligible to apply for Bali’s digital nomad visa?

The eligibility criteria for a Second Home Visa is still a gray area.

At first, this visa should have been for the well-off retirees and entrepreneurs willing to invest in Indonesia, while digital nomads would at some point get a visa that would be more suitable for their needs. 

However, something eventually changed, and Indonesian authorities introduced a visa that both retirees and digital nomads can use. 

From everything we know about a Second Home Visa, to apply for it, you need to meet the following criteria: 

• To have enough funds at your disposal, 
• To have the necessary documents, and 
• To work for a company registered abroad. 

The rules for working while living in Indonesia are not straightforward, but we know for sure that as a holder of a Second Home Visa, you cannot work for an Indonesian company. 

Also, we strongly recommend you contact the Indonesian embassy or consulate, explain the nature of your job, and see if you are eligible for this type of Indonesia/Bali work visa.

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

Yes, if you are a United States citizen, you are eligible to apply for any type of Indonesia/Bali work visa. 

Also, you should know that US citizens need visas even if they come as tourists to Bali. 

However, the process of issuance of Indonesian/Bali visas for US citizens shouldn’t be complicated because it is only a visa upon arrival that you can pick up at the airport, and it lasts for 30 days. 

Are you eligible if you are a US Green Card holder?

Yes, even if you are a US Green Card holder, you can apply for a Bali digital nomad visa, or in this case — a Second Home Visa. 

However, getting another work permit or becoming a resident of another country might lead to the loss of the US Green Card. Hence, think carefully about your next steps if you have to choose between new permits or a US Green Card. 

Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?

Yes, if you, as an EU citizen, want to live in Bali, you are eligible to do so. 

Naturally, you will need to fulfill the criteria we stated above. 

The same rules that apply to US citizens apply to EU citizens too — those who want to visit Indonesia as tourists also need to get an Indonesia/Bali tourist visa upon arrival. 

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

Yes, if you reside in any other country, and even if you have waived Indonesian citizenship in the past, you are eligible to apply for what should have been a Bali digital nomad visa — a Second Home Visa. 

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Bali?

After you have met all the visa requirements for Bali and gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time to apply. 

First of all, you need to make an account or register with the Indonesian Directorate for Migration. After you have registered, apply for a Second Home Visa at the same website. 

When you have done everything we stated above, the only thing you can do is wait. 

It is still not clear how long the process will take, but we believe you can expect an answer within 4 and 8 working days. 

Once you get a positive answer, go to Indonesia to pick up your visa. 

Upon your arrival, you will get ITAS — an Indonesian limited stay permit. Authorities will need to take a picture of you at the airport, so we recommend you get a fresh haircut and try to rest as much as possible during the flight to look good on your new stay permit. 

Finally, if you haven’t submitted the proof of funds during the application process, you can do so within 90 days from the date of your arrival in Indonesia. 

What other types of visas suitable for digital nomads does Bali offer? 

Unfortunately, Indonesia, and by that — Bali, doesn’t offer many alternative solutions for digital nomads. 

The only alternative to a Second Home Visa is the so-called B211A visa.

Let’s see what it offers. 

The alternative to a Second Home Visa — B211A visa

Until the introduction of the Second Home Visa, the only, to some extent, suitable visa for Bali digital nomads was the B211A visa. 

It is still very popular among digital nomads who want to work in Bali and don’t meet some of the requirements for the Second Home Visa. 

Although there is an ongoing dilemma about whether digital nomads can work legally with this visa in Bali or not, the minister of tourism in Indonesia has confirmed that they can. 

Therefore, let’s see the benefits it provides:

• You can live and work from Bali legally as a digital nomad, 
• You can stay for up to 180 days, and 
• You can prolong your stay for additional 180 days by applying for an Onshore B211A visa. 

Now, don’t get confused, there are 2 types of B211A visas:

• Onshore B221A visa 
• Offshore B221A visa

They are literally the same, but with only one difference — you apply for an Offshore visa online, from the country where you live, while for an Onshore visa, you apply when you are already in Bali. 

The Offshore B221A visa is valid for 60 days, and you can prolong it twice, both times for 60 days — meaning you can stay for up to 180 days in Bali. 

If you want to stay there longer, before the expiration of the Offshore visa, apply from Indonesia for the Onshore visa. That will grant you 60 more days, and if you prolong it, you can stay for another 180 days. 

