Expenses in Bali

Life in Bali 16 August 2023
Expenses in Bali

Hello, friends! Today, I want to shed light on the most important question – LIVING COSTS IN BALI. How much does it cost to live on the island? Let me start by saying that we won’t be able to calculate your exact budget down to the last penny, but all the prices listed in this article are based on my personal experience and the experience of friends. From this, you can get a ROUGH IDEA of how much money YOU’LL NEED to live comfortably on the island.

Accommodation

The biggest and most significant expense right now, especially post-pandemic, is of course, accommodation. The cost of your accommodation will depend not only on whether you choose to live in a villa or a modest guesthouse but also on the area you decide to live in.

We can break down this expense into three different categories:

Very budget-friendly (this category became more relevant after the large migration of Russian-speaking people to Bali);

Mid-range budget;

Above average.

You’ll notice these categories throughout the article. But when it comes to accommodation, this is the most important factor!

Very Budget-Friendly – Up to $400 USD

For a very budget-friendly option, people typically choose either a guesthouse in areas with average rental prices (like Ubud, northern Canggu, Tabanan, or parts of Bukit) or a house in cheaper areas. The most affordable areas to live in Bali are in the north – Lovina, Singaraja, Bedugul, Amed, or in more remote areas. You’ll likely need to drive about 20–40 minutes by bike to reach popular tourist spots.

For this budget-friendly option, rent will range from $250 to $400 USD per month. In most cases, utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are already included in the price.

Additionally, for any accommodation in this range, CLEANING SERVICES AND BED LINEN LAUNDRY are often included. So, you won’t need to worry about that. For many women, this is a huge relief. However, the internet may not be the best quality, so it’s better to pay for it separately. Expect to pay around $30 USD per month for a decent connection. Once again, at this price, you can find both guesthouses and Balinese-style homes, similar to what you see in the photos.

  • Bali house
  • Bali house

Mid-range Budget – From $400 to $1200 USD

In this price range, you can afford to spend a bit more and look for not just good guesthouses or Balinese-style homes, but also small one-bedroom villas. Of course, the exact cost will still depend on the area, but for this price, you can live closer to the more tourist-active areas and move closer to central districts. You can now consider living in places like Ubud, Canggu, Gianyar, Sanur, or Denpasar.

However, renting a villa in Nusa Dua at this price would be a dream (unless you get really lucky).

The cost of a good guesthouse will range from $400 to $600 USD.

Renting a new Balinese-style house will cost between $700 to $1000 USD.

A one-bedroom villa starts – at $1100 USD.

If you find listings below this price range, the accommodation probably won’t meet your expectations. On the other hand, if the price is much higher, you’re probably overpaying.

  • Bali house
  • Bali house

Higher-end Budget – From $1,200 to $4,000 USD

In this category, we're not talking about unlimited budgets but rather families, often with children, who are seeking a comfortable and safe life on the island. In the northern regions of Bali, with this budget, you could afford a luxurious villa. However, in popular tourist hotspots like Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, or Canggu — the areas most often advertised—you'll find suitable accommodation options within this price range. Here, we’re no longer considering guesthouses—only houses, villas, and sometimes even townhouses.

The cost of a new Balinese-style home ranges – from $1,500 to $2,500 USD.

A two- or three-bedroom villa will cost – between $2,000 and $4,000 USD.

Of course, you can find more expensive options, with some people renting villas for as much as $25,000 USD per month. Such luxury is not uncommon in Bali, but we’re focusing on long-term living for families or individuals with a budget in mind. This is for those who are careful with their spending but still want a comfortable life, even if they can’t yet afford the full "luxury" lifestyle.

  • Bali house
  • Interior

Utility Bills:

Typically, when you sign a rental agreement in Bali, utilities—like those we’re used to paying in Europe, USA — are often already included in the rent. However, this is not always the case. But don’t worry, utility bills here are generally low and won’t take up 30-40% of your rent like in some other countries.

Here are some approximate prices:

Electricity – $12 to $25 USD per month;

Internet – $30 USD per month;

Water – Often free, or if you use drinking water, it costs about – $1.5 USD per bottle;

Gas – A 12-liter gas bottle costs – about $20 USD (usually lasts 1–2 months).

