I want out...

[Bad_azz]

The surest route "to losing all your money" is to get married

Kiss the wife goodbye when you leave your house
Kiss your house goodbye when you leave your wife

I don't have a wife- sexist much.
Anyway- I can vouch for 11 years wed to an Indonesian & he hasn't tried to fleece me, nor I him- maybe you are just drawn to the wrong types.

 

[ilovered]

The surest route "to losing all your money" is to get married

Kiss the wife goodbye when you leave your house
Kiss your house goodbye when you leave your wife

Not necessarily.

Prenuptial agreement might guarantee that. But indeed if one fools around, well, yeah. be ready to lose everything.

 

[Balifrog]

The surest route "to losing all your money" is to get married

Kiss the wife goodbye when you leave your house
Kiss your house goodbye when you leave your wife

In any "exotic" country when you buy something (house, car) write it off immediately.
Not even speaking when it is in a Missus name !

 

[fastpitch17]

The surest route "to losing all your money" is to get married

Kiss the wife goodbye when you leave your house
Kiss your house goodbye when you leave your wife

42 years now and not concerned about that what so ever.

 

[snpark]

When we die it's all gone anyway so IDGAF

You leave a will and people contest it so what's the point.
But what makes me laugh is bule who marry indonesian girls without doing financial due diligence on the girl and how much debt the girl has. Once she marries it becomes a joint debt. Much easier then for the bailiffs to turn up to the marital home and take the alphard and 62inch TV than try in her kos and only take the rice cooker lol
On the other hand I also know girls who's husbands died many years ago and still fighting to get money from life insurances etc especially when there is a previous wife or child in the equation

Of course the biggest irony is when the girl marries the very old guy and he incredibly lives until his 90's
Shout out to Melania and Donald

 

[Helpful Herbert]

I know cases of officials at the European Commission, who are on a final salary pension of 70% of final salary (let's say the salary is EUR200k so the pension is 140k). They marry a young SE Asian lady, who will then be entitled to 60% of the pension after he dies (i.e. 84k), and they will be receiving that for the next 50+ years (or however long they live) from the European taxpayer. Now that's what I call development aid!

 

[flavus]

Of course the biggest irony is when the girl marries the very old guy and he incredibly lives until his 90's
Shout out to Melania and Donald

Given his track record it's more likely he will divorce her because she's too old, than him dying

Also she might be in for a surprise about how much wealth he actually has if they're still married when he finally croaks.

 

[Nimbus]

As an American used to laws such as freedom of speech and standards of water quality and sanitation and health care, you might well arrive, then turn tail & run .
Indonesia is a dish best sampled and enjoyed with eyes wide open.
Paradise for a holiday? Maybe.
Paradise for long term living - let's just say it is a challenge albeit with beautiful scenery, vibrant cities and the vast majority of the population are friendly and polite...
and you will need to have a decent grasp of at least the very basics of the language, it would help tremendously to have a base of people here that you can rely on & trust not to take advantage of you.
I have a friend who has been here for several decades, he has a good base of people and is fluent in the language & yet he has holes the size of craters in his knowledge of some very basic laws and regulations, I spend a fair bit of my time helping him to navigate issues that he comes up against.

Very good and accurate advice.

Anybody who wants to sample Indonesia needs at least 60 days to get the feel of the place. Apply for a B211A visa electronically.

Visa Kunjungan Satu Kali Perjalanan- B211A - Direktorat Jenderal Imigrasi

www.imigrasi.go.id

I was born and raised in Indonesia, and even I don’t take the decision to retire in Indonesia lightly. This is despite (or because) a month of stay over there, recently.

 

[pantaiema]

Hello guys and gals. I'm currently in NY, U.S., and looking to get some information on becoming a permanent resident of Indonesia, most likely Bali. Any help with what I have to do to get the ball rolling would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Sean1023
Welcome to the forum. Regarding your question becoming a permanent resident of Indonesia, there are a lot of information on the internet that have been provided by professionals, just google it.

There are various routes, so people might not be able to write it in detail in the forum like this as it will be like writing a guide book

But to start the ball rolling a few examples to start with:

Permanent Resident Indonesia: A Guide for Foreigners

Many foreigners dream of getting permanent residency in Indonesia. Learn step by step on how you can become a permanent resident in Indonesia.

www.cekindo.com

Guide to Visa and Residency in Indonesia

Indonesia offers long-term visas for expats, including retirement and investment. Learn how to secure residency and navigate citizenship requirements.

internationalliving.com

Moving Abroad Guide, Countries, and Checklist

visaguide.world

You could start for instance by familiarising yourself first by reading various guidances and you might want to ask a more specific question.

Indonesia is very big so you will need to determine where you want to live first. But it seems you have decided to live in Bali. So the next step is to determine whether you want to live with a western lifestyle, atmosphere. If it is, than Cangu, Seminyak areas are the places to live which might be meeting your expectation. There are a lot of vloggers from foreigners living in these areas if you search it on youtube (YT). This will give you an impression about he day to day living in these areas. Whether you want to live there with similar lifestyle, with western budget or not.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more affordable places to live in Bali, than stay away from places where there are a lot of NOMADS, exclusive tourist spots areas with posh apartments/accommodations, targeted for tourists. There are few places like this such as areas around Denpasar, Sanur, Ubud, Lovina.

