Relocating to Bali offers an exciting lifestyle change—but it can also be challenging, especially for families with young children. One of the most common decisions expats make after moving is to hire a nanny.
Whether you need full-time care or just a few hours of support each day, having reliable help at home can transform your daily life. Many families say it helps them establish healthier routines, find more personal time, and adjust smoothly to island life.
“I currently have a nanny who supports us for a few hours in the morning. This gives me time to go for a surf, pilates, coffee, do some work, or just chill at home.” — Eva, UK
For others, it’s about creating a lifestyle that would be out of reach in their home country.
“We’ve gone from a cramped 2-bed apartment to a spacious 3-bed villa with a pool and garden. We have a nanny, a housekeeper, and meals delivered—luxuries that would’ve been completely out of reach back home.” — Lou and Ben, Australia
“One of the biggest gifts since moving to Bali has been having more time together. Back home, we worked constantly and rarely made our relationship a priority. Here, life feels more balanced. Because getting help is more affordable and going out is easier, we’ve made time for date nights again—once a week we hire a nanny, go out for dinner, and just enjoy being together.” — Claire and Stephen, Scotland
Cost of Hiring a Nanny in Bali (2025): Affordable, Quality Childcare
In Western countries, hiring a nanny is often considered a luxury. In Bali, it’s both affordable and accessible—making it easier for families to balance work, home life, and leisure.
“Groceries, eating out, and general shopping are definitely cheaper than in the US, but right now I wouldn’t say we’re saving money overall. That said, we can afford a nanny and housekeeper here—something that would’ve been completely out of reach back home, even with two incomes.” — Rebecca & John, USA
“We had a highly recommended nanny from the start, and our daughter learned English very quickly. Having a full-time nanny is definitely very affordable here as opposed to at home. It’s also a higher quality of child care we can get here. Once a week my husband and I enjoy a date night while our nanny stays with our children.” — Marielle and Jan, Switzerland
“Hiring a full-time nanny and other personnel to help us maintain our home has been one of the biggest differences in our lives. It is very affordable to find a driver, chef, nanny, gardeners here in Bali, whereas this would never be possible back home.” — Linda, Taiwan
The Cultural Connection: How Balinese Nannies Enrich Family Life
Beyond daily support, many families describe their nanny as becoming part of their extended family.
“We were lucky to find a wonderful nanny who’s become an extension of our family. She’s warm, reliable, and truly adores the boys. Beyond the practical help, she’s also shared her Balinese culture with them—teaching small rituals, language, and daily acts of gratitude like morning offerings, which has added so much depth to their experience here.” — James and Jade, New Zealand
These relationships often help children develop a deeper understanding of local traditions and community, enriching their experience of living in Bali.
What First-Time Employers Should Know (Tips for a Smooth Start)
After supporting hundreds of expat families, we’ve learned that clear communication and structure in the first few weeks are key to success.
Top tips for hiring and managing your nanny in Bali:
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Be specific and visual: Walk your nanny through routines, rules, and safety procedures.
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Create a daily log: Track meals, naps, and notes about your child’s day.
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Clarify expectations: Discuss screen time, discipline, food, and hygiene upfront.
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Address issues early: Small misunderstandings are best handled calmly and quickly.
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Understand cultural nuances: Many Balinese staff will say “yes” to maintain harmony, so ask them to show understanding rather than simply agree.
Most families find their rhythm within 6–8 weeks. The best indicators of success are happy children, open communication, and mutual respect.
How to Find a Trusted Nanny in Bali
Most expats start by asking around—via word of mouth, Facebook groups, preschools or WhatsApp community groups. However, these platforms can be overwhelming and inconsistent. Knowing who to trust or how much to pay can be confusing for newcomers.
That’s why we created the Bali Staff Guide—a step-by-step resource to help families hire ethically and confidently. We also collaborate with trusted recruitment agencies that specialize in sourcing reliable nannies, housekeepers, chefs, and drivers.
The Bali Staff Guide: Your Essential Resource for Hiring Nannies & Household Staff
Our Bali Staff Guide is designed specifically for expat families who want to hire local staff in a fair, culturally aware, and professional way.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
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Typical salary ranges and working hours for nannies, drivers, and cleaners
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Indonesian labour law essentials and cultural hiring norms
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Step-by-step advice for hiring both part-time and full-time nannies
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Trusted agency contacts and vetted referral networks
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Customisable templates (Family Expectation Sheet, House Rules, Daily Logs)
This guide helps families save time, reduce stress, and build lasting, respectful working relationships.
Building a Balanced Family Life in Bali
Relocating to Bali isn’t just about moving—it’s about building a lifestyle that feels balanced and supported. For many families, hiring a nanny is one of the most important steps in achieving that balance.
Whether you’re here short-term or long-term, having the right childcare support allows you to focus on what matters most: enjoying family life in paradise.
Common Questions About Hiring a Nanny in Bali
If you’re new to Bali or just starting to explore childcare options, you likely have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from relocating families:
1) How much does a full-time nanny cost in Bali?
Full-time nannies in Bali generally earn between 7–9 million IDR per month. This is considerably more affordable than in Western countries, while still offering fair local compensation. Keep in mind this is a general guideline—rates can vary depending on factors such as location, the nanny’s experience, and specific job requirements.
2) Do I need to speak Indonesian to hire a nanny in Bali?
While not required, basic Indonesian is helpful. Many nannies speak English (all varying levels), and our Bali Staff Guide includes communication templates to bridge any language gaps.
3) What benefits should I provide to my Bali nanny?
Standard benefits include THR (religious holiday bonus), health insurance considerations, paid time off, and clear working hours as outlined in Indonesian labor regulations.
4) How do I find an English-speaking nanny in Bali?
Reputable agencies, expat community recommendations, and our trusted recruitment partners can help connect you with English-speaking nannies experienced with expat families. Click here to our Bronze Package.
Next Steps: Get Personalised Support for Your Move to Bali
Ready to hire a nanny or household staff in Bali? We can help you every step of the way.
Explore our Bronze Relocation Package – Ideal for families who want hands-on support with housing, schooling, and staffing.
Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call – Speak directly with our team and get tailored recommendations for your family.
