How to get a visa for Bali and what do you need to know about life on the island?

Visas for trips to Bali

There are several types of visas for traveling to Bali, and I initially used a social visa and later got a family visa. The most common option to stay legally in Bali is the tourist visa, also known as a social visa.

This document can be processed at any consulate, and its cost is about$50This visa can be extended up to four times, each time for a period of one month, which ultimately allows you to stay on the island for up to six months. After this period, you must leave the country, after which you can cross the border again.

Most tourists visiting Bali during the winter months opt for social visas.

Moving to Bali

When I decided to move to Bali, I also used a social visa. Six months later, I got married and submitted documents for a family visa. This type of visa is issued forone yearwith the possibility of renewal for each subsequent year, and the cost is$200.

There is another option - obtaining a work visa, but it is not so popular among foreigners. To obtain this type of visa, it is necessary to find an employer in advance, discuss working conditions, sign a contract and only then apply for a visa.

Work on the island

There are very few job openings in offices in Bali, and local employers prefer to hire Balinese people, as it helps reduce labor costs. There are also those "entrepreneurs" who rent villas at a low price for a long term and then rent them out at a higher rate.

Many foreigners work in the following professions:

• Wedding photographers
• Yoga teachers
• Surfing instructors

It should be noted that such activities without the appropriate visas are considered illegal, which can lead to serious fines and possible deportation. Therefore, most foreigners prefer to engage in remote work.

Visa for retirees

There is also a visa for retirees, but as you can understand, it is not meant for everyone. The language barrier also becomes a significant obstacle: English is necessary for travel, while knowledge of the Indonesian language is required for everyday life.

Language learning

When I first visited Bali, I communicated with those around me only in English, including my future husband. While I was there, I learned a few simple phrases in Indonesian, and that was enough. However, as I settled in Bali, I realized that knowing the local language was essential.

I needed to communicate with my husband's relatives and resolve various household issues. Although I can't claim to be fluent in Indonesian, it was enough for communicating with the locals.

Balinese language

There is also a local language in Bali — Balinese. This language is quite complex: there are no textbooks for it, and it is used exclusively in spoken form and in messaging apps. It has a difficult grammar and its own script, so at the moment I only know a few phrases.

Cultural ties

For me, knowing the Indonesian language is very important, as I strive to connect with the Balinese people, am interested in their cultural traditions, and actively participate in life on this beautiful island.

If your plans do not involve traveling outside of popular tourist destinations, a good command of English is sufficient for comfortable communication. At the moment, I am not working. All my free time is now taken up by taking care of my one and a half year old child and running an Instagram account dedicated to life in Bali. Although this project does not generate any income yet, I hope that this is only a temporary hardship.

Moving to Southeast Asia

You can also find useful information on how to properly organize a move to Southeast Asia, choosing between countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, or Malaysia. Don't forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel to stay updated on the latest news regarding overseas real estate.

Traditional weddings in Bali

Speaking of weddings in Bali, it should be noted that this process cannot happen without a shaman. I had the opportunity to witness a traditional ceremony that takes place in the groom's parents' house. The room is decorated...yellow curtainsandgreen garlandsA festive arch is definitely set up, symbolizing new life.

Food part of the event

The food aspect of the event is one of the key stages, and usually, the preparation of all the food falls on the family members. Traditionally, the main treat becomesroast pig, which impresses both with its appearance and taste. This dish is served with the finest meat and vegetable appetizers, as well as rice. The selection of drinks at the lively celebration is quite diverse:

• Coca-Cola
• Iced tea
• Beer
• Clean water

Visits from relatives

On the eve of the event, visits from relatives begin, who bring with themtraditional gifts. Usually it is rice, coffee, sugar and eggs. We, in turn, as newlyweds, try to show hospitality and treat our guests to coffee and cookies, keeping the conversation on casual topics.

Preparation for the wedding

The day before the wedding, a tent is set up and chairs are arranged along the road in front of the house. On the day of the most important event, police officers maintain order by parking their cars across the road to prevent outsiders from passing through.