Transportation:

Public Transportation

Public transport in Indonesia is very underdeveloped, especially in Bali — you could say it’s almost non-existent. This leads to one of the main challenges newcomers face: learning to ride a scooter or drive a car. It can be quite the adventure, with left-hand traffic, busy roads, and few traffic rules beyond intersections with traffic wardens. As for pedestrian crossings —it’s best to forget about them!

However, if you’re a budget traveler and aren’t ready to ride a scooter or drive, there are a few buses that occasionally operate on major roads in Bali’s towns. Bus fares are paid with a card, which you can buy at any Indomaret store. A single ride costs around $1 USD.

  • Public Transportation in Bali
  • Public Transportation in Bali

Motorbikes

On the island, two main motorbike manufacturers dominate the market — HONDA and YAMAHA. Both brands offer the most popular models, which are used by both locals and foreigners. These bikes differ in engine power, comfort, and size, depending on the model. Rental prices vary depending on the area. Here are the current recommended rental prices for the most popular types of motorbikes:

Honda Yamaha Power Monthly price, USD
Vario, Scoopy Lexi 100 60с
PCX NMAX 155 120
XMAX 250 250

Car Rental

The most reliable form of transportation on Bali is the car.

When deciding between renting a car or a motorbike, keep in mind that the roads on the island are very narrow and the terrain can be challenging. If you plan to live in the southern or central parts of the island (such as in Gianyar), the mountainous terrain with steep climbs won’t pose much of an issue. However, if you’re planning to frequently travel across the island, visiting volcanoes, local attractions, or living in the northern areas, a high-quality and newer car will be your best companion.

Here’s a breakdown of current car rental prices:

Low-end, older cars (over 10 years old): Rental price - starting at approximately $400 USD per month.

Mid-range cars (brands like Toyota, Daihatsu, Mitsubishi): Rental price - Between $600 to $800 USD per month, depending on the condition and model.

  • Yellow car in the Bali street
  • Road traffic in Bali

If you're looking for cars that are considered common in Europe, such as Volkswagen, Mercedes, Fiat, and similar brands, you should expect to pay from $1,000 USD per month for rental. – от 1 000 USD в месяц.

Food

This is one of the most complex categories because individual preferences vary greatly. Some people are vegetarians, while others can’t imagine a meal without meat. Some drink alcohol, while others live in Ubud, where lifestyles are often different. It’s hard to give an exact estimate, but we’ll provide you with a realistic budget range based on the spending habits of our friends and ourselves.

We’ve divided this category based on the average check you’ll spend in different types of places to buy food: major grocery stores, local markets, restaurants, and local warungs (small eateries).

Of course, food prices vary depending on where you live. If you reside in the tourist-heavy area of Uluwatu, your breakfast will likely cost 1.5 to 2 times more than in Gianyar. Luckily, we’ve gathered a lot of information from our friends across the island and came up with an average price range.

Major Supermarkets

  • Major Supermarkets
  • Major Supermarkets

Popular supermarket chains like PEPITO, BINTANG, DELTA DEWATA, CARREFOUR, and NIRMALA are very well-known among visitors to Bali. Many people who come to the island for vacation or an extended stay often shop there. If you are a budget traveler, it's important to know that prices for Indonesian goods at these stores can be 50-60% higher than in local markets. Additionally, prices for many common items we are used to can be lower than in Europe

Tip for Budget Travelers: Eat more local fruits and vegetables, as well as locally made products. This way, even if you shop at larger supermarkets, your expenses won't be too high.

How to Estimate Your Food Budget

We decided to calculate an average shopping budget for three categories so you can understand how much you might spend in stores.

Very Budget: In this category, you won’t find alcohol, high-quality meats, or familiar fruits like apples and pears. Even cheese might be out of your budget at first, as it is quite expensive here—around 20-30 USD per kilogram. However, if you pay attention to local products like pineapples, bananas, mangoes, papayas, tofu (soy cheese), tempeh (a local soy product), eggs, chicken, and milk, these will be affordable. You can expect to spend about 60 USD per week or around 240 USD per person per month.

Average Budget: This includes alcohol (if you drink), various meats, cheeses, baked goods (local pastries are quite tasty), fish, juices, ready-made breakfasts, sweets, and chocolate. In this case, your budget might be around 100 USD per week or about 400 USD per person per month.

Above Average: This category is not limited to food alone. It’s more about buying what you like in stores. Our experience suggests that expenses in this case can range from 150 to 300 USD per month per person (depending on what type of food you’re used to). If you only eat lobster and Wagyu beef, expect to spend around 1,500 USD per month per person.

