Retiring in Bali

BrooktonJohno

Hello all, I am looking at retiring to bali in August from Perth, my wife will remain fifo from west australia and our 12 year old son will attend school in Bali. We have can 20 year lease on a Villa in Sanur but I am confused about health and life insurance. One site says just show proof of current Aussie insurance, no problems? Any advice please I am confused!

samsiam

There is expat insurance available which specialises in the south east asia areas. We have with ACS and costs circa $3k per year with coverage up to $1 million each, but excludes dental and outpatients...its basically designed to cover emergencies and long term illnesses....those big ones that would send you broke...or dead

Jazza

I'm an Australian senior, on an Australian pension, looking to retire to Bali and as I'm single, I'd like to rent in one of the "Gated Communities". Could someone please let me know how to get into one of these places, renal, utilities and living expenses? Thanks so much

davita

Hi Jazza and welcome to the forum. Your expression 'gated community'...I know what it means in a general sense in other countries but in reference to Bali I haven't seen any. There are many villa-complexes that have security but I wouldn't call them 'gated communities"....maybe it's just not the expression that's used here. Have you ever visited Bali before? Your question is difficult to find an answer unless you identify what are your personal requirements are. i.e. which area of Bali...near the beach, in the hills, near night-life, secluded, near hospitals etc...there are so many variations here. Also...do you have a budget in mind...if you are wealthy you could live like a king in Bali...if poor I'd stay where there is welfare and medical benefits...see what I mean. Please give us more information about yourself and there will be many here to answer and help.

Jazza

Hi Davita Thanks so much for your response. I'm a senior, living on the Australian pension, which goes absolutely no-where in Oz. I'm sorry, I used the wrong terminology. What I'm looking for, is a furnished on bedroom place in a villa-complex that has security. Near the beach and near hospitals, but not in one of the touristy places, as these can be rather expensive. I do have private medical insurance in Australia, but would be interested to know if I can transfer my medical insurance to Bali. Thanks so much.

Jazza

Thank you so much, You've been very helpful.

Jazza

One more question please. How do I go about booking a Kost? Thanks so much

davita

If only visiting a Kost will not be suitable as they generally rent long-term. If living you would need to be in Bali to view and look around the area you decide to stay. Many are just advertised locally on grocery store notice boards or power poles. As I said...some may not be up to your needs. My driver stays in one near where we live but there's no way I'd stay there...and my wife has girlfriends that live in some that are decent. There are plenty really cheap hotels available on airBnB. I was surprised how cheap some are and they look good. The busy season is almost over (end August) so you would get deals...I'd book for a week and, when in Bali, rent a scooter and look around.

spicyayam

I met an Australian lady who used to live in Lovina and later moved to Nusa Dua. The place she lived in Nusa Dua, sounded something between a kos and guesthouse, with a pool. That might be the kind of thing you are looking for. She was on the Australian pension so likely in your budget. Sorry I don't have her contact details. Best just to come here for a while, stay in an area you think you might like, talk to people you meet and I sure you will find something that suits your needs.

davita

I'll leave any answers about Australian pensions and medical insurance to others as I'm not Australian and have little information. I'd suggest you need to visit Bali for a little while to see if it suits. There are many Australians living here and they might advise. There are lots of different style of accommodation to fit your budget...there are 'Homestays' a bit like B&B and what is called 'Kost' which are 1-2 rooms, some are more/less lux but generally cheap....also, there are others, like yourself, that rent a villa and share. You need to be in Bali to choose. I'd suggest you arrive on a free Visa On Arrival (VOA) but it only permits a max 30 day stay. If wanting to stay longer, on a visit, after arriving buy a paid VOA for US$35 and it is extendible for another 30 days (another US$35) or.....you can get a tourist visa issued at the nearest Indonesian Embassy/Consul to where you live...it will cost about AUD70-100 and allows a 60 day stay. There are other visas if you decide to live in Indonesia but we'll cover those later.

Jazza

davita wroteIf only visiting a Kost will not be suitable as they generally rent long-term. If living you would need to be in Bali to view and look around the area you decide to stay. Many are just advertised locally on grocery store notice boards or power poles. As I said...some may not be up to your needs. My driver stays in one near where we live but there's no way I'd stay there...and my wife has girlfriends that live in some that are decent. There are plenty really cheap hotels available on airBnB. I was surprised how cheap some are and they look good. The busy season is almost over (end August) so you would get deals...I'd book for a week and, when in Bali, rent a scooter and look around.

Jazza

Thank you so much.

Jazza

This type of place would be ideal for me.Thank you so much. Pity you don't have her address.

harryopal

As you work at what you might do you may get some idea by making good use of google. If you type "rumah sewa Bali" this will come up with a wide range of rental housing sites. Never mind that they come up in Indonesian. Right click when you have opened a site and you will have the option to translate. Here's another site. http://www.balibudgethousing.com/10-cheap-bali-accommodation-room-apartment-monthly-rent/ And this site will start to give you some ideas. If an address is shown enter this into google search and you will find the location. If you zoom in it will take you to street level where Google cars have filmed along the street. You will find this entertaining.If you see something attractive then use google and write review and the name of the place. And remember, the coloured photographs usually make everything look much more attractive. The reviews often tell some home truths.

Jazza

Thank you so much. The information you've given me has been truly helpful. If I want to rent a place, do I correspond directly with the owner? Kind regards

harryopal

As Davita and others have recommended, spend some time here before looking for a longer term rental. Many of the Kos accomodation places will rent for a week or month. Personally I prefer to make direct contact rather than booking through the many agencies who will make bookings. Some of the small places might be difficult with staff answering the phone but not speaking much English. I guess the main thing is, before coming, spend plenty of time researching the options and be wary about handing out credit card details.

Jazza

I've looked at the information you provided me with. Thanks so much. I've found one that's really suitable, so nearer the time, will be contacting the owners and making a booking.

harryopal

So, now I am curious. What is the place you regard as suitable? A response will also give other contributors some idea as to at what level you are trying to fit in.

Jazza

Regrettably, being on the Australian age pension, which is an absolute pittance, I can't afford anything too lavish. so I decided on: [SIZE=5][B]Little Pond Homestay [/B][/SIZE] [I]1 stars[/I] Outdoor Pool Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 19, Sanur - Bali, 80228 Sanur, Indonesia –Excellent location - show map 4.220 Google reviews 3-star hotel It's extremely popular, right on the beach, have had great reviews and at AU$21 a night - it's a absolute steal! I'll settle here, until I can get my bearings and then move on, but at the moment, this one's looking good!

spicyayam

I have stayed at this place. It simple, but nice enough. It should be a good place to get your bearings. It's not on the beach however, but a fairly short walk to get there.