Living as an Expat in Bali: Privilege or Problem?
Our Perspective on the Island
We live as expats in Bali and we have seen the island change. Between digital nomads, gentrification, and untouched spirituality, here’s what it really means to live on the island of the gods.
In this article about living as an expat in Bali, we’ll cover:
We arrived on the island with light backpacks and lots of curiosity, back when Bali was still not very “globalized.” We chose to stay, to live as expats in Bali, and over time we watched the island transform. We saw coworking spaces and minimalist cafés pop up, scooters crowd every street, and above all a new wave of foreigners attracted to the tropical lifestyle. We’ve left and returned so many times we lost count, until we realized Bali had become our medicine… and it still is, despite its massive growth.
But what does it mean to live in a place where overtourism becomes everyday life?
It’s hard to explain in words… especially because, 10 years after our first arrival, Bali is still Bali.
The Boom of the Expat Phenomenon in Bali
In the last 10 years, living as an expat in Bali has become a dream for many: sun, low costs, fast internet, international community. But this dream doesn’t come without consequences. Today, Bali is one of the world capitals for digital nomads, investors, freelancers, and creators.
Digital Nomads in Bali
The number of digital nomads in Bali has grown exponentially. Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu have become true hubs for online workers. People live in villas with pools, network over smoothies and coconuts, and move from a startup event to a yoga workshop.
But behind this seemingly perfect lifestyle lie the effects of digital nomadism in Bali that often go unnoticed.
Canggu Lifestyle: Comfort or a Copy of the West?
The so-called Canggu lifestyle is comfortable, stimulating, and full of opportunities. But it is also very similar to any Western capital. There are Melbourne-style brunches, breathwork classes, English-language events, and high-tech gyms.
Many expats move to Bali specifically for this lifestyle… but risk living in a “bubble” completely disconnected from Balinese reality.
More and more expats in Bali arrive and, after a few months as digital nomads, leave because “the money runs out.” A room in a villa in Canggu can now cost $500 per month, and when you add gym fees, surf lessons, brunches, and all the other “must-haves” for a digital nomad in Bali, the cost of living skyrockets.
So is it worth living as a digital nomad in Canggu, Bali? For me, no—but I am older and have two kids, so my answer is definitely different from a young person drawn by the nightlife. What’s important to clarify is that the “real Bali” is no longer in Canggu… not anymore.
Canggu with kids? Not all bad! Definitely not, and that’s why I invite you to read my article on Canggu with kids.
Effects of Digital Nomadism on Bali and the Local Community
Rising rents: locals can no longer afford to live in their villages
Uncontrolled growth of villas: often built without environmental respect
Cultural homogenization: the uniqueness of places is lost
If you want to explore this further, we have already discussed it extensively here:
But Ubud Resists: Spirituality Intact at the Heart of the Island
Among all the transformations we have seen, Ubud is the most surprising example. Yes, it’s full of tourists. Yes, prices have risen here too. But the people of Ubud—the Balinese—have not changed.
Living as expats in Bali, we’ve learned to distinguish between what is adaptation and what is resistance. And Ubud resists. Every morning, between a yoga retreat and a boutique hotel, you see offerings to the gods, processions that block traffic, and genuine smiles. No one is doing this for tourists. They do it for themselves.
👉 Learn more in: Religion in Bali: what they don’t tell you about ceremonies, spirits, and daily life
Ubud was “HOME” for us for a while. Love at first sight? Absolutely not. But then we fell in love, for all its contradictions, for the fancy coworking spaces where expats from all over the world experience fake spirituality, and the temple next door, full of offerings but also dirty and certainly less Instagrammable. We could talk for hours about this huge contrast between the two realities, but the extraordinary fact is that in Ubud (and only here), expats and locals have found a way to coexist without destroying each other. It’s true, I don’t know how long this balance will last—it will probably collapse—but for a while, it was beautiful to live in this equilibrium, which ties closely to the concept of Dharma in Balinese Hinduism.
If you want to experience Ubud authentically, we have already written many articles that will help you:
Living as an Expat in Bali: Privilege or Problem?
The truth? Both. Living as an expat in Bali is a privilege because it offers beauty, connection, and well-being. But it’s a problem if lived without responsibility.
Many expats arrive knowing nothing about Balinese culture. Some don’t even make the effort to learn a word of Indonesian. Others build lucrative businesses without ever including locals.
Yet living here should mean respecting, integrating, and contributing.
How to Be a Responsible Expat in Bali
Here are some choices we made (and recommend):
Rent from Balinese people, not just foreign investors
Participate in village life, don’t live above it
Support local projects like EcoBali, ByeByePlasticBags
Respect the unspoken rules of Balinese culture
Learn the language, even just a few words
👉 Want to know how? Read: How to Travel in Bali Ethically and Responsibly
FAQs about Living as an Expat in Bali
Do I need a visa to live as an expat in Bali?
Yes, there are several types: social visa, KITAS, nomad visa. Always check before traveling; here I’ve discussed the best family visas for living in Bali.
Is living as an expat in Bali still affordable?
It depends on the area. The Canggu lifestyle costs are similar to Europe. But in other areas, you can live well for less. There’s also another discussion beyond economics: do you want to escape the “cage” of European society? If so, this freedom has no price. Looking for a place with services and comfort? Bali may not be the right answer for you.
Are digital nomads in Bali harming the island?
Some do, unknowingly. It all depends on behavior and impact.
How can I contribute positively while living here?
Buy local, hire Balinese staff, avoid exploitation, and integrate respectfully. Always negotiate, but wisely. Know their average salaries, don’t overtip, to avoid incentivizing illiteracy (a doctor cannot earn less than a driver, or society collapses).
Are expats accepted by locals?
It depends on your attitude. Respect is fundamental, and generally, yes! But be careful not to fall into the “European with a fat wallet” trap, or they will see you as an ATM.
Continue reading our series on Bali & Overtourism
Planning a trip to Bali with kids?
From mystical temples to the rice fields of Sidemen, from local markets to beaches: Bali is a family-sized adventure waiting for you. I’ve gathered practical tips, authentic stops, and low-budget ideas to help you discover the island with curious eyes and light backpacks.
And if you want to go even deeper, to discover the Real Bali — the one you won’t find in brochures — I recommend Viaggiaibali.com: a complete guide for those who dream of truly living it, with a sustainable and respectful eye towards local communities.
Read all articles about Bali with kids →Go to Viaggiaibali.com →
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