Last updated: 6 Oct 2025 · General information only.
Planning to move to Canggu as a remote worker or founder? This page gives clear, practical costs and a budgeting framework so you can plan rent, bills, transport and daily life without surprises.
Step-by-step plan: before arrival → settled
- Decide your budget band (see Costs & Budget Notes). Book short-term accommodation for arrival (Airbnb or short let) while you hunt for longer-term housing.
- Check visa options at our Bali visas guide, confirm entry rules and allowed activities. Bring printed documents and travel insurance details.
- Arrange health insurance that covers Indonesia and remote work needs.
- Book a coworking trial day in Canggu or remote rapid test of internet speed at potential rentals.
- On arrival: get a local SIM, set up online banking access (if needed), inspect rental contract carefully, pay deposit by traceable method and register with your landlord.
- If staying long-term, sort tax ID / NPWP and visa extensions with professional help.
- Join local expat and community groups for housing leads, trusted mechanics and recommendations for drivers and suppliers.
Documents & requirements (common items)
Requirements change. Treat this as a checklist to verify and prepare before travel.
- Passport valid for at least six months and several blank pages.
- Return or onward ticket (often required for tourist entry).
- Visa paperwork depending on your stay: Visa on Arrival (short stays), B211A tourist visa, social/cultural visa, or KITAS for longer stays/work. Confirm with a local agent.
- Proof of accommodation (booking confirmation or rental contract) and contact details of your host/landlord.
- Travel and health insurance covering Indonesia (medical evacuation if needed). Check policy exclusions carefully.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) for short stays, long-term residents should apply for a local driving licence (SIM). Confirm locally.
- For paid work / hiring local staff: work permit documents, sponsor letters and tax registrations (seek professional advice).
Costs & budget notes
All figures are indicative monthly ranges in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and approximate GBP where helpful. Prices can vary by season, location within Canggu and bargaining.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private room / studio rent | IDR 3–6m (≈ £150–£300) | IDR 6–12m (≈ £300–£600) | IDR 12–25m+ (≈ £600–£1,200+) |
| One-bedroom villa / apartment | IDR 6–10m | IDR 10–20m | IDR 20–40m+ |
| Internet (home) 30–100 Mbps | IDR 250k–400k | IDR 400k–700k | IDR 700k+ |
| Coworking day pass / monthly | IDR 80k / 800k | IDR 150k / 1.2–1.5m | IDR 250k / 2m+ |
| Food (mix of local cafés & groceries) | IDR 2–4m | IDR 4–7m | IDR 7–12m |
| Motorbike rental / fuel | IDR 600k–1.2m | IDR 1.2–2m | IDR 2–3m+ |
| House help / cleaning | IDR 400k–800k | IDR 800k–1.8m | IDR 1.8–3m+ |
| Utilities (electricity, water, garbage) | IDR 300k–800k | IDR 800k–1.5m | IDR 1.5–3m |
Budget tip: high-speed, stable internet and a quiet workspace are worth allocating extra budget to, they directly affect productivity.
Common pitfalls & how to avoid them
- No written contract: always get a rental agreement in English/Indonesian with deposit and notice terms.
- Assuming advertised internet speed = real speed: test with Speedtest during your short-term stay before signing long-term.
- Overlooking electricity billing: many villas use pre-paid PLN tokens or monthly billing, confirm expected costs and meter setup.
- Booking via social media without verification: ask for references, photos, and a video walkthrough; prefer agents or platforms with protections.
- Visa overstays: set reminders for visa expiry and budget for extensions or agent fees.
- Riding without proper insurance or licence: check IDP validity and consider local driving licence for long stays.
- Ignoring safety & noise: Canggu can be busy and loud near main roads, visit in person to check noise at different times.
- Assuming costs are static: tourist seasons, holidays and fuel price changes affect day-to-day expenses, recheck budgets quarterly.
FAQs
Is Canggu expensive compared with other parts of Bali?
Canggu is one of the pricier areas due to its popularity with remote workers, cafés and coworking spaces. You can still live on a modest budget, but expect higher rent and café prices than in less touristy parts of Bali. Confirm current prices locally.
How much should I budget for reliable internet?
Budget at least IDR 400k–700k per month for a reliable home line (30–100 Mbps) in most residential areas; coworking passes are an additional cost if you want office-style connectivity. Test speeds before committing to long-term rentals.
Can I work remotely legally on a tourist visa?
Visa rules vary and can be strict about working for Indonesian clients or local employment. For remote work for overseas companies, many visitors use tourist visas short-term, but confirm legal and tax implications.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Canggu?
Scooter travel is common but road conditions and traffic can be challenging. Wear a helmet, take local driving lessons if needed, and check insurance coverage for accidents. Consider using drivers for longer trips.
How do utilities usually work in villas?
Utilities vary: some rentals include water and garbage, others bill separately. Electricity can be prepaid (PLN token) or postpaid — check average monthly usage and ask your landlord for recent bills.
What’s the best way to find longer-term rentals?
Start with a short-term stay, visit neighbourhoods, use reputable agents and ask local community groups for references. Always sign a contract and take photos of the property condition at move-in.
This page provides general information only. Confirm current rules and prices locally.