Welcome to the complete digital nomad Bali guide covering everything you need.

It’s no secret: digital nomads flock to Bali like birds migrating south for the winter. It’s a great place for newbie remote workers trying to make a living while traveling the world. 

Living in Bali as a remote worker is just so… easy. It’s easy to make friends. Easy to be active and stay fit. Going on adventures is no big deal. It’s no trouble to find a beautiful and comfortable place to work from. And it’s easy to find inspiration and motivation to work on your business or projects. 

But what exactly does it take to live in Bali as a digital nomad? When’s the best time to go, how do you get around? How much will you spend? And what safety issues must you be aware of? 

We’ve created this handy digital nomad Bali guide to make sure you have all the information to have a fun stay in the Island of the Gods. 

Best time to go to Bali

The best time to go to Bali is in April, May, June and September. These months just before and after high season (July and August) are the most comfortable because the weather is dry and relatively cool at a daily mean of about 28° Celsius in coastal areas, while also not yet being completely overrun with tourists. 

The rainy season from November to March sees slightly higher temperatures and a lot more humidity. This makes it a far less comfortable time of year weather-wise, but also keeping a lot of tourist traffic off the island. 

Digital nomad community Bali 

Bali in general, and the districts of Canggu and Ubud in particular, are top digital nomad hotspots you will find in any digital nomad Bali guide. Wifi is available in all accommodations, coffee shops and restaurants, and a slew of coworking spaces. They all offer some of the most stable, fibre optic internet connections on the island. 

Situated right on Batu Bolong Beach and Echo Beach, Canggu is a paradise for surfers as well as digital nomads. Meanwhile, jungle town Ubud is extremely popular with yogis and the mindfulness set. 

The easiest way to meet people is to join one of the coworking spaces and participate in their community events like workshops, lunches and dinners. You’ll make like-minded friends in no time, because the community of remote workers is extensive and extremely sociable in Bali.

Best places to stay in Bali

There are several different ways of finding the perfect accommodation for your Bali stay. From villas to four-star hotels and guesthouses to hostel rooms for about 13 USD per night, you’ll find what you’re looking for. 

If you want a place locked in for the entire time of your stay before you arrive in Bali, search through old reliables like Airbnb or Booking.com or join local Facebook Groups like Canggu Community; people often offer beautiful accommodation with good internet speed and swimming pools at fair prices right in those groups. 

A lot of people who are planning to stay for a while will get accommodation for the first three to five nights of their stay, and find a place for the long term during that time. The trick is to pop by in person, which lets you check out the place and, in most cases, negotiate a lower price. 

We’ve already mentioned Canggu and Ubud, which are the most popular locations in Bali for remote workers. But they’re not the only ones. Let’s have a look at them all and see what makes them so popular – and which one may be right for you. 

Canggu

Let’s start with one of the best digital nomad locations in the world: Canggu. 

On the island’s west coast, about a 60-minute drive from the airport in Denpasar, “The ‘Gu” was mostly rice fields and a stretch of beach just five years ago. Since then, it has been discovered by surfers, tourists and digital nomads alike. Now most of the rice fields have been turned into accommodations, cafes, restaurants, bars, yoga studios, gyms and surf schools for the clamouring masses. 

Surf’s up

If you’re a digital nomad who likes to catch the waves or would like to learn, Canggu’s the spot for you. Bali’s south-west coast has a lot of wonderful surf spots, but many of them have become overcrowded. While it can get busy on the surf on really good days in Canggu, too, it’s not quite as crazy as other places. 

Fitness and mindfulness at your fingertips

No matter how you stay in shape, you’ll find your poison here. Canggu has a myriad of both gyms and yoga studios, where you can drop in just before class, buy multi-class passes or even monthly memberships. 

Ubud

Located a 45-minute scooter ride from Canggu in central Bali and surrounded by rice terraces and jungle, Ubud sports a large community of artists, mindfulness enthusiasts, and, you guessed it, digital nomads. While you can still go out and have fun partying in Ubud, it generally has a more laid-back vibe than Canggu, and if you’re a true yogi or spiritual searcher, this is the place for you. 

The Jungle ‘Bud

Ubud is surrounded by tropical rainforest and everything that implies. If you love jungle trekking, waterfalls or rice terraces, Ubud is your best base to head out from. You can strike out on your own or book a tour with a myriad of providers, including a sunrise hike up a volcano. 

