Bali at a Glance
Expat Info Bali: Health, Education & More
If you play by the local rules, life is very safe in Bali.
Health and Safety
First and foremost, it is important to mention that Bali is very safe. Most expats living in Bali have never experienced any sort of issues with the locals and there are no terrorist groups or organized crime rings known in Bali. Be aware, however, that regardless of your nationality, you will be subject to Indonesian law if you are accused of a crime while living in Bali.
Also keep in mind that Bali is located in a region with a subtropical climate, meaning average temperatures are 30°C and up. Although there are no direct health hazards, certain vaccinations are recommended if you plan on living in Bali for a longer period of time. These include Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and rabies. Contact your general practitioner at home for information regarding how far in advance you need these done.
Most medication can be purchased over the counter in Bali without a doctor’s prescription. Pharmacies in Indonesia are called apotiks. If you are required to take certain medications while living abroad, be sure to see your doctor before you leave your country to get the medical name for the drug you need – it may be sold as a different brand in Indonesia!
Schools and Education
Due to the language barrier and the often lower school standards in Indonesia, most expats in Bali prefer to send their children to private international schools. The demand for international schools in Bali has grown in recent years, partly due to an increase in expats as well as wealthier Balinese wanting their children to get an international education.
The Bali International School is the oldest and most popular international school in Bali offering the worldwide recognized International Baccalaureate. With about 350 students from pre-school through grade 12, it prides itself on its intimate setting.
The Canggu Community School is also quite popular among expats in Bali. This school bases its curriculum on the British and Welsh school system and offers the respective A-levels. The school offers classes for pupils from pre-school to year 11.
Transportation
Getting around Bali can sometimes be seen as a little adventure. Although private car ownership has increased somewhat in the past decade, it is more common to use public transportation, especially considering that many of the roads are not quite finished.
Public transportation in Bali is composed of various smaller motor vehicles called bemo, a kind of minivan or minibus that can sit a very cramped 12 people. Bemos are not only relatively inexpensive and efficient, but they are also a great way to get in touch with the locals.
If you are planning on going longer distances, it is wise to take a regular larger bus or, preferably, a car. When doing so, please be aware that not all roads are paved and that some places are simply not accessible with any kind of vehicle. Whatever you do, please remember that the time it takes to get from A to B may be significantly higher than in your country of origin.
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