Bali has become one of the world’s top digital nomad destinations, but working online here comes with unique challenges. From visas to coworking hubs, fibre internet to mobile backups, this guide covers everything you need to work productively and reliably in Bali.
Where to Work: Coworking Spaces vs. Home
You can work from coworking hubs or set up at home, but each option has trade-offs. Coworking spaces guarantee reliable connections, backup power, and community. Working from home gives privacy and comfort if you have fibre internet.
- BWork (Canggu): 24/7 access, focus rooms, rooftop, pool, and strong events/community.
- Outpost (Ubud & Canggu): Established remote worker hub, coliving available, meeting rooms, regular events.
- Tropical Nomad (Canggu): Vibrant community, booths and meeting rooms, shortcut location.
See the full coworking directory →
Internet in Bali: What Speeds to Expect & Which Providers
Most remote workers in Bali rely on fibre internet at home plus a mobile backup. Speeds vary by area and provider:
- IndiHome (Telkom): Widely available, 50–200 Mbps packages.
- MyRepublic: Fast connections in select areas, popular with digital nomads.
- Biznet Home: Stable speeds, covers many tourist areas.
- Iconnet (PLN): Newer provider expanding coverage.
Tip: aim for 75–150 Mbps if available, and always keep a mobile hotspot ready.
Check typical speeds by area →
Mobile Data, SIM & eSIM
Mobile data is essential as a backup. Most nomads choose Telkomsel for coverage and speed. Telkomsel now offers eSIM, making setup quick and easy via the MyTelkomsel app. Use it as a hotspot during power outages or when fibre drops.
Power Outages & Reliability
Bali occasionally experiences power cuts, including island-wide outages. Coworking hubs often have backup generators, but you should prepare:
- Keep a power bank or small UPS for your router.
- Have a mobile hotspot ready (eSIM/SIM).
- Download important docs and slides before calls.
- Choose coworkings with generator backup for critical meetings.
Time-Zone Cheatsheet (UK/EU/US)
Bali is WITA (UTC+8) and does not observe daylight savings. This affects your working hours:
- UK: 7–8 hours behind Bali. Best overlap: UK mornings = Bali afternoons.
- Central Europe: 6–7 hours behind. Easy overlap mornings/afternoons.
- US East Coast: 12–13 hours behind. Overlap is Bali evenings or US mornings.
- US West Coast: 15–16 hours behind. Calls require early US mornings or late Bali nights.
Work Culture & Etiquette
Respect local norms and coworking etiquette:
- At cafés: always buy something if working for hours, avoid busy mealtimes for calls.
- At coworkings: use phone booths or meeting rooms for calls over 30 minutes.
- Community: join coworking events and local Facebook/WhatsApp groups to connect.
Gear & Setup Checklist
Make remote work easier by packing the essentials:
- Noise-cancelling headset
- USB-C hub / travel dock
- Portable power bank / mini UPS
- Unlocked phone with eSIM or dual-SIM
- Surge-protected extension cord
- VPN for work resources
- Offline maps and backups
Bank Accounts in Bali
Opening a local bank account can make daily life in Bali much smoother. You’ll avoid international withdrawal fees, pay rent or utilities easily, and use local transfer apps.
- Requirements: Passport, visa/residency permit (KITAS/KITAP preferred), proof of address, and sometimes a Tax ID (NPWP).
- Popular banks: BNI, BCA, Mandiri, BRI, and international options like OCBC.
- Steps: Visit a branch, submit documents, deposit funds, and activate internet/mobile banking.
Full guide: Bank Accounts in Bali →
Driver Licenses in Bali
If you plan to drive a scooter or car, you need the right permit. Many visitors use an International Driving Permit (IDP) plus their home license for short stays. Long-term residents may need to apply for an Indonesian SIM (driver’s license).
- International Driving Permit: Apply before arrival; valid with your home license.
- Local SIM: SIM A for cars, SIM C for scooters. Requires paperwork, medical check, and usually a KITAS.
- Tips: Always carry documents, wear helmets, and consider insurance for driving.
Full guide: Driver Licenses in Bali →
Where to Live for Work in Bali
Your choice of neighborhood impacts internet, commute, and lifestyle. The best areas for digital nomads combine fibre coverage, coworking spaces, and good amenities.
- Canggu / Berawa: Beach lifestyle, coworkings, popular with nomads, but higher rent.
- Ubud: Lush inland, calmer pace, coworkings and fibre available, more affordable.
- Seminyak / Kerobokan: Central, lively, commercial, decent infrastructure.
- Sanur: Quieter, family-friendly, good for long-term stays.
- Uluwatu: Surf + work balance, check fibre availability carefully.
Full guide: Where to Live for Work →
FAQs
Is it legal to work remotely in Bali?
Yes—if you hold the Remote Worker KITAS (E33G), you can live in Bali while working for overseas clients or employers. Just note: Indonesian-sourced income or local employment is not allowed under this status.
Which internet speed do I need for remote work?
For smooth video calls and uploads, aim for **75–150 Mbps** fibre. In Bali, common providers include IndiHome, MyRepublic, Biznet, and Iconnet, depending on your neighbourhood.
Do coworking spaces have reliable backup power?
Many coworking hubs in Bali have generator backup to handle outages, but it’s not guaranteed. Always confirm power uptime or ask for “genset included” when choosing your workspace.
What eSIM or SIM data option should I choose?
Telkomsel eSIM is widely recommended as a hotspot backup—it works nationwide on 4G/5G and is manageable via the MyTelkomsel app. Use it to stay connected when fibre or owner’s router fails.
How do I handle power cuts in Bali?
Keep a small UPS or power bank for your router, always tether calls to mobile backup, and host critical meetings in cowo-working spaces with backup generators.
Which areas in Bali have the best connectivity?
Canggu and Ubud generally have the strongest fibre & ISP coverage. Some outer areas may only have limited or no fibre, making mobile data essential. See our Internet Speeds by Area guide.
What’s Bali’s time zone relative to my home?
Bali is UTC+8 (WITA) and does not observe daylight saving time. That means Bali is 7 to 8 hours ahead of UK (depending on the season), and more many hours ahead of the US. Plan meetings accordingly.
Can I use my coworking membership when staying in Bali short-term?
Yes. Many coworking spaces offer daily, weekly, or monthly passes—even for nomads who stay for shorter periods. Always check with the coworking provider before arrival.
Should I keep both fibre and mobile backup?
Yes—hybrid setups are recommended. Use fibre as your main connection and mobile data (eSIM/SIM) as your fallback during outages or router issues.