Key Takeaways
- Moving to Bali from the US requires proper planning—especially choosing the right visa (VoA, B211A, E33G, or KITAS) depending on your length of stay.
- Key setup steps include working with a visa agent, preparing finances, securing short-term housing first, and arranging transport and international health insurance.
- Bali offers a lower cost of living and strong expat community, but comes with challenges like traffic, infrastructure issues, and legal limits on foreign property ownership.
- Important considerations include taxes (after 180 days), working legally with the right visa, and ensuring passport validity before entry.
So, you’re sitting at your desk in New York or LA, feeling burned out from the fast-paced lifestyle in the US? You’re not alone.
The nonstop pace of life back home has more Americans thinking about moving to Bali permanently for something slower, simpler, and more affordable.
But here’s the reality—moving to Bali isn’t just about booking a flight and finding a villa. There are a few important steps to get right first.
This guide walks you through what you need to know before making the move.
How Long Can a US Citizen Live in Bali?
Most Americans start with a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which allows you to stay for 30 days and extend once for another 30 days, giving you up to 60 days total.
If you’re planning to stay longer than that, you’ll need a different visa setup.
Visa Options for Americans
- Visa on Arrival (VOA / E-VOA): Valid for 30 days and extendable once (up to 60 days total). Best for short visits or initial scouting.
- Visitor Visa (B211A): A single-entry visa valid for 60 to 180 days. Great for longer stays, exploring Bali, or working remotely (before switching to a digital nomad visa).
- Remote Worker / Digital Nomad Visa (E33G): Introduced in 2024, this visa allows remote workers to live in Bali for up to one year (renewable), as long as you work for a company outside Indonesia. It requires a minimum annual income of $60,000.
- KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit): Designed for longer stays (1–2 years). Common options include investor KITAS, retirement KITAS (for those 55+), or a work-sponsored KITAS.
Steps for Moving to Bali
1. Apply for Your Visa
Indonesia’s visa process can feel confusing if you’re not familiar with it, especially with different visa types, document requirements, and changing regulations. It’s usually easier to work with a local visa agent to handle your visa application before you fly.
A local agent can guide you through the right option based on your situation, handle the paperwork, and help avoid common mistakes that could delay your entry.
2. Plan Your Finances
Set up an account like Wise to manage currency exchange. You’ll also want to have proof of funds (typically $2,000 or more), which is often required for visa applications.
However, if you cannot show this amount personally, you can sometimes use a sponsor's financial documents or a letter of support.
3. Sort Out Accommodation
Book a hotel or short-term villa for your first 1–2 weeks. Once you arrive, take time to explore and find long-term villa rental in person to avoid scams.
The most popular areas in Bali for Americans include Canggu, Berawa, Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu. These areas are known for their quality infrastructure, Western-friendly amenities, and strong expat communities across different lifestyles.
4. Get Around
Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in the US before you leave. Once in Bali, you can rent a motorbike or use ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab to get around easily.
It’s worth noting that there isn’t much public transportation in Bali. While you can get around on foot in some areas, many of the island’s best spots are quite far apart and often located down narrow access roads that taxis can’t always access—like paths through the jungle, routes to cliffs, or hidden beaches.
That’s why many people choose to use a motorbike, as it’s more convenient and cost-effective than relying on ride-hailing apps all the time.
5. Arrange Healthcare
Make sure you have international health insurance that covers you while living abroad.
Many U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare (Parts A and B), don’t provide coverage overseas. Medicare Advantage (Part C) may offer very limited coverage abroad, typically only for urgent or emergency care. While a dedicated international plan can cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergencies in Bali.
It’s also worth choosing a policy that includes medical evacuation, in case you need to be transferred to another country, like Singapore, for more advanced treatment.
Read More: Can You Really Bring a Pet to Bali? Honest Guide Every Expat Needs
Pros and Cons of Living in Bali as a Foreigner
One of the biggest draws of Bali is how far your money can go. Based on the cost of living breakdown in Bali, everyday expenses like rent and food are much lower than in the US, making it easier to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
For comparison, the cost of local meals in Bali is only around USD 15–25 per day. There’s also no tipping culture here like in the US.
The same goes for rent. Property rental costs in the US can be 3 to 10 times higher than in Bali for a comparable standard. Guesthouse or homestay rooms typically start from around USD 250–500 per month.
There’s also a strong expat and remote worker community, especially in places like Canggu and Ubud. It’s relatively easy to meet people, build connections, and find your rhythm.
That said, daily life isn’t always picture-perfect. Traffic can be frustrating, especially in busy areas, and infrastructure can be inconsistent—power outages and internet issues do happen.
And yes, “Bali Belly” is something many newcomers experience at least once.
There are also legal property restrictions to be aware of. Foreigners typically can’t own land outright, so most property arrangements are leasehold rather than freehold.
And if you don’t have the right long-term visa, you may need to leave the country periodically to renew your stay.
Crucial Considerations Before Relocating to Bali
- Taxes: If you stay in Indonesia for more than 180 days within a year, you may be considered a tax resident and subject to local tax rules.
- Working legally: You can’t work for an Indonesian company without a proper work KITAS. The E33G visa is designed for remote work with overseas employers.
- Passport requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Conclusion
That’s how to live in Bali as an American. By taking care of the paperwork and planning ahead, you can fully enjoy a slower, more affordable lifestyle—making all the effort worth it.
And once you’re ready to settle in, the next step is finding the right place to call home.
If you need help finding the best villa for long-term living, Bali Villa Realty is here to help. Explore our available Bali villas for sale or reach out to our team for a free, personalized recommendation based on your needs
FAQ
Bali is a popular choice for American expats, especially for those looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high living costs. Many find that they can maintain a high quality of life here across different budgets
Yes, Balinese locals are known for being warm and welcoming. Many expats find it easy to settle in and connect with both locals and other foreigners. That said, like any busy destination, it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings and be mindful of where you go, especially at night
Yes, Americans can retire in Bali, but you must be at least 55 years old to qualify for a retirement visa. After holding a KITAS for five years, you can apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit). However, retirees are not allowed to work under this type of visa.