Wedding ceremony

During the wedding ceremony itself, the usual exchange of rings or questions about the consent to become husband and wife are absent. Instead, several men in white oversee the event and announce congratulations. Then an interesting ritual begins: the newlyweds stand under an arch, and next to them is a person in white who performs ceremonial actions—rubbing their palms with something and making sounds by shaking stones near their ears. He also performs amusing movements with a kitchen grater and draws a yellow line on the foreheads of the newlyweds using a special powder.

Post-wedding activities

After that, the couple walks under the arch, going around a stick lying on the ground. Then they head towards the altar, where baskets of offerings are placed. The groom is handed...hoeand to the bride —banana seedling. They circle the altar three times, kicking a coconut lying nearby.

Final stage

The final step in the ritual isplanting a seedlingHowever, in reality, we have a concrete floor, so the process changes a bit, but the enthusiasm and spirit of adventure remain unchanged.

Traditional wedding rituals in Bali

The bride holds a small basket filled with various symbolic items: rice, garlic, hot pepper, a piece of cloth, fragrant herbs, and other useful things. The groom, in turn, holds ritual coins that will later play a key role in the ceremony. He exchanges these coins for three items from the basket, and based on the chosen elements, the couple's future is predicted, including the expected number of children that may come into their family.

The role of the shaman in the ritual

After that, the newlyweds head to a high table where a shaman is seated. This person, endowed with special knowledge of traditions, looks quite colorful—his torso is bare, but he is adorned with numerous beads and bracelets, and a golden cap sits on his head. The shaman recites special prayers, washes the newlyweds with holy water, ties them together with colorful threads that have coins attached, and wraps special strings around their hands. As part of an additional ritual, he gently wraps grass around their heads.

Symbolic feeding each other

Then, the dressed-up newlyweds stand in front of the table again, where they are supposed to feed each other rice, chicken, and sweet pastries. As a vegetarian, I managed to avoid eating chicken by just touching my lips to it. As for the pastry that was offered to me, it turned out to be spoiled, but my behavior couldn't hurt the feelings of the devout Hindus, even if I carelessly spat it out.

Final actions

After all the rituals, the couple needs to hold a boiled egg together while performing various actions, such as:

• Complex hand movements.
• Filling in the colors by the ears.
• Rice sticking to the forehead.

It is also necessary to perform several manipulations with ropes, pass through a taut thread, and cut a mat made of palm leaves. In the end, the newlyweds take their baskets with offerings, place them on their heads, and head to the house to set them on the sacred altar. This event has become quite unusual, but despite all the differences, the fatigue that enveloped us at the end reminded us of our traditional weddings. We were so exhausted that after spending time with the guests, we simply collapsed into bed without washing the rice off our faces. We didn't even notice when the sacred Agung volcano erupted a cloud of smoke and lava in our honor.

Activities in Bali for Russians

In Bali, Russians are actively seeking opportunities for various activities such as surfing, yoga, and spiritual practices, forming their own communities. One of my hobbies has become walking through the picturesque rice fields, where we spend most of our time in a village at the foot of the volcano. There are almost no people here, except for the local Balinese, and essentially, there’s nowhere to go even for a cup of coffee.

Living in a city apartment

We also have an apartment in the city, and life there is completely unique. It's easier to meet people who share your interests in the city: surfing, yoga, etiology. People come together to form groups where they can share experiences and help each other, finding work contacts and fostering friendships.

Communication with locals

As for communication with the locals, foreigners who come to Bali for an extended period often do not feel the need for it. Interaction with locals happens quite rarely — it mainly boils down to conversations with taxi drivers or shopkeepers, and sometimes it's enough to just use gestures and point with a finger.

The general attitude towards Russians and other nationalities in Bali.

