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Bali Zero handles visas, company setup, tax and property compliance in Indonesia. Ask us directly on WhatsApp.
Chat with Bali Zero on WhatsAppMoving into a new place in Bali is exciting until you realize you need to figure out how the electricity meter works, why the water pressure drops to nothing at 7 AM, and which internet provider will actually deliver the speeds they promise. This guide walks you through every utility you will encounter, with real prices and practical advice for 2026.
All electricity in Bali is supplied by PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara), the state-owned power company. There are two billing systems you need to understand.
Prepaid (Prabayar) is the most common system for rental properties. You purchase electricity tokens (vouchers) and load them into your meter. When your balance runs out, the power goes off. Simple, no surprise bills, and no deposit required.
Postpaid (Pascabayar) works like a traditional utility bill. You use electricity and receive a monthly bill. More common in long-term owned properties. Requires a deposit and account setup.
As a renter, you will almost certainly be on a prepaid meter.
Buying tokens is straightforward once you know your meter number (a 10 or 11-digit number printed on the meter box):
You will receive a 20-digit token number. Enter it on the keypad on your meter box, and the units are added to your balance.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rate per kWh | IDR 1,415 |
| Minimum token purchase | IDR 20,000 |
| Typical monthly cost (no AC) | IDR 200-400K (USD 12.50-25) |
| Typical monthly cost (1 AC unit) | IDR 500-800K (USD 31-50) |
| Typical monthly cost (2-3 AC units) | IDR 1-1.5M (USD 63-94) |
| Typical monthly cost (full villa with pool pump) | IDR 1.5-3M (USD 94-188) |
Each property has a power capacity rating measured in VA (Volt-Ampere). Common residential ratings are 1,300 VA, 2,200 VA, 3,500 VA, and 5,500 VA. If you try to run more appliances than your capacity allows, the power will trip.
A 1,300 VA connection can handle lights, a fridge, a laptop charger, and maybe one AC unit on a low setting, but not much more simultaneously. If you plan to run multiple AC units, a washing machine, and other appliances, make sure your property has at least 3,500 VA.
Pro tip: Ask your landlord about the power capacity before signing a lease. Upgrading capacity with PLN is possible but involves bureaucracy and costs IDR 500K to 2M depending on the increase.
Power cuts happen in Bali. They are less frequent than they used to be, but you should expect occasional outages lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Some areas are more prone to outages than others.
Most mid-range and above villas come with a backup generator or at least an inverter for basic power during outages. If reliable power is critical for your work, ask about backup power before renting.
A small UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for your laptop and router is a worthwhile investment. You can buy one at Electronic City or online for IDR 500K-1M.
Water in Bali is more complicated than electricity. The municipal water system (PDAM) exists but is unreliable in many areas, so most properties use a combination of sources.
PDAM (municipal water): Available in some areas but flow and pressure can be inconsistent. Monthly bills are low (IDR 50-150K) but availability is not guaranteed.
Well water (sumur bor): Most villas and houses in Bali have their own borehole well. An electric pump brings water up from underground. This is your primary water source in most rental properties. Water quality varies significantly by area and depth of the well.
Tanker delivery: In areas with water shortages (common in the dry season in Bukit/Uluwatu), you can order water tanker deliveries. A 5,000-liter tanker costs IDR 150-300K depending on the area and season.
Do not drink the tap water. This applies everywhere in Bali, regardless of how nice your villa is. The water from wells and PDAM is suitable for showering, washing, and cleaning, but not for drinking or brushing your teeth (though many long-term residents do brush their teeth with it without issues).
For drinking water, you have several options:
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 19L gallon refill | IDR 8-15K (USD 0.50-0.95) | Most common, delivered to your door |
| Branded bottled water (Aqua, etc.) | IDR 4-6K per 1.5L | Convenient but generates plastic waste |
| Water filtration system (installed) | IDR 2-5M one-time (USD 125-310) | Best long-term option, reduces plastic |
| Reverse osmosis system | IDR 3-8M one-time (USD 190-500) | Highest quality, requires maintenance |
The 19-liter gallon jug system is the standard in Bali. Most areas have delivery services that will bring fresh jugs to your door and pick up empties. Ask your neighbors or landlord which delivery service operates in your area.
