Indonesia may seem like a daunting option for new remote workers, so drawing on the experience of others already living here, we highlight below some of our best tips for remote workers in Ubud. Indeed, despite its distance from Europe and North America, growing numbers of tourists and expats have developed Indonesia and Bali into a dynamic and international hub where living as a foreigner is relatively easy. Of course, like any new city, Ubud will have its peculiarities and all remote workers looking to choose Ubud as their next destination should be aware of these to ensure they have the best possible time here.
Credit and Debit cards will be accepted in a number of places across Bali and Ubud, but you will definitely want to carry cash around with you to be able to for taxis and food or water at local shops. As such, we recommend using ATMs safely -- the best places to withdraw cash will be the airport and ATMs inside banks. Mandiri Bank is highlighted by remote workers in Ubud as one of the more reliable places to withdraw cash from. An important money tip for remote workers in Ubud will be to check with their local banks all the relevant international fees, and to set up notifications on their phones for all transactions.
One of the best things about Ubud is certainly the incredible sense of community across the town and indeed the island of Bali in general. There are countless communities you can join here - as a remote worker, you will certainly want to check out some of the many online groups that provide advice and support for digital nomads here. It is also a great idea to join a yoga school, or even a hiking group. Being part of one of the many communities in Ubud will make you feel more comfortable in the city, and motivate you to dive deeper into Balinese culture.
Choosing appropriate housing for your stay in Ubud will likely be one of the more significant steps you can take towards having a positive time here. As such, one of our most important tips for remote workers in Ubud is to choose carefully when it comes to apartments here. The key will be to use good sources for finding and comparing good offers across the city. A good tip is to rent one or two weeks in advance before your arrival in Ubud and then use that time to get settled in and launch a more exhaustive, in-person search once in the city. For your arrival in Ubud, it could be a good idea to stay in a locally-run guesthouse for a few days so you can get a personalized service straight from the airport, giving you a few days to ease into managing the city on your own.
It is no secret that Ngurah Rai International Airport can be quite chaotic. As such, a good tip for remote workers in Ubud is to be prepared for their arrival here. Before travelling, check visa requirements for your nationality, and take relevant measures to clear immigration. Most people will be eligible for the free 30-day Tourist Visa, but if you are looking to stay for longer, you should apply for the Visa on Arrival (VOA) once at the immigration counter. You just need to request the VOA from your official and you will be asked to pay the 25USD fee. Once you are issued with the VOA and allowed into Indonesia, you will need to process the visa at an immigration office. To assist further with this relatively easy process, we suggest contracting the services of an immigration professional once in Bali.
Renting a motorbike or scooter will definitely be one of the best choices you can make in Bali. It will facilitate your getting around the island and allow you to make more frequent day trips while saving on taxi fees. You should make sure you have an International Driving License and always wear a helmet on the road. You can rent a motorbike from any reputable (check reviews!) rental agency in the city for less than 65USD per month. When you get your motorbike, make sure to check it thoroughly and always take extra care when driving it.
For more information about living in Ubud as a remote worker, check out our complete Ubud guide.