“Think of this as your ultimate Bali library and relocation bible — every answer, every checklist, every insider detail, all in one place. I built it because when I moved here with my family, that resource simply didn’t exist. Now it does.
Whether you’re just starting your research or days away from your flight, this is the homework that saves you months of guesswork, costly mistakes, and sleepless nights.” – Simone
Founder Simone catching up with Yvonne in Canggu
“You might be able to figure some of the information out yourself from Google (but it would take you years to get the same amount of information through your own research), but Our Year in Bali is an absolute must if you are, well, moving to Bali!
The Bronze Package has literally get given ALL of the information that you need (and more!), and Simone is so lovely to deal with and is also extremely helpful with everything. I highly recommend this service, and having made the decision and made the move, I still refer to the digital guides on a daily basis.”
Yvonne, Mum of Two from Ireland
Your essential companion for a smooth, successful Bali relocation.
Trust me, we’ve thought of everything to make your move easier!
This comprehensive guide covers over 40 detailed chapters, including living realities, best neighborhoods, areas to live and housing options, community building, expat insights, preparation tips, visas and legal requirements, finance and banking, healthcare and medical system, insurance and safety, essential apps and communications, groceries and where to find what you need, commuting and transport, Balinese culture and how things are done, and practical advice tailored for retirees, families, and property investors alike.
More than just a relocation manual, it’s a key guide you’ll enjoy before your move, in the lead-up, and throughout your life in Bali—helping you feel confident and connected every step of the way.
Whether you’re new to Bali or a longtime admirer, this guide equips you to confidently navigate daily life and all the unique challenges that come with living here.
Many clients have affectionately dubbed it their “Bali Bible” for good reason.
Take control of your Bali budget and plan your life here with confidence using our easy-to-use Excel spreadsheet!
This tool breaks down your weekly, monthly, and yearly expenses in Indonesian Rupiah, with currency comparisons in AUD, NZD, EUR, USD, GBP, SGD, and CAD. Whether budgeting before your move or managing expenses after arrival, you’ll have full financial clarity.
It covers housing, utilities, internet, medical care, transport, groceries, household staff, insurance, and more—helping you anticipate costs and manage your budget effectively.
Bali offers a lifestyle budget for nearly everyone. While it’s one of Southeast Asia’s pricier destinations, living here is still more affordable than many Western countries, from frugal simplicity to luxury.
Many wonder if their budget is enough to live comfortably here. The truth is, it varies based on lifestyle, goals, and preferences.
Expenses depend on factors like housing location and lease terms; medical insurance and visa choices; grocery habits (local markets vs. supermarkets); dining (warungs vs. high-end restaurants); transport (scooter vs. private driver); schooling (international, micro-school, homeschooling); hobbies and recreational activities.
Our comprehensive 30+ page guide and checklist gives you everything you need to confidently and effectively navigate property inspections—whether you’re leasing or buying a home in Bali.
Inside, you’ll find thorough key considerations to keep in mind during inspections, budgeting advice, clear explanations of how things work, practical tips to protect yourself throughout the process, and negotiation strategies tailored to the Balinese market. You’ll also learn about common pitfalls and what to expect when working with landlords, agents, and sellers in Bali.
As an added bonus, you’ll receive our exclusive Property Due Diligence Guide—an essential companion for anyone considering purchasing property here.
This guide helps you conduct comprehensive research, verify legal documentation, and assess property conditions, ensuring you make smart, informed, and secure investment decisions in Bali’s dynamic real estate landscape.
Together, these resources take the guesswork out of your property journey, giving you clarity and confidence every step of the way.
Living and studying in Bali gives children a unique education experience and helps them grow into global citizens. Choosing the right school is an important part of the move, as the school community can have a big impact on friendships, support networks, and your family’s overall quality of life on the island.
Bali is a popular choice for international families thanks to its wide range of schools, many of which focus on nature, creativity, child-led learning, and a strong sense of community.
To make the school search easier, we’ve created an all-in-one, 120+ page guide designed especially for families relocating to Bali.
