Our Year in Bali shares authentic experiences from families who have made the move to help others navigate their Bali journey.
When my family and I decided to move to Bali, we thought we had everything figured out. We’d visited twice before, read countless blogs, and joined all the expat Facebook groups. Yet within weeks of arriving, we realized we’d made several avoidable mistakes that complicated our transition. To help you avoid similar pitfalls, here are ten things you should NOT do before moving to Bali and this is what have heard and see that other families have done as well.
1. Don’t Overpack
Our biggest rookie mistake was bringing far too much stuff. We paid exorbitant excess baggage fees and still shipped a container that sat in customs for months.
What to do instead: Bali has almost everything you need. Clothing, household items, electronics, and even specialty foods are readily available. Pack only irreplaceable items, crucial medications, and perhaps a few comfort items for children. For everything else, budget for local purchases—you’ll be supporting the local economy and acquiring items suited to the tropical climate.
2. Don’t Skip Visa Research
Don’t arrive on short term visas that require frequent travel and single entry. Don’t assume you could easily sort out long-term options once there and check if your school requires a Student kitas visa. This led to stressful visa runs and unexpected costs.
What to do instead: Thoroughly research visa options before arrival. Start the process at least 2 months before your move so you can prepare all the paperwork, ensure your passport is up-to-date.
3. Don’t Book Long-Term Accommodation Sight Unseen
Despite gorgeous online photos, the villa we pre-booked for six months had construction next door, poor internet, and wasn’t as advertised.
What to do instead: Book temporary accommodation for 2-4 weeks while you explore areas in person. This allows you to check neighborhoods, internet reliability, noise levels, and proximity to essentials. Many villa owners offer better rates for direct bookings after you meet them.
4. Don’t Underestimate School Waiting Lists
We were shocked to discover that top international schools had waiting lists up to a year long, something no blog had mentioned.
What to do instead: Contact schools 6-12 months before your move. Schedule video interviews and submit applications early. Consider alternatives like Green School, Montessori schools, or homeschooling co-ops if traditional international schools are full.
5. Don’t Neglect Healthcare Planning
We arrived without proper international health insurance, assuming we could easily set it up locally. This created unnecessary risk.
What to do instead: Purchase comprehensive international health insurance before leaving. Companies like Cigna, AXA, and SafetyWing offer plans covering Bali. Research healthcare facilities near your intended area—quality varies significantly across the island.
6. Don’t Convert All Financial Matters at Once & Budget accordingly
We closed bank accounts and credit cards in our home country, thinking we’d quickly establish local banking. This created logistical nightmares.
Don’t underestimate, all the up front costs that you have to pay for usually when you arrive, such as school, housing, gym memberships, licences, insurance etc Make sure you have a buffer in your budget for emergency or for travel and other opportunities that come up that you don’t want to miss.
What to do instead: Maintain accounts in your home country while establishing banking in Indonesia. Set up Wise (formerly TransferWise) or similar services for cost-effective transfers. Research which foreign cards have favorable withdrawal terms at Indonesian ATMs.
7. Don’t Assume Your Online Work Will Continue Smoothly
My remote job became significantly more challenging due to internet issues and time zone differences I hadn’t fully considered. You may also feel isolated just working from your villa in a new country.
What to do instead: Test connectivity in your intended area through contacts or during a preliminary visit. Consider a co-working space membership for reliable internet. Discuss time zone accommodations with employers before moving, and have backup plans for critical meetings.
8. Don’t Ignore Indonesian Language Basics
We arrived knowing only “thank you” in Indonesian, which limited our ability to negotiate and connect with locals.
What to do instead: Learn basic Indonesian phrases before arrival. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel can help, but even better is finding an online Indonesian tutor for a few sessions. Focus on practical phrases for shopping, directions, and emergencies.
9. Don’t Disregard Seasonal Considerations
We arrived during rainy season, which affected everything from road conditions to housing issues like mold and drainage problems.
What to do instead: Consider timing your move during dry season (April to September) for an easier transition. If moving during rainy season, ensure accommodation has proper drainage, covered areas, and dehumidifiers.
10. Don’t Forget Legal and Tax Obligations Back Home
We nearly missed important tax deadlines and requirements for citizens living abroad, which could have resulted in penalties.
What to do instead: Consult with an accountant familiar with expat tax issues before leaving. Research your country’s requirements for citizens living abroad, including tax filing, voting, and passport renewal procedures. Set calendar reminders for important deadlines.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Bali has been incredible for our family despite these initial missteps. The island’s beauty, culture, and community have made every challenge worthwhile. By avoiding these common mistakes, your transition can be significantly smoother than ours was.
Remember that flexibility and patience are your greatest assets when relocating to Bali. Things rarely work exactly as planned, but often unfold in better ways than you could have imagined.
Our Year in Bali shares authentic experiences from families who have made the move to help others navigate their Bali journey.
