Living in Bali for one month up to six months (or even a year) is a fantastic experience but for your participants it helps to know the practical day-to-day costs, what to expect, and what we provide as part of our service.

What we do for you:
We help you find reliable accommodation near your program site. We’ve worked for many years with trusted guest-houses, homestays, hotels, hostels and apartments in safe neighbourhoods. We guide you on choosing location based on your budget and standard (guest-house vs hostel vs 3-star hotel vs apartment/villa).

Location considerations:

• Program locations cover South Bali, East Bali and North Bali, including places like Ubud, Amed, Candidasa, Pemuteran, and also coastal/tourist areas like Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Jimbaran.

• We strongly advise staying within walking distance or easy scooter/ride-share distance of your program site so you don’t spend too much time commuting.

• Think about what kind of environment you want: closer to the beach, closer to the town, more quiet/rural or more lively/urban. That influences price.

Accommodation cost ranges (2025 estimates):

• Budget guest-house/homestay: a simple room with A/C & internet can start from about USD 300/month (~Rp 4-5 million+) in less touristy zones. 

• Mid-range private apartment or villa: USD 700-1,500/month depending on location & amenities. 

• Premium villas / high-end apartments: USD 2,000+ per month in top locations.

• Example rental cost: A room in a guesthouse between 4-6.5 million IDR/month (approx USD 250-400) in many areas.

What we arrange:

• We help you get the range of options and pick something that matches your budget and desired quality.

• We steer you toward trusted landlords/accommodation we have used before.

• We advise on location (safe, convenient, near your program).

• We give tips on length of stay, negotiating monthly rates, and services (internet, cleaning, utilities) that might or might not be included.

Read more about accommodation in Bali for interns and volunteers.

What you’ll find in Bali:

• Bali is a true food melting-pot: you’ll find authentic Indonesian cuisine (including the many dishes across the 30+ provinces of Indonesia), many Balinese specialties, as well as international food; Asian, European, American, Australian, African: it’s all here.

• Eating out is very affordable, especially in local warungs (small cafés) and local food stalls.

Typical prices (2025 estimates):

• Local warung meal: around USD 1-2 (somewhere around Rp 15,000-30,000) for basic Indonesian dishes. 

• Mid-range restaurant: USD 4-10 for a dish in a nicer café or local go-to. 

• High end/international meals: higher cost, but optional.

Our reccomendation:
We encourage participants to “go local” explore local cafés, try Balinese and Indonesian dishes, build a connection with the food culture. You don’t always have to cook; Bali’s eating-out culture makes it easy and fun.If you have special dietary needs (allergies, health conditions, vegetarian/vegan, gluten-free etc) we can give you advice on where and how to source food, though the cost may vary. Read more about dining like locals.

It is important to note that Bali Internships provides a SIM card for our international student during their internship period but not the internet data. Monthly internet costs in Bali range from $20-50 USD, but many Cafe, Homestay or Co-working Spaces in the island already have sufficient wi-fi connection. Internet data usually inclusive with accommodations fee if you choose to stay at 'kos' or public homestay. Finally, it is also important to always have a phone credit dedicated to make emergency phone calls.

To participate in the Bali Internships Program, the applicable visa is the C6B visa, costing 3,500,000 IDR (around $250 USD) for a two-month validity period. Extending the visa for an additional 60 days incurs a fee of 2,700,000 IDR (around $195 USD). Plan accordingly if you intend to stay for more than two months, considering the extension costs for a seamless experience.

• Many stayers rent a scooter or use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) to get around.

• Scooter rental cost typical: around USD 70/month (varies). 

• Be sure to include advice about helmet, traffic rules, insurance, or local ride-share if they don’t ride.

Read more on Transportation Essential Guide article.

• Bali offers plenty of free or low-cost activities: beaches, rice-field walks, temples, local markets.

• Budget for occasional outings: café visits, local trips, surf or snorkel, spa/massage, etc.

• Encouragement to immerse in culture, try local festivals, Balinese ceremonies, food markets.

Read more about activities in Bali.

• On a simple budget: It’s possible to live on ~ USD 600-1,000/month (excluding ultra-luxury) if you choose modest accommodation and local eating. 

• For a comfortable lifestyle: USD 1,100-1,800+ per month depending on choices.

• Location, accommodation standard, eating habit and leisure/transport choices make a big difference.

• Choose your location wisely: Stay in areas safe, reliable, and relatively close to your program. Avoid overly remote locations if you still want convenience.

• Accommodation length matters: Longer stays often get better monthly rates. If staying a month or more, negotiate accordingly.

• Utilities & hidden costs: Some places have extra charges (electricity, air-conditioning, internet, cleaning). Always clarify.

• Transportation safety: If renting a scooter, make sure you’re comfortable, licensed, helmeted. Ride-share is safer if unsure.

• Cultural respect: Bali has its own norms: local customs, temple etiquette, dress codes in certain places. Respecting culture will enrich your stay.

• Food experience: Don’t limit yourself to comfort zone, try local dishes and explore cultural food experiences.

• Health & diet: If you have allergies, medical conditions or special diet, talk to us in advance, we’ll advise how to manage locally.

• Budget buffer: Always allow a bit extra each month for unexpected costs (medical visits, visa fees, travel, leisure).

• Duration planning: If staying for longer (3-6 months or a year) you may need additional documentation (visa, tax/residence rules, local support). We’ll help you navigate.