Presented in a clear and easy-to-read table format, the guide includes schools across the island, listed by curriculum, fees, age group, and location—including Sanur, Uluwatu, Umalas, Kerobokan, Ubud, Canggu, and more.
Whether you’re looking for nature-based programs, international schools, independent academies, homeschooling support, special needs services, English support, extracurricular activities, or tutoring, we’ve covered it all.
You’ll also get access to an interactive Google Map featuring 80+ schools and preschools, complete with contact details, to help you make informed decisions about both your child’s education and where to live in Bali.
The guide is also available as a standalone resource for $29.95.
Get a head start on all the essentials before you arrive in Bali to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.
Take care of key tasks well in advance, such as booking important medical appointments, updating your legal documents, and managing your visa requirements.
Arrange your short term arrival accommodation early to secure the best options, set up necessary insurance coverage, and submit school applications on time.
Don’t forget to notify your bank about your move to avoid any financial hiccups, and prepare for language and communication needs by exploring tools and resources to help you settle in comfortably.
By handling these crucial steps before you arrive, you’ll save time and reduce stress, making your arrival and first weeks in Bali much easier and more enjoyable.
Start off on the right foot by showing respect to the locals and beginning to learn the language early.
Building your confidence in Bahasa Indonesia will help you connect more deeply with the community and enrich your Bali experience.
Our practical collection includes everyday words and phrases, essential cultural insights, and helpful pronunciation tips to get you speaking with ease and confidence from day one.
Plus, you’ll gain access to carefully recommended Bahasa tutors and exclusive discount offers for local language schools—making it easier and more affordable to continue your learning journey while living in Bali.
Gain valuable insights into Balinese work culture, including local hiring practices, payment structures, and cultural expectations that are essential for building positive workplace relationships.
Understand salary benchmarks and typical employee benefits packages that align with Indonesian labour laws and regulations to ensure fair and compliant employment.
Whether you’re hiring household staff, like a nanny, driver, or cleaner, or seeking professional help for your business, we can connect you with a trusted network of reliable contacts. These recommendations save you time and help you find the right people who understand the local environment and meet your specific needs.
With this guidance and support, you’ll navigate Bali’s employment landscape smoothly and confidently, building a harmonious work-life balance on the island.
Get fully prepared for your move to Bali with our comprehensive, step-by-step departure guide and checklists. Designed to guide you through every phase, this resource breaks down essential tasks and timelines—from several months before your move right up to the day you leave.
Inside, you’ll find clear guidance on key topics such as securing visas, arranging health and travel insurance, finding housing, managing school enrolments, setting up banking, packing efficiently, handling pets, and much more.
We also include detailed packing lists that cover everything from clothing and technology to medical supplies and personal essentials, helping you know exactly what to bring—and what to leave behind. This thorough preparation will ensure your transition to life in Bali is as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can start your new adventure with confidence.
Make your first weeks in Bali smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free with our practical and comprehensive arrival checklist.
This essential guide covers every important step to help you settle in quickly and confidently. From securing your housing and setting up utilities, to organising reliable transport, opening bank accounts, managing visa requirements, and familiarising yourself with local shopping options—you’ll find everything you need in one easy-to-follow resource.
We also include tips on connecting with your local community, discovering nearby services, and navigating daily life so you can feel at home faster. When you arrive in Bali, taking care of these key tasks early on will ensure a seamless transition and set you up for success in your exciting new chapter.
“We purchased the Bronze package and it is so useful. It outlines all the important things you need to know, to pack and to think about. It’s the perfect ‘mental load’ package as the thinking is done for you.
We have also used her Bali School and Education Guide, which was the most useful tool when trying to summarise the various education options on offer in Bali. It would take you hours to find all of this information yoursel,f not to mention so much backwards and forwards communication with schools themselves. Simone has done all the hard work in one easy-to-navigate document. She is an absolute delight to deal with and answers any questions you have with her wealth of knowledge. Highly recommend.”
Rachael, Australia
“We are so excited to be leaving for Bali this Monday!