All these prices and budgets are based on the assumption that you will be cooking for yourself and shopping at larger chain stores. Of course, no one lives like this long-term, and you will realize that once you arrive on the island.

Local Stores and Markets

As mentioned earlier, LOCAL MARKETS ARE THE BEST WAY TO SAVE. Budget travelers who want to stay longer in Bali with a limited budget should consider shopping here.

Markets in Bali usually operate every day (except Sundays) from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Not all vendors pack up right after 8:00 AM, but the freshest goods are typically sold out by that time. A few stalls may stay open all day, but after being in the sun, some products may spoil, so morning is the best time to buy vegetables, fruits, eggs, chicken, spices, fresh greens, and tofu—basically anything you might need for your meals.

Here’s an approximate list of prices for goods at local markets:

Eggs – 1 USD per dozen
Milk – 1.1 USD per liter
Tofu – 1 – 1.5 USD per kilogram
Fish – 2 – 3 USD per kilogram
Tomatoes – 1 USD per kilogram
Cucumbers – 1 USD per kilogram
Lettuce – 0.3 USD per 100 grams
Mango – 1.5 USD per kilogram
Pineapple – 1 USD for 3 pieces
Papaya – 1.8 USD per kilogram
Potatoes – 2 USD per kilogram

Interesting Fact: Some familiar vegetables, like potatoes, beets, and carrots, are grown in Indonesia, but their prices can be quite high. For example, a kilogram of potatoes can cost 2-3 times more than 3 pineapples.

IF YOU SHOP AT MARKETS, YOU CAN SAVE 20 TO 50% ON YOUR EXPENSES.

Restaurants and European Cafes

  • Cafe
  • Cafe

In Bali, restaurants and cafes are often viewed as entertainment rather than just food. People say that if you want to eat on a budget, you should cook at home. However, experience shows that, first of all, no one in Bali cooks 100% of their meals by themselves. Even budget travelers can easily dine in local cafes. Secondly, it often turns out that cooking at home or eating out costs about the same.

A friend of ours even conducted an EXPERIMENT—he bought groceries and cooked at home for a whole month, spending around 700 USD. The next month, he spent the same 700 USD eating only in restaurants and cafes. Surprisingly, he found that cooking wasn’t necessary =).

In local restaurants, be cautious—your bill will include not just the cost of your order but also tax and service charges. Sometimes, additional expenses in a restaurant can reach 30%, so if you plan to spend 100 dollars on a meal, you might end up paying 130. To avoid surprises, take a close look at the menu. At the bottom of each page, it states what is included in the price.

That said, Bali has restaurants to suit all tastes, and prices vary greatly. For a standard meal for two, you can expect to pay between 20 and 50 USD. In higher-end restaurants, where you can find lobster for 300-400 USD, prices can be quite impressive.

Local Warungs and Cafes

  • Local Warung
  • Local Warung

This is a great alternative even for a budget solo traveler. Of course, prices have risen after the pandemic, and in most places, they have skyrocketed to unjustifiably high levels. Nevertheless, there are still many budget warungs where you can enjoy a meal for just 2-3 dollars.

In Bali, there is no direct correlation between the cost of food and its quality. You might visit a trendy restaurant frequented by locals with their families, spend 30 dollars on a two-course meal, and find it completely tasteless. Meanwhile, in a cheap warung, you could discover a fantastic fried rice dish with chicken for just 1 dollar. This is why many newcomers complain about the food quality in Bali.

Yes, you need to search for hidden gems, and that takes time. However, once you find those comfortable, convenient, and tasty spots (some even have pools where you can swim for free), you’ll be very pleased, and it can save you a significant amount on food.

Here are two very budget-friendly and delicious places in different parts of the island:

Ubud – https://goo.gl/maps/okujDdrbjK5SqVqv9

Canggu – https://goo.gl/maps/2v7r78J7tT3GdRqD6

An average meal in a warung costs around 3-5 USD per person. If you eat only there for a month, your food expenses would be about 250-300 USD per person, or around 500-600 USD for two. This is a fantastic alternative for those who don’t want to cook at all.

In Summary:

Monthly food costs per person:

Very budget-friendly (local markets + warungs) – from 200 USD to 400 USD.

Average budget (large supermarkets + local markets + warungs + occasional restaurants) – from 400 USD to 700 USD.

