Surprise Misconceptions About Being a Bali Expat

[@lizrock1442]

You are great! Please don't stop these videos, they are the best I've seen on youtube. Smart and living oriented ( unlike the youthful party versions! Hey, nothing against that, it's just that it's nice to hear about expats in Bali in a mature way!!!) Sp please, do continue and perhaps you could be a consultant for people who want to live this experience. I'm 58 and I think I could pull off a blog on Balinese Art influence on my Canadian Art!? Also maybe blog about elders(!) that are expats? I dunno, I'm no tech expert but not too dumb either! You are a bank of useful and wise knowledge, thanks for your generosity!!!

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Lizabeth -- gee thank you so much for the encouragement, I'm trying to find a way to fit your supportive and flattering comments on a t-shirt! If I can answer anything else for you, if there is anything I've missed, please don't hesitate to ask. I've found viewer comments here and on wagefreedom.com to be the best source of topics for videos. And yes, bring your interests with you to Bali and gift yourself time to pursue them here. Many, many people have done it, and you *can* pull it off too! Thanks again Lizabeth, and take care.

[@gracemiralia]

I love these videos!!!! I really hope you make more

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you Grace, that's nice of you. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@gracemiralia]

@@Wagefreedom are you still in Bali? I’m going may 1st. Your videos have been helping me with the transition I’m in

[@brentfisher8366]

I have visited Bali six times in the last four years and have thought about moving there or spending extended time there. Your videos are so much more thoughtful than the ones posted by young travellers. Really enjoy them.

[@Wagefreedom]

I really, really appreciate your encouraging comments. Thanks a lot, I'm glad you got some value out of what I'm doing. It definitely inspires me to make more! Do let me know if you have any additional questions, anything I didn't cover. Thanks again Brent!

[@motyl2006]

Thanks for the video Tom! I'm in the process of moving to Bali and find your videos to be the most informative out there.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you very much fro the comment and glad to hear you're finding them helpful--- more are on the way!

[@ben_angel]

Good luck! How do you plan to earn money there?

[@Batteristafoto]

Great video!! Thank you for the clarity and no crappy music blaring . A huge relief!

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi and thanks so much for the positive feedback! Very glad you got something out of it and if there's anything I can answer for you just let me know.

[@Batteristafoto]

@@Wagefreedom Thank you ! I am looking for a place to rent for a couple of months there but it seems prices are much higher then what i see on most videos. Any suggestions on where to find a decent pad?

[@Wagefreedom]

@@Batteristafoto Hi again -- what I tell people is to come and see what area they like first, since your Bali experience will vary so widely from e.g. Ubud vs Canggu vs Seminyak vs Jimbaran, etc. Unless you want to be very close to the beach you will find a variety of places at different price points in all these places. It's a good aspect of Bali. There will always be places you can't afford, but there are really no exclusive neighborhoods, again aside from a couple hundred yards/meters from the water, and even there you'll find exceptions price-wise. If you like Seminyak for example I would walk around in an area you like or better get a motorbike or have a guy drive you around for a day or two, and literally look for signs. Talk to people in restaurants, I mean in Ubud/Canggu/Seminyak there are lots of people staying for a longer time, and there are places available. A couple months won't be long enough to get much of a price break, but you will still need to negotiate a price, what's included and not included. Also there are a few good Bali Digital Nomad Facebook groups that will provide you excellent leads too, often in roommate situations in a huge villa. This is a very good way to go. If you want to do legwork looking online before you come that's fine but *under no circumstances give anyone a deposit or even make any promises before you get here*. Too many scams, and again you need to be sure you like the area. Google cheap Bali rentals, etc. there are rental sites for locals if you really want to save money, just use Google translate. If you'd like to be here for cheap, a "kost" is a one room no-frills place that is available for 2 or 3 million, or certainly less if you want to go cheap. However, I'll say that if you can swing say 4 or 5 million/month there are plenty of better options for you. Small furnished often fairly well-located places. That is a sweet spot price-wise and especially if you come in the rainy season you'll have plenty of places from which to choose. Well, you caught me feeling expansive, I hope that helps you!