 

[Sean1023]

Hi Sean1023
Welcome to the forum. Regarding your question becoming a permanent resident of Indonesia, there are a lot of information on the internet that have been provided by professionals, just google it.

There are various routes, so people might not be able to write it in detail in the forum like this as it will be like writing a guide book

But to start the ball rolling a few examples to start with:

Permanent Resident Indonesia: A Guide for Foreigners

Many foreigners dream of getting permanent residency in Indonesia. Learn step by step on how you can become a permanent resident in Indonesia.

www.cekindo.com

Guide to Visa and Residency in Indonesia

Indonesia offers long-term visas for expats, including retirement and investment. Learn how to secure residency and navigate citizenship requirements.

internationalliving.com

Moving Abroad Guide, Countries, and Checklist

visaguide.world

You could start for instance by familiarising yourself first by reading various guidances and you might want to ask a more specific question.

Indonesia is very big so you will need to determine where you want to live first. But it seems you have decided to live in Bali. So the next step is to determine whether you want to live with a western lifestyle, atmosphere. If it is, than Cangu, Seminyak areas are the places to live which might be meeting your expectation. There are a lot of vloggers from foreigners living in these areas if you search it on youtube (YT). This will give you an impression about he day to day living in these areas. Whether you want to live there with similar lifestyle, with western budget or not.

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more affordable places to live in Bali, than stay away from places where there are a lot of NOMADS, exclusive tourist spots areas with posh apartments/accommodations, targeted for tourists. There are few places like this such as areas around Denpasar, Sanur, Ubud, Lovina.

Thank you for the information. I have been watching said videos which triggered my hasty decision. I watched one(amongst many)video, and caught a comment "Why did you leave?" And the answer was basically because no one smiles anymore, and everyone is miserable. Which is what I feel here. I understand that the lifestyle may seriously be downgraded(if i choose so), and we're ok with that. What I didn't expect was a bashing on my "impulsive" decision. No one knows my financial situation or what have you, I was just looking for simple answers. I will attempt to make my decision based on other sources. Thank you again.

 

[snpark]

Welcome to the real world buddy

 

[harryopal1]

Thank you for the information. I have been watching said videos which triggered my hasty decision. I watched one(amongst many)video, and caught a comment "Why did you leave?" And the answer was basically because no one smiles anymore, and everyone is miserable. Which is what I feel here. I understand that the lifestyle may seriously be downgraded(if i choose so), and we're ok with that. What I didn't expect was a bashing on my "impulsive" decision. No one knows my financial situation or what have you, I was just looking for simple answers. I will attempt to make my decision based on other sources. Thank you again.

There are many jaded, sceptical people, such as myself, who use this forum so don't take it too much to heart. Over the years it has been common for people to pop on line, filled with enthusiasm and asking similar questions. There is a wealth of information on this forum if you use the search bar. So stick around. One of the pleasant qualities of most Indonesians is that they are polite, smile easily and not instantly hostile to foreigners. Perhaps these qualities are more common here in Bali where I am living.

 

[El_Goretto]

Thank you for the information. I have been watching said videos which triggered my hasty decision. I watched one(amongst many)video, and caught a comment "Why did you leave?" And the answer was basically because no one smiles anymore, and everyone is miserable. Which is what I feel here. I understand that the lifestyle may seriously be downgraded(if i choose so), and we're ok with that. What I didn't expect was a bashing on my "impulsive" decision. No one knows my financial situation or what have you, I was just looking for simple answers. I will attempt to make my decision based on other sources. Thank you again.

Good luck with your endeavors. I can't blame you for wanting out and seeking somewhere with "greener" grass so to speak.

I don't have any further advice to give you except to say that not everything is perfect here. But I do think that the general Indonesian attitude and outlook on life is very different from the west, in some ways more attractive than others. I have personally learned a lot and grown as an individual from my immersion in this country over the past 12 years.

Your mileage may vary, of course, because not everything is rosy, but the same can be said anywhere else!

It's unfortunate that you decide to not use this forum anymore although I can understand. Like any other social internet place, we have a small but vocal group of users who are particularly acidic. I wish it wasn't the case, but such is life online nowadays.

Nevertheless, I find it unfair for you to "dine and dash", especially for the very helpful members who have been polite and given you genuine, useful advice.

 

[Bad_azz]

Thank you for the information. I have been watching said videos which triggered my hasty decision. I watched one(amongst many)video, and caught a comment "Why did you leave?" And the answer was basically because no one smiles anymore, and everyone is miserable. Which is what I feel here. I understand that the lifestyle may seriously be downgraded(if i choose so), and we're ok with that. What I didn't expect was a bashing on my "impulsive" decision. No one knows my financial situation or what have you, I was just looking for simple answers. I will attempt to make my decision based on other sources. Thank you again.