Above average (large supermarkets + restaurants) – from 700 USD to 1,500 USD.

Insurance

The next type of expense, which is no less important than the previous ones, is health.

Medical care in Bali is expensive. Here are a few examples based on experience:

Dressing a scratch on the leg – 30 USD

Doctor’s visit for something in your eye (it’s quite dusty on the roads, and this is a common issue) – 150 USD

Dental treatment for acute pain – 400 USD, удаление – 100 USD

Treatment for an injury/sprain after a fall from a bike – 1,000 USD

Hospitalization and treatment after an accident (broken leg) – 10,000 USD

Hospitalization and IV treatment for food poisoning (a very common issue) – 2,000 USD

As with food, high treatment costs do not guarantee quality. Your leg could be examined poorly for 150 USD or 500 USD. It’s very distressing when you’re in a tough situation and need immediate medical assistance, but you simply can’t access it—even if you have the money!

You can get insurance right on the island, but you must have a long-term KITAS visa for that or arrange it back home.

Insurance costs range from 40 USD per month (with minimal coverage) to 250 USD per month for coverage that includes larger health-related expenses. In Bali, it’s said that you can skip insurance.

After all, if you believe something will happen to you, it likely will. If you don’t think about it, then it won’t. They also say that illnesses and injuries reflect the karma you’ve built up over the years. Regardless of whether you believe in this approach or not, the choice to have or not have insurance is entirely yours. Many budget travelers come here without insurance and nothing happens to them for years.

From experience, insurance is mostly sought after by those with a stable income, remote workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, etc. If you’re coming to Bali on a very small budget, say 2,000 USD, insurance could be a significant expense. You might consider getting it once you find a more stable source of income.

You can obtain insurance from a reputable company:

Covers COVID-19

Medical assistance in top clinics worldwide. Coverage from 35,000 USD to 1,000,000 USD optional

Maximum coverage up to 100,000 USD for hospitalization suspected of COVID-19

Includes emergency dental care from 200 USD to 450 USD

Coverage for injuries resulting from traffic accidents (with adherence to traffic rules)

Coverage for bites from animals, insects, jellyfish

The policy can be issued by citizens of any country

You can purchase a policy while traveling (with a non-conditional deductible of 50 USD)

There is no limit on the number of visits to a doctor for one insurance case

Communication with the assistance company via their own mobile app, available 24/7

Free consultations with doctors through the mobile app

You can get a policy now and receive a 5% discount at this site https://tripinsurance.ru/.

Visas

Let’s break down the types of visas and calculate the average monthly cost for one person for each. We will consider three of the most popular visa types for short and long stays:

VOA – Visa on Arrival. This is issued right at the airport and is valid for 1 month, with the option to extend for another month. The cost is 35 USD per person. If you leave Indonesia, the visa expires.

Apply for a 6‑month visa remotely for arrival in Bali

Leave a request and get a personal discount

Submit a request
Computer monitor

B211 – This visa is obtained before arriving in the country. It is valid for 2 months, with the option to extend twice for an additional 2 months each time. In total, you can stay for up to 6 months. The initial application costs between 260 to 350 USD per person, with subsequent extensions at approximately the same price. If you leave Indonesia, the visa expires. You can apply for this visa through us.

  • Example of B211

KITAS – This is a multi-visa that is obtained before arriving in the country (or while in Indonesia, but it still requires exiting to activate). It is valid for 2 years and costs approximately 1,500 USD per person.

Monthly cost of using visas:

Visa Type Price, USD Visarun Price for visarun/per.pers Average price/monthly, USD
VOA 35 Yes 250 USD 150
B211 300 No No 120
KITAS 1500 No No 62

Based on the figures, it's clear that the most cost-effective visa is KITAS. However, not everyone has the funds to pay for it upfront, which is why many budget tourists often rely on VOA (Visa on Arrival). This forces them to pay with their own comfort (having to leave the country every two months, at least to neighboring Malaysia) and time (each flight takes about 4 hours one way, plus waiting time at the airport in another country, then returning to Indonesia).

The most optimal option, if you don't have enough funds at the beginning of your journey in Indonesia, remains the B211 visa. Its main downside is that it expires if you exit the country. Therefore, it's best to always plan your travels for 6 months ahead (to coincide with the end of this visa). To apply for it, click HERE or HERE.