Now, let’s see what documents you need to apply for a B211A visa.

What documents do I need for a B211A visa? 

The documents necessary for a B211A visa are the following: 

• Your passport, 
• Two recent color ID photographs (4 cm x 6 cm),
• An onward or return ticket for another country that proves you will continue your journey after the expiration of the visa, 
• Proof of having at least Rp30,374,500 (~$2,000) in your account or savings book, 
• The guarantee letter (unless you are going there for tourist purposes), 
• A travel/health insurance that covers potential COVID-19 treatment in Indonesia as well, and
• Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

You can perform the whole application process online via the online visa approval application website. After the Indonesian authorities confirm that the documentation is complete, you will have to pay immigration fees, and eventually, your visa will be issued. 

Which Bali visa type is best for digital nomads?

Since there is not yet a proper Bali digital nomad visa, digital nomads who want to live and work in Bali will have to choose between its alternatives — a Second Home Visa and B211A visa. 

Yes, a Second Home Visa has become popular among digital nomads, but still, not everyone has Rp2,000,000,000 (~$133,485) in their accounts. 

Therefore, if you don’t meet the criteria for a Second Home Visa, B211A is your best choice. 

In any case, before you apply for any of the aforementioned visas, we recommend you contact the Indonesian embassies/consulates or reliable law firms specialized in migration so that you know for sure which Bali remote work visa would be best for you. 

Costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Bali

There are many rumors that the cost of living in Bali is extremely high and that it is a place for rich people only. 

We can say that those rumors are true. Partially. 

Bali is big enough to be a home for well-off people, but what makes Bali unique is that even people who are not millionaires can find their place under the Balinese sun. 

How is that possible? Well, let’s take a closer look at the expenses you should know before calculating Bali’s cost of living, and everything will be clear. 

Expense #1: Accommodation

Hmm, let’s see, how expensive can it be to find accommodation on the island that has the nickname “the Island of Gods”? 

Well, according to the data available, Gods were economical when choosing the place for living because the accommodation prices in Bali are moderate. 

Yes, we would expect accommodation in one of the most visited destinations in Asia to be more expensive, but the truth is you can find well-furnished 1-bedroom apartments from around Rp8,969,186 (~$600). 

For slightly more money, you can even rent apartments that have pools or gardens within the complex they are located. 

Another popular option among digital nomads in Bali is to rent a villa, but for that, you will need either a higher salary or a few colleagues willing to spend slightly more for accommodation. 

In any case, let’s see the average prices of 1-bedroom apartments in Bali’s most popular areas.

Place in Bali	Accommodation costs
Denpasar	Rp8,969,186–Rp11,958,915 (~$600–$800)
Canggu	Rp8,969,186–Rp11,958,915 (~$600–$800)
Ubud	Rp8,969,186 (~$600)
Kuta	Rp8,969,186 (~$600)
Seminyak	Rp8,969,186–Rp10,464,050 (~$600–$700)

Also, bear in mind that the prices of accommodation in Bali can vary depending on the number of tourists. Therefore, it would be best to rent an apartment during the off-season, when there are fewer visitors — somewhere between October and February.  

Expense #2: Groceries

Prices of groceries in Bali are similar to those in Europe or Northern America.

Like almost every country in the world right now, Indonesia has been coping with inflation for some time recently, but it seems that food and drink prices are steady for now, and will remain the same in the future.

To give you a better picture of prices in Bali, we have made a list of the average prices of some most often-bought groceries. 

Groceries	Grocery prices in Bali
Bread	Rp14,948 (~$1,00)
Water 2 l (67,6 fl oz)	Rp34,381 (~$2,30)
Milk 1 l (33,8 fl oz)	Rp22,422 (~$1,50)
Chicken breasts 1 kg (2,2 lbs)	Rp66,820 (~$4,47)
Cheese 500 g (1,1 lbs)	Rp68,016 (~$4,55)
12 eggs	Rp26,907 (~$1,80)
Rice 1 kg	Rp16,443 (~$1,10)
Apples 1 kg	Rp34,381 (~$2,30)
Oranges 1 kg	Rp25,412 (~$1,70)
Tomatoes 1 kg	Rp21,227 (~$1,42)
Potatoes 1 kg	Rp26,160 (~$1,75)

Expense #3: Utilities

We would be thrilled to say that Bali’s second nickname is “the Island of Free Utilities”, but unfortunately, it is not. 

