Bali rice terraces and beautiful landscape in Indonesia

Indonesia Expat Guide: What I Wish I'd Known Before Moving

Everything you need to know about living, working, and thriving in Indonesia.
Andrew Maslovskyi
Andrew Maslovskyi Updated: September 30, 2026

Introduction

Selamat datang! Welcome to Indonesia, where 17,000+ islands are just waiting to mess with your life plans in the best possible way. Most people think "Indonesia = Bali," but honey, that's like saying "America = New York." This country is HUGE, diverse, and absolutely wild in ways that'll surprise you daily.

I've been island-hopping here for three years now, and here's what surprised me most: it rearranged what I think a normal week looks like. Surf good waves in the morning, work from a café overlooking a rice paddy in the afternoon, watch a volcano glow at dusk, and still spend a fraction of what a regular weekday costs back home.

But here's the thing nobody tells you: Indonesia will test you. The bureaucracy is like a puzzle designed by someone who clearly enjoys chaos, the traffic in Jakarta makes LA look peaceful, and don't get me started on the humidity. But stick with it, because this country has a way of getting under your skin in the most beautiful way possible.

Updated September 2026: I rewrote the visa, tax and fee sections after Indonesia's 2025 visa-code change and this year's rule tweaks. Rules here move fast, so treat every number below as a starting point and confirm it on the official site before you pay anyone.

Bali rice terraces and beautiful landscape in Indonesia

Iconic Balinese temple at sunset

Visa Programs

Indonesian visa passport example

Example of an Indonesian visa in a passport

Indonesia has more visa options than it did a few years ago, and picking the wrong one is the quickest way to burn a month and a pile of agent fees. Here's how the main ones work in 2026. If you're still comparing countries, try our visa comparison tool, and our digital nomad visa guide covers the wider region.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

  • Eligibility: Citizens of roughly 97 countries, including most Western nations (check the current list before you book)
  • Duration: 30 days
  • Extension: Once, for another 30 days (60 in total)
  • Cost: IDR 500,000 (about $28), and the same again for the extension
  • Process: Buy it at the airport or seaport, or apply for an e-VOA online before you fly and skip the counter queue. Either way you also fill in the All Indonesia digital arrival declaration and show its QR code
  • Requirements:
    • Passport valid for at least 6 months
    • Return or onward ticket
    • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Extension Process: Go to an immigration office (or pay an agent) about a week before it expires and allow 3-5 working days
  • Overstay: IDR 1,000,000 per day, so don't cut it close
  • Best For: Short trips, first visits, and nomads testing the waters

C1 Visit Visa (formerly B211A)

Heads-up on names: Indonesia reissued its visa codes in 2025 (Immigration Ministry decree M.IP-08.GR.01.01, signed 2 May 2025). The old B211A is now C1, and social visits have their own index, C6. Agents and older guides still say "B211A", so you'll see both. The official code list is still being filled in, so check the current one on the Directorate General of Immigration site.

Want every code explained? Asif Hayat Malik, a chartered accountant (FCCA) whose Jakarta firm has handled foreigners' visas and company setups since 2017, wrote a plain-English guide to Indonesian visa categories covering what each index allows. It's the clearest breakdown of the 2025 codes I've found.

  • Eligibility: Most nationalities can apply on their own. A short list of nationalities on Indonesia's "calling visa" list need an Indonesian guarantor and extra screening from the start
  • Duration: 60 days initially
  • Extension: Twice, 60 days each, for 180 days in total. You need a local guarantor to extend, and each extension means a biometrics appointment at an immigration office
  • Cost: IDR 1,000,000 (about $55) for the 60-day visa under the current immigration tariff (Government Regulation 45/2024), plus a fee for each extension. Agents add their own charges on top, so their all-in quotes run much higher
  • Process: Apply online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before you fly. It's not an airport purchase, and the embassy route has mostly given way to the portal. Approval usually takes 3-14 working days
  • Requirements:
    • Passport valid for at least 6 months
    • Passport photo page scan and a recent photo
    • Bank statements showing around USD 2,000 (usually three months)
    • Return or onward ticket
  • Notes: Single entry, so leaving Indonesia uses it up. You can apply for other permits while you're here, but ask your agent before assuming a conversion will work
  • Best For: Nomads planning a few months, family visits, and anyone scouting before committing to a KITAS

