10 Essential Tips for Digital Nomads Moving to Bali
Navigating Bali as a remote worker is different from a two-week vacation. Here’s how to hit the ground running and make the most of your time on the island.
1. Master Transportation: Rent a Scooter
Forget expensive taxis. The absolute best way to get around Bali is by renting a scooter (or 'motorbike'). It's not just a recommendation; it's a way of life here. You'll bypass the notorious traffic jams in areas like Canggu and Seminyak, saving you hours of frustration. Scooters are incredibly cheap to rent long-term. If you're not comfortable driving, the Go-Jek and Grab apps are your best friends. You can order a scooter taxi ('ojek') for a few dollars to zip you anywhere you need to go, from your villa to the co-working space.
2. Understand the Money: Cash is Still King
While trendy cafes and high-end boutiques in nomad hubs will accept credit cards, Bali's economy largely runs on cash. Always have a stash of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) on you, especially in smaller denominations (10,000 to 100,000 IDR). You'll need it for daily essentials like paying for your meal at a local eatery (warung), buying fresh fruit from a street vendor, or haggling at the market. ATMs are widely available, but it's wise to use ones attached to reputable banks to avoid card skimming issues.
3. Explore Beyond the 'Nomad Bubble'
Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak are popular for a reason—they have great cafes, co-working spaces, and communities. However, the real magic of Bali is often found outside these busy hubs. Use your weekends to explore. Head north to see the majestic Jatiluwih rice terraces without the crowds, discover hidden waterfalls like Aling Aling, or find secluded beaches like Suluban Beach Cave in Uluwatu. This is how you truly connect with the island and avoid burnout from the hustle of the main towns.
4. Manage Your Budget: Live Well for Less
Bali offers an incredible lifestyle for a fraction of the cost of living in the West, but it's also easy to get caught up in the 'Instagrammable' brunch scene and overspend. The key to financial sustainability is balance. Eat at local warungs where a delicious and filling meal of Nasi Goreng can cost as little as $2 USD. Balance this with your budget for lattes at your favorite co-working cafe. By living like a local for most meals, you can easily afford the Western comforts and stunning beach clubs that make the Bali experience so unique.
5. Experience the Culture: The Ubud Monkey Forest
Even if you're laser-focused on work, make time for iconic experiences. The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of them. Home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques, it's a surreal walk through a jungle temple complex. A word of caution: the monkeys are bold and can be aggressive. Don't carry loose items, avoid direct eye contact, and be mindful. For the best photos with fewer crowds, venture deeper into the forest paths away from the main entrance.
6. Find Your Home: Long-Term Accommodation
For digital nomads, finding the right place to live is crucial. While hostels are great for your first week to meet people, you'll want something more permanent. Bali offers incredible value on private villas, often with pools, for a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere. Use Airbnb for your first month, but for longer-term deals, turn to Facebook groups like 'Bali Digital Nomads' or 'Canggu Community Housing'. Here, you can find monthly or yearly rentals directly from owners, often for a significant discount. Co-living spaces are also a fantastic option for instant community and networking.
7. Plan Your Escapes: The Gili Islands & Nusa Penida
The beauty of being based in Bali is its proximity to other stunning islands. When you need a break from the laptop, a weekend trip is easy to arrange. Head to Nusa Penida for raw, dramatic landscapes like Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong. For a more social and relaxed vibe, take a fast boat to the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is famous for its nightlife and diving, Gili Meno for quiet romance, and Gili Air for a perfect blend of both. These trips are essential for recharging your creative batteries.
8. Eat Like a Local: Discover the Warungs
The quickest way to immerse yourself in Balinese culture and save money is to eat at warungs. These small, often family-run restaurants serve authentic Indonesian dishes like Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Satay skewers, and various rice-based dishes (Nasi Campur). A hearty plate with chicken, rice, and vegetables can cost under $3. Don't be shy—point at what looks good. This is where you'll find the best and most affordable food on the island.
9. Prioritize Wellness: The $6 Massage
One of the biggest perks of the digital nomad lifestyle in Bali is access to affordable wellness. A full-body, one-hour Balinese massage can cost as little as 80,000 IDR (about $6 USD). It's not a once-in-a-while treat; it's a regular part of a sustainable work-life balance. Whether it's a daily massage, a yoga class overlooking the rice paddies, or a luxurious flower bath, building wellness into your routine is easy and affordable in Bali.
10. Explore Smart: Hire a Private Driver
For full-day excursions to places like the Mt. Batur volcano or the Pura Gunung Kawi temple, don't book an expensive package tour. Instead, hire a local private driver for the day. The cost is surprisingly low—around 300,000-500,000 IDR ($20-$35 USD) for a full 8-10 hour day. You can split this cost with friends you've met. The benefit is complete freedom: you set the itinerary, decide how long you want to stay at each spot, and get local insights from your driver. You can find recommendations for reliable drivers in any of the Bali expat Facebook groups.
