How to Live, Work, or Volunteer in Bali

How to Live, Work, or Volunteer in BaliHow to Live, Work, or Volunteer in BaliLocated in Indonesia, Bali is just over 10,000 miles from the United States. With thechaotic net of connecting flights, a trip to Bali will usually amount to 30 hours of travel time. Thats a long way to go, yet the islandhas luredtouristsfrom America, as well as many other countries, year after year. Theres areason why so many people come, and why some never leave or they extend their stay. It can be difficultto depart the tropical island, but with complicated immigration laws and strict work restrictions, staying can be even harder. Heres an example of amonth-longexperience in Bali, including tips on living and working on the Island of the Gods. Arriving in Bali fruchtwein major international airports seem disconnected from their namesake cities, neutral territories that feel universal rather than unique. The Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, however, stands apart. Ngurah Rai is much like Bali itself a tentative balance between Indonesian culture and Western convenience, the same dynamic that has attracted so many visitors to the island in recent years. When you step off the airplane, a first breath reveals air perfumed with Hindu incense. Scents of sandalwood, ylang-ylang, and jasmine hang heavy in the humid air. Like in the rest of Bali, small square baskets, woven from palm leaves and filled with flowers, biscuits, sometimes even coins and cigarettes, are laid out all around the airport. These offerings are everywhere on the island, from sidewalks to shops to restaurants, to the currency exchange desk at the airport. The offerings are believed to placate the demon spirits that frequent the physical world. The airports design itself also reflects the architecture of the Hindu temples that have made Bali a spiritual place for some. Others come to lose themselves in the sea and surf, or the raucous discos of Kuta, the islands party capital. Over four million tourists visi t each year for many different reasons and from many countries, Australia, China, and Japan for the win, place, and show, but despite their differing backgrounds, theres no question as to why so many people want to stay. The summer months see seamless sunshine, and although the winter brings bouts of rain, the warm weather provides an escape from the harsh temperatures of the Northern Hemisphere. Combine balmy temperatures with lush landscapes and a low cost of living, and that two-week holiday can easily double itself into one month, then two, then three. However, despite the ease of living here, living long-term and working in Bali isnt an easy feat. Working in Bali The maze of employment regulations in Bali is a complicated one, and as a Westerner, it can be difficult to navigate the twisting chambers of Indonesias bureaucratic immigration laws. Although Bali has been recognized as an expats paradise, many of these people platzset up export businesses or open bars or restaura nts, thus requiring a long-term commitment. The saying goes that its possible to make a small fortune in this way, enough money to live well in Bali due to the inequality in international currency. One U.S. dollar nets about 13,400 rupiah, and a decent dinner out amounts to just five or 10 bucks. As challenging as it can be to open a legitimate business in Bali, the process of finding short-term work can be even harder. Although the islands main source of income is tourism, the vast majority of hospitality employees are Indonesian. Although larger hotels do occasionally hire international employees for management positions, its usually through an internal placement process that is closed to public applications. The situation in restaurants and bars is similar. Bali, however, has become a destination for location-independent travelers who can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Many cafes offer Wi-Fi, but, it can be difficult to find a reliable connection. Some people sta ying long-term choose to purchase an internet SIM card from their villas or bungalows, but the 3G connection can be temperamental, especially frustrating at peak hours. Some telecom companies offer 4G, but its mostly 3G, and its not a stable connection in every location. Many people opt for a personal MiFi or mobile Wi-Fi. Co-working Spaces in Bali As a result, Hubud, a co-working space in Ubud, the epicenter of Balinese culture and famous for its rolling rice terraces, has become something of a digital oasis within a natural one. The 24-hourhub boasts one of Balis fastest internet connections, for a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $220 per month, depending on the membership level. Hubud serves a community of graphic designers, software developers, copywriters, customer service representatives, erreichbar marketers, and freelancers who have set up shop in the bamboo building that is bordered by rice paddies and sits adjacent to Ubuds famous Monkey Forest. Volunteering in Bali For those planning to visit Bali without the expectation of an income, interning or volunteering is another option. Bali Internships is a legitimate organization that places interns in a variety of placements- from sustainability operations at a local NGO to graphic design for a surf school- and provides accommodation and logistical assistance. There are many volunteer programs set up in Bali, though they tend to charge a fee for accommodation and transport. Opportunities range from working with underprivileged children, like at the Bumi Sehat Foundation to teach English, with the volunteer-run Travel to Teach organization, or working on an organic farm. Idealist.org is a good search engine to find legitimate volunteering opportunities. Visas in Bali If youre planning a trip to Bali, its important to make sure your visa situation is set straight. The most basic visa option is the 30-day Visa on Arrival visas for visiting tourists, although this restricts employment within the country. Volunteers need a Social-Cultural visa, which you must apply for before your trip and which is valid for 60 days. Once the visa expires, its possible to extend your visa in order to stay longer. Its best to do this through an agency, like Highway Bali Consulting Services, which can secure an extension, in addition to providing expert advice on business, work, and retirement visas. Although youll have to pay a fee, going through a visa agency is generally the most convenient way of securing your stay. What to Expect Bali is distinct in that it is a developing country with many, though not all, of the modern luxuries Westerners, enjoy.In mora urban areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta, a solid majority of cafes and restaurants offer free WiFi to their patrons, though the connection can be temperamental. It isnt difficult to find accommodation with air conditioning, and corner pharmacies offer most of the toiletries a tourist might need. However, foreigners must drink bottl ed water, and the plumbing systems can hardly handle flushed toilet paper. Despite the countrys technological development, it is still very much a developing country. Stray dogs roam freely, and in some parts, monkeys do too. But, given the tourist-oriented atmosphere, with common sense Bali is a safe and pleasant place to visit, retaining much of its authenticity while still welcoming visitors from abroad.