Moving your family to Bali is one of those life-changing decisions that feels both exciting and overwhelming. The idea of palm-fringed beaches, vibrant culture, and a slower pace of life is irresistible, but making it a reality takes careful thought and planning.
When our family first moved, we quickly realized just how many details there were to figure out. In fact, that’s exactly why we started Our Year in Bali, to make the process easier for others. We learned some lessons the hard way, and now we’re sharing them with you so your journey can feel a little smoother.
1. Planning Your Family Move
Initial Research (Minimum 6 Months Before)
Planning is where everything begins. It’s also where we stumbled the most in the early days. Looking back, we wish we had invested even more time in preparing the practicalities. That’s why we encourage families to start thinking about the move at least 3–6 months before they arrive.
Here are some essentials to cover early:
- Visa options: For families planning to stay less than a year, short-term visas such as a Pre-Investment Visa or a Social Visa can be suitable. For those considering a longer stay of 12 months or more, options like a Remote Worker Visa or a Dependent KITAS may be more appropriate.
- Schooling: If your children will attend school in Bali, don’t leave applications until the last minute. Many schools have waiting lists, so it’s best to start the process early. To make it easier, we’ve created a School and Education Guide—a database of over 80 schools with up-to-date details like fees and facilities for easy comparison.
- Healthcare: Ensure your family has comprehensive health coverage before arriving. It’s one of those things you may not think about every day, but you’ll be grateful to have it when you need it.
2. Finding Family Accommodation
Where you live in Bali will shape your family’s daily rhythm. Each area has its own unique personality and lifestyle:
- Canggu: Popular with expat families, with plenty of cafés, activities, beaches, and a lively community feel.
- Ubud: Known as the island’s cultural hub, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a more traditional Balinese lifestyle.
- Sanur: A quieter, laid-back beachside town with a strong family atmosphere and calmer streets.
- Uluwatu: Famous for its dramatic cliff views and surf culture, appealing to those who prefer a more secluded lifestyle.
When we first moved, we chose the Umalas because of its proximity to international schools and the strong expat community. That decision made the transition much smoother for our children, who quickly settled into both school and social life.
3. Practical Moving Tips
These are the little details that make a big difference once you’re on the ground:
- Pack smart: Bali has plenty of shops and markets, but specialty items like certain medications (favourite brands), favorite toys, or learning resources can be hard to replace.
- Financial planning: Set up online banking access before you leave and inform your bank about your move. Later, you can explore local options if you need an account in Indonesia. Also set up a Wise travel card that can help with larger transfers for rent and visas.
- Healthcare access: Know where the closest international hospital or clinic is to your home before an emergency arises.
- Transportation: Many families find that having a car makes everyday life much easier—especially for school runs, grocery trips, and longer drives. At the same time, scooters are one of the most common ways to get around Bali and can be faster for short distances or navigating traffic. In practice, most families use a mix of both, though it’s understandable that those with very young children often feel more comfortable relying on a car.
4. Helping Children Adjust
Children adapt quickly, but the transition can still feel big. A few things made all the difference for us:
- Involve them early: Show them pictures, talk about the exciting parts of the move, and let them help choose items for their new home.
- Build community: Join family-friendly groups and networks to meet other parents and kids. Making friends quickly helps children feel settled.
- Keep routines: Stick to familiar meal times, bedtime rituals, and family traditions to create stability.
- Encourage language learning: Pick up a few Indonesian phrases as a family. It’s fun, useful, and helps kids feel connected to the local culture.
5. Common Challenges & Solutions
School transition: The first weeks can feel overwhelming. Stay in touch with teachers and arrange social playdates to help your children ease in.
Cultural differences: Differences in pace, communication, and daily life are normal. Instead of resisting, we treated them as learning opportunities—and it turned into one of the most enriching parts of our journey.
Homesickness: Birthdays and holidays can be tough away from family. Regular video calls back home became a lifeline for us.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to Bali with your family isn’t always easy, but it is deeply rewarding. You’ll face challenges—some expected, some surprising—but with patience and flexibility, your family can thrive here.
Our own experience taught us that preparation and mindset are everything. That’s why we share real stories and practical advice at Our Year in Bali—to help families like yours feel supported every step of the way.
If you’re planning your own move, we’d love to guide you. Book a free call with us or explore our services to make your transition to Bali as smooth as possible.