Second Home Visa

  • Eligibility: Foreigners who can show IDR 2 billion (about $111,000) in a state-owned Indonesian bank such as BNI, BRI or Mandiri, or property worth at least USD 1 million
  • Duration: 5 or 10 years
  • The money: It stays in your own account and keeps earning interest, but it has to stay there for the life of the visa. Proof of the deposit is due within 90 days of arrival
  • Process: Through the official eVisa system or an Indonesian embassy, though most people hand the paperwork to an agent
  • Benefits:
    • Multiple entries
    • No yearly renewals
    • Spouse and children under 18 can come too
  • Restrictions: Not a work permit. You'd need separate work authorization
  • Best For: Retirees, investors and anyone with real savings who wants a long-term base

Two related programs get confused with this one. The Golden Visa (E28 series) gives 5 or 10 years but demands a much bigger investment, starting around USD 350,000 for passive investors according to agent guides. The Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), launched on 26 January 2026, is only for former Indonesian citizens and their children or grandchildren.

KITAS (Limited Stay Permit)

  • Types:
    • Work KITAS: For employment with an Indonesian company
    • Investor KITAS: For business owners. Expect to need around IDR 10 billion in personal shareholding
    • Retirement KITAS: For people 55+ (60+ for the longer 5-year version), with roughly USD 1,500 a month in pension income
    • Family KITAS: For the spouse and children of KITAS holders
  • Duration: Usually 1-2 years to start, renewable
  • Path to permanent residency: After roughly 4-5 years of continuous KITAS renewals (it varies by type), you can apply for a KITAP (permanent stay permit)
  • Requirements: Vary by type, but generally include:
    • A sponsor (employer, spouse or investment company)
    • Health insurance
    • Proof of accommodation
    • For retirement: age minimum, pension proof, health insurance
    • For investor: proof of investment in an Indonesian business
  • Perks:
    • Multiple entries
    • Local bank accounts
    • Eligibility for an Indonesian driver's license
    • Exemption from the Bali tourist levy
  • Best For: Long-term relocators, employees of Indonesian companies, business owners and retirees

E33G Remote Worker KITAS (the actual digital nomad visa)

For years this section said "coming soon." It's here now. Indonesia launched the E33G Remote Worker KITAS on 1 April 2024, and it's the first permit that lets you live here legally while working for an employer abroad. No more visa runs and hoping nobody asks what you do on your laptop all day. (Comparing it with other countries' nomad visas? See our digital nomad visa guide.)

  • Duration: 1 year, renewable
  • Income requirement: Around USD 60,000/year (roughly USD 5,000/month), and it has to come from outside Indonesia
  • Bank balance: At least USD 2,000, shown across three months of statements
  • Employer: A company, NGO or institution registered outside Indonesia, and you need the contract to prove it. Freelancers should have their paperwork reviewed first, since agents treat freelance contracts differently
  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
  • Health insurance: Proper international health cover. Travel insurance won't cut it
  • Cost: About IDR 7 million (roughly $390) in government fees, and most people pay a sponsor agent another $300-500 on top
  • Family: Since late 2025, agents report that spouses and children can get dependent permits tied to your E33G
  • The big catch: You cannot take money from Indonesian companies or clients. Every rupiah has to originate abroad. This trips people up constantly
  • Tax: Holding an E33G is generally treated as intent to reside, so you may count as an Indonesian tax resident whatever your day count. Foreign-sourced income can be exempt for the first four years if you qualify. Confirm this with a tax advisor (see the tax section below)
  • Don't dawdle: Once it's issued you have 90 days to actually enter the country, or it lapses

Fees and paperwork shift around, and agents charge wildly different amounts. Check the current requirements on the official Indonesian immigration portal at evisa.imigrasi.go.id before you commit to anything.