[@Batteristafoto]

@@Wagefreedom man really awesome!! Thank you again. Ill be there late november. All the best to you.

[@westcoastdoormats]

You are so appreciated - Thankyou for the useful information, love the casual and mature outlook of your video

[@Wagefreedom]

Well thank you very much for that, it makes my day!

[@jerrycardinale2827]

My mom visited me for seven weeks when she was 90 then again another seven weeks at 98 before she died the following year. She loved Bali she loved my Balinese wife & children and the way the Balinese treated an older person. I am now 72 and been here 30 years. Its getting crowded on the road but i shop once weekly and enjoy my garden pool and small video room. I can not imagine moving or living in the USA with the same happiness I have here. I am not wealthy nor receive a pension but built up small assets over the years and can survive on good fruits veggies and good simple foods at restaurants. Its still better then any of the other places I have researched. I am watching my funds as things seem more expensive and portions smaller but it is the same everywhere now. Having a Balinese wife for 25 years has been a great guide partner and loving partner.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you so much for sharing your story Jerry, how inspirational. Happy to hear that life here is still working well for you. It sounds like you should create a KZbin channel yourself Jerry, to tell/show the world what you've found here in Bali. Be well buddy.

[@Stopthegreed]

What a great video. What a breath of fresh air. Nice to see someone talking about Bali from a mature angle. Not a vegan, yoga, show my girlfriends bum in a g string having mum and dad financing them type of video. Ive got a mate who owns and manages villas in seminyak. He is always getting grief from certain authorities wanting money continually from him. Its not as easy as some people make out to run a business in Bali. Snd ive heard of people loosing everything in dodgy real estate deals. Ive been to Bali and other parts of Indonesia for over 35 years now. But im still hesitant to invest money into anything because of the horror stories. For now i will continue to just enjoy visiting for a few months a year. Great video.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi and thanks very much for the good laugh and kind words buddy. It's interesting when I was 22 I was backpacking with no money, now Instagram influencers can fund endless travels, well good for them. Yeah the closer you get to living here the more you realize it gets potentially more complicated than you probably want it to be, and potentially quite expensive too if you're trying to go into business or do other things. The more stories one hears, I'm sure you've heard them all, the more cautious one might get, which is probably a good thing. Having said that imo one can keep it pretty simple if you want to, I think I just sort of fell into that pattern, keep it as simple as possible. I find myself encouraging people to do that and not to think in terms of necessarily "moving to Bali" right off the bat. Spend some time, keep one's bank accounts and connections back home, etc. If you can, well you know. If one wanted to spend an extended period in Bali just come and lease a place for six months or a year, you might not even like the experience of living here vs visiting on holiday. Anyway thanks again and take care.

[@혼패리음]

Well if you want to invest make sure you know who you are working with, check their background, book. Bad people exist everywhere. The risk carries in any place you visit

[@baliwalknshops1517]

Valuable information... Thanks

[@Wagefreedom]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the feedback.

[@RePete02]

We retired and left Canada five years ago. We live outside Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, which is a paradise but after spending ten weeks in SE Asia, we have the urge to move on, so we plan to spend a year +_ doing long term visits in parts of the world that hold interest for us. Bali will be our first stop and we plan to spend two or three months in the Ubud and Seminyak areas to get the feel of daily life there. We are not wealthy retirees by any stretch of the imagination but enjoy a reasonable monthly, fixed income. Your videos have been extremely helpful to us as we plan this new phase of our lives. We appreciate your frankness as you describe the pros and cons of your life in your chosen home and will keep following your videos. Who knows, we may run into to you in our travels in the area. Keep up the good work.

[@inscrutableunscrewed]

Hi Pete, and thanks for your comment and for sharing your story. It's encouraging to know that I'm answering some questions people out there have. Bali has become an easier place to be over the years in my opinion, in most ways, with a very high quality of life still available at a relatively low price. My guess is that you and your wife will find or make what you're looking for here. It's a funny thing, living here can be almost anything you want; no two expats' lives are the same, from what I've seen. That probably means it's likely you'll find it worthwhile to at least try it out here. Be sure and drop me a line when you're coming. Also, if you have more topics on your mind that you can't find answers to I'd be grateful if you'd just leave them here in the comments. Happy to try to help if I can. Good luck to you Pete!