As for KITAS, it's better to apply when you are certain that you plan to stay on the island for an extended period. When you want to travel without being tied to the expiration date of the visa. Moreover, with KITAS, you can even work in Indonesia. HOW? – There is an article on this HERE - https://bali-legal.com/en/legalizaciya-na-bali-en.

Clothing and Footwear

Although Bali is a paradise island where it's always warm, the locals know that there are many different climate zones here. Depending on which climate zone you visit most frequently (or live in), your wardrobe will differ.

Residents of the southern areas – Kuta, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Denpasar, Sanur – typically spend a lot of time on the beaches, sunbathing, and usually wear only 2-3 clothing items at a time. The weather here is mostly sunny and quite hot. This is why the typical look for someone from the south includes flip-flops, shorts, and a t-shirt/tank top, sometimes adding a shirt on top (more to avoid sunburn than to stay warm).

The further north you go into the island, the cooler the average temperature will be. In Ubud, Gianyar, and Bedugul, it won't be as hot (which is appreciated), and people often wear pants and shirts. This is because early in the morning and in the evenings in these areas, it can be cool when riding a bike, so you need to layer up.

Northern Bedugul, the calderas of the Beratan, Agung, and Batur volcanoes are quite cold places. Here, a jacket, warm pants, and gloves come in handy. Night temperatures can drop to +13 degrees Celsius even at the foothills. Few expats live in these areas. Usually, people come here to hike or enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the mountains.

  • Panoramic views of the mountains
  • Panoramic views of the mountains

In the very north of the island, by the ocean, the weather conditions resemble those in the south again. Singaraja and Amed experience heat and humidity as well. Daytime temperatures will vary throughout the year from +28 to +37 degrees Celsius. Therefore, you won’t need a large wardrobe here.

Standard Categories of Clothing:

Budget Clothing

For example, here are prices for popular categories:

T-shirt – 3 USD
Shorts – 2–3 USD
Flip-flops – 3–5 USD
Pants – 5–7 USD
Shirt – 5–7 USD

You can find these items at any local market..

In fact, for some categories, the prices mentioned can even be inflated.

However, cheap clothing has its downsides – in local laundries, it loses its shape, color, and picks up extra dye after just 1 to 2 washes. Generally, this type of clothing lasts for a month or two before needing to be thrown away.

Mid-Range Clothing

These are the same categories but for those who prefer items that can be worn for a longer time. They look more presentable, are more comfortable to wear, but can’t be found in regular markets. You’ll need to visit specialized stores (usually small shops with a few categories of goods).

Here are example prices for popular categories:

T-shirt – 15–25 USD
Shorts – 25–50 USD
Flip-flops – 30–70 USD
Pants – 50–100 USD
Shirt – 50–100 USD

Of course, these items will be more durable and of better quality. It makes sense to consider such clothing for those with a higher-than-average budget. Here, you can occasionally find truly quality items for a relatively low price. For future calculations, you can take the maximum prices in the current category as the cost of clothing for those who don’t particularly want to save!

Remember – a low price for clothing here immediately indicates that it will last for only 1 or a maximum of 2 months. This has been verified by many friends and acquaintances. People simply change their wardrobes 2 to 3 times a year because their old clothes become completely unwearable. Nevertheless, for those on a tight budget, it’s a decent way to save money and “settle in” on the island.

Laundry Services

As I mentioned earlier, laundry services are an integral part of local culture, of course, adopted from abroad. No one has a washing machine at home (except in expensive villas designed in European style). The vast majority wash their clothes in laundries like these.

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

You take a bag of dirty clothes, go to the laundry (there are plenty of them, literally on every street), and put your bag on the scales. They weigh all your clothes and give you a bill.

Currently, the minimum price for 1 kg of clothing is about 0.7 USD. A person uses about 2 kg of clothes per week. So, total expenses are about 6–7 USD per month.

And you could even ignore these costs if it weren't for one HUGE CATCH! Laundries often damage items. Many expats complain that after washing, clothes come back with unpleasant odors, yellow stains, or even go missing.

Of course, this issue can be resolved by finding a good laundry or...

The second option – eco-laundries and more upscale options, where clothing is charged by item. Such laundries cost 2 to 3 times more than regular ones. In this case, your expenses would be around 20 USD a month (which is just right if your clothes are from the mid-range category).

FOR PEOPLE WITH VERY LIMITED BUDGETS – FEEL FREE TO USE LOCAL LAUNDRIES. YOU KNOW THE FAIR PRICE. FOR THOSE WHO VALUE THEIR CLOTHING HIGHLY – FIND AN ECO-LAUNDRY NEAR YOUR HOME.

