The Unexpected Realities of Living the Dream in Bali

What to Know Before You Pack Up for Paradise

When people think about moving to Bali, images of sandy beaches, fresh coconuts, and ocean-view co-working spaces flood their minds. And to be fair, those things are all real. Bali is stunning, spiritual, and surprisingly affordable for many Westerners. But “living the dream” isn’t just about Instagram sunsets and smoothie bowls — it comes with unexpected realities that every expat should be ready for.

Whether you're coming for six months or planning to stay for good, this guide offers a deeper look at what life in Bali is really like for expats — and what no one tells you before you land. From practical considerations like visas and transport, to emotional aspects like culture shock and community, this is the real Bali breakdown.

And yes, we’re going to talk about why health insurance for expats in Asia — especially in Bali — isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must.

1. The Bali Dream: Where It Starts

Bali has long drawn in a global crowd — surfers, yogis, artists, entrepreneurs, and freedom-seekers. It's known for:

• Tropical landscapes
• Affordable cost of living
• Friendly locals
• Growing expat communities in Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu
• A relaxed lifestyle

People arrive hoping for reinvention. And Bali, for the most part, welcomes that energy. But within a few months, reality begins to set in — in ways both beautiful and challenging.

2. Getting Settled: Logistics of Life in Bali

Before the dream life starts, there’s paperwork and planning. Here's what to know.

Visas & Bureaucracy

• Tourist visas are usually valid for 30 days, with extensions available.
• Social/cultural visas or KITAS (temporary stay permits) are more suitable for longer stays.
• Immigration rules change often — hiring a local visa agent is highly recommended.

Accommodation

You can rent:

• A simple room for $150/month
• A 1-bedroom villa with a pool for $500–$1,000/month
• Shared co-living spaces are popular with digital nomads

Most rentals are found via Facebook groups, local WhatsApp chats, or by walking around and asking.

Transportation

There’s no public transport system like in Bangkok or Singapore. Your options:

• Scooter rental: Most common (approx. $50–$70/month)
• Ride-sharing apps: Grab and Gojek are popular, but not available in all regions
• Car rentals: Rare for long-term residents unless traveling with family

Be warned: driving in Bali is not for the faint of heart.

3. Cost of Living: Paradise on a Budget?

Bali is often touted as “cheap” — and for many, it is. But like anywhere, costs can rise quickly if you’re not careful.

Estimated Monthly Budget:

• Rent: $400–$900
• Food: $200 (local warungs) – $800 (Western cafés)
• Coworking: $150–$300
• Transport: $50–$100
• SIM card & internet: $10–$30
• Health insurance: more on that below!

In short, you can live on $1,000/month… or spend $4,000+. It all depends on lifestyle choices.

4. Health Matters: Bali Isn’t Just Yoga and Green Juice

Many expats come to Bali with a focus on wellness — and leave with a newfound understanding of what that actually means.

The Health Reality

• Bali has some great clinics — especially in Canggu and Ubud — but complex medical needs require trips to Singapore or Australia.
• Dengue fever is common.
• Motorbike accidents are one of the top reasons expats end up in hospital.
• Bali Belly (a form of food poisoning) is almost a rite of passage.
• Mental health care is still developing, but there are private therapists and centers available.

5. Finding Work & Staying Legal

Many expats in Bali are:

• Freelancers
• Remote workers
• Entrepreneurs
• Yoga teachers or wellness professionals

But here’s the catch: you can't legally work in Bali without the right visa. Even if you’re earning money online, you technically need the appropriate permits.

Authorities have started cracking down on illegal work activities. Avoid advertising your services (especially on social media) unless you’re sure you’re operating legally.

6. Digital Nomad Life: Co-Working and Community

If you're remote-working, Bali can be a dream base. Canggu and Ubud are full of co-working spaces like:

• Dojo
• Outpost
• BWork
• Tribal

You’ll find everything from podcast booths to networking events. And yes — the WiFi is solid (as long as you're not in the middle of the rice fields).

It’s easy to fall into a rhythm of:

• Sunrise surf
• Morning emails
• Afternoon smoothie
• Sunset with friends

But don’t expect productivity levels to mirror those of London or NYC. Bali runs on Bali time, and you’ll need to adjust.

7. Culture Shock Is Real — And It’s Not Just About Language

You’ll hear this often: “Bali isn’t really Indonesia.” That’s partly true — Bali is predominantly Hindu and more tourist-friendly than most parts of the country. But it’s still a place with deep-rooted culture, spiritual traditions, and social etiquette.

Things that may surprise you:

• Ceremonies can cause road closures or delays — and they're not to be rushed.
• Balinese people are very tolerant, but respect is key — especially around temples.
• Public affection, nudity, and alcohol consumption come with unspoken (and sometimes legal) limits.
• Foreigners are sometimes seen as wealthy, and that affects interactions, expectations, and friendships.

8. The Emotional Landscape: What the Brochures Don’t Say

No matter how stunning the sunsets are, living far from home can be isolating.

Common emotional challenges include:

• Loneliness
• Cultural fatigue
• Visa stress
• Family being far away
• Career uncertainty
• Loss of structure or routine

This is especially true if you come to Bali to “escape” something at home — only to find that you brought those challenges with you.

The good news? Bali also offers space to process, reconnect, and reinvent.

9. Building a Life: Relationships, Routines & Rituals

Eventually, the excitement of moving wears off, and you’re left with… your real life.

That’s where the magic happens.

Creating daily rituals helps:

• Yoga at sunrise
• Markets on Sundays
• Working from the same café
• Beach runs at dusk
• Joining a local sports or spiritual group

Bali thrives on community energy. Whether you find that through a meditation circle, surf school, or expat Facebook group — connection is everything.

10. The Exit Plan: Are You Staying for Good?

For some, Bali is a forever home. For others, it’s a stepping stone or seasonal base.

Before moving, ask yourself:

• What are your financial goals?
• Do you plan to raise a family here?
• Can you secure long-term visas?
• What happens if you get sick or injured?

If the answer to those is unclear, it’s okay. Many people move to Bali first, and figure out the rest later. But health, legality, and finances shouldn’t be left to chance.

Final Thoughts: Paradise with a Pulse

Bali will teach you many things — about slowing down, listening more deeply, and being present. But it will also test your patience, adaptability, and resilience.

It’s not just a backdrop for your new life — it’s a living, breathing place with its own rhythms and values.

The dream is real — but it comes with work. And when you plan properly (including getting reliable health insurance for expats in Asia), the payoff is huge: A slower, richer, more connected way of living.