[@tonylogan4092]

Why in the world would you think that Bali's culture is somewhere you would fit into as a Canadian retiree couple, Pete?

[@joudylove]

wow amazing video! loved it

[@Wagefreedom]

Thanks!

[@skidwirks7660]

Thank you! And very well done.

[@Wagefreedom]

You're very welcome.

[@danielsantiago6886]

Hi, First time seeing you and subsried right away. Thank you for your vlog and encouragement. I have been making plans for the expat "slow traveling" lifestyle. Again thank you and will be hitting you up with research and questions. Danny in Puerto Rico.

[@Meisam.Safari]

Very helpful! Thanks for sharing.

[@Wagefreedom]

You're very welcome and thanks for the comment.

[@6789uiop]

So glad this is really about living as an expat. Most "Living in Indonesia" vids are actually 'long term vacationing' paying too much per night for a room.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you Billy!

[@TravelwithTommy]

A very nice advice Tom. Bali is one of my favorite island in Asia. Great video 👍👍

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you so much for the encouragement Tommy! Yes it still is a great destination, something for almost everybody I think.

[@acajudi100]

My daughter teaches online to Chinese students of all ages. I visited Bali for two months visiting daughter, but loved Singapore better. You sre so correct. Thank you. ❤️💕🇺🇸 She lives all over the world.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi and thanks for your comment----yes SIngapore is wonderful!!

[@rosinaplomaritis9052]

Thank you Tom. I know Bali and I find your videos realygood...very authentic the way you do it.

[@Wagefreedom]

Rosina thank you so much for the encouragement, I really appreciate it. It's been a little while and I need to do some more videos.

[@rosinaplomaritis9052]

@@Wagefreedom I am in the categorie young/near to retirement...needing ideas/to think openminded/to start in this new life in the best way🤗

[@RichardFiling]

Another excellent video Tom - thank you for making your experience and expertise available.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you Richard for the kind words, glad you found some value in my videos!

[@philsara1476]

Thanks for all the information so far....you are so encouraging.....I want to watch them all and take notes.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you so much for the kind words Phil. If there are any questions you have that I haven't answered please do let me know! Thanks for watching.

[@william_griffin]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

[@Wagefreedom]

I appreciate it William, you're welcome!

[@chereemechelle5308]

Thanks!

[@Wagefreedom]

You're welcome Cheree!

[@allisonking2942]

Thanks this was helpful. I’d live to be there right now.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thanks Allison, just one guy's opinions...

[@adrianaarzac7987]

Tom! Lovely to see you, and on you tube !!! Going viral I see, good for you

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Adriana! Well thank you-- nice to see you here and thank you for dropping by! Stay tuned, more videos coming!! I hope you're well there.

[@carolinekaplan542]

I enjoy your comment about being open to options. I’m 54 and looking at several options finally.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Caroline--thanks for your comment, and good for you. Daring to really look at our options can be liberating, like a gift we give ourselves. Let me know if I can help you with any questions you might have about living in Bali--well assuming Bali is something you're considering!

[@carolinekaplan542]

Wage Freedom yes. I’m a lawyer in Chicago looking for something different now that I’m empty nesting. Although rainy season could be spent elsewhere. I’ll refer to your channel as I’m still looking for work opportunities either teaching English or consulting on business or law. You inspire me.

[@Wagefreedom]

@@carolinekaplan542 Thank you so much Caroline. And thanks for subscribing. Imo the latter option might the way to go for you; teaching English is still done but continuing to delivering your expertise and experience online as a consultant has never been easier. (Of course total career pivots can be good for the soul too!) As for the rainy season, as I'm sure you know weather patterns are completely different elsewhere in the region a short plane hop away. No end to ways to split your time up, nicely complementing the 'exploring options' mindset. Good luck to you Caroline.

[@Apollomuscles]

just bought the book! thanks! love it so far!