Entertainment

This category of expenses is not for the Balinese themselves. Typically, entertainment events here attract Indonesian residents from neighboring islands like Java or Sumatra. Bali is considered a resort not only for international tourists but also for Indonesian residents. Therefore, prices for entertainment here are reminiscent of resort prices in Sochi, Russia, or Baden-Baden, Germany.

The most popular entertainment here includes three main gems:

Water Park "Waterbom"

The cost is about 50 USD per person. For some, this is the cost of a week’s worth of meals. In the early stages, not everyone is prepared to incur such expenses for entertainment, especially on a tight budget. For a Balinese person with an average salary of 400 USD per month, this is very expensive.

  • Two people in waterpark
  • Two people in waterpark

Bali Safari

This is a place where animals are treated very well. They host interesting shows featuring representatives of the local fauna. All the local wildlife is gathered here:tigers, lions, hippos, giraffes, and of course, Indonesian elephants. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to walk through the park. On weekends, the park puts on a real theatrical performance with the animals based on the famous Balinese legend of Agung.

  • Animals
  • Animals

The cost of a single visit is about 100 USD per person. It’s also not a budget-friendly activity, but if the price doesn’t deter you, make sure to visit. It’s one of the top places on the island.

Bali Zoo

Located in Ubud, this zoo has slightly more democratic prices—around 30 USD for entrance per person.

For those looking for non-budget-friendly entertainment, a yacht trip or a helicopter ride over the island is breathtakingly beautiful. You will be able to see the Bali that is typically showcased in promotional materials for attracting tourists. However, seeing it in pictures and experiencing it firsthand are two different things. If your budget allows, give it a try.

A yacht for a group for a few hours will cost about 1,000 USD. A helicopter ride will set you back 250 USD per person.

Nonetheless, for budget travelers, Bali remains a paradise because, despite the relatively high prices for organized activities, the island has thousands of beautiful spots where you can walk for free or for a very small fee.

Attractions

Bali is a place of power and stunning beauty. For example, in Ubud, in the Sayan area, there are many 4-5 star hotels with beautiful grounds. In each of these hotels, you can descend into the river valley and enjoy the views. You can access the hotel grounds by simply saying you’re going to the café. In the café itself, you can sip on a coconut or a cup of coffee without necessarily ordering something substantial.

And YOU WILL BE GRANTED VIEWS LIKE THIS:

  • Bali views
  • Bali views

If you love trekking and walks, download maps.me and explore your area for walking routes. Alternatively, head to the mountainous region of Bedugul. There, a remarkable number of trails are laid out at the bottom of an ancient volcano. Some of these trails lead to the peaks of Bedugul, which are over two thousand meters high, while others head north to numerous waterfalls from Puncak Wanagiri.

On your way, you may encounter waterfalls with an entrance fee, usually ranging from 1 to 2 USD. More well-known and popular tourist waterfalls may cost between 3 to 5 USD, while the most expensive waterfalls, like Sekumpul or Lemukih, can charge from 10 USD per person.

Visiting most of Bali's stunning attractions is easily affordable even for the most budget-conscious tourist or resident of the island.

Among the island's attractions are the temples of Bali. Some are worth visiting even for those not interested in local traditions, such as:

Temples usually have entrance fees for tourists ranging from 1 to 10 USD.

Keep in mind that ACCESS TO HOLY PLACES WITHOUT A SPECIAL LOCAL GARMENT – A SARONG – IS PROHIBITED. At the entrance to almost every temple, there is a stall where you can rent one for 1 to 2 USD. Alternatively, if you plan to visit attractions frequently, it’s better to just buy one at the market for the same price.

For budget travelers, if you walk around the perimeter of the temple or any tourist attraction in Bali, you will almost always find an entrance that doesn’t require payment if you look closely.

Mobile Internet and Phones

At the time of writing this article, in Indonesia, you must declare your device when crossing the border and register your IMEI number in the database. This is to ensure that your phone continues to work after three months of staying on the island.

Indonesia, like many other countries worldwide, is fighting against the illegal import of complex technical devices, and this can have unpleasant consequences for tourists. One day, you might find out that your phone no longer works in Indonesia. You will have to go to the central office of Telcomcell – https://goo.gl/maps/YL1WTmjBY6ktbDgP8 to re-register your phone, and this needs to be done every three months until you are told that you can no longer use your phone. This possibility should not be ruled out.

