Is Bali A Good Choice For Digital Nomads? Here’s What You Should Know

Being a digital nomad in Bali isn’t all hammocks and coconuts (though you’ll probably enjoy a fair share of both). For English teachers, the island offers something even better: a place where lesson planning can happen in leafy cafés, Zoom calls flow smoothly thanks to reliable coworking hubs, and your “commute” might be a scooter ride past rice paddies. 

Life here has a way of mixing productivity with adventure, so you can finish a morning of teaching and still have time to learn to surf, join a yoga class, or simply watch the world go by from a warung.

For those of us who don’t speak Indonesian, a warung is a small, local eatery, very common in Bali.

But we wanted to get the real deal of being a digital nomad in Bali, so we thought we would throw out the travel guides and go to the source – someone who has lived and worked remotely in Bali for the last six years. 

This is what TTA alumna and world traveller extraordinaire Taylor has to say about living the digital nomad life in Bali – her honest experiences and what she wished she’d known before she jumped on that plane for the first time.

Taylor:

I can say with full confidence that Bali really does live up to its reputation. But like anywhere, it’s not just smoothie bowls and sunsets. 

Let me tell you what makes it such a unique (and surprisingly liveable) place to build your version of a freedom-based life. 

But first, how can I be a digital nomad in Bali?

By now you might have heard of Digital Nomad Visa. Indonesia, which includes Bali, has two options for a Digital Nomad Visa which allow you to live and work there. For both of these visas, you can only work for foreign companies or clients.

One option is called the Remote Worker KITAS/E33G visa, which allows you to live in Indonesia for up to a year. For this visa, you need:

• Minimum annual income of $60,000
• Proof of funds of at least $2,000
• Evidence of accommodation in Indonesia

Another option is the C-Type Visit Visa211A which lets you live in Indo for two to six months. For this visa, you need:

• Proof of funds of at least $2,000
• Evidence of onward travel

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For information on other Digital Nomad Visas around the world, read our blog: The Digital Nomad Visa: A Ticket To Your Best Life.

Now let’s get to the fun part: why is Bali a good choice for digital nomads?

A soft landing: The digital nomad scene is already built-in

One of the best parts about moving to Bali as a digital nomad is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

The digital nomad infrastructure is already here, and it’s thriving! 

From the moment you land, you’ll find yourself surrounded by other remote workers, creatives, freelancers, and online teachers who’ve chosen Bali as their base. Whether you’re in the mood for a co-working space with ocean views, a quiet café tucked into the rice fields, or prefer to work from home, there’s a spot (and a community) for everyone.

Even if you’re new to working remotely or teaching online, you won’t feel like the odd one out. 

People here just get it. 

Need help with your visa? There’s a WhatsApp group for that. Want to make friends? Just walk into a gym class or your local coffee shop. Want to talk passive income strategies or best time zones for teaching online? You’ll find someone at the next table doing exactly that.

This built-in support system makes your transition so much smoother, and you can build momentum easily. You’ll be surrounded by people doing the same thing, which makes you feel less alone, more inspired, and genuinely supported.

High quality of life (without a high price tag)

Let’s be honest –  living well on a modest budget is one of the biggest draws of Bali. You can live like a king here, even if you’re not earning a huge amount of money! 

Think: waking up in your own private villa, sipping on a freshly picked coconut, doing a few hours of teaching from a sunny café, and then hitting the beach or heading to a sunset yoga class. It’s a cliché for a reason – because it’s actually possible here. 

Basic living costs like accommodation, transport, and local food are surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re happy to live slightly inland or on the outskirts of the main tourist areas. 

That’s a great tip for most destinations. If you’re looking for more affordable accommodation, look outside the main touristy areas.

There’s a place for every budget, from basic homestays to high-end co-living spaces. And because Bali has such a strong expat and remote work scene, you’ll find services and amenities that are genuinely set up for people like you.

Sure, there are luxe restaurants, premium gyms, and fancy spas if that’s what you want (and have the budget for). But you can also live very comfortably while keeping things simple. 

The real win is having access to both.

You don’t need to sacrifice quality just to keep costs down, and that freedom sets the standard very high for day-to-day life. 

Fast wifi, great cafés, and spaces that just work

Reliable internet is non-negotiable when your income depends on Zoom calls or teaching platforms. And thankfully, Bali delivers. 

Whether you’re teaching English online, freelancing, or building a business, you’ll find no shortage of cafés and coworking spots designed with remote workers in mind.

Sounds like a great spot to be a teacher-preneur!

Most cafés are well-equipped with decent wifi, power outlets, and chilled-out corners to settle in for a few hours. And as long as you order something (which isn’t exactly a struggle when the iced coffees and nasi gorengs are so good), no one’s rushing you out.

If you prefer a more structured environment, there are coworking spaces all over the island – from Canggu to Ubud to Uluwatu. Many offer lightning-fast wifi, private meeting rooms, air conditioning, and regular events to help you meet other digital nomads. These are great options if you’re craving both focus and connection.

But if you’d rather work from your accommodation, that is an option too. I’ve gone through stretches where I didn’t set foot in a café and just worked quietly from home. Most rentals have decent internet – just double-check before you book.