Visa Application Process Comparison

Visa Type Application Location Processing Time Documentation Difficulty Extension Process
Visa on Arrival Airport, seaport, or e-VOA online Immediate (or apply online first) Low One extension: immigration office visit, allow 3-5 working days
C1 Visit Visa (formerly B211A) Online (eVisa portal) 3-14 working days Medium Two extensions: local guarantor plus biometrics each time
E33G Remote Worker KITAS Online, usually via a sponsor agent A few weeks High (contract and income proof) Annual renewal
Second Home eVisa portal, embassy, or an agent 1-3 months High Not required for 5-10 years
KITAS (Work) Employer applies in Indonesia 1-2 months High (employer handles) Renewal through employer
Notice: Visa rules change frequently, so check the official immigration website or the eVisa portal before you pay anyone. Both sites block a lot of VPN and data-center traffic, so if you get a "403 Access Forbidden" page, switch off your VPN or try another connection. Your nearest Indonesian embassy website is the backup.
Bali arrival fee: Every foreign visitor to Bali pays a one-off IDR 150,000 (about $8) tourist levy per trip, cashless, through the official Love Bali portal. KITAS and KITAP holders are exempt. It's separate from your visa fee, and only the .go.id site is real.

Premium Indonesia Second Home Visa Checklist

Planning to apply for Indonesia's premium long-term visa? Our checklist walks you through it step by step:

  • Complete step-by-step application guide
  • All required documents listed with examples
  • Current financial deposit requirements
  • Post-arrival procedures and permit details
View Checklist Details

Pro Tip: A good agent earns their fee: they handle guarantor letters, biometrics appointments and paperwork so you don't lose three mornings in a government office. Ask for a fixed all-in price in writing, and walk away from anyone who promises special access or a guaranteed shortcut. For a longer first stay, the C1 gives you 60 days plus two 60-day extensions, 180 days in total, before you have to leave.

Expert Visa Advice: If you're staying a year or more, the classic pattern is 180 days on a C1, a hop to Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, then a fresh C1. It works, but it's the fragile option: nothing guarantees your next entry, and immigration has been stricter in Bali this year. Add up the visa fee, two extensions, agent fees and flights before you decide it's cheaper than an E33G or a KITAS. If you'll be here past the first year, the paperwork for a proper permit is usually worth it.

Frequently Asked Visa Questions

Can I work remotely on a tourist visa?

Technically no. Any work, including remote work for a foreign employer, isn't allowed on a VOA or C1 visit visa. Plenty of nomads do it anyway and enforcement used to be light, but Bali immigration has reportedly stepped up patrols this year, so I wouldn't bet a stay on it. The E33G Remote Worker KITAS (live since April 2024) exists for exactly this. If you're staying and working, apply for it.

How many times can I do visa runs in Indonesia?

There's no official cap, but officers can question frequent entries, and 2026 has brought reports of tighter enforcement, including a dedicated task force in Bali. Most people who cycle C1 visas leave a gap of a week or two between stays. Nobody can promise you an entry, so I wouldn't build a multi-year plan on visa runs.

Do I need a sponsor for all Indonesian visas?

No. The VOA needs none, and most nationalities can apply for a C1 on their own. You do need a local guarantor to extend a C1, and a few nationalities need one from the start. Longer permits like the KITAS need a sponsor such as an employer, spouse or investment company, and the E33G is usually filed through a sponsor agent.

Do I have to pay the Bali tourist levy?

Yes, if you're a foreign visitor: IDR 150,000 (about $8) once per trip, paid online through the official Love Bali portal (lovebali.baliprov.go.id) or at the airport. KITAS and KITAP holders are exempt, and the levy is separate from your visa fee.

Do I pay Indonesian tax on income from my foreign employer?

It depends on whether you count as a tax resident: more than 183 days in any rolling 12-month period, or living here on a KITAS with the intention to stay. Residents are taxed on worldwide income, though newcomers with qualifying skills can choose to be taxed only on Indonesian income for the first four years. Assume an E33G makes you a resident, and book an hour with a local tax advisor before you commit.

Can I ride a scooter with my home country licence?

For a short tourist stay you need an International Driving Permit that specifically covers motorcycles, plus your home licence. A car-only permit doesn't count. Bali police have been stricter in 2026, with fines up to IDR 1,000,000 for driving without a valid licence. Once you're on a KITAS you're expected to get an Indonesian SIM.

