Avoid these common Bali relocation blunders, from visa traps to school commute disasters. Learn how expat families navigate the island smartly in 2025.
Planning a family move to Bali in 2025? While Bali offers an incredible lifestyle, many expat families run into avoidable mistakes that can turn a dream relocation into a stressful experience. From confusing visa requirements to long daily school commutes and overlooked healthcare needs, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate these common pitfalls. In this guide, we’ll reveal the top Bali relocation mistakes and how to avoid them for a smooth transition.
1. Renting a Villa Before Picking a School
That Insta-worthy villa in Pererenan might feel like a dream until you realise your child’s IB school is in Sanur and traffic turns it into a 2-hour daily ordeal.
Fix:
- Shortlist schools before searching for housing (by using the Bronze package, you have access to our School & Education guide, which includes a private map of all the schools on the island).
- Pick a home within a 5km radius of your preferred school.
- Understand that morning traffic will be quicker than afternoon traffic on your commute to and from school.
2. Trusting Google Maps Commute Times
A “15-minute drive” can balloon into 90 minutes when temple ceremonies, rainy season floods, or broken traffic lights strike. One family moved near Empathy School Bali, only to discover their shortcut crossed a bridge that was broken.
Fix:
- Do a trial run during peak school hours (afternoon traffic is worse than the morning).
- Join WhatsApp groups like Canggu Traffic Alerts or Pererenan Neighbourhood for real-time updates.
- Keep in mind that Google Maps in Bali can show you the ‘two-wheeler’ (scooter) route option, which may not be visible or accurate when you’re checking from outside Indonesia, if that is how you plan to travel around.
3. Skipping Health Insurance or Assuming You’re Covered
Australian Medicare or EU plans won’t cover dengue fever treatment at BIMC Hospital or evacuation after a scooter crash. Private hospital stays can reach $5K, and medical evacuation homes may cost over $ 40 K.
Fix:
- Get expat-specific health coverage for at least Indonesia (we have great insurance companies in Bali that specifically cover expats working and living in Bali).
- Choose a plan with evacuation and dengue coverage.
- Book a telehealth consult prior to arriving with our doctors to ensure your medical needs are met in Bali.
- Join our medical concierge partner membership to give you confidence in navigating the medical system at all times.
4. Overstaying Your Visa
Tourist visas don’t cut it for long-term stays or school enrollment. Overstays can cost up to $100/day in fines or lead to deportation.
Fix:
- Most international schools like their students to either be on a Student KITAS, usually arranged by the school’s legal department, or a Dependent/Family KITAS (which we can assist with).
- Use our reliable visa agents and plan ahead, all in an easy online process that takes up to 10 working days.
- If you decide you wish to extend your stay, reach out to us so we can get your visa swapped to the correct one.
- If you do start with a Visa on Arrival and would like to stay longer without leaving Bali, there might be an option to apply for a bridging visa, depending on the time you have left on the visa.
5. Renting a Villa Sight Unseen
That “dream villa” on Instagram? It might be next to a rooster farm, down a muddy road, next door to construction, or prone to flooding during Bali’s wet season (November–March).
Fix:
- Book a one-month Airbnb stay first.
- Scout areas in person and use our housing guide and checklist in the Bronze package so you have the insider knowledge.
- Chat to the local Laundry lady and other people in the area to get an understanding of the neighbourhood.
6. Assuming Bali Is Cheap
Yes, you can grab Nasi Goreng (local fried rice) for $ 2 US, but international schools often cost $5K–$15K/year per child (unless you are at a home-style school). Add in imported groceries, private car transport, and staff, lots of activities, and your budget may balloon.
Fix:
- Add a 30% “expat tax” to your cost-of-living grocery estimates if you wish to shop that way.
- Embrace local food and services where possible.
- Check out our comprehensive Cost of Living Guide in the Bronze package — it covers everything from everyday essentials like recycling, gas, and electricity to major expenses like housing.
7. Staying Trapped in the Expat Bubble
Without effort, it’s easy to live among only expats, dine at Western cafés, and miss out on Bali’s rich culture and heritage. This isolation often leads to culture shock and a lack of community support.
Fix:
- Contribute to and join community activities by your local banjar (neighbourhood council).
- Volunteer with groups like Bali Children Foundation.
- Get involved with local events and keep an eye on the Balinese calendar
- Visit temples, learn how to make canang sari (daily offerings), and so much more
- Learn Bahasa at places like Bahasa Blue Language School
8. Overpacking and Bringing the Wrong Stuff
Shipping costs often outweigh the value of what you bring, and that container full of “just in case” items might end up collecting dust. Moving to Bali is your chance to embrace minimal living and adapt to local conveniences. It will not need much when you are living on an island in tropical weather!
Fix:
- Buy big-ticket items locally.
- Bali now has IKEA and great department stores. Ace Hardware for household items, and Facebook Marketplace.
- Most rental accommodation comes fully-furnished or semi-furnished.
- Bali for has great furniture, appliances, and more. Pack only essentials and light for the tropics.
Online shopping is incredibly convenient, with many items delivered to your door within an hour. Just keep in mind that traditional postal services don’t really apply here; there are no standard mailboxes, and services like Amazon aren’t available.
Manage your expectations. From permits to plumbing, things often run on Jam Karet (“rubber time”).
Quick FAQs
Q: Can expats send their children to Balinese public schools?
A: No. Public schools are for Indonesian citizens only. Some National Plus schools allow expats, but instruction is often in Bahasa Indonesia. There are plenty of amazing schools for foreigners, all taught in English. They often have a mix of International teachers and local supporting teachers.
Q: Do I need a visa to enrol my child in school?
A: Yes. You need a visa to live in Bali, too! Most international schools require a Student KITAS, or a Family/Dependent KITAS. Tourist visas are not valid for enrolment.
Q: Is it safe to ride scooters in Bali with kids?
A: Scooters are a popular way to get around, but safety should be your top priority, especially with children. Bali’s traffic can be chaotic, and road conditions vary. If you plan to ride, ensure everyone wears proper quality helmets, consider professional scooter lessons, and always obey local traffic laws. Also, get a local licence if you have a Kitas visa. Many families opt for a private driver instead for peace of mind and safety.
Bali can be the perfect place to raise a family if you plan smart. Avoiding these common pitfalls is the first step toward a smooth transition and a year full of discovery, connection, and growth.
At Our Year in Bali, we guide families like yours every step of the way—from choosing the right visa to settling into the right community and even making friends!
Ready to move beyond the dream and make it a reality? Let’s plan your best year yet. Book a free consultation to get personalised advice tailored to your family. We will ensure you finish our call with clarity and confidence.