According to available data, the current electricity price in Bali is Rp1,447 (~$0,097) for 1 kWh of power. That means if you spend, for example, 100 kWh of electricity, you need to pay Rp144,776 (~$9,7). 

According to the available data, the price of 1m³ of water in Bali is Rp1,900 (~$0,13). However, the price increases with the higher water expenditure, so we recommend you always be in touch with the water prices in Bali to know how much you need to pay.  

Since it is almost always sunny in Bali, there is no need for heating there. However, during the monsoon season, the temperatures might decrease, so you might turn on the air conditioners to warm up your place a bit. 

That can result in slightly higher bills for electricity, but hey, you don’t pay regular heating bills as in most European and North American countries. 

Also, depending on how organized the neighborhood where you live is, you might need to pay for some additional bills for cleaning or garbage disposal. 

Therefore, we recommend asking the landlord or real estate agents about additional expenses before renting a place in Bali. 

Expense #4: Gas and public transportation

Bali is a beautiful island where you can get almost anywhere by car. However, before going on any trip by car, you should know how much money you will spend on gas. 

Here are the fuel prices in Bali. 

Gas	Gas costs in Bali
Diesel	17,163 Rp/l (~1,15 $/l)
Petrol	19,849 Rp/l (~1,33 $/l)
Auto Gas	6,268 Rp/l (~0,42 $/l)
LPG	203,120 Rp/14,2 Kg cylinder (~13,61 $/14,2 Kg cylinder)

Unfortunately, public transportation in Bali is not at the same level as transportation in Europe, North America, or some more developed Asian countries. 

Therefore, we recommend renting or buying a car while living in Bali if you plan to go to other places or distant areas. Even getting a taxi is better than driving in Bali buses. 

However, if you still want to travel by bus, you need to pay around Rp5,000 (~$0,33) for a bus ticket. 

“Not much“, you might say, but the price isn’t a problem; it is the discomfort and low quality of buses. 

Yeah, riding a bus is a good way to meet the local culture and people, but eventually, it can become annoying to spend hours in hot and dusty vehicles. 

Expense #5: Bars and restaurants

Bali, along with Thailand’s capital Bangkok, is the Asian nightlife capital. 

Since Bali is almost always packed with tourists from all over the world, it has an abundance of restaurants, bars, and clubs that have something for everyone. 

If you are a fan of the fine dining concept, you will be amazed at how many fine dining restaurants Bali offers. To have a meal in one of those restaurants, you need Rp224,081–Rp746,937 (~$15–$50), depending on what you eat and drink. 

On the other hand, wandering in Bali street markets might lead you to some Balinese street food specialties, for which you need Rp22,408–Rp37,346 (~$1,5–$2,5). Since Southeast Asia is famous for its delicious street food, it would be a pity not to try it while living and working in Bali. 

Having a drink in a local bar, pub, or club is a great way to meet new people, whether they are locals or Bali digital nomads. Therefore, we recommend you visit some of them. 

Here are the average prices in Balinese bars. 

Drinks	Drink prices in Bali
Beer 0,5 l (16,9 fl oz)	~Rp48,999 (~$3,28)
Pepsi/Coca-Cola 0,33l (11,15 fl oz)	~Rp23,005 (~$1,54)
Cappuccino	~Rp32,118 (~$2,15)
Juices 0,33l	~Rp24,648 (~$1,65)
Liquors	~Rp104,571–Rp164,326 (~$7–$11)

Take into account that Bali is a tourist hotspot and, because of that, the prices can vary. 

Expense #6: Coworking spaces

According to the available data, the average price of a desk in Bali coworking spaces is Rp1,628,323 (~$109) per month.   

If you like to work with other digital nomads, finding your favorite Bali coworking space might be difficult because there are many great places, especially in the Denpasar area. 

Furthermore, having a desk in some of those coworking places is not expensive at all, bearing in mind the prices in some other countries popular among digital nomads.

Expense #7: Internet

The average Internet price in Bali is around Rp522,856 (~$35) per month. 

For example, if you purchase the Biznet home Internet package, whose speed can go up to 100 Mbps, you’ll need to pay Rp575,000 (~$38,5). In addition, you will get IPTV, which has many American and European channels. 

On the other hand, if you check what GlobalXtreme, one of the most popular Indonesian Internet providers, has to offer, you’ll see that their home Internet package costs Rp500,000 (~$33) per month. 