Cost of Living

Canggu and Seminyak in Bali have gotten expensive enough that a lot of nomads now call them "the overpriced part of Southeast Asia" — a Western-style café breakfast there can run the same as Bangkok's most expensive neighborhoods. Canggu rents jumped again in 2026, with one-bedroom pool villas now asking IDR 12-18 million a month, and landlords increasingly want two months' deposit. Move an hour inland to Ubud, or off Bali entirely to somewhere like Yogyakarta, and the same budget stretches a lot further. Our cost of living calculator breaks this down by specific city if you want a more precise number.

Monthly Expenses Comparison Across Popular Expat Locations (in USD)

Expense Category Bali (Canggu/Seminyak) Bali (Ubud) Jakarta Yogyakarta Lombok
Accommodation
1-BR villa or apartment $670-1,000 $450-780 $450-850 $200-350 $220-400
Villa with pool (2-BR) $1,200-2,200 $900-1,600 N/A N/A $670-1,100
Co-living or guesthouse room $280-500 $200-400 $200-400 $120-250 $180-350
Utilities & Services
Electricity & water (with A/C) $60-100 $50-80 $70-120 $50-90 $50-90
Home internet (fibre) $25-60 $25-50 $20-40 $20-35 $25-50
Mobile data plan $5-15 $5-15 $5-15 $5-15 $5-15
Part-time cleaner (weekly, per month) $30-60 $25-50 $20-40 $15-30 $20-40
Transportation
Scooter rental (monthly) $60-100 $55-90 $45-80 $35-60 $45-75
Gojek/Grab ride (per trip) $1-6 $1-5 $1-5 $1-3 $1-5
Food & Dining
Local warung meal $2-4 $2-4 $2-4 $1-2.50 $1.50-3
Western restaurant meal $8-15 $7-13 $8-20 $5-10 $6-12
Groceries (monthly, one person) $150-300 $120-250 $150-300 $100-200 $120-250
Coffee in a cafe $2-4 $2-3.50 $2-5 $1.50-3 $1.50-3
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Coworking (monthly) $100-250 $100-200 $100-200 $50-100 $60-120
Gym membership $40-100 $30-70 $40-100 $20-50 $25-60
Movie ticket $3-6 $3-6 $3-6 $3-5 $3-5
Healthcare
Health insurance (international, basic) $60-150 $60-150 $60-150 $60-150 $60-150
Doctor visit (private clinic) $20-80 $20-60 $30-80 $15-40 $20-50
Total per month (one person) $1,300-2,800 $1,000-2,000 $1,000-2,200 $600-1,200 $800-1,500
Traditional Indonesian market with local prices

Shopping at local markets can significantly reduce your food expenses in Indonesia

Cost-Saving Strategies for Expats in Indonesia

Accommodation

  • Long-term leases: Ask for the yearly price and divide by twelve. Owners in Bali often knock a real chunk off for 6-12 months, but many want it paid upfront, so budget for that
  • Neighboring villages: A one-bedroom in Pererenan runs about IDR 8-14 million a month, against IDR 17.5 million and up in Berawa ten minutes away
  • Facebook groups: Join "Bali Housing & Accommodation" or similar groups to find deals direct from owners
  • Arrive off-season: Search for housing during February-March or October-November for better rates

Food & Dining

  • Warungs (local eateries): Meals for $1-3 (IDR 20,000-50,000) vs. $8-15 at Western restaurants
  • Local markets: Buy fruit, vegetables and eggs at the pasar. Imported goods at expat supermarkets often cost 1.5-3x what you'd pay at home
  • Meal prep services: In Bali, weekly meal prep services offer healthy options at $3-5 per meal
  • Delivery apps: Use GrabFood or GoFood for discounts and promotions on food delivery

Transportation

  • Long-term scooter rental: A monthly deal ($60-100) works out to roughly half the IDR 50,000-100,000 daily rate
  • Buy a used scooter: For stays over 6 months, a used Honda Scoopy or Vario costs about IDR 12-15 million ($650-850), and you can usually sell it on when you leave. A new Scoopy is about IDR 23 million
  • Ride-sharing apps: Gojek and Grab show the price before you book, which beats haggling with a street driver. A bike ride across town is usually $1-2
  • Local drivers: For day trips, hire local drivers through Facebook groups instead of tourist services

Sample Budget: A Remote Worker in Canggu

This is an illustrative monthly budget, not one person's receipts. I built it from the ranges in the table above for a remote worker renting a one-bedroom place in Pererenan, the quieter village next to Canggu (Berawa itself now starts around IDR 17.5 million a month):