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you very much! Happy to hear you're enjoying it, and please do let me know if I missed anything!

[@6789uiop]

Does the book tell you which gyms have enough plates and where to get supps?

[@Apollomuscles]

It says you get the sups in the pharmacy in the red light district youll ascend.

[@megahern8467]

Yes, the book is terrific!

[@Wagefreedom]

Glad you liked it Meg!

[@roarlien2356]

It’s cool to pick up on the colloquialisms. “Cashed up” sounds like a good goal.

[@Wagefreedom]

A vital colloquialism!

[@KerryBabbage]

Thanks Tom, very inspiring...will be arriving in Bali soon so we might bump into each other

[@Wagefreedom]

Thanks Kerry and I'm glad you found some value in it.

[@akbarymoch7635]

I live and work in jakarta. Originally from sumatra island. I also hv a future goal to live and make a business in bali. Hope i can do it soon in some years.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Akbary--- you probably know Bali has many, many people from all over Indonesia living and working here. You can definitely do it too, although I would wait until the Covid situation is resolved. Good luck to you in the future.

[@PeterEdwardCaceci]

Hi Tom.. I am a restauranteur in Philadelphia USA. My wife and I are interested in relocating to Bali. Thanks for all your input and calm, positive demeanor! BTW... I am also a professional jazz guitar soloist. How is the live music scene for an authentic American jazzman? We are subscribed, hope to meet you in person someday!

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi there 'Stonehands' and thanks so much for your comment and subscribing and the kind words about my videos. There's a lot of live music in Bali, and I'm always amazed at the variety I hear wafting out of bars/restaurants/clubs. I mean there's a huge nightlife scene here as you can imagine. Much of it is being played by (paid) locals but I'll bet as a jazz guy you could find people to jam with around here, both locals and expats--well there's no doubt about that at all. Good luck with your planning and if you have any questions just ask!

[@jamesgaminieriyagama8425]

Realistic commentry . Has property rents come Down due to COVID?

[@Wagefreedom]

I'm not sure if they've come down, but I'd imagine the average property owner would be much more willing to negotiate on price than they would have been a year ago. (I just haven't needed to do any pricing of any properties myself)

[@ericmehoke8362]

This is like my dad saying wherever you go I will try to advise you.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Eric thanks for your comment, just one guy's opinion on expatism and thoughts on being a bali expat.

[@ericmehoke8362]

Wage Freedom thank you for sharing, please enjoy yourself.

[@andrewwalker7439]

My partner is Indonesian to and we would like to start a business in bali in form as villa + airB&B

[@markkingi6895]

Just came across your video I'm keen to know more about working online. To start a new chapter in my life there are so many options on facebook offering online work. I have traveled to Bali japan and moved to nz from Australia. All the while having to find work and save to travel. Im now 46 and would rather work and travel at the same time kids all grown up and have time now to see more and do more. Thanks for reading my comment look forward to hearing from you and seeing where this may take me. Your video has given me a confidence in the process.

[@drumrit]

Tom, thanks so much for making this video. I plan on visiting Bali to see what life could be like there. I'd love to ask you some questions. What's the best place to reach you? Email? Super useful info, it put my mind at ease :)

[@Bruno-kt9xf]

Hi Tom just came across your videos and subscribed. I have been to Thailand five times and lived there for over a year, it was always tempting to stay but the visa requirements are always an issue. I will watch your videos about living in Bali and they might inspire me to visit.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Joe and thanks for watching and for subscribing! Thankfully the social visa is a great way to spend an extended period in Bali, not hard to get either. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you.

[@Wagefreedom]

Here is an intro video I did about the Indonesian social visa m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/l53GdJpmhsqGjsk

[@brentfisher8366]

This is your best video. Love it

[@theyogabios]

Thank you Sir.

[@Wagefreedom]

You are very welcome-- I hope it helped!

[@theyogabios]

@@Wagefreedom I'm going to purchase your book as well, I'm interested in the flight purchases, especially in during the peak seasons like July/Aug/Sep. I just want to chill there for 30days, and return. Thanks again.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Ruffneck---well thanks a lot for your interest in my book. I'm seeing amazing flight deals to Bali nowadays, not sure where you are coming from but from North America, Australia and Europe in many cases RT tickets are less than I remember paying 15 years ago. Good luck and let know if you have questions.