Other providers such as D-Net or Blueline offer similar packages for almost the same price. 

Do digital nomads pay tax in Bali?

No, digital nomads do not have to pay taxes in Bali since they do not work for an Indonesian-registered company but for a company registered abroad. 

You will have to pay taxes in this Southeast Asian country only if you eventually get a job in some Indonesian registered company (with an Indonesian work permit). 

Until that happens, you are not obliged to pay taxes in Bali. 

However, bear in mind that although you live in Bali, you must pay taxes in a country where you are either registered as a citizen or have an appropriate tax number. 

Also, we strongly recommend visiting some of the accredited tax and accounting services offices after arriving in Bali to get more first-hand information. 

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Bali?

We always like to start with the positive aspects of being a digital nomad in a certain country or area. 

The benefits can give you a picture of the place where you plan to live and possibly help you decide whether a certain place is for you or not. 

So, let’s waste no more time and learn more about the main benefits of being a digital nomad in Bali.

Benefit #1: Low crime rate

You can feel safe as a foreigner in Bali. 

Bali has been a tourist hotspot in Southeast Asia for a long time now, and locals are used to tourists — and they are pretty friendly to them as well. 

The latest data about the Indonesian crime rate claims that there are 94 crimes per 100K people per year. That crime rate is pretty similar to the rates of some European or North American countries.

As in most cases, crowded and popular destinations are fertile grounds for pickpocketing and petty thefts. Therefore, we recommend keeping your belongings somewhere safe and carrying only essential items. 

Also, beware of credit card frauds that might happen. Most often, those frauds happen when you dial a fake phone number put on an ATM by criminals. Hence, if you see anything suspicious at an ATM, avoid using it. 

Finally, when you go out, watch out for drink spiking that might happen occasionally. So, we recommend you hang out at places that have a good reputation among tourists and foreigners. 

Overall, if you take the “necessary precautions” we mentioned, you will not have to worry about your safety in Bali.  

Benefit #2: Good social life

Social life in Bali is a mixture of traditional and contemporary cultures. Therefore, there is something for everyone. 

First of all, after you arrive in Bali and spend enough time meeting Balinese people, you will notice their friendliness and hospitality towards foreigners. However, one of the most interesting things to foreigners who come to Bali is the fact that locals are incredibly talented at art. 

Hence, since locals are friendly, you can ask them to show you the local art. You will undoubtedly enjoy observing various sculptures, temples, paintings, and even local conceptual art. 

Secondly, Balinese people have preserved local customs and traditions. 

Therefore, we recommend you observe their traditional ceremonies, such as Galungan, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, whenever you have an opportunity. 

After all, that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the local people’s traditions, which you will probably remember for your whole life. 

Finally, one of the contemporary phenomena that flourished in Bali is nightlife. A lot of buzzing places to go out, combined with the friendliness of the locals and curiosity of other digital nomads and professionals from abroad, can often result in nights to remember.

All these opportunities to socialize and enjoy local culture make Bali a unique place we are sure you will enjoy. 

Benefit #3: Great weather and satisfying air quality 

The weather in Bali is perfect. 

You can enjoy swimming and sunbathing over the whole year. 

Even though monsoons might appear from time to time, they mostly bring strong winds without rain. Occasional downpours can happen, but in most cases, they last only for about an hour. 

After that, you can continue enjoying the Island of Gods’ sunny weather and lovely beaches. 

Although Indonesia has low air quality, Bali is an exemption. Bali has moderately good or satisfying air quality. 

Namely, if you take a look at Bali’s air quality, you will notice that most Balinese cities have air quality labeled as “good”. 

Naturally, some cities occasionally have slightly worsened or “moderately good” air quality due to their proximity to the terrestrial parts of Indonesia where some polluting industries are located.   

However, it is not something that should worry you too much because the air quality in Bali is much better compared to some other parts of the world and Southeast Asia in particular. 

Benefit #4: Moderate cost of living

As you have seen above, the cost of living in Bali is moderate. 

That means that a digital nomad who holds Bali digital nomad visa or its alternatives can enjoy a great life on this Indonesian island for around Rp19,771,893–Rp22,813,722 (~$1,300–$1,500) per month. 

This amount includes apartment rent, utility bills, groceries, and the Internet. 

Since the majority of digital nomads’ annual income is between $100,000 and $250,000, the expenses of living in this tropical paradise will be just a drop in the ocean for them. 