  • Accommodation: $610/month (about IDR 11 million)
  • Utilities & Internet: $110/month (A/C adds up; includes a backup data plan)
  • Scooter Rental: $70/month (negotiated long-term deal)
  • Fuel: $15/month
  • Food: $400/month (mix of local warungs, occasional Western restaurants, and grocery shopping)
  • Coworking Space: $100/month (unlimited plan at a mid-range space)
  • Health Insurance: $85/month (international coverage)
  • Entertainment & Activities: $200/month (yoga classes, gym, occasional trips)
  • Visa: $65/month (E33G government fee plus an agent, about $800 a year, averaged)
  • Miscellaneous: $150/month (clothing, toiletries, household items)
  • Total: $1,805/month

You could trim $300-400 by eating mostly at local warungs and renting further from the beach strip. Plenty of nomads pay the premium anyway for the convenience and the community.

Tourist Tax Reality: Here's something that'll blow your mind – the same nasi goreng that costs 20,000 rupiah (about $1) at a local warung will cost 70,000 rupiah (about $4) at a café in Seminyak. Learn to say "berapa harga untuk orang lokal?" (what's the local price?) and watch prices magically drop.

For housing, commit to 3+ months and landlords suddenly become your best friend. A 6-month lease almost always gets you a better monthly price than going month-to-month. Landlords hate constant turnover, so they reward people who stay.

The Expat Budget Hack: Here's what smart expats do – they run a "local" budget and a "splurge" budget. Live like a local for 80% of your expenses (local housing, warungs, ojek rides), then blow money on the stuff that really matters to you (maybe that fancy coworking space or weekend brunch spots).

That might mean a $300/month room in a local neighborhood and a $100/month premium gym because fitness is your thing. Or $2 warung meals all week and a $30 dinner on Saturday. Pick your battles, and you'll live like royalty for the price of a studio apartment back home.

Tax System

Indonesian tax system sign

Understanding Indonesia's tax system is important for expats

Key Tax Information for Expats

Important: Indonesia's tax residency rules hinge on day counts and paperwork that changes without much warning — check the Indonesian Tax Office site directly rather than trusting secondhand advice. Our tax implications guide covers the wider picture.

The 183-Day Dance: Every long-term visitor ends up playing this one: stay under 183 days and you're not a tax resident. Sounds simple, but the count runs across a rolling 12 months, not January to December, and partial days generally count, so the day you land at 11 PM is probably day one.

I know nomads who set phone alarms for day 180 and book flights out. A quick hop to Singapore doesn't reset anything, since days are counted across the whole 12 months. Keep a spreadsheet of your entry and exit dates, because "I think I was here about 5 months" won't cut it if the tax office asks. When in doubt, pay a local tax consultant. It's way cheaper than becoming a tax resident by accident.

Job Market and Salaries

Job search sites: JobStreet, Kalibrr, LinkedIn Indonesia

Salary Reality Check: Local salaries here will make you cry if you're used to Western pay scales. A senior developer on a local contract might make $12,000-17,000 a year, which is decent by Indonesian standards but won't fund your weekend trips to Singapore.

Your best bet? Work remotely for foreign companies or target international organizations. If you do take a local job, know that your employer has to sponsor your work KITAS and only certain roles are open to foreigners, so line up the job before the permit. Then negotiate hard on the extras – housing allowance, transportation, health insurance, annual flights home. These benefits can double your effective compensation and make the lower base salary workable.

Beyond the Instagram Spots: Everyone flocks to Canggu and Seminyak because that's where all the influencer photos come from. But here's a secret: Sanur is where smart expats actually live. You get the same beautiful beaches, way better prices, and locals who don't roll their eyes when they see you coming.

Want to be a true pioneer? Check out Labuan Bajo (gateway to Komodo dragons) or Senggigi in Lombok. You'll have the scenery basically to yourself, pay half what you'd spend in Bali, and get to tell people you lived somewhere they can't even pronounce. Just make sure you're okay with slower internet and fewer Western amenities. Our coworking directory and internet quality map show what to expect.

