7 Mistakes New Bali Digital Nomads Make (2025 Guide)
The allure of Bali for digital nomads is undeniable: tropical weather, affordable living, and a thriving community of entrepreneurs. However, moving your life to Indonesia is not without its administrative and logistical challenges. From visa mix-ups to internet outages, here are the seven critical mistakes to avoid.
1. The Visa Trap: Committing Too Soon
This is the number one financial mistake. Many aspiring nomads hear about the Indonesia Remote Worker Visa (E33G) and think it is the only option. While it allows you to stay for a year, it comes with high requirements, including proof of funds (often requiring $60,000 USD/year income) and a hefty fee.
The Solution: Test the waters first. Before you commit to a year-long visa and the expensive application process, enter Bali on a standard Visit Visa (VoA). This allows you to experience the lifestyle, check the internet speeds, and see if the humidity agrees with you.
Comparison: Tourist Visa vs. Nomad Visa
| Tourist / Visit Visa (B1 / 211A) | Remote Worker Visa (E33G) |
|---|---|
| Best For: First-timers testing the lifestyle. | Best For: Committed expats staying 1+ year. |
| Low Cost & Simple Application | High Cost & Complex Documentation |
| Duration: 60 days (Extendable inside Indonesia). | Duration: 1 Year. |
| Requirements: Passport & Ticket. | Requirements: Employment contract, proof of $60k income. |
Not ready to commit to a year? Get a hassle-free Travel Visa first.
Apply for Travel e-Visa2. Underestimating Internet Reliability
While cafes in Canggu and Ubud have great fiber optic connections, power outages and maintenance can happen. Relying solely on villa Wi-Fi for a critical Zoom call is risky.
The Fix: Check Nomad List's Bali Guide for the latest coworking speeds. Always buy a local SIM card (Telkomsel is best for coverage) with a large data package as a dedicated hotspot backup.
3. Renting Long-Term Sight Unseen
Do not book a villa for 6 months based on Airbnb photos alone. Construction noise in Bali is ubiquitous and isn't shown in photos. That serene rice field view might be next to a jackhammer starting at 7 AM.
The Fix: Book a hotel or guesthouse for your first week. Rent a scooter, drive around, and inspect long-term villas in person to check for construction noise and mold.
4. Ignoring Health Insurance
"Bali Belly" is a rite of passage, but scooter accidents are serious. Medical care in international hospitals like BIMC is excellent but very expensive.
The Fix: Ensure your insurance explicitly covers motorcycle accidents (check the engine capacity clause) and medical evacuation.
5. Forgetting the Tourist Tax & Customs
Administrative hurdles can ruin your arrival mood.
- Customs: You must fill out the Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) before landing to get a QR code.
- Tourist Tax: The new levy of IDR 150,000 applies to all foreign tourists. Read our full guide on the Bali Tourist Tax here.
The Fix: Pay the tax on the official Love Bali website and complete your customs form 2 days before flying.
6. Miscalculating "Bali Time" Traffic
On a map, 5 kilometers looks like a 10-minute drive. In Bali, specifically in the Canggu-Seminyak-Kerobokan triangle, that can be 45 minutes of gridlock.
The Fix: Live near where you plan to work or socialize. Don't live in Uluwatu if your coworking space is in Canggu.
7. Disrespecting Local Culture
Bali is deeply spiritual. Wearing a bikini to a supermarket or driving over offerings (Canang Sari) causes offense. During Nyepi (Day of Silence), the entire island shuts down—no internet, no lights, no going outside.
The Fix: Bring a sarong for temple visits, dress modestly in villages, and mark Nyepi on your calendar so you aren't caught off guard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Technically, a Tourist Visa is for tourism. However, digital nomads working remotely for a foreign company with no clients in Indonesia often utilize the B211A Visit Visa. If you plan to earn money within Indonesia, you strictly need a KITAS (work permit).
You generally need a passport valid for at least 6 months, proof of employment with a company outside Indonesia, and proof of income (typically USD 60,000 per year). You can check official details on the Indonesian Immigration website.
The cost of living varies by lifestyle. A budget nomad can live on $1,000 - $1,500 USD per month, while a comfortable lifestyle with a private pool villa, daily cafe meals, and coworking membership typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month.
Yes, this is strictly enforced by airlines and immigration. You must show proof of a flight leaving Indonesia within the duration of your initial visa (e.g., 30 or 60 days).
Prices vary, but expect to pay between IDR 2,000,000 to IDR 4,000,000 ($130 - $260 USD) per month for a decent dedicated desk with high-speed internet and amenities.