Naturally, expenses might be higher if you come with your spouse or kids, but still, we believe that around Rp 37,322,234 (~$2,500) will be enough for a family of four to cover the basic needs and expenses in Bali. 

Benefit #5: No smoking in public areas

Oh, non-smokers will like this! 

Namely, one of the benefits of living in Bali is the fact that smoking is not allowed in most public places in Bali. 

So, yes, finally a Southeast Asian state where you don’t have to air your clothes out due to cigarette smells after clubbing or hanging out in a restaurant. You can go to a restaurant or bar and breathe fresh air without worrying that someone around you will smoke and spoil your night. 

It goes without saying that smoking is also forbidden in religious or public buildings. 

Also, holders of Bali digital nomad visa should be aware that it is not allowed to smoke and drive because of road safety. 

However, since around 30% of adults in Indonesia are smokers (around 55 million people) and a lot of tourists who come to Bali like to smoke, there had to be some kind of compromise. 

As a result, there are still some areas in public spaces, as well as in bars and restaurants, where people can smoke.  

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Bali?

Although Bali is a tropical paradise with a lot of advantages, it has a few drawbacks as well. 

Here you can see the main drawbacks of living in Bali as a digital nomad. 

Drawback #1: Not-so-fast Internet 

Although the Indonesian digital economy has been rapidly growing during the post-pandemic period, there are still some aspects that Indonesian authorities have to improve. 

Namely, Indonesia’s average internet speed is still far behind the average speed in Singapore, Thailand, and Taiwan. 

Okay, it is understandable since Singaporean, Thai, and Taiwanese economies are some of the best in Asia. However, if Indonesian and Bali authorities want to make digital nomads choose Bali instead of, for example, Taiwan, they need to improve the average internet speed all over the country. 

Building better internet infrastructure is the only way to increase it. 

Since Bali has a decent internet infrastructure, you probably will not have problems with the internet connection, but the internet speed will be lower than in the countries mentioned above. However, if you go to other, more rural areas of Indonesia, you will see problems with both connection and speed. 

Therefore, we hope Indonesians will make further improvements and that digital nomads will enjoy higher internet speed in all parts of Indonesia. 

Drawback #2: Low English proficiency 

Unfortunately, locals’ English proficiency is not at the highest level. 

Namely, according to the 2022 English proficiency rankings, the proficiency of Indonesians is labeled as Low. 

Indonesia took 81st place among 111 states, which is pretty bad if you want to attract foreign digital nomads who mostly speak English as their first or second language. 

However, since Bali is hugely popular among tourists, most locals in urban places have at least some English knowledge. So, don’t expect to have some big problems in communication there. But, if you go to some other parts of Bali, off the beaten path, you might face communication barriers because the locals don’t know English very well or at all.  

Therefore, whenever you travel to some out-of-the-ordinary places in inland Indonesia or Bali we recommend you arm yourself with patience and find some alternative ways of communicating with the locals.

Drawback #3: Poorly organized healthcare system

As a digital nomad with health insurance, you have the right to use both public and private healthcare facilities in Bali. 

However, since there is a huge discrepancy between how the Balinese public and private healthcare facilities are organized, we recommend you rely on private clinics and hospitals.

Private healthcare facilities are nicely organized, well-equipped, and have a lot of English-speaking personnel. 

On the other hand, the public healthcare system in Indonesia lacks primary healthcare providers and capacities, and compared to private hospitals, it is outdated. Furthermore, if you need to pay for treatment in most public facilities, you cannot use a credit card but cash only. 

There have been some advancements in the public healthcare system in Indonesia, such as the introduction of universal healthcare coverage in 2014, but it is not enough since the gap between private and public healthcare is getting bigger. 

Therefore, we hope to see further advancements in the public healthcare system soon, especially in rural areas, because the Indonesian public healthcare system could and should be organized better.

Drawback #4: Declining human rights

Although safety in Indonesia is satisfying, the recent decline in human rights is worrisome.

Namely, due to recently adopted laws that restrict personal freedom, you cannot do the following things:

• Criticize authorities, 
• Discuss religious matters in a way that someone might think of as blasphemous, 
• Have extramarital sex, and 
• Get married if you are a member of one of the sexual minorities. 

The threats to human rights by banning the rights and activities mentioned above come as a surprise because Indonesia, not so long ago, was a democratic role model in Southeast Asia. 