Culture and Lifestyle

Traditional Balinese ceremony

Traditional Balinese dance performance

Pro Tip: Indonesians greatly value politeness and indirect communication. Direct criticism or confrontation can make someone "lose face" and cool a relationship fast. When negotiating or handling conflicts, maintain a calm demeanor, speak softly, smile, and use phrases like "mungkin" (maybe) instead of direct refusals. This approach will earn you respect and cooperation from locals in both business and personal interactions.

Healthcare for Expats

Healthcare here swings a lot depending on where you are and whether you're in a public or private hospital. Private hospitals in the big cities handle most things well; smaller islands are a different story.

Modern private hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia

BIMC Hospital in Bali - a popular private healthcare facility for expats

Healthcare System Overview

Public vs. Private Healthcare

Feature Public Hospitals Private Hospitals International Hospitals
Language Bahasa Indonesia Some English English widely spoken
Cost Very affordable Moderate Expensive
Wait Times Often long Moderate Short to none
Equipment Basic to moderate Modern State-of-the-art
Doctor Training Local standards Often international training International certifications
Availability Throughout Indonesia Major cities Jakarta, Bali, limited locations

Prices checked in late September 2026 and converted at about IDR 18,000 to the US dollar (the rupiah has weakened a lot since 2025, so older USD figures online now look too high). Ranges come from Numbeo, Expatistan and Wise city data, plus 2026 rental listings and coworking price lists in Bali and Lombok. Your own number depends mostly on where you rent and how often you eat Western food.

Top Hospitals for Expats by Region

Bali

  • BIMC Hospital (Kuta & Nusa Dua)
    • International standards, English-speaking staff
    • 24/7 emergency care, full medical services
    • Website: bimcbali.com
  • Siloam Hospital (Denpasar)
    • Large modern facility with advanced technology
    • Part of Indonesia's largest private hospital group
    • Branches across Bali, Jakarta and most big cities
  • Kasih Ibu Hospital (Denpasar)
    • Good balance of quality and cost
    • International patient services

Jakarta

  • Pondok Indah Hospital
    • JCI-accredited (international standard)
    • Full-service medical center with specialists
    • Website: rspondokindah.co.id
  • Medistra Hospital
    • Popular with expatriates and diplomats
    • Advanced medical equipment and services
  • Siloam Hospitals Kebon Jeruk
    • Full range of medical services
    • International standard equipment

Other Regions

  • Yogyakarta: Bethesda Hospital, JIH Hospital
  • Surabaya: Siloam Hospitals, National Hospital
  • Lombok: Harapan Keluarga Hospital (for emergencies, serious cases often transferred to Bali)

Health Insurance Options

International Health Insurance

Recommended for most expats, providing comprehensive coverage in Indonesia and globally:

  • Cigna Global: Popular with expats, offers tailored plans
  • Allianz Care: Comprehensive international coverage
  • SafetyWing: Affordable option popular with digital nomads
  • IMG Global: Flexible plans for different needs
  • AXA Global Healthcare: Comprehensive but premium pricing

Average Cost: $60-200/month depending on age, coverage level, and deductible

Local Insurance Options

More affordable but limited to Indonesia, suitable for long-term residents:

  • Prudential Indonesia: Offers health insurance with hospital cash plans
  • AIA Indonesia: Various health plans with good hospital networks
  • Allianz Indonesia: Local plans from global insurer
  • BPJS: Indonesia's national health insurance (needs a KITAS, and retirement KITAS holders can't join)

Average Cost: $30-100/month for private local plans. BPJS itself is only IDR 35,000-150,000 a month (about $2-8) if you're eligible, but you'll wait longer and English is rare

Important: If you have pre-existing conditions, disclose them when applying for insurance. Non-disclosure can result in claim rejections and policy cancellations.

Common Health Concerns in Indonesia

  • Dengue Fever: Endemic in Indonesia, use mosquito repellent and avoid stagnant water areas
  • Typhoid: Vaccination recommended, drink bottled water and be cautious with street food
  • Respiratory Issues: Air quality can be poor in Jakarta and during forest fire season
  • Traveler's Diarrhea: Common in first few months, carry rehydration salts
  • Rabies: Present in Bali and other areas, avoid contact with stray animals

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Required: None officially required for entry unless arriving from yellow fever areas
  • Highly Recommended:
    • Hepatitis A and B
    • Typhoid
    • Tetanus-diphtheria
    • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
  • Consider Based on Activities/Location:
    • Rabies (for rural stays or wildlife contact)
    • Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas, long-term stays)

Healthcare Pro Tip: Create a medical emergency plan before you need it. Keep a list of nearest hospitals with GPS coordinates, have a local friend who can translate in emergencies, and store your insurance information in both digital and physical formats. For serious conditions, many expats in Indonesia opt for medical evacuation to Singapore, which has world-class healthcare facilities. If this is your preference, ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation (most international plans do).

