Overview of Bali
Bali is a Southeast Asia city in Indonesia. It scores 8.5/10 for its dating scene, 8/10 for safety and 7/10 for English proficiency. A single man living comfortably can expect to spend around $800 a month. The expat community is large, visa access for most Western passports is rated easy.
Respectful and genuine. Mix of local Balinese and Indonesian women from other islands. Also many expat women. Be clear about intentions. Beach club, nice restaurant, or cultural activity. Dress well but casual. Local women may be conservative. Expat scene more liberal.
Cost of living in Bali
Typical monthly ranges in USD for one person. Rent assumes a modern one-bedroom in a central, expat-friendly area.
| Category | Per month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $400-800 |
| Food | $200-400 |
| Transportation | $100-200 |
| Entertainment | $200-400 |
| Miscellaneous | $150-250 |
| Estimated total | $800 |
- Average date
- $30
- Local beer
- $2
- Gym / month
- $25
Want a personalized number? Try the cost of living calculator.
Dating scene in Bali
- How to approach
- Respectful and genuine. Mix of local Balinese and Indonesian women from other islands. Also many expat women. Be clear about intentions.
- First dates
- Beach club, nice restaurant, or cultural activity. Dress well but casual. Local women may be conservative. Expat scene more liberal.
- Who pays
- Varies greatly. Local women may expect financial support. Expat women more independent. Be clear about expectations.
- Communication
- Gentle and indirect for locals. Saving face important. Expat community more direct. WhatsApp universal.
- Family involvement
- Moderate
Relationships and marriage culture
Mix of Hindu-Balinese traditions and Indonesian Muslim influence. International relationships common. Local women often seek Western partners.
Culture, customs and climate
Do
- +Respect Hindu customs and temples
- +Dress modestly outside beach areas
- +Learn about Balinese culture
- +Be patient and calm
- +Participate in local ceremonies if invited
- +Show respect during religious festivals
Don't
- −Don't touch people's heads
- −Avoid using left hand for eating/greeting
- −Don't point with your finger
- −Never step on offerings
- −Don't enter temples during menstruation
- −Avoid public displays of anger
Climate and lifestyle
Tropical paradise year-round · Beach and mountain access · Yoga and wellness culture · Vibrant expat community
Safety in Bali
Bali scores 8/10 for safety and 6.5/10 for healthcare quality. The issues below are the ones foreigners most often report. Standard big-city precautions apply everywhere.
- Motorbike accidentsHigh
- Methanol poisoning from fake alcoholModerate
- Petty theftLow
- Natural disasters (volcanoes)Low
See country-level advisories on the safety ratings page.