Read more: What Internet Speed Do I Really Need To Teach English Online?

The best part? You’re never stuck in one place. One day you’re working overlooking a rice field, the next you’re in between the palm trees with your toes in the sand. 

Bali gives you the flexibility to shape your workday around your energy, which is a big reason people fall in love with it.

In a relationship with the sun

One thing I’ve never missed while living in Bali? Winter.

It’s warm all year round, with temperatures usually sitting between 27–32°C. 

Even in the rainy season (roughly November to March), the downpours are usually short and dramatic, and then it’s back to blue skies and sunshine. You quickly get used to planning your day around the weather, especially if you’re on a scooter.

The climate definitely shapes the lifestyle here. Most people spend a lot of time outdoors, spending time at the beach, walking, surfing, or working from open-air cafés. It’s hard to feel cooped up, which makes a big difference when you’re working online. 

You don’t really get that feeling of “I need to get out the house” when your day-to-day already includes movement and sunshine.

And boredom? Unlikely.

There’s always something happening – from sunrise hikes up volcanoes, to local ceremonies, to casual beach hangs with friends. Even a trip to the local supermarket can feel like a mini adventure here.

You’ll eat better than you ever did at home

It’s no exaggeration… the food in Bali is truly incredible. And to make things even better, you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well.

You’ve got everything from local warungs serving up hearty nasi campur (rice and a variety of delicious side dishes) for less than $2, to beautifully designed high-end cafés with health-conscious menus that wouldn’t be out of place in LA or Sydney. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian, or just a big foodie, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

You can also find just about any cuisine here, from Japanese ramen to Mediterranean mezze, to legit sourdough pizza. Bali’s international food scene is way more diverse than people expect.

As someone who likes to eat healthily (most of the time!), Bali makes it really easy. 

You can find acai bowls, tempeh wraps, fresh coconuts, raw gluten-free desserts – even adaptogenic mushroom lattes if that’s your thing. And if you’re craving a home-cooked meal, most local supermarkets are stocked with everything you could need to make something simple and fresh.

That said, eating out is such a big part of the lifestyle here that most people do it every day – sometimes for every meal. It’s affordable, social, and frankly, the food’s often better than what you’d make at home. You quickly find your go-to spots for local food, your favourite cafés for lunch, and the places that just get your coffee order.

Whether you’re fuelling up between classes or winding down after work, good food is never far away.

Work-life balance actually exists

One of the most underrated perks of living in Bali? The pace.

It’s relaxed, in the best way. You’re not rushing to catch the train or stuck in traffic for hours. Life feels slower, but more intentional. And that leaves more room for balance.

Work hard in the morning, surf in the afternoon. Or teach a few hours in the evening and spend your mornings at the gym, doing yoga, or exploring waterfalls. The flexibility that comes with remote work blends really well with Bali’s lifestyle. And the sunshine definitely helps with motivation.

There’s a big focus on wellness here too. 

Think beach walks, sound baths, saunas, cold plunges, and every kind of workout class imaginable. But even if that’s not your thing, just having easy access to nature and outdoor living can shift your whole mindset. 

You feel healthier, more energised, and less caught up in the hustle.

In a world that’s always on, Bali gives you permission to slow down. You’re still getting things done, but in a way that feels sustainable.

Read more: 7 Steps For Creating A Work-Life Balance For Teachers

A launchpad for adventure

Besides being a fantastic place to live, Bali is also the perfect base for exploring the rest of Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

On weekends or days off, you can hop on a ferry to one of nearby islands like Nusa Penida, Lombok, or the Gilis. Each one offers something different, from surfing and scuba diving to hiking volcanoes or simply doing nothing on a white sand beach. 

And if you’re craving a change of scenery, it’s easy (and very affordable) to take short flights to places like Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia.

All great places to teach!

Even within Bali, each area has its own vibe, from the artsy calm of Ubud to the beachy buzz of Canggu to the slower, more traditional feel of Sidemen. It’s impossible to run out of things to do and places to explore.

If you love travel, variety, and weekend getaways that don’t break the bank, Bali is a dream. 

The people 

If you ask anyone who has been to Bali, what really makes it so special? The answer is, without a doubt, the people.

The warmth and kindness of the local Balinese community is something you feel almost instantly. From the smiles you receive walking down the street to the daily offerings and ceremonies that fill the island with a sense of presence and purpose, there’s a deep culture of generosity and grace here that’s hard to put into words.

And when it comes to the expat and digital nomad crowd, most people are here with the intention of living well, working with freedom, and connecting with others doing the same.

Bali has a magical way of bringing people together.

Is Bali a good choice for you as a digital nomad?

If you’re an online TEFL teacher (or aspiring to be one), Bali offers the kind of environment that supports both your work and your wellbeing. 

Of course, it’s not perfect – no place is.  But if you’re after warm weather, a vibrant remote work scene, affordable living, and the freedom to create a lifestyle that actually feels good… 

Then yes – Bali makes it pretty easy to say yes!

And if you think Taylor’s story is 1-in-a-million, think again! TTA alumni are teaching and travelling all over the world as digital nomads. Thalia and Matt are just two examples – read their stories here and here.

 

BRB – just booking a ticket to Bali!