Moving to Bali: The Complete Pre-Arrival Checklist

Relocating to Bali is genuinely exciting, but the expats who settle in smoothly are almost always the ones who sorted the paperwork, finances, and logistics before their flight landed. This guide walks you through every major category to address in the weeks and months before you arrive, so you can focus on building your life here rather than scrambling to fix avoidable problems from a villa in Seminyak.

Your visa situation is the single most important thing to resolve first. Indonesia now offers several long-stay options that are genuinely useful for expats. The B211A Social Cultural Visa (often called the social visa) allows stays up to 180 days with extensions, and it can be arranged through a Bali visa agent before or after arrival. The E33G Second Home Visa allows a two or five year stay for those who can show a fixed deposit of IDR 2 billion (roughly USD 125,000 as of 2026, confirm current rates) in an Indonesian bank. The KITAS (temporary stay permit) is the route for those working legally, sponsored by a company or through a PT PMA (foreign-owned company). Consult a reputable Bali immigration agent such as Bali Visa or a licensed local firm well before your move, because processing times and requirements shift regularly.

Before you leave your home country, get an apostille or notarised copy of every document you might need in Bali. The list includes your passport (valid for at least 18 months beyond your intended stay), birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, educational diplomas if you plan to work, a police clearance certificate, and your most recent tax returns. Indonesian bureaucracy is document-heavy, and having certified copies ready saves weeks of back-and-forth with embassies later.

Health insurance is non-negotiable and must be arranged before you arrive. BPJS Kesehatan, the Indonesian national health scheme, is affordable (IDR 42,000 to IDR 150,000 per month per person depending on class, as of 2026, confirm current rates) but generally provides a lower standard of care for foreigners unfamiliar with the system. Most expats pair a private international health insurance policy, from providers like Cigna Global, AXA, or Pacific Cross, with BPJS as a backup. Identify the hospitals you would use in an emergency now. In South Bali, BIMC Hospital in Kuta and Nusa Dua, Kasih Ibu Hospital in Denpasar, and BROS Hospital are the most commonly used by the expat community. In Ubud, Bumi Sehat Foundation handles community cases and the nearest well-equipped private hospital is in Denpasar, about 40 minutes away.

Opening an Indonesian bank account early makes every financial transaction easier. Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Bank Mandiri are the two most widely recommended options for expats. BCA in particular has reliable ATMs island-wide and good internet banking. You will need your passport, a local address (your landlord can provide a letter), and in many cases a KITAS or at minimum your visa stamp, to open an account. Some branches are more foreigner-friendly than others; the BCA branch in Sunset Road Kuta or the main Denpasar branch are frequently cited as helpful. Until your local account is open, bring a Wise or Revolut debit card for fee-efficient withdrawals, and keep a reasonable amount of USD or EUR cash for the first week.

Choosing where to live in Bali before you arrive will shape your entire experience. Canggu and Berawa suit digital nomads and those who want a beach lifestyle with a strong community and coworking spaces. Seminyak and Kerobokan are good for those who want convenience, restaurants, and nightlife within walking distance. Ubud is the choice for families, wellness-focused expats, and those who want green surroundings and a quieter pace. Sanur is popular with families and older expats for its calm beach, good international schools nearby, and less tourist-heavy atmosphere. Nusa Dua and Jimbaran attract those who want gated residential areas. Research deeply and, if at all possible, rent short-term for one to three months on arrival before committing to a long lease.

Long-term rental contracts in Bali are almost always paid one or two years in advance, which is a significant cash commitment. Typical villa rental costs range from IDR 25 million to IDR 120 million per month (roughly USD 1,500 to USD 7,500) depending on location, size, and quality, as of 2026, confirm current rates. Never sign a lease without a Balinese notary (notaris) reviewing it. Use a reputable agent such as Bali Realty, Elang Bali, or Harcourts, and always verify the owner holds a PBB (land tax certificate) proving legal ownership. Insist that the lease includes a clause specifying who is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

Shipping belongings to Bali is feasible but requires planning. Sea freight from Australia typically takes three to five weeks; from Europe or the US, expect six to ten weeks. Use a freight forwarder with specific Indonesia experience, such as Crown Relocations or Santa Fe Relocation. Indonesia has strict customs rules: used personal effects are generally duty-free if you hold a valid KITAS and can prove the items were owned for more than a year, but electronics, vehicles, and anything perceived as commercial goods attract duties. Get your KITAS approved before your shipment clears customs, or you may face delays and fees. Bring an inventory list in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

Setting up a local SIM card is quick and cheap and should be done within your first 24 hours. Telkomsel offers the widest coverage across the island and is the most reliable choice for expats. A starter SIM with a data package costs approximately IDR 50,000 to IDR 200,000, and you can register it with your passport at any Telkomsel outlet or GraPARI store. Note that as of 2023 Indonesia requires all SIMs to be registered with a local ID or passport number, so bring your passport to the store.

If you plan to drive or ride a motorbike in Bali, which the vast majority of long-term expats do, an International Driving Permit (IDP) endorsed for motorcycles is essential. Obtain the IDP from your home country automobile association before you leave. In Indonesia, you can convert a foreign licence to an Indonesian SIM (local driving licence) through the local SATLANTAS (traffic police) office, and many expat-friendly agents assist with this process. Driving without a valid licence invalidates most insurance policies and results in fines at police checkpoints.

Register with your home country embassy or consulate as soon as you arrive. Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, and most European countries have consular representation in Bali or Denpasar. Registration is free and ensures you receive safety alerts and can get consular assistance in an emergency. Keep both a digital and printed copy of your passport, visa, KITAS, and insurance documents stored separately from the originals.

Children's schooling requires early research and waitlist applications. International schools in Bali are in high demand and some have multi-year waiting lists. The most established options include Green School Bali in Sibang Kaja (known for its eco focus), Bali International School in Renon, Canggu Community School, and NIS Bali (Namaste International School) in Mengwi. Annual tuition ranges from approximately USD 8,000 to USD 25,000 per year depending on the school and grade level, as of 2026, confirm current rates. Contact schools six to twelve months before your intended start date.

Finally, build your support network before you land. Join expat Facebook groups such as Bali Expats, Canggu Community, or Ubud Community to ask current questions and connect with people who have recently made the move. Find a good Balinese fixer or concierge service for your first weeks, as local knowledge saves enormous time. And bring patience: Indonesian bureaucracy moves at its own pace, things that seem urgent often take days, and the ability to stay flexible is genuinely the most useful skill you can pack.