How a Private Hospital Visit Usually Works

  • Bring paperwork: Passport (or a clear copy), your insurance card and your policy number. Private hospitals will ask for all three
  • Ask for a price first: For anything beyond a basic consultation, ask for an estimate before treatment. Internationally branded hospitals cost noticeably more than good local private ones for the same problem
  • Payment: Many hospitals want payment up front, and you claim it back from your insurer. Some insurers can issue a guarantee of payment for larger bills, so call them before you commit to anything expensive
  • Keep every receipt: Itemized invoices and medical reports are what your insurer will ask for
  • Language: English-speaking staff are common at the international hospitals listed above and far less so elsewhere. A translation app or a local friend helps

Entertainment and Activities

Surfing and volcano hikes get all the attention, but the ferry to a random island or the village festival you stumble into tend to make the better weekends.

Tips for New Expats

A little prep saves a lot of grief here. This is the list of things that trip people up, from long-term expats:

Documentation & Legal Matters

  • Visa Planning: Research visa options well in advance; many expats start with a 60-day C1 visa and extend it
  • Document Backups: Photograph your passport photo page, visa/KITAS approval, and insurance policy and save them to cloud storage — immigration offices and hospitals in Indonesia both ask for these more often than you'd expect
  • Multiple Passport Photos: Bring a handful of passport-sized photos; some offices still ask for printed ones
  • International Driver's Permit: Get one before you arrive, and make sure it covers motorcycles if you'll ride a scooter. On a KITAS you'll need an Indonesian SIM instead
  • Police Registration: Report your address to your neighborhood heads (RT/RW) within a few days of moving in. Your landlord or agent can usually walk you through it, and KITAS holders also need a residence certificate (SKTT) from the local civil registry

Health & Safety

  • Comprehensive Insurance: International health insurance with evacuation coverage is essential
  • First Aid Kit: Bring prescription medications and basic first aid supplies
  • Mosquito Protection: Use repellent (especially at dawn and dusk) and consider accommodations with screens
  • Food Safety: Start with fully-cooked foods at established restaurants while your system adjusts
  • Water Safety: Drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid tap water even for brushing teeth initially
  • Traffic Awareness: Traffic follows different rules - be extremely cautious when walking or driving
  • Emergency Contacts: Save local emergency numbers: 112 (general), 110 (police), 113 (fire) and 118 or 119 (ambulance). For anything serious in Bali, calling your private hospital directly is often faster

Safety & Natural Hazards

  • Earthquakes and volcanoes: Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire. Install the BMKG app for earthquake and tsunami alerts, and learn the evacuation routes near where you live
  • Petty crime: Bag snatching from scooters and pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots are the usual problems. Keep your phone away from the road side of the pavement
  • Volcano and flight disruption: Eruptions can close airports (Bali's included) for days, so keep some slack in your travel plans

Financial Preparation

  • Cash Reserves: Bring USD or EUR for your first month, and only change it at a licensed money changer with a "KURS RESMI" sign — the unlicensed ones near tourist strips in Bali are notorious for short-changing and sleight-of-hand counting tricks
  • Multiple Payment Methods: Bring at least two different credit/debit cards from different networks
  • ATM Strategy: Foreign-card ATM fees add up fast here, so pull larger sums less often, and stick to machines inside banks or malls to avoid skimming devices
  • Local Bank Account: Consider opening one if staying long-term (requires KITAS). Our international banking guide covers the options
  • Money Transfer Services: Wise is the easiest way to convert rupiah at a real exchange rate instead of the marked-up rate most local banks quote
  • Tax Planning: Talk to a tax advisor about your obligations in both Indonesia and your home country (start here)

