$PlaybookBali (Canggu)
Indonesia
40 Mbps
3/10
7/10
7/10
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🇮🇩
Indonesia
Asia · Capital: Jakarta
Bali's surf-and-laptop culture backed by zero tax on foreign income for qualifying nomads
Nomad Visa Available
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Language
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
Tourist Stay
Visa required
Tax Residency
After 183 days
Emergency
112
English Level
moderate
About Indonesia
Indonesia's appeal for nomads is almost entirely concentrated on Bali — specifically the Canggu and Ubud areas — which have developed a mature ecosystem of coworking spaces, cafes, and yoga studios built around remote workers. The 2023 Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) is a genuine five-year option with no Indonesian income tax on foreign earnings.
Cost of Living
Monthly estimate for a single digital nomad (USD).
Budget
$1,000
/ month
—
Comfortable
$2,500
/ month
Costs vary widely across Bali. Canggu and Seminyak run higher than Ubud, but all are well below Western equivalents.
Visa & Entry (US Citizens)
Visa-Free Entry
No — visa required
Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa (E33G Second Home Visa)
Nomad Visa Details
The B211A social-cultural visa (extendable up to 6 months total, ~$85 for 60-day VOA + extension) is the most common nomad path. The Second Home Visa (E33G, launched 2023) gives 5 years in Bali with zero Indonesian tax on foreign income — requires USD 130,000 in an Indonesian bank or equivalent property. Apply through a visa agent in Bali.
Important Note
The Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport costs IDR 500,000 (~$35) and grants 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days at an immigration office. E-VOA is available at molina.imigrasi.go.id before travel.
Currency & Banking
ATMs (BCA, Mandiri, BNI) are everywhere in Bali. Max withdrawal is typically IDR 2–3 million (~$130–195) per transaction with a IDR 25,000–50,000 fee. Wise transfers to IDR-denominated accounts are efficient. CIMB Niaga is foreigner-friendly for local accounts. Cash is king outside tourist areas.
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Language
moderate EnglishIndonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)
English is widely spoken in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud coworking spaces. In daily life — warungs (local restaurants), markets, government offices — Bahasa Indonesia is expected. It's a phonetically simple language; a week of study gets you through most transactions.
Tax Residency
Residency Threshold
183
days
183 days triggers Indonesian tax residency. However, holders of the Second Home Visa (E33G) are exempted from Indonesian taxes on foreign-sourced income. Standard residents are taxed at progressive rates up to 35% on worldwide income. Most VOA-based nomads stay under 183 days.
Healthcare
BIMC and Siloam hospitals in Bali are international-standard and English-speaking. Avoid public hospitals for anything serious. A GP consultation at BIMC runs USD 40–80. BPJS (public insurance) is available to legal residents. SafetyWing and Cigna are popular for nomads. Dental care is excellent and affordable (~$30–50 for a cleaning).
SIM & Connectivity
Telkomsel (best coverage), XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo are the main carriers. SIMs require passport registration and are sold at carrier stores and convenience stores. A 30-day unlimited package runs IDR 100,000–200,000 (~$6–13). eSIM on Airalo is reliable for Bali.
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Cultural Tips
- 1
Bali is a predominantly Hindu island within a Muslim-majority country. Respect temple protocols: cover shoulders and waist with a sarong when entering any pura (temple).
- 2
The left hand is considered unclean — use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving.
- 3
Ceremony processions (ogoh-ogoh, melasti) block roads for hours; embrace them rather than honking.
- 4
Haggling is expected at art markets (Ubud Market, Sukawati) but not at restaurants or fixed-price shops.
- 5
Drink only bottled or filtered water everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions — Indonesia
Common questions from digital nomads researching Indonesia.
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Indonesia?
Yes — US citizens require a visa before entering Indonesia. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport costs IDR 500,000 (~$35) and grants 30 days, extendable once for 30 more days at an immigration office. E-VOA is available at molina.imigrasi.go.id before travel.
Does Indonesia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Indonesia offers the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G Second Home Visa). The B211A social-cultural visa (extendable up to 6 months total, ~$85 for 60-day VOA + extension) is the most common nomad path. The Second Home Visa (E33G, launched 2023) gives 5 years in Bali with zero Indonesian tax on foreign income — requires USD 130,000 in an Indonesian bank or equivalent property. Apply through a visa agent in Bali.
Is Indonesia in the Schengen Zone?
No — Indonesia is not part of the Schengen Zone. This is actually a benefit for nomads rotating through Europe: time spent in Indonesia does NOT count against your 90-day Schengen allowance, making it a useful base for resetting your European clock.
What language is spoken in Indonesia and how much English is there?
The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). English proficiency is moderate — English is common in tourist areas and among younger professionals but limited elsewhere. English is widely spoken in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud coworking spaces. In daily life — warungs (local restaurants), markets, government offices — Bahasa Indonesia is expected. It's a phonetically simple language; a week of study gets you through most transactions.
What are the tax implications of living in Indonesia as a digital nomad?
Tax residency in Indonesia is generally triggered after 183 days in the country within a given period. 183 days triggers Indonesian tax residency. However, holders of the Second Home Visa (E33G) are exempted from Indonesian taxes on foreign-sourced income. Standard residents are taxed at progressive rates up to 35% on worldwide income. Most VOA-based nomads stay under 183 days. As always, consult a qualified tax professional familiar with both your home country and Indonesia before making any tax residency decisions.
What is healthcare like in Indonesia for expats and digital nomads?
BIMC and Siloam hospitals in Bali are international-standard and English-speaking. Avoid public hospitals for anything serious. A GP consultation at BIMC runs USD 40–80. BPJS (public insurance) is available to legal residents. SafetyWing and Cigna are popular for nomads. Dental care is excellent and affordable (~$30–50 for a cleaning).
How do I get a local SIM card in Indonesia?
Telkomsel (best coverage), XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo are the main carriers. SIMs require passport registration and are sold at carrier stores and convenience stores. A 30-day unlimited package runs IDR 100,000–200,000 (~$6–13). eSIM on Airalo is reliable for Bali.
Gear up for Indonesia
Tools the GetSettld community relies on — vetted, nomad-tested.
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SafetyWing
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