Are you considering becoming a Digital Nomad in Bali, but still unsure if Bali is the right place for you? Do you want to learn about the cost of living, the visa requirements, and other practicalities that come with digital nomadism in Bali? You’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, I’ll be giving you an insider’s perspective on living the digital nomad life in Bali, sharing tips and advice to help you make the move.
Introduction to Digital Nomadism
Are you curious about the digital nomad lifestyle in Bali ? People choose to become digital nomads for many different reasons, but all of them involve the same premise: working remotely, traveling the world, and living a life of freedom and adventure. Digital nomads are location-independent professionals who use technology to work remotely. They typically work from cafés, coworking spaces, or their own homes, although some digital nomads in Bali also choose to work from other countries or even other continents.
The idea of digital nomadism has been around since the early 2000s, but it has gained more traction in the past couple of years. There are now countless digital nomads around the world, and Bali is one of the most popular destinations for aspiring digital nomads. In this article, I will be exploring the digital nomad life in Bali and giving you a comprehensive guide to making it happen.
Reasons Why Bali is a Popular Digital Nomad Destination
Bali is a popular destination for digital nomads for a variety of reasons. For starters, it has a vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal place to work and explore. Bali is also known for its affordable cost of living, making it a great option for those who are on a tight budget. The locals are also incredibly welcoming and friendly, making it easy to make friends and build a community.
Furthermore, Bali is a great place for digital nomads because it is well-connected to the rest of the world. The city has excellent internet connectivity, and it’s easy to find reliable coworking spaces and cafés with good wifi. Additionally, there are many events and meetups for digital nomads in Bali, allowing you to network and make new connections.
Cost of Living in Bali
One of the biggest draws of Bali for digital nomads is its relatively low cost of living. The average cost of living in Bali is around $1,000-$2,000 per month, depending on your lifestyle. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. It is also possible to find more affordable options if you’re willing to compromise on luxuries.
The cost of living in Bali varies greatly depending on your location. For example, if you’re living in a touristy area like Seminyak and Canggu, you can expect to pay higher prices for rent and food. On the other hand, if you’re living in a less touristy area like Ubud or on the outskirts of popular neighborhoods you can get by with a much lower budget.
Accommodation Options in Bali
Finding accommodation in Bali is relatively easy, but it’s important to do your research before making any commitments. The most popular option for digital nomads is to rent a villa or house, which can be done for as little as $500 a month. However, recently the prices of housing and villas has escalated quite a lot and sharing a villa with people would be a good idea. You can join facebook groups to find options.
There are also short-term rental options such as Airbnb and homestays, which can be a good option if you’re only in Bali for a few months.
Another option is to stay in a hostel or a guesthouse. These are usually the cheapest option, but the facilities may not be as good. It’s also important to note that most hostels and guesthouses have a minimum stay requirement of one month. Staying in a guest house is a good option as you get a room with facilities and you have a shared kitchen and swimming pool. A lot of expats do this option as it saves money in the long run.
Working Visas and Tax Requirements
If you plan to work in Bali, you will need to apply for a working visa. The most common type of working visa is the KITAS, which is a temporary stay visa that allows you to stay in Bali for up to a year. To apply for a KITAS, you will need to submit your passport, a copy of your CV, a copy of your contract or job offer, and a copy of your company’s business license.
It’s also important to note that as a foreign worker, you are required to pay taxes in Bali. The exact amount of taxes you will need to pay will depend on your income, but it is typically around 15-20% of your salary. You can either pay your taxes directly or use a tax consultant to help you with the process.
If you plan on travelling for two months or so you can apply for a visa on arrival. You can also obtain a visa that is 4-6 months long. This is called the B211A visa. Check out Bali Visa Regulations for more Info!
Finding a Job in Bali
Finding a job in Bali is quite difficult. Most expats in Bali open up restaurants, clothing shops or build and rent out villas. There are many digital nomads who have found success in Bali, and there are a number of job opportunities available. The most common type of job for digital nomads is freelancing, which allows you to work remotely and be your own boss. You can also find full-time jobs with companies that are based in Bali or that have remote working options.
The best way to find a job in Bali is to use online job boards such as Upwork and Fiverr, or remote job boards such as WeWorkRemotely and RemoteOK. You can also use sites like LinkedIn and AngelList to find job opportunities. It’s also a good idea to attend networking events and meetups to make connections and build your network.
Making Connections and Meeting People
It can be daunting to move to a new place and try to make connections, but it’s an essential part of the digital nomad life. One of the best ways to meet people in Bali is to attend networking events and meetups. There are many events and meetups for digital nomads in Bali, so it’s worth doing your research and attending as many as possible. You can also join online groups and forums to connect with other digital nomads.
Another great way to make connections in Bali is to attend local events such as concerts, festivals, and workshops. These events are great for meeting like-minded people and making new friends. You can also use apps such as Meetup and Eventbrite to find events near you.
Additionally, there are plenty of coworking spaces and cafés in Bali, which are great for networking and connecting with other digital nomads.
Building a Support Network
It’s important to have a support network when you’re living the digital nomad life in Bali. A support network can help you stay motivated and connected, and it can also be a great source of inspiration and advice.
There are many ways to build a support network in Bali. One of the best ways is to join online groups and forums. These groups are usually full of digital nomads who are more than happy to offer advice and support.
You can also attend networking events and meetups to make connections and build relationships.
Additionally, you can join professional associations and organizations related to your industry, which can be a great way to connect with like-minded people.
Recommended Resources for Digital Nomads
There are many great resources available for digital nomads in Bali. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Nomadlist: This is a great resource for finding the best places to live and work as a digital nomad. You can search for cities based on your budget, lifestyle preferences, and more.
- Coworking Spaces in Bali: There are a number of great coworking spaces in Bali, ranging from luxurious spaces to more affordable options. This resource will help you find the best coworking spaces in Bali.
- Meetup: Meetup is a great way to find events and meetups for digital nomads in Bali. You can also join online groups and forums to connect with other digital nomads.
- Coworkation: Coworkation offers a range of resources and guides for digital nomads, including information about visas, taxes, and more.
- Remote Jobs in Bali: This is a great resource for finding remote jobs in Bali. The site features a range of job postings for digital nomads, ranging from freelance gigs to full-time jobs.
Conclusion
If you’re considering becoming a digital nomad, Bali is an excellent destination. It has a vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. It also has an affordable cost of living and excellent internet connectivity, making it an ideal place to work and explore. With the right resources and a bit of research, you can make the transition to digital nomadism in Bali and start living the life of your dreams.