[@ajiekstoneman5445]

Wow, cool! Selamat Siang, This video is very informative, Tom. TFS! We are going to move to Bali, hopefully next year & for good. And your explanations is really helpful. We live in Tokyo for many many years, and now is time to change our life style. Back home to my country after living abroad for a good 30 years plus is a bit worrying, somehow. So, we are trying to learn how to live in Bali from person like you who are already living in Bali. BTW, I am Indonesian & my husband is American . Thanks again & hope to meet you in Bali. GBU. Terima kasih, ya ....

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Ajiek-- thanks for your comment and for sharing your story. I think you might find many things are easier in Bali than when you lived in Indonesia before. Well more expensive no doubt, and the traffic is worse, but in many ways at least the developed coastal areas in the southwest part of Bali more and more resemble the rest of the developed world. The pace of change has been incredible to be honest. For better and for worse I suppose but in my opinion the positive changes greatly outweigh the negatives. I wonder what you'll think when you return--be sure and let me know!

[@ajiekstoneman5445]

Wage Freedom Thank you, Tom. You are so kind giving an inside opinions ... Will visit Bali this coming early September to experience Bali living for a short visit, so next year hopefully we able to adjust our life in Bali. Matur suksma and GBU, Tom!

[@raywings666]

May i ask, are you still in bali?

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Ram, I am. Will be doing an update on the current situation in Bali from my perspective, soon. Be well.

[@raywings666]

Wage Freedom i wanted to escape the coming war in europe, but i saw that bali is closed too. Be well.

[@BossChronicles]

How do people From the USA move and live in Bali? Do they just live off there savings ?

[@hmetalmosh]

Either they are retired, or have a business online. Of course there are other creative things to come up with though :)

[@hmetalmosh]

Or they do remote work through their employer

[@bryansandiego]

Good job on this!

[@Wagefreedom]

Thank you so much Bryan, glad you found some value!

[@benkel7528]

Kelly & Bent Spencer 0 seconds ago I have a brand new build for a 24 year lease, in the centre of The Bukit South Kuta. Main road access just 30 seconds and yet forest behind you. Eclectic design and ergonomically built for air flow, water flow and durability of products with low low maintenance!

[@stanleydharmadi5084]

Thanks for your thoughtful n baldness

[@arthurwanderstheworld]

thanks for the advices it's very helpful i'm planning myself to move to Bali i'm just wondering if i can use my diploma in international business overthere in order to find a job ?

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Renson-- I don't know your nationality but if you're Indonesian I'd say you definitely have an opportunity here somewhere with that diploma. You're probably aware that people come to Bali from all over Indonesia for opportunity. If you're not Indonesian getting a job will be difficult unless you have a specialized skill, I have to be honest with you Renson. Good luck to you there bud and thanks for the comment.

[@Wagefreedom]

Thanks for the comment ST, yes it's always possible and you can always give it a shot. If a company wants you badly enough they will take care of the work permit.

[@amyvalenzuela4386]

I tried buyin your online book on expat life in Bali- but for some reason- the transaction did not work after using two US credit cards.. Is the book available to purchase online? Can you check to see if your website is working?

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Amy and thank you very much for your interest in my book, I'm so sorry it's giving you trouble. Can you try this link, which will take you to the sales page of the fulfillment company I use to deliver the book? gumroad.com/l/vYDXB If this doesn't work please let me know and we'll try something else. (I might suggest clearing your cache before attempting it again.) Thank you again Amy.

[@chesichannel5815]

There are so many biz opportunities in Indonesia. Perhaps, the best way is to invest in local busineses.. Yet, trusted local business partner is needed to ensure that the investment is on the right hand.

[@fazbell]

Bali seems to be a good retirement destination, but the requirement to employ two Indonesians is insane and a dealbreaker.

