A complete Bali relocation takes 60 days of preparation. Week 1-2: research visa type and neighborhood, book consultation. Week 3-4: start visa application, secure accommodation, arrange health insurance. Week 5-6: organize finances, ship belongings, prepare documents. Week 7-8: final preparations, cancel home services, pack. Arrival week: airport pickup, bank setup, SIM card, orientation. Week 2: healthcare registration, community introduction, settling in.
Your 60-Day Bali Relocation Countdown
Moving to Bali involves dozens of tasks across immigration, finance, healthcare, logistics, and lifestyle setup. Missing a critical step can cause delays, extra costs, or legal issues. This comprehensive checklist organizes every task into a logical 60-day countdown so you can prepare systematically without overlooking anything. Each item includes when to do it, why it matters, and links to detailed guides for more information.
This checklist assumes you’re using professional relocation assistance (like our packages) for visa processing and accommodation sourcing. If you’re handling everything yourself, add 2-4 weeks to the timeline for additional research and appointments. The checklist covers the general relocation process — for specialized checklists, see our Retirement Checklist and Family Relocation Checklist.
Print this checklist or save it to your phone. Check off items as you complete them. If you’re using one of our relocation packages, your dedicated consultant will guide you through each step with specific timelines and support. The most common mistake we see is leaving visa applications too late — start early to avoid rushing critical paperwork.
Weeks 1-2: Research and Planning (Days 60-46)
Research visa options and determine the best type for your situation. Read our Bali Visa Guide and take the Visa Finder Quiz. Book a free consultation with Bali Relocation to discuss your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Research Bali neighborhoods using our area guides and Area Finder Quiz. Begin budgeting using our Cost of Living guide and Cost Calculator. Decide on your target move date and work backward from there.
Start gathering documents needed for your visa application: valid passport (check expiry — needs 12-18 months validity), passport photos, financial proof (bank statements, pension letters), and any specific documents for your visa category. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it immediately — this is the most common cause of relocation delays.
Notify your employer if applicable, and begin planning your exit from current commitments. Research health insurance options for Indonesia. If you have pets, begin the pet import process immediately — this requires 3-6 months. If you own property, start conversations with property managers about rental or sale arrangements.
Weeks 3-4: Application and Securing (Days 45-32)
Submit your visa application (if using our service, we handle all documentation and submission). Begin accommodation search — our villa finding service or your own research. Secure health insurance — compare international providers and select coverage. If you have children, begin school research and contact admissions offices for enrollment timing.
Set up international money transfer accounts (Wise, OFX) and test a small transfer. Research Indonesian banking options. Organize shipping of personal belongings — contact international movers for quotes and timeline. Begin decluttering and deciding what to bring vs. leave/sell. Cancel or modify subscriptions and services that won’t be needed overseas.
If applicable: arrange power of attorney for home country affairs, update your will to reflect international living, consult a tax advisor about implications of moving overseas, and inform your bank of your planned relocation to avoid account freezes when you start accessing from Indonesia.
60-Day Timeline Overview
Days 60-46: Research
Visa research, consultation booking, area selection, budget planning, document gathering. The foundation for a smooth relocation.
Days 45-32: Secure
Visa submission, accommodation booking, insurance enrollment, school applications, shipping arrangements.
Days 31-1: Prepare
Final packing, cancel home services, financial transfers, document copies, farewell gatherings, flight booking.
Weeks 5-8: Preparation and Departure (Days 31-1)
Days 31-21: Transfer initial funds to your international transfer account. Confirm accommodation booking and pay deposit. Confirm visa approval and print all relevant documents. Book flights. Arrange airport pickup service. Pack essential documents folder (passport, visa, insurance certificate, financial documents, medical records, prescriptions — carry these in hand luggage, never in checked bags).
Days 20-10: Cancel or suspend home country utilities, subscriptions, and services. Set up mail forwarding. Complete any remaining medical or dental appointments. Fill prescriptions for 3-6 months of medications. Get document apostilles or certifications if required. Farewell gatherings with family and friends. Final declutter and pack shipping boxes.
Days 9-1: Final packing — essentials suitcase (1 week of clothes, toiletries, electronics, important documents, medications) plus checked luggage. Confirm all bookings (flight, accommodation, airport pickup). Download essential apps (Grab, Gojek, Wise, Google Maps offline Bali, WhatsApp). Inform your bank of travel dates. Set up email auto-responder. Clean and close up your home. Take a deep breath — your Bali adventure is about to begin.
Arrival Week: Your First 7 Days in Bali
Day 1: Airport arrival and VIP handling (included in our packages). Meet your consultant. Drive to accommodation. Neighborhood orientation walk. Rest and recover from travel. Day 2: Visit immigration office for visa stamping (if required). SIM card purchase and data plan setup at local Telkomsel or XL shop. Explore your immediate neighborhood — locate nearest convenience store, restaurant, and pharmacy.
Day 3-4: Bank account opening appointment (BCA or Mandiri). International transfer system configuration. Currency exchange for initial cash needs. Motorbike rental arrangement if desired. Day 5-6: Health insurance activation confirmation. Hospital registration. GP introduction. Pharmacy registration for prescription medications. Day 7: Comprehensive area tour with consultant — restaurants, supermarkets, gyms, coworking spaces, laundry services. Introduction to expat community groups and WhatsApp communities.
By end of week 1, you should have: valid visa stamped in passport, working Indonesian phone number with data, bank account with online banking, initial funds transferred, health insurance activated, hospital registered, neighborhood familiar, and key contacts in phone. Our packages handle every appointment and setup — you just need to be present with your passport.
Why Choose Bali Relocation
Nothing Missed
Comprehensive 60-day checklist covering every task from research to settled. No surprises, no forgotten steps.
Timed Perfectly
Each task placed at the optimal point in your timeline. Start too late and you risk delays; this checklist ensures perfect pacing.
Professional Support
Our packages handle the complex tasks (visa, accommodation, banking) while you focus on the personal preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start planning my Bali relocation?
Minimum 60 days for a smooth process. Ideal is 90 days for complex relocations (families with school placement, business setup, pet relocation). Digital nomads with B211A visa can manage in 30-45 days if documents are ready. The most common regret: not starting earlier.
What are the most commonly forgotten relocation tasks?
Top 5 overlooked items: passport validity check (needs 12-18 months), apostille of documents (takes 2-4 weeks), pet import paperwork (needs 3-6 months), tax advisor consultation about overseas residency implications, and international driving permit (useful for car rental in Bali).
Can I relocate to Bali in less than 60 days?
Yes, with professional assistance. Our Digital Nomad Package can set you up in 2 weeks from arrival. The 60-day checklist includes pre-departure preparation — if you’re willing to handle some tasks after arrival, the timeline compresses significantly. Our express service fast-tracks critical steps.
What documents should I carry in my hand luggage?
Essential carry-on documents: passport, visa printout, health insurance certificate, bank statements (3 months), return flight itinerary, accommodation confirmation, emergency contacts list, prescription medications (in original packaging with doctor’s letter), and digital copies of everything stored in email/cloud.
Should I ship furniture to Bali?
Generally no. Bali villas come furnished, and locally made furniture is beautiful, high-quality, and affordable. Ship only irreplaceable personal items, sentimental belongings, and specialty electronics. Most expats ship 2-5 boxes of personal items and buy everything else locally — saving thousands on shipping costs.
Ready to Start Your Bali Journey?
Contact our relocation experts for a free consultation.