The local population of Bali has a far from biased attitude towards Russians and other nations representing the CIS countries. The locals do not see us as exclusively poor or, on the contrary, wealthy people. In fact, their knowledge of Russia is extremely limited: they are aware of Putin's existence, and that’s probably where their understanding ends. Even traditions like drinking Russian vodka do not particularly interest them.

Communication with local residents

I do not experience language barriers when interacting with locals, thanks to my husband being Balinese. I find it easy to interact with both his friends and relatives. Nevertheless, there are some peculiarities of Bali's culture.

Features of business communication

In my opinion, collaborating with locals in business can present certain challenges, although not everyone has these traits. I've noticed that many have a tendency not to stick to schedules.

• Tardiness to meetings or not showing up for work is taken quite calmly.
• Promises are often not kept, and it seems that the locals don't care much about it.

At first, it made me angry, and it still sometimes causes dissatisfaction.

The friendliness of the locals

Nevertheless, most Balinese people are quite friendly, especially towards foreigners. There is a common belief that they try to make tourists spend money on any service. This may be true to some extent, but this phenomenon is more pronounced in tourist areas.

However, if you venture deeper into the villages, the situation changes dramatically, and such phenomena are almost nonexistent here.

Housing rental in Bali

For those planning to stay in Bali for a long time, it is usually recommended to first rent accommodation for a week. This allows you to explore different options on-site and choose the best one. Often, accommodations are not available on popular booking sites, and the photos may not fully reflect reality. Therefore, it is crucial to personally check the living conditions to avoid unpleasant surprises, such as lack of comfort, insects, or low standards.

Choosing housing based on needs

The choice of housing depends on financial capabilities and personal preferences. Some people want to have their own pool, while others are fine without one. Some are satisfied with a room in a shared villa, while others prefer to rent an entire house that can accommodate several families. The options are quite diverse, and with the help of the internet, one can easily find out about prices in advance.

Migration stories

Are you interested in migrating to other countries? Discover exciting stories, such as that of a Russian woman who built her life in South Korea, or what it's like to live in India, where one might encounter crime and a lack of sanitation. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about moving to Serbia, where there is a possibility of obtaining a residence permit through real estate investment, as well as how to cope with nostalgia after relocating. Additionally, information about moving from Ukraine to New Zealand will be useful.

Buying real estate in Bali

As for purchasing real estate on the island, there are strict rules in place: foreigners are not allowed to buy land, houses, or apartments in Bali. All transactions must go through local agents who act as intermediaries. The foreign buyer is only made a partner in the deal.

Features of real estate transactions

It should be understood that the purchase of real estate by foreigners in Indonesia has its own peculiarities. There are several legal ways to formalize the transaction, including:

• right to use
• absolute ownership
• building permit
• long-term lease (leasehold)

In addition, there are restrictions on minimum investments in real estate for foreign buyers, which vary by region. However, even owning property does not provide any privileges regarding visas or immigration conditions.

The procedure for purchasing real estate

If you are interested in the process of buying real estate in Indonesia, you can take a closer look at the transaction schemes and additional costs, which can amount to up to7%from the cost of the object.

Housing prices

Housing prices vary significantly and depend on the location. In less touristy areas, the cost of a plot of land with a house can range within4-5 million rublesWhile the price near the beach can increase several times!

Construction in Bali

Note: According to local laws in Bali, the construction of high-rise buildings is prohibited, which creates an atmosphere free of multi-story houses; most buildings are single-story, with occasional two-story structures. This also applies to the hospitality industry, which is burdened by these restrictions and is located on a limited number of floors.

Quality of finishing

Let's note a specific point regarding the quality of finishing in houses. I have a strong impression that almost no one in Bali knows how to do quality renovations.

Paints on concrete surfaces

Concrete surfaces are immediately painted without first treating the walls with plaster or putty. Of course, after a few years, especially in conditions of high humidity, such finishing starts to peel off and lose its visual appeal. This aspect looks quite unattractive, and it becomes impossible to fix it.