Mindfulness and yoga

Where Canggu caters best to surfers, Ubud is the town of yogis and meditation. If you’re looking to deepen your mindfulness practice while working remotely, definitely check out the many yoga studios and meditation centers in town. 

Kuta

Kuta lies just north of Bali’s southernmost tip on the Bukit Peninsula and is one of Bali’s first tourist development beach and resort areas. Kuta is probably the most famous part of Bali. And here’s why. 

Party central

Of all the shopping places in Bali, Kuta’s nightlife is one of a kind. Here you can dance the night away until the wee hours of the morning every single night for several weeks without hitting the same spot twice. 

Surfer boys and beach bods

The Kuta beaches are covered in soft, golden sand and have some of the most beginner-friendly waves for surfers in Bali. The beautiful promenade flanking one of Bali’s best beaches, Kuta Beach, is host to a myriad of cafes, restaurants, and beach hotels, where surfers and tourists strut their stuff. 

Shopping

Bali itself isn’t exactly known for amazing shopping experiences, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any to be had, and Kuta offers the best. Whether you head to Surfer Girl for surfing gear, mall it up at Beachwalk, or go green at Upcycle, you can find anything and everything to shop here.

Seminyak

Situated along the west coast of Bali, between Kuta and Canggu, Seminyak provides a nice alternative to brash Kuta. 

The nightlife focuses a bit more on beach clubs where you can sip a beer with your feet in the sand, though there are still enough nightclubs to get your groove on. And the shopping and surfing at Seminyak Beach are just as great as in Kuta. 

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is a fishing village and coastal resort south of Kuta. Another surfer’s paradise with golden beaches, Jimbaran Bay is best known for its seafood restaurants and the lively, open-air Kedonganan fish market with its colorful boats. But it’s not all about fish; boutique hotels and luxury resorts like the Four Seasons established themselves here, for guests to enjoy the comparative peace in luxurious surroundings. 

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is home to Bali’s most scenic luxury villas, beach resorts and restaurants on towering cliffs that offer majestic sunsets over the water. You’ll find hidden beaches and amazing surf breaks. If you’re looking for a spot in Bali away from crowded party towns, Uluwatu is the place for you. 

The closest coworking space is Colabo in Jimbaran, but why not try Suka Espresso Cafe for amazing coffee and good wifi? 

Nusa Dua

Another local fisher spot is Nusa Dua and its beach, locally referred to as Pantai Mengiat. There’s an offshore reef break that allows for calm and comfortable swimming and snorkeling close to the beach, but offers a great playground for surfers beyond. You can also head out on fishing trips and glass-bottom boat rides.

With several five-star resorts and luxury hotels like the Grand Hyatt Bali stretching along the beachfront, Nusa Dua is more of a luxury vacation spot than a party location.

Denpasar

The capital city, Denpasar is located in the southern part of the island. As the hub that connects the many tourist destinations in Bali, the island’s largest city has a reputation of being a crowded place with lots of traffic congestion and not much charm. 

But that isn’t the only side of Denpasar. The city is made up of tightly knit villages and communities, and offers the most accessible way to see the real Balinese life. Shopping in Denpasar is also a joy for its variety and mostly local prices. Sanur Beach on the east coast offers sunrise views, and the famous Bali Arts Festival takes place in Denpasar every year. 

Denpasar is a great location to get to know more of the “real, uncompromising” Bali, as the locals know and live it. 

Amed

Situated on the coast of East Bali, the town of Amed is your oasis for a relaxing time, lots of snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing on black sand beaches edged by jungle. The locals are super friendly, you have scenic views of the closest volcano, amazing sunrise vistas and lots of local reggae bands playing at the beach bars. 

Whether you want to hike up Mount Agung volcano for sunrise (when it’s not erupting) or take yoga lessons in beautiful studios, Amed runs the gamut from adventure to mindfulness in a laid-back way that a lot of remote workers dig. 

Another great option is to stay with Wifi Tribe in our beautiful coliving villa in the heart of Canggu. Check it out and let us take care of everything for you.

Cost of living

The cost of living very comfortably in Canggu or Ubud comes down to about 1,500 USD per month on average for accommodation, food, and transportation. 

If you’re on a budget, you can pare that down to about 1,000 USD per month by staying in a more basic homestay, or even around 700 USD per month if you stay at a hostel and eat mainly at local warungs (super cheap local restaurants with Indonesian food). 

The best Bali coworking spaces

It’s no secret anymore that Bali is the number one digital nomad hotspot in the world. Let’s take a peek at the best Bali coworking spaces and see what all the hubbub is about, shall we?

With many beautiful places to stay, Bali is a beautiful Indonesian island full of jungles and beaches, where it’s always warm, the cost of living is cheap, WiFi is comparatively reliable, exciting adventures await, and it’s easy to stay long-term. 

Another big draw for remote workers, entrepreneurs and freelancers is, without a doubt, the high number of wonderful coworking spaces. They are many and varied, and more just keep popping up to satisfy the ever-growing demand.

Tropical Nomad Coworking

Location: Canggu

Another super popular Bali coworking space in Canggu is Tropical Nomad Canggu.

Tropical Nomads is bright and airy, and a great place to knuckle down and get work done without distractions, as it’s a little less focused on building a community than Dojo. If this vibe is more your speed, definitely check out Tropical Nomad’s in a free trial day and see what they have to offer: 

Features

Tropical Nomad offers almost the same services as Dojo Bali:

• One air-conditioned meeting room,
• Skype rooms,
• Mail service,
• Hot-desking area,
• Printer and scanner,
• In-house cafe,
• Ergonomic chairs,
• Lockers,
• High-speed internet connection.

Outpost

Location: Canggu & Ubud

Outpost is another beloved, beautiful, open, bright coworking space in both Canggu and Ubud, consisting mostly of hot desks, but also offers private office spaces to rent for workshops or meetings. In Canggu, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets from the balcony and, in general, find a great mix of community, events and quiet spaces at Outpost. 

Features

• High-speed internet,
• Open-plan workspace,
• Office/Conference rooms,
• Skype booths,
• Swimming pool,
• On-site cafe,
• Air conditioning,
• On-site coliving,
• Events and workshops.

Matra Coliving & Coworking

Location: Canggu

Matra is first and foremost a beautiful Guest House with a pool and surf camp – so if you’re a remote worker who wants to surf the Canggu breaks, you’re in the right place at Matra. 

The coworking space, while sparsely furnished and decorated, is air-conditioned, bright, and sits at the top of the building, giving you the most amazing views over Canggu, from rice fields to the ocean. As a member, you’ll have access to high-speed internet as well as an air-conditioned meeting room, and can enjoy amazing meals and coffee at the in-house cafe. 

Connco Work Hub

Location: Canggu

Connco Work Hub is the newest addition to Canggu’s coworking spaces, but the space alone can keep up with its competitors. Connco impresses with its elegant, almost luxurious design, featuring:

• Meeting and conference rooms,
• In-house cafe,
• Skype booths,
• Swimming pool,
• Kitchen with fridge and microwave,
• High-speed internet connection.

Despite being a brand new coworking space, Connco is already hosting several events and workshops; we’re expecting that number to go up soon.

Hubud Coworking

Location: Ubud

Hubud Coworking is the very first coworking space in Bali, and a direct partner of Dojo Coworking in Canggu. Located right next to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the monkeys sometimes even stop by for a visit.

Like Dojo, Hubud does a fantastic job of building the community of digital nomads in Ubud by hosting many events and workshops. 

Features

Hubud offers: 

• Super fast internet,
• Air-conditioned rooms,
• Outside spaces,
• Meeting rooms,
• Mail address,
• Lockers,
• Skype booths,
• In-house cafe,
• H-Pass for discounts at local businesses.

The Onion Collective

Location: Ubud

The Onion Collective Family knows how to be different. It’s not a coworking space so much as a restaurant of Asian-fusion cuisine and the so-called “Onion Tribe,” consisting of and for digital nomads in search of a more mindful community. 

If you’re looking for Love, Peace, Happiness & Health to All, The Onion Collective might just be the spot in Ubud for you. 

Features

• Fast optic fiber internet,
• Free coffee, tea and water,
• Desks & standing tables,
• 10% discount in the restaurant for members.

Igdore Coworking/Campus Bali

Location: Ubud

Like The Onion Collective, Igdore is a bit… different. IGDORE stands for Institute for Globally Distributed Open Research and Education. The institute is dedicated to improving the quality of science, science education, and quality of life for scientists, students, and their families.

So why do we mention it here? Because the coworking space and “microcampus” Campus Bali are part of IGDORE, many remote workers in Ubud love it. 

Features

Campus Bali is designed specifically with the work of researchers, students, and other frequent writers in mind, and as such features:

• Cozy reading corners,
• Many different types of seating, 
• Space for naps and contemplation,
• Meeting rooms, 
• Whiteboards & projector, and 
• A small academic library.

Hub Bali Coworking Legian

Location: Kuta & Nusa Dua

Hub Bali is a relaxed coworking space in otherwise quite busy Legian in party-central Kuta. Depending on your membership plan, Hub Bali features:

• High-speed WiFi,
• Free coffee and water,
• Skype booth,
• Printer & scanner,
• Swimming pool,
• 22″ monitors,
• Lockers,
• Mailing address,
• Office spaces,
• Filing cabinets.

Hub Bali has a second location in Nusa Dua.

Bali Bustle Coworking & Coliving

Location: Kuta

Bali Bustle offers a vibrant, open workspace with relaxed seating areas as well as private offices for individuals and teams in Kuta. The three-story building in Kuta has a distinct, open-plan office feel, perfect for getting work done. 

Features

At Bali Bustle, members have access to:

• Skype rooms, 
• Coffee and tea station, 
• Ergonomic chairs, 
• Conference rooms,
• Relaxing rooftop lounge, 
• Home gym, and 
• A swimming pool.

Biliq Bali & Biliqu Sunset

Location: Seminyak & Kuta

Biliq is a play on the Bahasa word “bilik,” meaning room or space, and Biliq became Bali’s first coworking space with per-minute rates. This was ideal for people who don’t want to spend the money on a full day pass when they’re just planning to work there for a couple of hours. 

Features

The concept worked out well, although Biliq has since switched to more common membership pricing; just this year, Biliq opened up its second location on Kuta’s Sunset Road. Both locations offer:

• Meeting rooms equipped with a projector, an LCD TV and whiteboards,
• Private, lockable offices,
• Skype rooms,
• Custom office suites (Sunset).

The best cafes in Bali for digital nomads

Bali has got to be the island with the most Instagrammable cafes and restaurants in the world. Balinese designers really know their stuff, making venues lush and green, breezy and spacious, with impeccable and inviting interiors. And they’re not just pretty – the dishes in the best Bali cafes are every foodie’s dream. 

So without further ado, let’s have a look at the best cafes in Bali – both to work from, and just to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Kuta & Legian

Tourist and party strongholds Kuta and Legian are famous for their club scene, but don’t discount the cafes there. Let’s have a peek at some of the most popular ones. 

Espress Coffee House

Tucked away from the touristy area in Kuta, Espress Coffee House is a rustic but hip little cafe that offers great coffee with simple furnishings and few distractions from getting work done or hanging out with friends. 

Bemo Corner Coffee Shop

Bemo’s is a popular location with people staying in deepest Kuta, in the area where some of the cheapest guesthouses are located. 

While the design is nothing to write home about, Bemo offers really good coffee and a variety of breakfast dishes from smoothie bowls to French toast to sandwiches and heart-stopping English breakfasts.  

Monokrom Cafe & Bar

Who’d have thought you could create an industrial vibe while incorporating lots of wood? Well, Monokrom, also known as Monochunky Chunks, manages just that – in an elegant and classy way. Come here for the great WiFi, a wide variety of food, and various seating options at tables or bar-style, where you could even work standing for a while. 

Seminyak

With a smidgen less loud of a club scene than Kuta and Legian, Seminyak offers many popular cafes.  

Shelter Cafe

Whether you’re looking to eat super healthy or not, Shelter’s got you covered with absolutely delicious food from waffles and burgers to green wraps to veggie and acai bowls. While it’s probably not the most digital nomad-friendly place, it’s absolutely worth a visit for the food alone while you’re visiting Seminyak. 

The same goes for Nalu Bowls Shelter Bali restaurant, located in the same building, offering their one tasty speciality: smoothie bowls in all shapes and sizes. 

Revolver Espresso

Easy to miss down a quiet alley, hiding behind an unassuming door, Revolver Espresso is touted as the place to get coffee that rivals Australian java. 

While not the easiest to find, the secret is definitely out about this place, making it extremely busy during peak hours. If you prefer quieter places to work from, don’t come here to be productive, but do come here for the coffee and food. 

Cafe Organic

If you like not having to worry about non-vegetarian or non-vegan ingredients in your dishes in a cozy and comfy atmosphere, look no further than Cafe Organic. 

Try the Breakfast Criminal and almond milk latte while you’re there, and don’t forget to check out their shop that offers organic and environmentally friendly products like t-shirts, cutlery, and toothbrushes.

Ubud

The place where yogis, hippies, artists, and jungle-lovers come together has many wonderful cafes where remote workers love to set up for a few hours or even the day. 

Cafe Pomegranate

Touted as one of the most Insta-worthy cafes in Ubud, Cafe Pomegranate is also known for amazing fusion food and a stunning 360° view over rice fields. 

Milk & Madu

Situated next to Ubud Palace, people come to Milk & Madu for the coffee, desserts, smoothies, salads, and especially the pizza. The bright, open space offers comfortable seating, and digital nomads frequent this place quite a bit. 

Watercress Cafe

Watercress basically makes every list of best work cafes in Ubud – and rightly so. It’s also a three-minute walk from the famous Monkey Forest, and if you’re lucky, you may see a couple of monkeys looking to expand their horizons beyond their sanctuary. 

Canggu

As one of the most popular digital nomad hotspots in the world, Canggu basically overflows with amazing cafes and restaurants. You can’t throw a stone in Canggu without hitting a wonderful space to eat and drink, and work from. 

Since WiFi Tribe has several chapters a year in Canggu, we know all the good spots. And narrowing it down was incredibly difficult. But here are the three Canggu cafes that made our Top 3 list. 

Tropikale

A WiFi Tribe favorite in Canggu, Tropikale has it all: great food, power outlets at almost every table, workable WiFi, comfortable seating, and most of the time it’s not even that busy. If you’re looking for a cafe to spend all day working from in Canggu, this is it.

Tropikale gets bonus points for a super-friendly staff, discount vouchers for next-time visits, and their 2-for-1 cocktails during happy hour, lasting almost all afternoon. Try the Spring Salad or mix up your own Smoothie Bowl.

The Mocca

The Mocca is an open-space restaurant, tastefully decorated, and full of plants. Our favorite spot here is the upstairs area – it’s breezy, spacious, and has all kinds of seating options.

Our tribe loves this one! It’s a bit tucked away, so fewer people come here. It’s a wonderful place to sit for several hours. When there’s a breeze, it rolls right through the open-plan space, and they’ve always got fans running too.

Peloton Supershop

If you like smoothie bowls and need a health boost, Peloton Supershop, on the Berawa side of the infamous shortcut, is the best place to start your day and work through the morning. Their food and coffee are very good, and they’ve got a breezy terrace with a view of the rooftops.

Peloton is a staple for lots of Tribe members as a place to start the workday and work straight through to lunch. Our community recommends: The coconut cappuccino and all of the smoothie bowls!

Sanur

East of Denpasar, the seaside town of Sanur is best known for its shallow beaches, colorful fishing boats and Pura Blanjong temple. Surfers don’t come here; instead, Sanur’s tranquil ocean waters are ideal for bathing, snorkeling, and relaxing with some of the best coffee Indonesia has to offer.

Simply Brew

The place is as simple, almost industrial, as the name suggests. They say you’re supposed to focus on your unique selling point, and that’s what Simply Brew does – focus on their delicious coffees. 

Kopi Kultur Sanur

If you like working from a green oasis in a garden atmosphere under the presence of ancient trees, then this is the place for you. Known for locally grown “best coffee in Sanur” and staff who know their local coffee trivia. 

Amed

Enjoy Amed’s beautiful cafes for what cafes have always been intended: great coffee, good food and each other’s company.

The Cup Resto

Few cafes can beat Cup Resto on the view and ambience. From the third level, you can even see Mount Agung, the closest volcano. And it’s one of the few cafes you can work reliably from in Amed, while enjoying great coffee.

Blue Earth Village

Blue Earth Village may be the one place that can beat The Cup Resto with regards to the view. The restaurant is part of an evolving educational and community hub of the same name, offering both yoga and freediving at this beautiful location. 

North Bali

Lovina has a lot of beautiful cafes with yummy food – just don’t expect the WiFi to be on a level with those in the southern parts of the island. 

Akar Cafe

This super cute cafe, a stone’s throw away from Lovina Beach, offers vegetarian and vegan fare with your WiFi at cheap prices. Green is the cafe’s theme, which you see as soon as you step inside the green-painted walls. 

Cafe Greco

Sitting on Lovina’s main intersection, with the only traffic lights in the city, Cafe Greco provides an oasis on this bustling street – and air-conditioned relief on hot and muggy days. A display of amazing cakes greets you as soon as you walk in the door and will make your mouth water. 

Coliving with WiFi Tribe in Bali

Curious about Bali yet? It is one of the best places to find that coveted work-life-balance for remote workers and one of WiFi Tribe’s favorite chapter locations.

Find out all about these amazing chapters in our beautiful villa in Canggu here, and come to cowork and colive with us!

Visas for digital nomads in Bali

To stay in Bali for an extended period, you need to be aware of immigration regulations. There are different types of options and Indonesian visas for staying in Bali. Read on to learn all about them and how you can extend your visa in Bali.

First, let us have a look at the different options you have for staying in Indonesia in general.

Thirty-day visa waiver

The easiest and cheapest option to enter the country is to go as a tourist for a maximum of thirty days. To do this, simply stand in line for foreigners at immigration when you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, and get your thirty-day visa waiver.

Indonesia currently offers visa-free entry to citizens of all member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus several other countries such as Hong Kong, Colombia, and Suriname as of the year two thousand twenty-five.

These thirty days include your arrival and departure days. Meaning if you arrive in Indonesia on August first, you must leave the country at the latest on August thirtieth. This Bali visa waiver is not extendable, so you have to leave the country after thirty days.

Sixty-day visa on arrival

If you are looking to stay for up to sixty days, it gets a little bit more complicated. At the airport, instead of heading to the main immigration desk and getting your thirty-day visa waiver, you have to purchase a so-called “visa on arrival.” You have to purchase the visa on arrival at the desk in the middle of the large immigration hall, behind the “Welcome to Bali” sign, that is, before going through immigration.

Tourist visa cost

The visa on arrival costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, or approximately 35 United States dollars in cash. The desk accepts both Indonesian rupiah and United States dollars, and you will receive the paid visa and a payment receipt. Then you take the visa and your passport to the express immigration area further to the right of the hall, not the main immigration counters. Because fewer people pass through that lane, the lines are often far shorter, and you get through immigration quickly.

With this visa on arrival, you are now allowed to stay in the country for thirty days, and it is an extendable visa. A one-time extension by another thirty days is now possible. That brings your total allowed stay to sixty days.

You now have two options for extension:

• Go through the steps for the visa extension yourself, or
• Hire a local agent service to do most of the work for you.

Whichever way you choose, we recommend getting started with this process soon after arriving in Bali. The whole visa extension process can take up to fifteen business days and, if you are doing it yourself, involves three trips to the immigration office (which is also why most people prefer to hire an agency to do most of the legwork for them).

Bali visa runs

Now you know what it takes to stay in Bali for 30 or 60 days, or even six months. But what happens when that time runs out? 

The good thing about Indonesia is that there’s no limit on how many days per year you spend in the country. It’s not like the Schengen zone for European countries, where most non-Europeans are only allowed to stay for 90 out of 180 days. For Bali, or Indonesia in general, this means that you can fly back into Bali on the same day you flew out – and get the same type of visa as before, or any other one. 

If you’re planning to do a one-day visa run, it’s better to pick Kuala Lumpur as your destination. So far, nobody has had problems there. 

2025 Indonesian visa update

As of 29 May 2025, every visitor stay permit extension, including extensions to the visa on arrival or electronic visa on arrival, now requires a personal visit to an immigration office for biometric data collection and final approval.

This requirement applies even if you have submitted your extension application online or through a service. Your visa extension will not be approved unless you are physically present at the immigration office. If you do not attend in person, the extension may be denied despite payment having been made, and you may face overstay penalties and travel disruptions.

Does Bali have a digital nomad visa?

If you are planning to stay in Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia for more than 60 days, you may wish to look into Indonesia’s longer-term stay permit options designed for remote workers and individuals with substantial financial means.

The Remote Work Permit or E33G Visa

Indonesia now offers a specific remote work stay permit known informally as the Remote Work Permit or E33G Visa. This permit allows individuals who work remotely for non-Indonesian employers to reside in Indonesia for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. The permit is intended for digital nomads who meet the minimum annual income requirement of $60,000 United States dollars and who earn that income from foreign-based employers.

The application fee for the Remote Work Permit is approximately 12,900,000 Indonesian rupiah, which is equal to about $810 United States dollars. The permit does not require the holder to pay Indonesian income tax, provided they remain in Indonesia for fewer than 183 days in 12 months.

The Second Home Visa

In addition to the Remote Work Permit, Indonesia also offers a long-stay option known as the Second Home Visa. This visa is designed for individuals who are not seeking local employment and wish to reside in Indonesia for an extended period of time. The Second Home Visa grants an initial stay of 5 years, with the possibility of renewal for another five years.

To qualify for the Second Home Visa, applicants must show proof of significant financial assets held within Indonesia. One commonly stated requirement is a deposit of 2,000,000,000 Indonesian rupiah, which is equivalent to approximately $120,000 United States dollars, held in an Indonesian bank account.

Although this visa is sometimes referred to as suitable for digital nomads, the high financial threshold makes it inaccessible to most remote workers. As of August 2025, Indonesia has not introduced an income-based digital nomad visa that does not require a large deposit or significant financial proof.

Getting money in Bali

The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and you’ll feel like a millionaire when you hold your first batch of cash in your hand, due to all the zeroes on the bills. At the time of writing this, 1,000,000 IDR equals around $60. 

Currency exchange

Don’t exchange your currency at the airport if you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg. It’s better to get to the area where you’re staying and go to one of the exchange offices there. They will always be cheaper than at the airport. But…

Make sure it’s a reputable exchange office. Don’t go to one of those shady-looking stands on the side of the road; they are experts at ripping you off. Best to ask at your hotel or guesthouse if they can recommend a good place. 

Even when you’re at a proper currency exchange place, look up the current exchange rate before handing them your money, so you have an idea of how much you should be receiving. And always always always count your money as soon as they hand it over to you, to make sure you’re receiving the right amount. 

ATMs

Withdrawing money from the airport is a pretty safe bet – unless the ATMs have run out of cash, which can happen. But at the airport and ATMs inside the banks themselves, it is the least likely place you’ll get “skimmed.” 

Skimming devices include cameras to watch you type in your PIN, and card readers are attached to the ATM that look like the real card slots. This gives the perpetrator all the data to create a clone card of your credit card and use your PIN to withdraw money from an ATM. 

ATMs inside banks are the safest bet, but actual bank buildings aren’t exactly widely spread in some areas in Bali. ATMs, meanwhile, are all over. While some of them have a reputation for being skimmed more than others, it could happen to any of them. Make sure to check if there are any movable or removable parts on the ATM of your choice before sliding your card into the slot.  

Pro tip: Don’t forget your card in the machine. Most ATMs in Bali give you your money before spitting out your card – many people have grabbed their money and forgotten to take back the card, only to come back two minutes later to find the card already gone. 

Crime and safety measures in Bali

In general, Bali is a very safe place to travel, including for solo female travelers. On the whole, people are friendly and super helpful, most locals speak at least some English, and crime is low compared to many other places in Southeast Asia. 

Sadly, petty theft like pickpocketing has been rising in Bali, especially in the touristy areas. Thieves drive by you on scooters and snatch your phone out of your hand or purse off your shoulder – even when you’re also on a scooter. Breaking & entering is also becoming more common in those areas. 

Some basic safety tips for Bali

1. Wear a backpack or at least a bag you can secure across your body.
2. Always turn your bag towards the side of the road when you’re walking.
3. Don’t walk and text or make a phone call.
4. Don’t keep your phone in the front nooks of your scooter, either. It’s tempting to do so when you want Google Maps to show you the way, but the thieves look for valuables in those pockets, and they’re good enough drivers to swoop in next to you, grab the phone or wallet right out from under you, and speed off with them. 
5. When you leave valuables like a laptop and a passport at home, lock them in the safe. Most guesthouses and homestays provide a wardrobe or bedside table that locks. If there isn’t one, at least lock stuff away in your suitcase with a little padlock you can get at any airport.
6. Always lock your room when you leave the house. 
7. If you can find one, stay in places that lock up the premises at night and have cameras in the entrance area.

In general, be smart and alert. People aren’t going to mug you at knife or gunpoint in Bali, but they do take advantage of people who are unaware of their surroundings and don’t lock up their belongings. 

SIM cards

SIM cards are super cheap in Bali, especially if you do not buy them at the airport. Even there, though, you are not putting any sort of major dent in your wallet. You can get a 10-gigabyte card valid for 30 days for less than 100,000 Indonesian rupiah.

A popular provider is Telkomsel, which gives you access to their app with the SIM, making it easy to top up your data if you run out or your time runs out. If your phone supports it, you can also use an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. This lets you set everything up digitally before you even land, which saves you the hassle of finding a kiosk and switching SIMs when you arrive.

The crew at WiFi Tribe uses Airalo as its eSIM provider. You can get a pretty good deal and be online before your plane even lands.

Transportation options in Bali 

In general, getting around Bali is easy. There are a ton of options out there, from renting a vehicle to hiring a driver for the day to using taksis or ridesharing options. 

Car rental

Renting a car in Bali costs 15 – 25 USD per day on average, though you’ll pay more for an automatic transmission. 