Nevertheless, times have changed, and now it is not so easy to be a member of a minority in Indonesia. As a holder of a Bali digital nomad visa or some of its alternatives, you should be aware of these facts. 

However, since Bali has always been one of the most liberal areas in Indonesia, we doubt that police control regarding obeying the aforementioned rules will be as fierce as in other parts of Indonesia. 

In any case, we hope Indonesian authorities will adopt new, more progressive legislation soon and that the current human rights crisis will be short-term.  

5 Best destinations for digital nomads in Bali

It is almost impossible to choose the single best destination for digital nomads in Bali because the choice depends on various factors, the most important one being the digital nomad’s personal preference. 

However, it is possible to mention at least a few destinations that the holders of Bali digital nomad visas ready to move to this tropical island would love the most.  

Therefore, here are the 5 best destinations for digital nomads in Bali. 

Denpasar — Best for those who like to live in urban areas 

Population: 725,314

City area: 49.34 mi² (127.78 km²)

Time zone: UTC +8 (Indonesia Central Time) 

Average internet speed: 30.35 Mbps (median download speed), 20.36 Mbps (median upload speed) 

Average cost of living: around Rp17,854,804 (~$1,200) per month (with rent, groceries, and utilities)

Average cost of rent: Rp8,969,186–Rp11,958,915 (~$600–$800) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Biggest advantage: Cultural center of Bali

Biggest drawback: Might become overcrowded with expats at some point 

Denpasar is the biggest city in Bali. It is the cultural and economic center of this beautiful island, so many expats choose it as their preferred destination. 

Overall impression of Denpasar is that it is an open city with a lot to offer. The city has something for everyone — from amazing landmarks and peaceful religious sights to contemporary buildings and streets bustling with tourists. 

And, the most important thing is that it isn’t overcrowded. Yet. 

Denpasar residents are mostly open-minded and believe in harmony and tolerance. Therefore, social and any kind of chauvinistic conflicts are almost non-existent. 

There is plenty of things to do in Denpasar to “grease the social wheels”. 

You can go out and enjoy the same food and drink as in Europe or Northern America, socialize with the locals or other expats living in Denpasar, or simply go out to local nightclubs. 

However, it remains to be seen how the recently adopted laws will affect Denpasar’s social harmony and tolerance in the future period.

If you are going to live and work solo from Denpasar, around Rp17,854,804 (~$1,200) per month will be enough to cover your basic expenses. It is a real bargain when you take into account all the possibilities you have in this beautiful provincial capital. 

Where to work in Denpasar

There is a plethora of coworking spaces in Denpasar, but one that seems slightly better than the others is Biliq Seminyak Coworking Space and Meeting Venue. It has 4,8 stars from 241 votes on Google. 

Ubud — Best for outdoor activities 

Population: 74,800

City area: 16.36 mi² (42.38 km²)

Time zone: UTC +8 (Indonesia Central Time) 

Average internet speed: 29.52 Mbps (median download speed), 19.43 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: Rp14,879,003 (~$1000) per month (with rent, groceries, and utilities)

Average cost of rent: Rp8,969,186 (~$600) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Biggest advantage: Amazing nature 

Biggest drawback: Unreliable transportation 

Ubud is a town in central Bali that has developed into the new center of the island. 

The town is a mixture of tradition and modernity, and it seems that tourists and digital nomads like it very much since it has become one of the most popular nomadic destinations in Indonesia. 

Due to the amazing nature that surrounds the city, the town is ideal if you want to hide from the madding crowd and work outside without being interrupted by hordes of tourists wandering around.

Still, if you want to live in slightly more urban areas, don’t worry. Ubud also has its urban parts where you will feel like you live in a big city due to the various shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, and coworking spaces.

The biggest problem of living in Ubud is transportation. 

Namely, intercity bus transport and taxi and transportation services such as Uber are not reliable north of Denpasar. So, if you need to go to other parts of Bali, the best thing is to have your car. 

If you decide to live in Ubud, between Rp11,958,915 and Rp14,879,003 (~$800–$1000) per month would be enough. 

Also, what does living in a villa with a pool sound like? If it sounds good, check out the availability of villas for rent because they are often moderately priced. 

Where to work in Ubud 

Although Ubud is a town with only around 70,000 inhabitants, it has a plethora of great coworking spaces. The one that stands out is Outpost Ubud Coworking Space. It has an average rate of 4.8 from 220 votes on Google. 