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi there Fred -- hey just to clarify, if you get either a social visa (sosial budaya) or a retirement visa/KITAS, there is no requirement to employ anyone. They are both pretty painless to get, especially the social visa. I suggest to people that they start with the social visa when they first come to get a feel for everything. At the end of six months you'll probably have a pretty good idea whether you'd like to stay longer. Here's an article I wrote a while ago on the Social visa fwiw. wagefreedom.com/a-visa-for-long-stays-in-bali-indonesia-what-you-need-to-know/ I hope that helps Fred!

[@fazbell]

@@Wagefreedom Thanks for the clarification. Some web sites are putting out dated or erroneous information. Good to know.

[@Wagefreedom]

@@fazbell You're welcome Fred.

[@wyswygsommer2769]

OMG i saw ur thumnail, i thought u r Steven Mnuchin 😅😅😅

[@onehappykamper]

"it's solo involved"... No not really... Its the same for most countries. "A lot to do" yes!

[@semmick]

Tom, thanks for these videos. I'm thinking of moving to Bali with my family. We should easily have $2500.00 per month US, and realistically will have access to more. My kids are early teens and I am curious about education there. My wife is Indonesian by birth and speaks Indonesian fluently, but none of the rest of us do. Do you know of anyone else moving there from the US or Australia with a family? Would you recommend something like this? I'd love for both my kids to get a different world view than what we see in the US. Thanks for all you are doing!

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi and thanks for the question, it's a good one. I certainly do know a lot of people who've moved here with kids for various lengths of time, or permanently. From Australia, US and frankly just about any country you could name! No other way to say it, there is an enormous expat community in Bali, numbering in the thousands of people, for sure. And just about everyone has a different situation in terms of finances, life history, reasons for being here, etc. so that keeps it interesting. There are *many* options for you in terms of education. International schools, schools with a mix of locals and foreigners, etc. I can tell you that some of them are very expensive, but by no means all of them are. I have friends who've sent their kids to less expensive schools here and it sounded to me like they were not unhappy with the educational standard. This of course is something you'd reseach online and I'm sure that admins of all these schools will be happy to hear from you. Bottom line, this is a thing that is done, not uncommon, and since you asked: if I had kids (I don't) I'd sooner have them in school here than lots of places in the US. I was an exchange student in Australia myself and it totally opened my eyes and pointed me toward the concept of the future being far more wide open than it would have been otherwise in the SoCal suburbs (or other places in the US in which I grew up!)... In Bali your kids will be exposed to Indonesian and Balinese cultures and obviously have local friends, and also have friends from all over the world. Again I'm biased but international exposure like this brings enrichment and even a less constrained self-image. Good luck to you and your family, I hope that helps.

[@Martin-jk8nv]

Thanks -- 'Very informative and inspiring. I'm going to Bali in a month. How can I contact you about possible online business coaching?

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Reed, and thank you. You can contact me at tom(at)wagefreedom.com.

[@Martin-jk8nv]

@@Wagefreedom 'Will do. Thanks.

[@ЕкатеринаАкатьева-б8б]

I wouldn’t call those ‘digital nomads’ expats though, because they are still connected to their own countries in terms of earning, they just changed locations. Mostly they are young, from developed countries, I.e., there is a huge currency advantage when you are earning, for example, in Aussie dollars but spend in Rupiah and there isn’t much of a familial responsibility because generally their parents receive good pensions in their countries. I have seen many cases when in emergency situation they are saved by the bank of mama and papa coming from abroad to pay enormous hospital bills after their bike accidents. For myself I am looking at leaving Bali after years of continuous living, it’s a painful decision but I feel like it’s inevitable in a way. I want to be able to achieve more financially and professionally, in Bali I don’t think I am able to develop further. Then there is issues at home like parents getting older and needing assistance, it hits you suddenly and hard when is happens. I wish I had siblings who could help but I don’t. Very happy to hear that your mom was able to travel being 80.

[@혼패리음]

Thanks for visiting :) i hope there will be another opportunities soon for you to come back and just enjoy the island

[@acajudi100]

Prayers sent to Lombok and Bali.

[@dcabral00]

That sounds great, but I thought as a foreigner, you couldn't buy property in Bali.