Technology & Communication

  • Unlocked Phone: Bring an unlocked phone to use with local SIM cards
  • SIM Cards: Telkomsel has the best coverage, especially outside the big cities; XL and Indosat are cheaper for data. A foreign phone works on a local SIM or eSIM for 90 days; after that, register its IMEI with customs or it loses mobile service. Do it at the airport on arrival: phones worth up to USD 500 are free, and above that you pay tax on the amount over $500. Register later at a customs office and the $500 allowance no longer applies
  • VPN Service: Indonesia periodically blocks specific sites (gambling platforms and a rotating list of others), and a VPN also keeps home-country banking and streaming apps from locking you out over the foreign IP
  • Backup Internet: Consider a portable 4G router or second SIM card for backup internet
  • Power Adapters: Indonesia uses Type C and F plugs (European style, 230V)
  • Surge Protectors: Power fluctuations are common in some areas

Housing & Setting Up Home

  • Temporary Accommodation: Line up 2-4 weeks in a guesthouse or short-let villa through Airbnb first — Bali and Yogyakarta rentals are usually shown in person, so you want time to actually walk through a few before committing to a yearly lease
  • Lease Negotiation: Always negotiate rent (especially for 6+ month commitments). Our long-term rental guide has the details
  • Utility Verification: Before signing a lease, check water pressure, air conditioning, and internet speed
  • Buying Property: Foreigners can't own freehold land (Hak Milik). You lease, or hold rights like Hak Pakai, so use a local notary before you hand over any money
  • Noise Assessment: Visit potential housing at different times of day to check noise levels
  • Household Help: A part-time cleaner is about IDR 75,000-150,000 a visit; a full-time helper is a monthly salary, typically at or above the local minimum wage. Ask locals for referrals
  • School Fees (families): Bali international schools run about $8,000-14,000 a year at mid-tier schools and $15,000-28,000 at premium ones. Jakarta ranges from about $7,000 to $38,000, and first-year levies can add 20-40%
  • Essential Apps: Download Gojek/Grab for transportation and deliveries, WhatsApp for communication

Cultural Integration

  • Basic Language: Learn essential Bahasa Indonesia phrases - locals appreciate the effort
  • Dress Modestly: Outside tourist areas, conservative dress is respectful (shoulders covered, no short shorts)
  • Remove Shoes: Always remove shoes when entering homes and some businesses
  • Right Hand Use: Eat, pass items, and shake hands with your right hand only
  • Patience: Embrace "jam karet" (rubber time) - schedules are often flexible
  • Community Connection: Join expat Facebook groups and attend community events

First-Month Checklist

Here's the order I'd tackle things in after landing in Canggu or somewhere similar:

  1. Week 1: Set up local SIM card, find accommodation, locate nearest medical facility
  2. Week 2: Open Wise account for receiving payments, join coworking space, arrange visa extension
  3. Week 3: Scout local markets and grocery stores, find reliable transportation option
  4. Week 4: Establish daily routine, join expat social groups, explore longer-term housing

The most common mistake is leaving the visa extension to the last minute. Start the process at least 7-10 days before expiry, because overstaying costs IDR 1,000,000 per day.

Cultural Pro Tip: Get to know your neighbors, your landlord and whoever runs the corner shop. When your scooter dies or the power goes out, they're the people you'll call. Indonesians call the idea gotong royong (mutual help), so expect to give as much as you get.

The Real Deal

Look, I could end this with some cheesy line about "following your dreams" and "living your best life," but here's the straight version: Indonesia will frustrate you and then win you over, sometimes in the same afternoon.

You'll deal with visa runs that make no logical sense, internet that cuts out during your most important call, and traffic that defies the laws of physics. You'll get food poisoning at least once (probably from that sketchy warung that everyone said was "totally safe"), and you'll have moments where you question every life choice that brought you here.

But then you'll watch the sunrise over Mount Batur while sipping coffee that costs 50 cents, have a conversation with a local who invites you to their family wedding after knowing you for five minutes, or find yourself on a beach that doesn't even show up on Google Maps. And suddenly all the chaos makes sense.

Bring patience, a sense of humor and some extra stomach medicine. You'll use all three.

Prices and rules here were re-checked in September 2026, and they change often. Confirm anything that matters on the official immigration and tax sites before you act.