Kuta (urban village) — Best for 24-hour party people  

Population: 20,228

Village area: 2.79 mi² (7.23 km²)

Time zone: UTC +8 (Indonesia Central Time) 

Average internet speed: 36.99 Mbps (median download speed), 19.85 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: Rp14,879,003 (~$1000) per month (with rent, groceries, and utilities)

Average cost of rent: Rp8,969,186 (~$600) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Biggest advantage: Popular among holidaymakers

Biggest drawback: Popular among holidaymakers 

You know the saying that beauty is a curse? Well, it makes sense if we take a look at Kuta. 

The beauty of this coastal urban village has attracted tourists from all over the world for decades. The first visitors to this settlement in the modern era were hippies in the 60s and 70s.  

It was a real hippie gem back then, and that was just the beginning. 

After a few decades, surfers noticed that the waves that splash the shores of Kuta are something different and worth visiting. Therefore, Kuta has become one of the best places for surfers and those who want to try this extreme sport. 

Finally, in recent years, along with surfers, a lot of holidaymakers that have a craving for parties and fun have started to come to Kuta, making it one of the best party destinations in Indonesia.

Therefore, digital nomads who are ready to spend between Rp11,958,915 and Rp14,879,003 (~$800–$1000) monthly for basic expenses and love to party would probably love this place. 

On the other hand, if you prefer peaceful surroundings, you should look elsewhere. 

Where to work in Kuta 

Since Denpasar is close to Kuta, you can work in some of the most popular coworking spaces in the Balinese administrative center. However, if you prefer to stay in Kuta, you won’t be sorry because it has some pretty good hubs, as well. 

According to Google, the best is GoWork Park23 Coworking Space (4.8 stars from 152 votes). 

Canggu — Second best destination for digital nomads  

Time zone: UTC +8 (Indonesia Central Time) 

Average internet speed: 24.69 Mbps (median download speed), 15.31 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: Rp14,879,003 (~$1000) per month (with rent, groceries, and utilities)

Average cost of rent: Rp8,969,186 (~$600) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Biggest advantage: You have everything you need 

Biggest drawback: Might become overcrowded with tourists and expats

Remember when we said that there was a saying that beauty was often a curse? Well, in the case of Canggu, the saying is not true. 

Namely, for now, this small village of astounding beauty functions pretty well. However, it is getting increasingly popular, so we hope that the sudden popularity of this small settlement will not result in overpopulation. 

Whatever digital nomad group on social media you visit, you will notice that one of the most discussed destinations is Canggu. And, since we have done our research about it, we understand why. 

Imagine a coastal place where you can:

• Live for as much as Rp11,958,915–Rp14,879,003 (~$800–$1000) per month,
• Work in peace on sandy beaches, 
• Enjoy fine dining and local specialties, 
• Visit Sunday Market every week to buy local goods and souvenirs, and
• Surf.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? 

If you get your Bali digital nomad visa and decide to live in Canggu, we recommend you do so before it becomes overcrowded with tourists and other expats. 

Where to work in Canggu

Since Canggu has around 10km of beach with an abundance of Wi-Fi-equipped bars, working outside has never been more alluring. 

In case of bad weather, we recommend you try some of Canggu’s coworking places, such as Outpost Canggu Coworking (4.7 stars from 286 votes on Google). 

Also, you might visit some of the coworking spaces in Denpasar, since it is pretty close to Canggu. 

Seminyak — Best destination for digital nomads in Bali

Population: 4,256

Suburb area: 1.02 mi² (2.65 km²)

Time zone: UTC +8 (Indonesia Central Time) 

Average internet speed: 27.36 Mbps (median download speed), 26.21 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: Rp14,879,003 (~$1000) per month (with rent, groceries, and utilities)

Average cost of rent: Rp8,969,186–Rp10,464,050 (~$600–$700) per month for a 1-bedroom apartment

Biggest advantage: Well-organized 

Biggest drawback: Might be too small 

Seminyak is a settlement, part of Kuta district, which (we believe) is currently the best destination for digital nomads in Bali. 

It is also one of the places in Bali with the lowest average cost of living where between Rp8,969,186–Rp10,464,050 (~$600–$700) per month would be enough for a single person. 

Seminyak is also a place where you can find beautiful beach bars, restaurants, and shops. In other words, everything an expat needs. 

