Bali Expat Forum - Bali Travel Forum

[Maloy1]

I am a retired American Veteran desiring to move to Bali and I have been reading the posts on this forum and they have been very informing. However I still have some specific questions that I have not found answers for. They are:

I only need a furnished place with one room and kitchen appliances, bathroom, electric service. I would be willing to pay yearly rental of 35,000,000RP a year. Can I find such a place?

I currently have a multigear bicycycle. a desk top computer system, 24" color TV/VCR and a small microwave that I was planning to bring. My question is can I buy those items after I arrive in Bali and if so the approximate cost of each?

Are American filter cigarettes available? Cost per pack?

Cost of a monthly basic internet connection?

My reason for asking if I can buy those items is to avoid shipping and custom costs and hassles and to be sure that if I can buy those items in Bali they will be compatible with the electric service available there.

I would be most grateful to anyone who could help me with these inquiries. Thank you.

[mimpimanis]

Hi Maloy

Though you are moving to Bali, you have posted on the Lombok branch but I can help with some of your questions.

Rp35,000,000 in Lombok would build you a small place. My house is 10mx14m quite large and cost about Rp60,000,000 to build.That was in 1999. I recently completed a smaller project, a kiosk with attached bathroom and bedroom. That cost less than Rp20,000,000. It is small but an extra Rp15,000,000 could go a long way. On the other hand land is much more expensive in Bali. I would expect somthing very luxurious to rent for Rp35,000,000 p/a.

I have seen mountain bikes for sale in Lombok for Rp1,500,000. I plan to buy one or two in the future for rental. I dont know how the quality will compare with USA. I dont ride a bike myself.

I know people who have bout computers for as little as Rp5,000,000 but the computers are always breaking down. Apparently the salt air has a lot to do with the problems they have. Even with the more expensive computers. I don't know how much monthly interent connection is. We dont even have a telephone line.

Last year I bought a 22" TV for Rp1,400,000. Its working well and has a guarantee. Certainly in Lombok I always try to buy LG brand electrical goods as they have guarntees (and I have had to use them) as opposed to some of the cheaper brands that have no cover.

I shipped a VCR from UK. Because of the humidity tapes get mouldy, then when you play or rewind your heads get full of mould. We can get them cleaned for about Rp20,000 so I keep the VCR as we have our wedding on video. I have never seen any cassettes to buy or rent though. Most people have VCD Video Compact Disc and this is the easiest media to buy or rent. Copies cost from Rp10,000 Original movies anything from Rp17,000 to Rp100,000. DVD is becoming more common now too, probably more so on Bali, where there is more money.

For the most part I would say only bother bringing possesions that are of sentimental value. Everything else you can buy in Bali, probably for less than you would pay to ship your old ones over from USA.

Let me know if there is anything else.

Mimpi