Moving to Bali from australia

**Dreamingofparadise** · 22-01-12, 16:42

Hi there!Me and a friend recently travelled to Bali and fell in live with the Balinese lifestyle. We have decided to move of in march and set up a business.If anyone has any tips of advice on the following:-moving to Bali from Australia-setting up a business in Bali-areas in Seminyak area to check out (we have gotten a house about 5 minutes from there)-anyone who knows of a shop available to rent along Seminyak road-if anyone knows people or of people's success stories (preferably setting up a boutique in Seminyak area) fron Australia.-moving stories-fitting into Bali advice-rules and regulations that an Australian needs to be aware of-property lawyers recommendations-getting visa and company set up advice and recommendations-and anything else really!We have alot to organize

**Stoney** · 22-01-12, 17:32

Mate dream on , it;s not easy , and unless you are very lucky you will loose everything.there are a lot of people in Bali just waiting for new targets to rip off.
Just my advice after 20 years living here , but good luck anyway.

**holborn** · 22-01-12, 17:42

Check this website, lots of info http://www.balipod.com/forum.php

**Dreamingofparadise** · 22-01-12, 18:17

Originally Posted by Stoney

Mate dream on , it;s not easy , and unless you are very lucky you will loose everything.there are a lot of people in Bali just waiting for new targets to rip off. Just my advice after 20 years living here , but good luck anyway.

I understand its not easy but neither is living in Australia and not to mention making it almost impossible to make money or start a business, trust me I've been working on it for for years now and I still cannot afford to be self employed. I've always wanted to live overseas and experience the world, and with Bali being so affordable, My business partner and I agreed this was the best for us. If youve been living there for 20 years and beliveve I am going to get ripped off and loose everything, then I really need to ask: why are you still there? What does Australia do that Bali can't? And what exactly do I avoid in getting ripped off? Do you have anything positive to say?

**vanuatu** · 22-01-12, 18:34

I don't think Stoney was being overly pessimistic, just be prepared to lose everything. Doesn't happen to everyone and of course there all always success stories, but if you've only been to Bali a few times on holiday, don't speak Indonesian, don't have contacts to help you, etc.... beware. There are many people, companies, government officials that make money off of people with a dream, they suck them in and take them for every penny.

I'm not advising that you don't try it, as it seems to be your dream, but be very careful and don't put all your savings into a start up. Keep reserves and keep your eyes open.

**Stoney** · 22-01-12, 18:44

Originally Posted by Dreamingofparadise

I understand its not easy but neither is living in Australia and not to mention making it almost impossible to make money or start a business, trust me I've been working on it for for years now and I still cannot afford to be self employed. I've always wanted to live overseas and experience the world, and with Bali being so affordable, My business partner and I agreed this was the best for us. If youve been living there for 20 years and beliveve I am going to get ripped off and loose everything, then I really need to ask: why are you still there? What does Australia do that Bali can't? And what exactly do I avoid in getting ripped off? Do you have anything positive to say?

Yes mate but will have to wait until tomorrow as i'm on my way out tonight ,but will get back to you

**Dreamingofparadise** · 22-01-12, 19:02

Thankyou, I do need to be aware of everything and take on board the risks, I do have trust worthy contacts, and a house secured for the next year, im just looking to get a shop, company set up and my visa. Any advice and tips (good or bad) I'm willing to take on board. I want to hear stories from Australians who live there. I don't want my dreams crushed and I want people who are negative about this, then please tell me why Australia is any better?

**El_Goretto** · 22-01-12, 19:47

I think that if you can't make a living in Australia where there are, you know, reliable infrastructures for businesses (technological, financial, political, etc), non-corrupt government officials, and people who are actually willing to help and not rip you off at every occasion and at every level, well I think you are in for one hell of a ride in Bali.

Here's one bit of advice: don't believe and don't trust anyone whether they are government officials, lawyers (lol), notaries (double lol), friends, potential business partners or newly-found-love. Just triple check everything and when in doubt about important stuff such as law and who can own what, search this forum, search expat.co.id and if you can't find your answers then ask the right questions.

One example: anyone telling you that you can own a property in Bali with full rights (no 50 or 75 year lease titles) is full of it.

And last but not least, Bali is like shark infested waters when it comes to business between the local mafia, crooks and unscrupulous expats, so be prepared to fight for your piece of bread. Maybe you'd be better off trying in Lombok?

**Sky Garden** · 22-01-12, 20:33

Originally Posted by Stoney

Mate dream on , it;s not easy , and unless you are very lucky you will loose everything.there are a lot of people in Bali just waiting for new targets to rip off.
Just my advice after 20 years living here , but good luck anyway.

Well there is some great advice, 20 years huh? how did you survive the rip off merchants?

**Sky Garden** · 22-01-12, 20:38

Originally Posted by El_Goretto

And last but not least, Bali is like shark infested waters when it comes to business between the local mafia, crooks and unscrupulous expats, so be prepared to fight for your piece of bread. Maybe you'd be better off trying in Lombok?

So this is the voice of experience? How long did you do business in Bali EG? And please share your experiences in Lombok...............