If you want to go to a more urban place, Denpasar is 10km away. On the other hand, if you are longing for a crazy night out, Kuta is pretty close. 

Therefore, Seminyak is perfectly positioned. 

The only problem is that Seminyak is not so big. Hence, it is, just like a few other cities on our list, in danger of overpopulation. 

In any case, it is still our favorite destination due to its position, aforementioned benefits, and beauty. 

Where to work in Seminyak 

Seminyak, Kuta, and Denpasar are so close to each other that you can easily commute from one place to another to work. 

However, if you prefer to stay in the Seminyak area and work from one of the coworking spaces there, we recommend you check the Kembali Innovation Hub due to its high rating on Google (4.7 from 939 votes). 

Tips for digital nomads in Bali

Bali can be your dream destination, but only if you know a few things about it before coming there. 

Therefore, to help you settle in the best possible way and avoid any potential pitfalls, here are the tips you should know.

Tip #1: Avoid using public transport

Unfortunately, if you plan to use public transport in Bali, we have bad news — it is almost non-existent. Yes, as we said above, there are old and dusty buses that represent some kind of public transport in Bali, but they are far from reliable. 

We recommend you use public transport in Bali only if you want to meet the Balinese society better and get a unique experience of driving in probably the same buses as hippies from the 60s.

If you want to travel to other parts of Bali, we recommend using taxi services for nearby destinations and your own or rental car for longer distances. 

Tip #2: Respect the religious beliefs of the locals

“Hmm, I have finally come to Bali, this paradise on earth where people are nothing but hospitable and friendly to me. What should I do first? Oh, I know! I’ll pose naked in front of their sacred sites, they will surely like that!”

Believe it or not, some people think like this. As a result, it is not uncommon for tourists to pose naked in front of Balinese religious sites. Naturally, that angers the locals and creates a gap between foreigners and locals — a gap that is not good for anybody. 

Therefore, we urge you not to go full-monty in front of sacred sites and respect the religious beliefs of the locals. 

Tip #3: Visit as many places as you can

Some would say, “Visit one place in Bali, and you have seen them all”, and oh boy, would they be wrong! 

Although the cities might look similar, they all have something unique to offer — the color of the sand, the most popular attractions, or simply — the people. 

Therefore, we recommend you visit as many places as possible while living in Bali.

Further reading for digital nomads in Bali

Here are some further readings for digital nomads in Bali that might be useful. 

• If you are looking for more information about the online application process, we recommend checking out the Indonesian guide for online visa application.  
• To find accommodation in Canggu easier, we recommend checking out the posts in Facebook groups such as Canggu community housing and Bali Canggu housing and accommodation. 
• Blue Bird Taxi seems like the most reliable taxi service in Bali, according to various reviews. 
• Day trips are one of the main benefits of living in Bali. Hence, we recommend you check the available day trips/tours/expeditions.  
• The Jakarta Post — one of the most popular news outlets in Bali. 

Conclusion: “The Island of Digital Nomads” is the new “The Island of Gods”  

Naturally, the heading of this conclusion is a joke, but still, bearing in mind how popular Bali has become among digital nomads, it would not be surprising if the island gets another nickname soon. 

After everything we have seen in this guide, that would not raise any eyebrows, on the contrary, the island has almost everything a digital nomad could wish for. 

With further improvements in the aspect of internet speed, the island would certainly become a dreamland for many nomads who earn a living from their laptops.

To conclude, Bali is the perfect place for all digital nomads who are adventurous and willing to explore different cultures. 

Bali digital nomads visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Bali digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various Bali-related topics.

Please bear in mind that our article was written in Q3 of 2023, so any changes that are made in the Bali digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

References: 

• Bali climate: weather by month, temperature, precipitation, when to go. (n.d.). Climate – Bali (Indonesia). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.climatestotravel.com/climate/indonesia/bali 
• Bali.com. (2022, December 27). Second Home Visa bali Indonesia – FAQ (Digital Nomad Visa). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://bali.com/bali/bali-visa-indonesia-entry-regulations/second-home-visa-nomads/ 
• Cost of Fuel in Bali (M), Bali. (n.d.). Fuel Price in Bali (M), Bali | Bali (M), Bali Fuel Price. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.mypetrolprice.com/rajasthan/pali/bali/Fuel-prices-in-bali_m/92830 
• IQAir. (n.d.). Bali air quality index (AQI) and Air Pollution Information. Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://www.iqair.com/indonesia/bali