[@Wagefreedom]

You can't, though there are is a 'nominee process' you could look into. I do not recommend going that route. I did long ago and it worked out for me but there's serious risk in doing so. I recommend that, after being here for at least several months and being sure that you'd like it enough to commit for a while, you do a multi-year lease. There are always deals to be had, especially in down years. People lease places anywhere from by the month up until 30 years or even more. Going the lease route means learining the lay of the land yourself over time, learning which areas you'd like and talking to people about what's available. Hearing how things don't work out sometimes. This knowledge will serve you well when it comes to looking around for a place. I hope that helps.

[@adhidash]

i am Balinese when i stay in US they call me alien?...its that normal?...should expat too. isnt?

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Kadek--- I think if you are an Indonesian living in the United States you are an expat. I don't know why the Americans use the word "alien"--- I think it sounds very unfriendly and I'm sorry about that.

[@Wagefreedom]

I should add that I hope you enjoyed your stay while you were there nevertheless.😀

[@adhidash]

@@Wagefreedom hey i can easly blendin here...they call me primo,que passo!!!!...they never knew i was balinese, and i hope you like my birth place..miss already

[@Wagefreedom]

Lolol hey that's great! Sounds like you have a great attitude. Well I hope you can come back to Bali soon bli!

[@baliwalknshops1517]

Hi wage

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi there!

[@zeeraViewer]

Pet peeve. E.v.e.r.y video I've seen on Bali made by an English speaker puts a head shot of the author talking at the center of the whole thing. No! I want to see the country! The voice over is enough. I hope this is just a temporary fad. I'm making a video on a computer programming topic, and this has convinced me to stay-off-camera.

[@zeeraViewer]

I have changed my opinion, in this case. I watched the whole video. You're a very intelligent, helpful and seemingly decent person. It was like I was listening to you the whole time right there on the beach. I apologize. But I'm not going to be in my video (I learned that much).

[@Wagefreedom]

Well that's really nice of you Cal, thank you. I do understand your earlier comment though, I really do. I wouldn't be on camera at all if I could include engaging original video and stills in such a way that the whole process didn't take so much time. But even a video like this takes hours of offscreen time from start to finish, depending on how much editing we do and how much time I spend optimizing for KZbin so it will get found. And I don't want to ever feel like the process takes so long that I dread making a video when I have an idea for one. So I'll admit that production quality isn't what it could be, but I justify it in my own mind by thinking that I'll have to deliver real substance or value--information, opinion or a combination--to make up for that. Not sure how often I hit the mark (!), but currently that's my process. I appreciate your comments--be well there Cal. And good luck with your programming video.

[@brycesmueck8175]

Hearing OK and Alright over and over again was like nails on a chalkboard

[@beldawes7959]

Cut to the chase. Most things here are different to how they are as a tourist, regardless of age. There are many, many labelled expats who are not rich, entitled or have a money earning qualification. Want to be honest? Then realise it is competitive.

[@beldawes7959]

And everyone is smart enough to compete???

[@Wagefreedom]

Hi Bel and thanks for your comment. By saying not all expats are rich I don't think I'm saying it's not competitive, that you don't have to be smart enough to compete. I'm saying that while it is competitive and you have to be sharp enough to find or make opportunity for yourself, that despite that many non-wealthy people are able to make a go of it here. Some might find it surprising how many expats aren't wealthy. I think that's worth emphasizing, as many people I talk to assume living in Bali is something they could never do. I think that's a real shame, and I like to encourage people to try, if they're interested.

[@beldawes7959]

Fair enough. I think the overrated thing may be that other cultures have not had a huge influence on the Balinese culture.

[@epionesemporiumbydbodyexpe7551]

There no such thing as a expat . You are an immigrant in someone else's country. Y'all are ridiculous

[@tonylogan4092]

Tom, you look like you are living a very lonely life. I cannot imagine you fitting in to Bali in any major way.

[@jeremyferguson4562]

Tony Logan He has a great life there my man! Maybe its just Tom's personality that you are sensing. He's very relaxed. He's got a beautiful wife in Indonesia so he's definitely not lonely haha!