Your life in Indonesia starts here
Make your move to Indonesia
Bali's beaches and Java's volcanoes headline an archipelago where costs are very low and everyday life feels safe. Well-established routes for retirees and settlers offer a way in, with a territorial tax option for new residents.
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Photo: AHMAD GHANI / Pexels
At a glance
Indonesia, in brief.
How Indonesia compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Indonesia ranks among the best for cost of living (6th of 77) and safety (7th of 78) and property affordability (8th of 75).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Very low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Very safe
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Minimal
Retirement/Second Home routes, ~$1,500/mo, no dual
Worldwide, 35% top, territorial option for new residents
Life in Indonesia
I am a typical empty nester aged 44.All my children moved out of home and I decided to move and travel abroad for a change. I decided to…
Health insurance in Indonesia
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Indonesia, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Indonesia into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Indonesia.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Indonesia moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Indonesia
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Indonesia share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Indonesia stories
- Jakarta
Leah
My name is Leah.I’m a young Australian mum to a 1 year old boy and wife to a handsome Indonesian man. Where,…
- Jakarta
Tasha May
My name is Tasha and I am originally from Melbourne, Australia. I have a two year old son, Samudra Mega, and an…
- Jakarta
Luke Regler
My name is Luke, I am 43 from England. I am now living in Jakarta, Indonesia.Where, when and why did you move…
Fresh from Indonesia
Latest articles.
What No One Tells You About Living In Bali As An Expat (After The Honeymoon Phase)
Thinking of moving to Bali? Discover what life is really like after the honeymoon phase.
Is Bali Still Affordable For Expats? A Realistic Cost Of Living Breakdown
Is Bali still affordable in 2026, or has the expat dream changed? Here’s what the numbers really say.
Savoring Street Food: An Expat’s Guide to Indonesian Delicacies
The lure of Indonesia doesn't just rest in its verdant landscapes, tropical beaches, and historical temples. The real heart of this vast archipelago pulses…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Indonesia.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Indonesia episodes
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Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Indonesia, and compare them side by side.
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