Cities & Hotspots

Bali offers several distinct bases from Canggu to Sanur and Ubud; Jakarta is the serious business city; Yogyakarta is slower, creative and lower-cost.

  • BaliOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • JakartaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • YogyakartaOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

May to September Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Bali and Jakarta can be humid and traffic-heavy. The dry season is easier for outdoor plans, but check local haze, traffic and construction rather than relying on a country-wide label.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Siloam, BIMC and Bali International Medical Centre are common Bali starting points; Jakarta has larger private hospital networks. Use 119 for medical emergencies and keep evacuation cover for island living.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Telkomsel, XL and Indosat offer local SIMs and eSIM paths. Grab and Gojek are the essential ride and delivery apps; WhatsApp is the default communication layer.

  • Mobile networksTelkomsel has the broadest island coverage; XL Axiata and Indosat can be better value in urban areas. Register with passport and IMEI rules in mind.
  • Ride appsGojek and Grab are both essential in Bali and Jakarta; compare cars, bikes and delivery before committing to a neighbourhood.
  • Food deliveryGoFood and GrabFood cover the expat corridors; ShopeeFood is useful in larger cities.
  • PaymentsGoPay, OVO and QRIS are common for daily payments, but international cards do not always behave cleanly inside local apps.
  • Home internetBiznet, IndiHome and local fibre providers vary by building. Ask for a unit-level speed test, not a neighbourhood promise.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Visa routeUse Indonesia's official eVisa system or a licensed agent for B211, KITAS and remote-worker style routes.
  • Address and sponsorLonger stays usually involve sponsor, address and extension details. Keep agent receipts and official application references.
  • Bali realityDo not treat Bali as visa-light because it feels casual. Immigration checks, tax questions and business activity are real.
  • DrivingFor scooters, bring the correct motorcycle entitlement and international permit where relevant; insurance often fails when the licence is wrong.
  • TaxResidence, local business activity and Indonesian-source income need proper advice before a long stay.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Island-based remote workers, founders, wellness people and anyone comparing a tropical base with a major Asian capital.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.