Bali

Figures are planning estimates for one person, reviewed September 2026. Run your own numbers in the cost calculator.

BCA (Bank Central Asia) and Mandiri are the largest banks. Opening a bank account requires KITAS (work/residence permit) — those on tourist or B211A visas cannot open standard accounts. Workaround: some agents can help open accounts with specific documentation. ATMs are widespread (though not always reliable in rural areas). Wise is essential for international transfers. GoPay, OVO, and Dana are widely used mobile payment platforms. Cash is still important, especially outside Bali and Jakarta. Currency exchange offices in tourist areas often have poor rates — use ATMs or Wise instead.

Indonesia taxes residents on worldwide income and non-residents on local income only, which for most remote workers means the grey zone: legal under the letter, unregulated in practice, and worth understanding as a risk rather than papering over. Progressive income tax rates from 5% to 35% for tax residents (spending 183+ days per year). Non-residents pay a flat 20% on Indonesian-source income. Remote workers operating in a legal gray zone (working on tourist/B211A visas for foreign companies) technically aren't taxed on foreign income, but this is an unresolved legal area. Indonesia has double taxation treaties with many countries. VAT is 11% (increasing to 12% in 2025). The tax system is modernizing with improved enforcement — consult a local tax advisor if earning Indonesian-source income.

Full expat tax guide →

Indonesia's visa reality moves more often than most — the B211A tourist loop is the workaround most people use, and the Second Home visa is the more settled answer for those who qualify. The B211A visa is the most common for digital nomads: 60-day stay, extendable twice for 60 days each (total 180 days). Apply through a visa agent for approximately $200-350 including extensions. The Second Home Visa offers 5-10 year residency for those with $130,000+ in an Indonesian bank or equivalent assets. The KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) is for workers with Indonesian employers. There is no official digital nomad visa, though one has been discussed. The Investor KITAS requires $1 million+ investment. Visa regulations change frequently — always verify current rules before traveling.

Compare visa options → · Nomad visa guide →

No national system will cover you well here — the honest recommendation is private cover, because hospital quality in Indonesia varies by more than the distance between islands. Private healthcare is recommended for all expats. Hospital quality varies dramatically — international hospitals in Jakarta (Pondok Indah, Siloam, RSPI), Bali (BIMC, Siloam Bali), and other major cities provide good care. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — serious medical issues may require evacuation to Singapore or Bangkok. BPJS (public health insurance) is available to KITAS holders. Private insurance costs $100-300/month from providers like Pacific Cross, William Russell, or Cigna. Dental care is affordable and generally good quality in major cities.

• Tropical paradise lifestyle — surf, rice terraces, temples, incredible natural beauty
• Strong digital nomad community — thousands of remote workers, very social and collaborative
• Affordable luxury — private villas with pools for $500-800/month, $3 smoothie bowls
• Surf and wellness culture — world-class waves, yoga, meditation, healthy food everywhere

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