Tac1006

Hi All,
I have been reading the forum for Indonesia and found it lacking in responses except for a few regulars! So as a now 12 year resident of Bali and local husband and 2 children with dual nationality, I thought maybe I can assist with some questions people may have! Let me know and I will do what I can to help. Thanks TC

ScotlandCanada1983

My husband has a job opportunity in Jakarta, so I was wondering if you had any advice?

He's Scottish, working in the oil industry. I'm American and a British citizen, and was in Scotland for five years before moving to Canada. I'm really unhappy here, being a city-dweller, and love to travel. It's just too small and remote for me. We're expecting our first child in a few months and I'd like her to have the experience of living in various areas of the world.

If we do go, we'd be in Jakarta for about 3-4 years, then elsewhere in Asia-Pacific for periods of 3-4 years. It's a great deal for us, with a high salary and all expenses paid.

We can't make a move until after the baby arrives and his current project ends, but I'm ready to pack up and leave asap! I've never been to Indonesia, but have been elsewhere in Asia and love it. The travel opportunities there seem very exciting, too.

I'm adaptable as long as there are amenities (shopping, restaurants, good produce at the markets - the opposite of what my current location offers!), but the heat worries me. I've never been a hot weather person. I also have a baby to worry about, so I want to make sure there will be plenty of fellow expats with children, so she has play groups and I'll have other mums to socialise with.

Do you have any idea what Jakarta is like for expats? Any advice on moving to Indonesia if we do take the transfer?

Thanks

Tac1006

Sorry not been online a while. I don't really know well about Jakarta as only had few short trips there. It's a big bustling city with all amenities and sure you will love it. Loads of expats do search on Facebook as sure you will find an expat community as very popular platform in Indonesia

Tac1006

Type in Jakarta expat on Facebook and u will see many groups to assist :-)

anset002

Hi - my partner and I (from Australia) are considering retirement in Bali in a few years time. We will be visiting in August this year for about 4 weeks to have a look around and hopefully chat to a few expats there.

We have visited Bali and other Indo islands several times, so a re generally familiar with the tourist side, but usually try to visit and stay away from the tourist herds.

Our initial thinking is that we would take up a long term rental. We would also like to have a pet dog, so a fenced yard would be essential.

We would appreciate advice on locations to look at, and possibly a 3 week rental place to base ourselves.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

bakedbean

Hi and welcome to the forum . There's a thread below this one in the Indonesia section titled Where to live in Indonesia. Davita wrote some detailed info on Bali only a day or two ago so you might want to have a read of that one, and maybe tag on to that.

Tac1006

Hi Anset002, sorry i am very late with reply - been away! and then internet been up and down. Have you sorted something out - not sure you would be able to get dog here that easily with rabies still an ongoing issue but guess easier to get dogs in rather than out!

www.cebuarea.com

Hi I am an 58 year old Norwegian expat living in Cebu. I am considering moving to Bali. But I understand that permanent visa is very difficult to obtain?

Davita

Hi Cebu and welcome to the forum.
Your information is correct as there isn't any long-term permanent visa for foreigners to live in Indonesia.
Unless married to an Indonesian the best you can get is a 1 year, renewable annually, retirement visa. They call it a Kitas and I'm on my 3rd version. After the 3rd it is possible to convert to a 5 year visa called a Kitap.
The basic qualification is you need to be min age 55 and also have some savings...I've forgotten how much but they need to establish that you can support yourself.
Anyway, a retirement visa MUST be applied for by using a Govt approved Travel Agent. For a fairly hefty fee they take care of everything for you.

Other normal methods of entering Indonesia is....
1. Visa on Arrival (VOA) for 30 days (US$25) which is extendable for another 30 days (same fee) then leave.

2. 60 day tourist visa applied in country of residence. It is not supposed to be extendable but I know some have managed, particularly in Bali.

There are other methods but, for the purpose of this thread, I wont clutter.

Please fire any questions and I'll attempt answers.

Tac1006

Yes Davita you are correct- my husband is Balinese so I have a KITAP but still constantly renewing visas is a pain!

Davita

Tac1006''s response reminds me of something I should have added to my previous post.
Unless a company invites you to Indonesia for employment it is almost impossible to work. If someone wants to employ an expat internally it is a bureaucratic nightmare to get a work permit, even if married to an Indonesian.
Many expats, usually males married to Indonesian ladies, find this information too late. They come to RI and are not even permitted to find employment to look after their family.
Whilst many expats like myself live very comfortably in Bali, I suggest, without financial resources, it can be disappointing unless one enjoys a surfer or backpacker type lifestyle.

gerronimo

Hi, I hav eposte

gerronimo

Hi, I have posted a new thread, under ``family problems``...... I have been living in Yogya, on/off for a number of years. Please have a look,most appreciated, see what you think. Also, can u say, if I have to have proof of having a house rented for a year, 30j+, to obtain Kitas visa? Thanks G

chrisjolly

Hi TC, Good to know someone in Bali through Expats. I live in Goa for half the year and on our way home we plan to spend a month in Bali, end of April to end of May. Flights all booked but still wondering where to go, what to see and places to stay. We are not the 5 star hotel types at all. We like local but comfortable family run hotels. We have thought about an immediate stop near the airport when we arrive and then staying in the south, in the central highlands and then the north but not sure where. Can you please recommend anywhere? Thank you Chris

Davita

Hi Chrisjolly..Im Davita and, because this forum is not very active, you may not get a response...so I'll try.
Your idea of arriving and staying in the Kuta area near the airport is commendable. There are numerous 2 star type hotel/hostels and "Kosts" in the area and plenty small end shopping. There you will get more acquainted with your plan and can move elsewhere. Bali is fairly big but can be traversed easily in one day. Don't fall into the trap of accepting what the street vendors offer but pick their brains and keep their brochures.
I think it best to be in a party of at least 4 people and share. I also recommend using a driver with a least some reasonable English.
There are numerous sights to see but I suggest you all recognize a sense of priority...for example...some like snorkeling or boarding or rafting. Other may wish to see the temples, and again some just want to eat, drink and soak up the local fabric of life and see the many celebrations Balinese habitually perform...all is available. It is a question of time and priority.
With regards to accommodation it is a tourist market...there is more supply than demand so bargain everywhere and walk away if dissatisfied...you are king so keep hold to your money!

Enjoy your trip and fire any questions...I'll attempt answers but I'm an amateur.