What if moving to Bali didn’t feel like a leap, but a well-guided adventure?
We sat down with Simone Collins, founder of Our Year in Bali, to talk about what really goes into relocating to Bali—especially for remote workers, digital nomads, and families who want more than just a vacation. Simone’s approach is deeply human, practical, and experience-based—because she’s done it herself.
In this interview, Simone shares why Bali is more than a paradise postcard, the common myths about living on the island, the challenges people face, and how she helps them confidently settle into a life that’s both grounded and inspiring.
What inspired you to start Our Year in Bali?
It all began with my own family’s story. We moved from Australia to Bali for what we thought would be a one-year adventure—a “gap year.” I started a blog to share our experiences, from schooling to daily life, thinking it would simply document our journey.
But quickly, people began asking how they could do it too. I realised there was a huge gap in reliable information—especially from someone living the experience. That’s how Our Year in Bali evolved into a relocation support service for families and individuals around the world. We help people make confident, well-informed moves based on lived, local experience.
What are the biggest myths people have about moving to Bali?
One big myth is that Bali is only a holiday destination—beach clubs, cocktails, yoga retreats. While those exist, the island is also an amazing place to live. Families thrive here. Kids can go to great international or nature-based schools, and adults can work remotely in a creative, connected environment.
Another myth is about safety. People wonder if Bali is safe enough for long-term living. The answer is yes. The Balinese Hindu culture is peaceful and community-oriented. Medical care is high-quality and accessible—there’s even a new Bali International Hospital in Sanur with world-class facilities.
Some think Wi-Fi is unreliable or that English isn’t widely spoken. Neither are true anymore. Bali is a hub for remote workers, and English is commonly used in most areas frequented by expats.
What are the biggest challenges people face during relocation—and how do you help?
The top challenge is uncertainty—people just don’t know where to start. Visas, housing, schooling, insurance, transportation… it’s a lot. Even with Google, there’s too much conflicting information, and it’s hard to know who to trust.
We simplify all of that. We provide personal consultations, digital guides, checklists, and—most importantly—vetted, trusted local contacts. Whether it’s choosing a neighbourhood, getting the right visa, or even hiring domestic staff, we walk our clients through each step with clarity and confidence.
Relocating can feel overwhelming. We turn it into a structured, manageable process that leaves people excited rather than anxious.
Can you share a success story from someone who used your service?
Absolutely. One that comes to mind is a family from Norway who planned their relocation nearly 18 months in advance. They were thoughtful and meticulous, and they worked with us through every step—from finding the right school for their kids to understanding neighbourhood logistics.
Today, they’re thriving in Bali. The parents are working remotely and involved in the community, and their children are loving school and the lifestyle. That story sticks with me because it really shows what’s possible with good planning and the right support. It’s not just about surviving the move—it’s about flourishing after it.
For remote professionals, how has Bali evolved in terms of infrastructure and visas?
Bali is now incredibly well-equipped for remote work. The infrastructure has caught up—fast Wi-Fi, laptop-friendly cafés, and coworking spaces like Livit Hub are everywhere.
There’s also the remote worker visa, which is ideal for digital nomads and online entrepreneurs. It’s a multiple-entry visa valid for a year (renewable) and gives you the freedom to live and work from Bali legally, without starting a business.
But beyond the technical side, Bali offers a lifestyle that supports focus, wellbeing, and creativity. You can work from a vibrant hub one day and recharge with nature, culture, or community the next.
What tips do you have for choosing the right neighbourhood in Bali?
Start by thinking about your daily rhythm. How will you get to work or school? Do you want to be near the beach or in the jungle? Do you need easy access to international schools, or would you rather be close to health facilities, cafés, or coworking spaces?
Each area has its charm—Sanur is great for families, Ubud offers a slower, more spiritual pace, and Canggu is buzzing with entrepreneurs and surfers. No area is better than the other—it’s all about what suits you.
We help people make these choices based on their priorities, commute preferences, and children’s needs. Bali isn’t one-size-fits-all—but there is a place for everyone.
You’ve partnered with Livit, which supports entrepreneurs and remote teams. How do your services complement each other?
At Our Year in Bali, we help people with the life side of relocation—where to live, what school to choose, how to set up health insurance, how to navigate culture shock.
Livit picks up the baton when it comes to work. They provide remote workers and entrepreneurs with everything they need to thrive: coworking spaces, business support, events, recruitment, and more.
It’s the perfect match. Someone relocating with our help can land in Bali and plug directly into Livit’s community—feeling supported on both the personal and professional side.
And if you’re setting up a business? Livit helps with that too—legal advice, tax support, hiring staff… they’re incredibly well-connected and experienced. I always recommend Livit to my clients.
Livit clients and members get an exclusive 10% discount on your services. What’s included?
We start with a 1:1 consultation to map out your goals, timeline, and questions. You’ll walk away with clarity on what to do next.
From there, you can choose from three packages: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
- Bronze gives you comprehensive digital relocation guides, cost-of-living info, school insights, housing tips, visa overviews, and checklists—all customised to your situation.
- Silver adds a vetted directory of trusted local contacts: visa agents, housing help, drivers, insurance providers, and more.
- Gold includes everything above, plus an additional consultation for tailored planning and follow-up support.
Our goal is to make your move as smooth, safe, and informed as possible—before you arrive and long after you’ve landed.
Where can Livit clients or readers get in touch?
Easy—just visit Our Year in Bali’s website or book your free 30-minute discovery call. We’ll talk about your vision for life in Bali and how we can support it. And remember: Livit clients get a 10% discount on all relocation packages.
Lastly, what’s one underrated gem or tip you’d give to someone just arriving in Bali?
Be open and adaptable. Bali has a beautiful way of slowing you down and reconnecting you to what really matters. Plans may shift. Things may not go perfectly. But the magic of Bali lies in its pace, its people, and its energy. If you embrace it, it will embrace you right back.