The main advice for tourists/migrants/people relocating is to get a simple local Samsung phone for around 100 USD and put a local SIM card in it. This will protect you from blocks and related inconveniences.

The most popular local operator is Telcomcell.

  • Telcom's office
  • Telcom's office

Small shops selling SIM cards from this operator can be found all over the island, and locating one won’t be difficult at all. The cost of activating a new SIM card is 3 USD. If you top up your balance with another 3–4 USD, you’ll have enough mobile connectivity and internet for a month to communicate with friends, use social media, and watch videos.

If You Have Children (Expenses)

The previous expenses mostly apply to children as well. Keep in mind that, for example, entrance fees to temples, entertainment, and menus at many restaurants include "children's prices". This means that expenses for children can be 30-50% lower. Additionally, in some places, children can enter for free. While this isn’t a universal practice, it significantly reduces costs.

However, there are specific payments that families with children visiting the island may incur..

Due to the demographic shift of a large number of English-speaking residents to Bali (no less than several thousand), many kindergartens and schools for Russian-speaking children have opened here. Prices in such establishments start from 350 USD per month and can reach up to 1000 USD per month for one child.

Local schools designed for expats follow a fairly democratic education system. For instance, in our school, classes begin not with a traditional bell ringing and children bustling in the hallways, but with practices like meditation, dancing, or games in the yard, depending on preference.

There are many activities and classes available for children on the island, covering virtually any theme.

Children's activities are held in areas with good infrastructure (Sanur, Canggu, Ubud), and I can't speak for other areas. Here are some prices for activities for our friends’ children:

Swimming:An individual lesson with a German coach for 40 minutes costs about 15 USD. Football: A group session with an Italian coach costs 10 USD per class. Clay Modeling: оne class costs around 7 USD. On average, in Ubud, prices for children's individual and group activities range from 7 to 20 USD.

If a child attends 2-3 sessions per week, the monthly cost will be around 360–450 USD for one child. This is an option for people with medium to higher budgets.

Many parents with toddlers seek help from local nannies. If you hire a local nanny without special qualifications, the hourly rate will be 2-3 USD. She will only supervise the child, may do light house cleaning, and will relieve some of your responsibilities, giving you time to attend to your own matters. It’s not advisable to expect any educational activities from her.

If your nanny speaks English and has an education, the price may vary from 3 to 7 USD per hour. Such a nanny would have more qualifications, and the care provided would be of better quality. If you decide to find an English-speaking nanny, prices start at 10 USD per hour and can go higher.

Open a long-term residence permit in Bali

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Summary

Why is this an interim summary?

This article could also mention sections for adults (gyms, sports clubs, sporting events, etc.), personal training sessions, clubs and activities based on interests, nightclubs, massages, surfing, traditional medicine, domestic flights, expenses for notary services, company formations, taxes, and much more.

Let us know which topics you would like to explore further. This will make the article more comprehensive and help calculate the budget more accurately. But for a general understanding, it’s important to know that on the island, you can engage in almost all types of activities and entertainment that you can imagine. Add about 1,000 USD for a family, and you can significantly expand your range of activities to include those not covered in this article.

However, this is an overview of expenses, and much of it is essential for living on the island.

Expence Very Budgetary Average Budgetary Above Average
PER PERSON (housing and car shared between several people)
Housing 200-350 400-1200 1200–4000
Internet 30 30 30
Transport 60 130-500 300 – 800
Fuel 20 40 100
Food 150-200 300-400 400–700
Insurance 0 40 250
Clothing 15-20 30-100 100–200
Visa 120 120 62
Restaurants and cafes 50 200-400 400–600
Salons beauty, hairdressing 3 30-60 60-150
Entertainment 3 30 100–300
Laundries 7 20 50
Telephone 3 6 10
Attractions 10 50 50-200
TOTAL: 680-880 1410-2980 3060-7250
CHILD(S)
School 0 350-500 500–1000
Nanny 20 50-100 250-500
Sections 100 360-400 360-400
TOTAL: 120 860-1000 1100-2000

If you need more detailed advice on relocation, starting, and managing a business in Bali, please simply CONTACT US via TELEGRAM OR WHATSAPP for quick communication.

Together, we’ll make your life on the island comfortable!