A big thankyou to Simone and her team for making our transition as simple and stress free as possible.
We could not have done this with you. Your knowledge and contacts are priceless.
Our adventure begins! THANKYOU!!”
Kylie & Dean, Australia
“Moving abroad can be very overwhelming, so when we decided to pack up our life and move to Bali, we are so glad we stumbled across Our Year in Bali.
Simone was incredibly helpful from the get go. She knows everything there is to know about Bali, and her information packs are filled with everything you’ll ever need, and more.
Simone doesn’t just provide you with the information and disappear, she is there to help along the way if you need it too.
I couldn’t recommend Simone enough, thank you for making our transition to Bali life that little bit easier!”
Hannah, UK
“Thank you so much for your service and these wonderful documents in the Bronze package packed full with information, that it’s just not possible to get by Googling!
I’ve been reading over the practical living guide for the past few weeks in preparation for our extended 3-month stay in Bali and now feel so much more knowledgeable and prepared.”
Lisa, UK
“I cannot speak of Simone and Our Year in Bali highly enough! I discovered Simone through a podcast I listened to. From the moment that I first contacted her, Simone was kind, thoughtful and responsive. I learned a lot in our first consultation and signed up with her for the Bali Bronze package. The information in the package is incredibly thorough. She has condensed so much information and knowledge into her carefully curated guides. So much value!
She has spent years building an invaluable network in Bali and she generously offers to help connect us to people who can help make our journey smoother. We’re so grateful to have found her and we look forward to working with her moving forward. Thanks so much, Simone!”
Kelly, USA
“I purchased the Bronze package months ago, and I have now almost finished it! The amount of detail and information in the pack is simply amazing. So helpful, so thorough and so well thought through.
Everything has been considered and there are parts that I wouldn’t have even thought of needing to study or research.
I’m so grateful I came across Simone, we travel in 1 month and I actually feel prepared and organised thanks to everything she has covered in her bronze package. Thank you again Simone. Absolute golden information!”
Kyla, Spain
The Bronze Package gives you instant access to nine self-guided digital resources designed to help you research, plan, and confidently prepare for your move to Bali. These include:
You can explore these at your own pace, from wherever you are in the world.
We recommend purchasing and starting the Bronze Package up to 18 months before your planned move. The guides support every stage, from early research to final decision-making. It also works well as a support for a scouting trip so you see Bali from a different perspective.
Yes, we regularly update our guides when there are changes to visa regulations, school information, healthcare options, or cost-of-living data, so you always have current and reliable advice.
The Bronze Package is fully self-guided. If you’d like personal introductions, trusted WhatsApp contacts, or hands-on relocation support, consider upgrading to Silver or Gold.
The Bronze Package is ideal for anyone considering a move to Bali — whether you’re still exploring if it’s the right choice or planning a future relocation. This package includes 9 carefully curated digital guides (hundreds of pages of resources) and an Excel cost-of-living planning spreadsheet, providing essential information, local insights, and practical tools to save you hundreds of hours of research and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Yes, you can upgrade at any time. We’ll apply the full value of your Bronze purchase toward the higher-tier option, so you won’t pay twice for what you’ve already accessed.
The Bronze Package is non-refundable. Please review the package details and contact us if you’re unsure whether it’s the right fit before purchasing.
In-depth resources covering every aspect of your move, from initial planning to settling in successfully. These aren’t simple checklists—they’re substantial, extremely detailed handbooks designed to be your go-to reference before and after you arrive.
Instant Access to:
9 Comprehensive Digital Guides
Skip the endless research. Connect instantly with trusted professionals who have proven track records with expats. No more wondering if you’re being overcharged or dealing with unreliable services.
Instant Access to:
9 Comprehensive Digital Guides
Plus:
The complete support for your Bali move, combining introductions to trusted contacts with personalised guidance tailored to your evolving plans. This premium, personalised support gives you expert guidance at the most important moments of your relocation journey.
Instant Access to:
9 Comprehensive Digital Guides
Plus:
