Thread: Moving to Bali with a Toddler

Hi everyone, I'm Magda and I live in Montreal, Canada. My husband and I decided to move our life and we chose Bali. I feel very excited and we should be there end of May. I have gathered as much info as I can but nothing is as valuable as the word of people living the experience. I have a 2 1/2 years old boy. I guess my questions boil down to those:
- What medication should I bring with me (specially for my son)?
- What area is best suited for families ?(I was thinking Seminyak, but would love to hear suggestions).
- How bad are the rainy months?
- How do handle the mosquitoes for your children ?

I guess what I'm trying to find out most is how I should prepare and what I should expect for my son...my husband and I will adapt and manage much better if we're ready for him.
I appreciate any info....
I'm so excited I can barely stand it !

Hi Magda,
Firstly, Great choice of relocation destination!
Secondly, don't be too scared, it's a big move to pick up and relocate, equally exciting, and daunting at the same time, as I'm sure you are experiencing right now. I'm not an expat. I'm more a devotee. I save all my pennies to get back to Bali as often as I can, which is a lot. Maybe some of the other members won't think I qualify to give advice, but they aren't here yet. :)
- What medication should I bring with me (specially for my son)? The chemists in Bali (apotek) are pretty well stocked, so you should be ok for any daily medical requirements. Headaches to worms.. I suggest though if you are planning to bring any perscribed medications that you have the correct paperwork from your doctor/pharmacist when entering the country.
- What area is best suited for families ?(I was thinking Seminyak, but would love to hear suggestions). They all have their merrits and downfalls, this will depend on your needs. I'm guessing that if you are looking at Seminyak, that isolation isn't a big draw card. For some it is. Seminyak is probably a good starting point for any westerner. You can always explore and find something more suited when you're there.
- How bad are the rainy months? Wet! with rain like I've never seen before, but still wonderful.
- How do handle the mosquitoes for your children ? Tricky one this. You can't be hovering over them (kiddies) the whole time with a swatter and spray. There are practical steps that you can take, nothing too dramatic, not like other islands where you are dealing with malaria.
The wonderful thing about Bali is that it doesn't take a lot of preparation. Pack your enthusiasm, some cash, and a big smile and you'll do fine.
Do your homework, as it pertains to your situation.....
I'll let the other members get down to more specifics.....

Thanks a bunch mileage, this dos help a lot...specially in the lifting the spirit and upping the excitement level :)

Just wondering, what's wrong with deet?
I use this spray (bushman's) which is deet based when I'm in Bali. Is it poisonous to humans too?

there have been studies (along with every other product under the sun) that show deet is detrimental to health ...

and i personally wouldn't use it on children either ...

or for prolonged periods of time ...

Whoa! :shock:
thanks for the tip, I usually use Aeroguard, but I bought the bushman's for Kupang after having deet recommended to me by another traveller. I'll save it for the malaria regions now.....