Residential complex

Our residential complex is located on a small street where about fifteen single-story buildings are situated, all designed in the same architectural style. Each of them occupies an area of one hundred square meters and is equipped with a garage. I only know my neighbors by sight; we briefly greet each other since our children often play together. However, it is not customary to maintain closer relationships, and no one goes to their neighbors for salt or other goods.

Life in Bali

Life in Bali is true Asia, where street food plays an important role. Before making the decision to move to this island, it's essential to realize which area you want to live in. Bali is diverse, and it doesn't offer a single location where you can combine beach relaxation, surfing, waterfalls, yoga, and good restaurants.

Here you will have to make a choice:

• Choosing green spaces
• Staying on the beaches
• Surfing or diving

Set your priorities in advance!

Search for enlightenment

Many people come here in search of a unique atmospheric environment and spiritual enlightenment. Some find this state, while others face various difficulties. In my opinion, it largely depends on the person's inner state — that's where it all begins.

Enlightenment can be sought not only in Bali but also in other places; it's enough to work a little on yourself or consult a psychotherapist. At the same time, the number of convenient meditation spots on this island is significantly greater than, for example, in Moscow. Here, there is a wonderful feeling, infused with the sounds of nature and tranquility.

Leisure activities of local residents

An interesting fact: many residents of Bali are hardly interested in spiritual practices, except for rare cases. Their main entertainment is gambling card games, which they play for money!

Entertainment in Bali

The variety of entertainment in Bali is vast, so most people decide where to go on their own. Locals usually have a motorcycle or a car, making it easy to get around the island: the journey from the southern part to the north takes no more than three hours. Motorcycles are often chosen to avoid traffic jams.

Food on the island

There's no need to worry about food, as there are no difficulties in that regard here. This is Asia, where street food is a true attraction. As soon as you step outside, you'll find a multitude of stalls and carts offering various dishes. If the options available don't suit you, you can always pop into a café.

In establishments of various levels, you can find dishes priced from one dollar to one hundred. However, a high price does not always indicate high quality — it's better to try things for yourself.

Medical services in Bali

When it comes to medical services in Bali, they can raise certain concerns. The quality of healthcare here varies significantly! If you are a tourist staying on the island for just two or three weeks and have health insurance, you won't encounter any problems. However, if you plan to live in Bali for a long time without insurance, it can become a very serious issue! One piece of advice: try to avoid getting sick!

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that life in Bali, despite all its nuances, remains an exciting and multifaceted process. Every aspect, from obtaining a visa to interacting with the local culture, requires careful preparation and an understanding of the specifics. We see howsocial visaallows tourists to enjoy life on this tropical island, as well as the opportunity to obtainfamily visaopens doors for a deeper immersion in the local culture and way of life.

For me personally, learning the Indonesian language has become an important part of my adaptation. In the beginning, I managed with English, but as I immersed myself in daily life and interacted with the locals, I realized that knowing the language helps not only with communication but also with understanding the culture, values, and traditions of Bali. Each new language lesson feels like a new door opening to a world full of colors and amazing encounters.

Traditions and wedding rituals

The gentle tradition of Balinese weddings that I had the honor of experiencing confirms how important family ties and cultural rituals are in the lives of the locals. They create a unique atmosphere and allow participants to connect with ancient traditions. Watching all these rituals, I felt how significant community and family connections are for the Balinese, which brings genuine warmth and joy.

Responsibility and legal status

However, it is important to remember that living abroad requires responsibility and an understanding of local laws, especially regarding work and visas. Legal status is not just a matter of having a visa, but also about respecting the culture and traditions, which I believe is essential for comfortable living and avoiding troubles.

My impressions of life in Bali

Overall, my journey in Bali continues, and each day brings new opportunities for growth, understanding, and love. Life on this amazing island is not just a vacation, but a chance to build a home and find harmony with nature, culture, and oneself. I sincerely hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others who wish to discover the magic of Bali, and I would be happy to see you here on this beautiful island!