What is it like to Retire in Bali?

Electricity is a little on the high side. A big villa with multiple air-conditioners might cost around US$200 a month. Limiting the use of air-conditioners and other energy guzzlers will help to reduce the cost.

With regards to health care, the standard is unfortunately not high, but it has improved tremendously in the past few years. There are now several private hospitals and there is some effort being made to capture the medical tourism market in Bali. If you become seriously ill or injured, you will more than likely need to seek treatment in nearby Singapore or Australia. It is important to make sure your medical insurance can cover such contingencies.

While many areas in Bali have become highly developed, you don’t have to travel too far to experience the postcard landscapes of beautiful terraced rice fields, sunsets and sandy beaches. Buildings are not allowed to be built higher than the tallest coconut tree. There are many activities available, which you would expect in a popular tourist destination, such as surfing, diving and golf. There is also a strong spiritual side to Bali, with many opportunities for traditional medicine, massage and yoga. Many expats become ingrained in the local community, participating in village ceremonies and volunteering in community projects.

With its closeness to Australia, Bali is popular with Australian tourists and expats. Bali is also popular with European retirees, particularly French, German and Dutch expats. Ever since the release of the book and movie, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, Bali has seen more interest from American travelers. Bali even has a number of international schools teaching Australian, French and British based curriculum.

There are many things to like about living in Bali, but if you ask any tourist or expat what they love most, you will usually hear that it is the Balinese people. It is impossible not to get into good mood seeing that beautiful, smiling faces, that so many people fall in love with. Yes, there are downsides to living in Bali, like anywhere in the world. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om (Peace).

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