In Reply to: Long term trial of Living in Bali posted by daisydog on Thursday, 20. December 2012 at 17:12 Bali Time:
hi daisy! Our family moved to Bali in January 2012. And judging from other expat friends I have here in Bali, one of the downsides to Bali living may be trying to get the KITAS visa. Many people I know have to leave Indonesia for a "visa run" every few months (this would mean needing ample savings for airline tickets and hotels and travel expenses). Some people who have been here 3 years STILL haven't managed to get their visas. There are lots of agents who con and fleece their customers here. Have heard a few instances where agents run off / disappear with down payments never to be heard from again. Or they keep coming back and changing details of requirements needed by the govt (usually involving more $).
When choosing a place to live, be sure to inform your landlord that Hi Speed Internet is an absolute MUST for you. Some older properties are not well fitted out for it. And some new properties may not have it on hand at all.