Your financial situation is not the issue- it is just that moving to Indonesia forever or at least long term is not that easy to do legitimately.
It can well be an impulsive decision to make but that doesn't make the bureaucratic hoops disappear & make the decision an instant act & carry out thing.
If you choose not to go the legit route you risk being deported/incarcerated/blacklisted/fined- or any combination of the aforesaid. I am sure you would rather know the risks in advance than find out the hard way.
Also, I am pretty sure I didn't bash you.
I may not do kissy kissy & flowers & bowing scraping welcomes, but I talk straight- mainly in order to not confuse readers as to what to expect.
If you choose not to enter the forum again, so be it. Take your chances elsewhere, the info will still be here should you choose to return, not just for you but also for other people who may have the same idea.
Jumping out of the rat race and escaping to an idyllic island may be the dream for millions of people- but the actual reality is not quite the same picture as the dream. - I know I have done it & become a citizen here, luckily I am pretty easy going & learn from new experiences/take them in my stride- not everyone is made that way.
So...
Measure your expectations against the reality and decide if you can amend expectations at all- if so, you will be much less likely to be disappointed.
I wish you the best of luck with your venture.

 

[fastpitch17]

Maybe I bashed you. So be it. When someone basically says" I want to get out and by getting out wants to "move" to Indonesia" while not indicating any details about themselves so others can come to some rational advice for you, you will get that. This forum has seen a few that ask questions just to lead others on a merry chase by trying to help someone who is just joking around.

When asking questions one should include details as information to help those that want to respond with correct information.

Like others have stated, coming for a week you will learn next to nothing about Indonesia except people smile a lot. Coming for a month you will know a lot more but not near what the long term members here who have been trying to advise you know. Evidently you are sold on Bali because that is what some programs showed you which is typical Indonesia tourist promotion. It is a big nation with a lot of great places to live depending what your lifestyle and interest are. You will also not find legal employment unless you are a qualified teacher. I have visited Bali and can say I have no interest in returning.

If you think others are trying to discourage you, that would be wrong. They are only telling you the way it is and if you find that discouraging then in all likelyhood you will be discouraged when personally facing it.

Good luck to you.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

One of the pleasant qualities of most Indonesians is that they are polite, smile easily and not instantly hostile to foreigners. Perhaps these qualities are more common here in Bali where I am living.

I would say Bali is the one place in Indonesia where locals are hostile/aggressive to foreigners, especially in the tourist areas, and especially taxi drivers and those selling stuff on beaches.

 

[Ruserious]

Ha....come on get real. Someone who has never been to a country and says they want to get PR and move there is insanely naive. Take a step back and look at this again and you must see that.

You could have said that you are looking at countries to relocate to, that you will be visiting Indonesia as an option but that you wanted to know about long term visa processes to know if moving full time later is possible after deciding if you like it.

As it is you sound like one of the hundreds of naive idiots who think that moving to another country that they have never even been to will solve all their problems and not create any new ones.

 

[Samoerai]

Ha....come on get real. Someone who has never been to a country and says they want to get PR and move there is insanely naive. Take a step back and look at this again and you must see that.

You could have said that you are looking at countries to relocate to, that you will be visiting Indonesia as an option but that you wanted to know about long term visa processes to know if moving full time later is possible after deciding if you like it.

As it is you sound like one of the hundreds of naive idiots who think that moving to another country that they have never even been to will solve all their problems and not create any new ones.

Fight, flight or freeze response ... i would say .. also when leaving this forum.

 

[snpark]

Fight, flight or freeze response ... i would say .. also when leaving this forum.

Flounce

 

[Nimbus]

Strangely enough, I think people who ‘bashed’ you are doing you a favor, it’s a case of tough love. Let me put it this way, if a few stern paragraphs from strangers on the internet is enough to make you jump away, you will run at the first sight of a real problem in Indonesia.

Bali has a certain allure, even the late Anthony Bourdain half jokingly considered “going bamboo” and just settled for good there. But, he wisely figured out that he would never become a native, never to be fully accepted as an Indonesian, let alone Balinese. Americans, in contrast, take pride in acknowledging any US passport holder as your own.

It’s true that New Yorkers aren’t quick with their smiles, you can’t expect them to be southerners with their ‘hospitality’. However, when you manage to build a connection, they tend to be real. Indonesians are similar to southerners in many respect, superficially polite but inwardly hostile to newcomers. Being polite to guests is built into our DNA, but there’s a huge difference between a visitor and an immigrant. Balinese are very polite and welcoming to tourists because they need the money, but they’re also far from shy to admit that they don’t like immigrants, even from the next island over. I was only there for several days last year, and they said to my face, twice, that they’d rather not have outsiders move in. I was nothing but friendly to them, probably so friendly that they let their guard down and spilled the beans. Of course it helped that I spoke the language natively.

The truth is that their cherished traditional culture and way of life are being eroded every single day by the outside world; they know it and resent it. Your white face living in their village is a constant reminder of that fact. Of course a video saying “Come here with your money then leave” doesn’t make for a very good promo clip.

The island of the gods isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a beautiful place, but you gotta have a much thicker skin to eventually call it home.