Be sure to read the warning about illegal work in Bali first!
There are several sites where you can look for official jobs in Bali:
English is mandatory in such vacancies, but note the salary at such an official job is likely to be not high at all, and employment is full. And companies that post vacancies will not always take a foreigner.
Indonesians can be paid less, and they do not need a work visa (KITAS), which is mandatory for foreigners for official work (which costs $2000 per year).
Official work in Bali can be a good option only if you are a highly skilled professional with extensive experience and excellent English skills (Indonesian is highly desirable!).
Therefore, remember - a local employer will hire a foreigner for work only in one case - if they genuinely cannot find a local candidate for the position.
Many foreigners in Bali work unofficially.
Now let’s try to list who can get a job in Bali:
- Quite quickly (a few months) you can start working in the field of tourist business. This means that you have to search for tourists in various ways (e.g. on the Internet) and help them to meet the island ;) respectively receiving a commission for this.
- After a while of living on the island, many people start renting real estate, mainly villas. These people gather their base of villas, look for clients (mostly on the Internet), thus being intermediaries and receive a percentage of the villa rental price. Keep in mind that this business is not very ethically suitable. Because here it turns out that you are simply re-renting accommodation to your compatriots for more money than you rented it yourself. But that doesn't stop many people.
- You can work in Bali as a Yoga instructor, there is always a need for them. For the most part, it's simple. You find a place to practice, write an ad and practice. The usual cost of classes is between 50 and 100 thousand rupiah per person. If you are a good professional, you will have clients.
- You can work in a hotel (guest relations officer), but you should not expect to earn a lot of money either. Tasks in this direction are quite standard: you will help tourists to navigate on the island, book tables in restaurants, in the spa, advise where to go for dinner and what to see. You will have to work a lot most of the time. Salary will be in the neighborhood of 1000$ per month. Plus there will be an opportunity to earn on the commission from restaurants, tours, but it is unlikely to be able to earn more than 1500$ a month. However, it is a good practice for those who want to make a career in the hotel business. There is a possibility of career growth if you are not too lazy to learn the language and work with desire. It will be difficult to compete with Asians within hospitality, which is why there are so many hotel managers from Japan, Singapore, China, Jakarta, Malaysia. It all depends on you. The hotel will draw up the working visa and all the necessary documents itself.
- Work in the restaurant business and everything related to it
- If you are a great manager (for example, of a chain of stores), there are also chances to find a job.
- But a few conditions are mandatory:
- - Have a good work experience in Indonesia;
- - know the Indonesian language;
- - be a good professional in your field.
- With these three conditions, you can apply for a job managing a restaurant, bar, hotel, villa, travel agency and so on. Salary will be from 2500$ per month plus a bunch of nice bonuses.
- You can work as a surf instructor, you need at least six months to a year of experience, and it's difficult to earn more than $1000-$1500 in the best months. Surf schools also need administrators to coordinate the work of the entire school. The work is quite stressful and not very well paid. However, experience is almost not needed, only desire, sociability, and stress resistance ;) Check out the list of surf schools in Bali.
- As a dive instructor. You can find work, but it's quite challenging as there are very few vacancies, and serious experience is required.
- As a photographer. But there are already a lot of photographers in Bali, you have to find some way to attract clients plus have a good portfolio. Additionally, without a KITAS (work visa), there is a risk of being caught by immigration authorities.
- Modeling. If you have a spectacular appearance, then girls can moonlight as photo models. There are also needs in them, but not much.
- Various services such as haircuts, manicures, and similar services are needed by people in any country. Again, if you have good reviews, there will be enough orders.
- Good chefs for official work are in demand.
- You can try exporting various products manufactured in Bali to your own country. These could include items made from python leather and so on.
- Good English teachers will also not be left without work. There are many options for private lessons or consultations.
- In general, those who are skilled in working with children have decent chances, such as caregivers, teachers, nannies, and so on, because many families live here.
- A good pediatrician will also definitely not be left without work.You can also run various activities for children, such as swimming, drawing, and so on.
- Good web developers and designers will also be able to find local work, not to mention remote freelancing. Computer specialists who can repair/adjust/fix computers and gadgets are also in sufficient demand.
- Of course, all types of remote work over the internet are available as well.
If you have any of the above specialties, you can save up some money for a few months and come to Bali. If you prepare a plan in advance and start to act, the probability of starting to work and earn is high! You have to come and look for opportunities!
Also, you should always have a emergency fund so that, in case of anything, you can at least buy a return ticket.
Read also the useful topic How much money do you need to live in Bali.
And don't forget to get insurance! A random car accident can easily wipe out all your savings!
Good luck!
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