Expat in Bali

Mike Henry in Bali, Indonesia

Name: Mike Henry
Age: 35
Home City and Country: Melbourne, Australia
Expat Location: Bali, Indonesia

RE - What is Your Family Situation?

I am married to an Indonesian woman.

RE - What motivated you to move offshore, and eventually to Bali?

I have been visiting Indonesia for many years and I have always enjoyed staying here. The people are warm and friendly. It is a relaxed and easy going lifestyle.

RE - What is your visa situation?

Unemployment is high in Indonesia so the government doesn't encourage foreign workers. It's quite expensive to get a work permit, which makes it difficult for small companies to employ foreigners.

RE - How well do you speak the language?

Bahasa Indonesia is regarded as fairly easy language to learn. You still have to make a bit of an effort though to learn.

RE - Do You have medical insurance?

Yes. It is important to have medical insurance wherever you go. It could save your life.

RE - How do you earn a living?

From a few different websites I run. I recently completed a book on how to start a business in Bali, which is selling well.

RE - What is your housing situation?

I am renting a small house. House prices vary widely in Bali because of its popularity with tourists.

RE - How much do you pay for rent?

If you look hard enough you can find houses for around Rp 15 million per year. In the tourist areas, this could be the price per month!

RE - What are Balinese like?

Many people say that it is the people which makes them keep coming back to Bali and it is true. I have never met people more relaxed and easy going. This of course can also be frustrating if you are trying to get something done in a hurry.

RE - How about homesickness?

Not really. I feel that this is my home now.

RE - What do you like most about Bali?

The warm weather, easy going lifestyle, delicious food and the people.

RE - What do you like least about Bali?

The growing traffic and pollution problems in Bali.

RE - What are your plans for the future?

I have always wanted to run my own guest house, so that is what I am thinking about doing.

About the Expat: Mike Henry lives in Bali and has written a book about starting a business there. Visit. Mikes's blog to learn more about moving to Bali.