MOVING TO BALI FOR A #SRILANKAN ๐! So here is a ๐งต on how you can potentially move to Bali, live here, and earn a source of foreign revenue while in #Bali. Keep in mind Indonesia is not a straightforward option for long-term migration, but an option for short/medium term stays.
So, I would like to reiterate that Indonesia is NOT a long-term migration option. As far as I know, there is no direct route for a PR, unless an employer sponsors you for a job. But, it is a great way to get away from the #EconomicCrisisLK at least in the short /medium term.
Right, so diving into it, Indonesia offers a visa called a B211A visa that allows you to stay in the country for up to 180 days. The visa is initially given for 60 days, with 4x extensions of 30 days each. You can legally stay here, rent apartments/villas, and open a bank AC.
The B211A is a completely online process. So please DO NOT FALL FOR SCAMS ๐ซ There isn't a single agent in Sri Lanka that can do this for you. You can approach numerous Bali based visa agents to get this visa for you. The price varies between $180-$220 inclusive of sponsorship.
Please do your research before selecting a visa agent to work with. Look at an agency that has an office and a good track record with the B211A program. I recommend balivisas.com. (I am not affiliated with them, I don't make a commission). I used them with no hassle.
Right, so how should you move here? What I recommend to a lot of people is to first find a remote job opportunity or a job they can completely WFH. But, once you arrive here the potential is INSANE. Bali is a melting pot of entrepreneurs, businessmen, investors & founders.
If you play your cards right, network and meet the right people, creating a stream of income is EASY. Everyone is in need of someone with expert skills. The community is very tight-knit, so play it right, and you will be recommended to a bunch of others. Potential is very high.
Areas of demand here include skilled professionals in digital marketing, web dev, fitness/health coaches, creative professionals, photographers, videographers, finance consultants, business consultants and creative writers AFAIK. Real Estate is booming here too.
Note that with the B211A visa you are technically not allowed "to work" in Indonesia. Now the definition of "work" is very grey. As long as you are not employed by a local company WHILE ON THE B211A visa you are fine.
Therefore when you do connect with someone here, you will not be treated as a typical employee. You will be a consultant/contractor. You can either be paid in cash or if you have a payment gateway setup you can request to be paid that way and receive payments in $. Trust is key.
Typical living costs. You can rent a 2BR villa+pool for as little as $300 or as high as $5k a month. A room in a shared villa goes for $60-90 a month. Eating out can vary from Michelin starred restaurants to local "warungs" where you can have a fully satisfying meal for < $1.
Typically, if you go out frequently, it can be a bit costly. Alcohol is quite expensive here in Bali, so if you are into clubbing/partying the costs can start adding up very fast. Other than that, a night out can be very affordable.
Typical past times include watching beautiful sunsets on the countless beaches that are a walking distance from most places. Most people end their day here on the beach sipping a coconut/cocktail. Another great place to network btw and meet people.
The most popular form of transport here in Bali is a ๐ต. The roads are quite small, so traffic does build up. Driving a car can be a tad exhausting. You can rent a scooter here with insurance for about $50 a month. You MUST HAVE a bike license.
This is a group that was created to bring together all the digital nomads in Bali. Join it, so that you can see for yourself the potential and skills that people are looking for. It will also give you an idea about the lifestyle here:
facebook.com/groups/553237938183702
The great news is that there are rumours that the Indonesian government is planning on a #digitalnomad visa which makes this process even cheaper and easier. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
As always if you found this ๐งต useful please let me know!