You can always rent a car at the airport, but a cheaper option might be to ask at your accommodation. Your host will likely know someone you can rent from. The caveat is that the cars are most likely not insured, meaning you’ll end up paying for any damages. Insurance also isn’t necessarily automatically included when renting from a rental agency.

Hiring a driver

If you like having the comfort of a car but don’t want to drive yourself, hiring a driver for the day is cheap in Bali compared to lots of other countries around the world. Prices range from 300,000 to 700,000 IDR per day, depending on where you book and how good you are at haggling. 

Scooter rental

Scooters are an easier way to get around Bali than cars. You get stuck in traffic far less, and narrow roads are less of a problem. On the other hand, scooters are far less safe than cars, and if you’re not comfortable riding one, it can be a stressful experience. 

If you’re unfamiliar with riding a scooter, we highly recommend getting lessons before you rent and hop on your own. If you’re staying in the Kuta / Seminyak / Canggu area, contact Musli from Bali Scooter Lessons. He’s given several of our Tribers lessons, and they feel safer and more confident on their scooters for it. 

Monthly scooter rentals cost anywhere between 750,000 IDR to 1,400,000 IDR, depending on the rental place. You can also rent scooters by the day or week. Our favorite rental place in the Canggu area is J&D Scooter Rental Canggu, whose bikes are in really good condition (for Bali standards) at super competitive prices starting at 750,000 IDR per month.

Side note: Legally, you need an international driver’s licence as well as your actual driver’s licence to operate both a scooter and a car in Bali. No rental place will ask you for them, but if you get stopped without the international licence, you’ll have to pay a fine.

Taksis

Taksis are the Balinese cabs, and people who know their way around them avoid them like the plague. They’re expensive, and drivers can be pushy, especially at the airport. Imagine stepping off the plane after an exhausting flight, taking your first step into Bali, and immediately being surrounded by a gaggle of very insistent taksi drivers offering a ride and trying to rip you off in the process. If you don’t know any better, you may end up paying 600,000 IDR for the ride from the airport to Canggu, and think it’s a good price. 

Pro tip: Avoid if you can, be firm in dealing with them when you can’t, and always agree on the price before getting in the car. 

Ridesharing apps

Ridesharing apps like Grab or Gojek (for scooter rideshares) are legal in Bali, and have become far more popular than taksis. For one, they’re a lot cheaper and second, you call them via an app on your phone instead of them pushing themselves on you to the point of following you down the street to offer you a ride. Of course, this is the reason why taksi drivers may resort to violence towards Grab- or Gojek drivers – they’re taking away good business. 

Come and stay in Bali with WiFi Tribe

If all of this sounds daunting or you’re looking for a group of like-minded people to live, work, hang out and go on weekend trips with, check out the WiFi Tribe villa in Canggu. We love Bali and Canggu in particular, and can introduce you to this beautiful island and community with the least amount of hassle you’ve ever had when coming to a new place. 

Let us show you around and become a part of our awesome community of remote workers. Just apply here and join us!

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to Bali as a digital nomad?

The best time to go to Bali is April, May, June, and September. These months offer dry weather, fewer tourists, and comfortable temperatures.

What are the best areas in Bali for digital nomads?

Canggu and Ubud are the most popular areas for digital nomads. Canggu is known for surfing and fitness, while Ubud is famous for mindfulness and nature.

How much does it cost to live in Bali as a digital nomad?

The average cost of living in Bali is about $1,500/month. Budget-conscious nomads can live on $1,000 or less by staying in homestays and eating local food.

What are the best coworking spaces in Bali?

Top coworking spaces in Bali include Outpost, Tropical Nomad, Connco Work Hub in Canggu, and Hubud and Igdore in Ubud. Each offers reliable WiFi, community events, and remote work-friendly facilities.

What are the visa options for digital nomads in Bali?

Visa options include a 30-day visa waiver, a 60-day visa on arrival with extension, and the E33G Remote Work Permit for those earning over $60,000/year from non-Indonesian employers. There’s also the Second Home Visa for long stays with financial requirements.

How can I stay safe in Bali as a digital nomad?

To stay safe, use crossbody bags, don’t display valuables while walking or riding scooters, always lock your room, and avoid placing phones in scooter compartments. Petty theft, like phone snatching, is the most common crime.

What’s the best way to get around Bali?

Scooter rentals are the most convenient and affordable option. You can also use Grab or Gojek for ridesharing. Avoid taksis unless necessary, and always agree on a price beforehand.