Thread: Newbie to work in Bali

Hi all! I had a job offer to work in Bali. But I need to work out my finances before making my decision. So, I hope I can get some tips from this forum. 1) How much to rent a furnished studio apartment in Seminyak? Cause I will be living by myself and am particular to cleanliness. 2) Any recommendations where to stay? 3) Monthly international phone calls to Australia and internet bill? 3) Monthly electricity bill based on a single use.

Appreciate all your useful tips!

Welcome to the forum Ivy. You should check out the internet sites for The Bali Times and The Bali Advertiser. Both are on-line and both include their classified sections so you can look at current rentals in the Yak and get an idea about that.

You'll probably want a cell phone once here and you can get hooked up with some really cheap international rates. Look into that once here.

Unless you run your air con all the time, your monthly bill shouldn't run more than around $20 or so per month.

"and am particular to cleanliness"

I hope that doesn't include an aversion to little critters like geckos and very large roaches because there is no avoiding them, even if you bleach your walls, floors and ceilings every day. No worries though, as they don't eat much and you'll get used to them. Cheers and good luck with your move.

Thanks Roy! I went through the websites and realized that it's not exactly cheap rentals in Seminyak... Does the rents gets higher on advert? Would it be a lot cheaper to look around when there?

Ivy, it is always preferable to look around while here. Aside from the obvious advantage of being able to view the apartment “in the flesh” you will also be able to check out the surroundings. Even more advantageous to this approach is you will be in a stronger bargaining position with cash in hand. While it can be stressful looking for a “nest” it can also be a lot of fun. Cheers and good luck.

Originally Posted by Roy

You'll probably want a cell phone once here and you can get hooked up with some really cheap international rates. Look into that once here.

Or it could be double that. We have a two room guest house metered separately but charged using rates introduced in 2006. Use the aircon a bit and get about $40 a month.

Hello Ivy,
I have found that any housing advertisement written in english is going to be at least double what you should be paying. They are aimed at westerners, and charge accordingly. If you have an understanding of Bahasa, or even a friend who understands the lingo' you'd be better off checking the Bahasa based websites, and classifieds (iklan-iklan)
As for phone calls, Simpati recharge cards cost 50,000rupiah (+3000 for setup) and will get you around half an hours talk time to Western Australia, mobile to mobile. SMS saves plenty...
Seminyak is an expensive area these days, because of it's increasing popularity with the tourists. The further inland you go, the cheaper it gets.

I'm jealous, by the way. I'd love a job in bali..... :mrgreen:

Ronb, Jimbo and Mileage, Thank you all soooooooo much for the useful answers. I'm really thankful! Would have been sooooooooo blardee lost, really... Mileage, don't be jealous. I'm sure you can do it too!

Yes, eventually I'll be looking to enjoy some serious time in Bali. At the moment I'm obligated to be here in Perth, but that will change in about ten years or so, (I hope). I'm curious Ivy, what sort of work have you found in Seminyak? Hospitality?

Yes Mileage, you are right! Hospitality. Public Relations. Guest Relations.
I wish you all the best in finding your perfect job!