Many Balinese homes do not have hot water in the kitchen, and some simpler accommodations do not have hot water in the shower either. If hot showers are important to you (and for most people they are, at least sometimes), confirm that your property has a water heater.
Solar water heaters are increasingly common and work well in Bali's sunny climate, though they can struggle during extended cloudy periods in the rainy season. Electric or gas instant water heaters are the backup option.
Internet infrastructure in Bali has improved enormously in recent years, but quality still varies dramatically depending on your location and provider.
| Provider | Speed Options | Monthly Cost | Coverage | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndiHome (Telkom) | 20-300 Mbps | IDR 275-900K | Widest | Variable |
| Biznet | 25-150 Mbps | IDR 275-900K | Good in main areas | Best overall |
| CBN | 25-100 Mbps | IDR 330-770K | Limited | Very good |
| MyRepublic | 20-100 Mbps | IDR 275-500K | Growing | Good |
| First Media | 25-150 Mbps | IDR 300-700K | Limited in Bali | Good where available |
IndiHome is the most widely available provider, reaching even remote areas where no other fiber provider operates. The downsides are well-known: speeds can fluctuate, customer service can be frustrating, and the bundled TV and phone services that you cannot opt out of add to the cost.
That said, IndiHome has improved significantly and for many locations, it is the only fiber option available.
Biznet is the provider most recommended by the expat community. Speeds are more consistent, customer service is better, and the network feels more modern. The catch is that Biznet is not available everywhere. If you are choosing between two rental properties and one has Biznet available, that is a meaningful advantage for remote work.
Getting internet installed typically takes 3-7 days after ordering:
Pro tip: If your rental already has a working internet connection, ask the landlord about taking over the existing account. This is much faster than a new installation.
Always have a mobile data plan as a backup for internet outages. Telkomsel and XL Axiata both offer large data packages. A 50GB monthly package costs around IDR 100-150K and can keep you working during fiber outages. Consider a portable WiFi hotspot device if you work from cafes frequently.
Indonesia uses LPG gas canisters for cooking rather than piped gas. There are two sizes you will encounter:
3 kg (blue canister): The subsidized small canister used by most Indonesian households. Costs around IDR 18-22K per canister. Widely available at small shops everywhere. For cooking, one canister typically lasts 2-4 weeks for a single person.
12 kg (green canister, branded Bright Gas or Elpiji): The larger non-subsidized canister. Costs IDR 175-200K per refill. Lasts 1-3 months depending on cooking frequency. Requires a different regulator than the 3 kg version.
Most expat villas and houses use the 12 kg canisters. The regulator and hose connect to a standard two-burner stove. When your gas runs out, you simply buy a new canister from a gas delivery person (they drive around neighborhoods, listen for the distinctive clanking sound) or from a small shop.
Safety note: Always check that the regulator connection is tight and there are no gas leaks. If you smell gas, open windows immediately, do not turn on any electrical switches, and replace the canister or regulator.
Waste management in Bali operates on a semi-informal system. There is no curbside pickup by the municipal government in most residential areas.
Most neighborhoods have a garbage collection service run by the local banjar (village council) or a private collector. A worker comes to your property on a regular schedule (usually 2-3 times per week) and collects your waste.
You pay a monthly fee directly to the collector or through your landlord:
| Area Type | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|
| Simple room/kos | IDR 30-50K (USD 1.90-3.10) |
| Villa in standard area | IDR 50-100K (USD 3.10-6.25) |
| Villa in premium area | IDR 100-200K (USD 6.25-12.50) |
Bali has a serious waste management problem, and as a resident, you can help by:
If your landlord does not have garbage collection arranged, ask them to set it up or contact the local banjar directly.
Here is what a typical expat household can expect to pay for utilities each month:
| Utility | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity (with AC) | IDR 500K | IDR 1.5M |
| Water (PDAM + drinking water) | IDR 100K | IDR 300K |
| Internet (fiber) | IDR 275K | IDR 900K |
| Gas (cooking) | IDR 30K | IDR 100K |
| Garbage collection | IDR 50K | IDR 200K |
| Total | IDR 955K (USD 60) | IDR 3M (USD 188) |
The biggest variable is air conditioning. If you can tolerate fans and natural ventilation (which is genuinely comfortable in many parts of Bali, especially Ubud), your electricity bill drops dramatically.
Problem: Power trips frequently. Solution: You are exceeding your VA capacity. Reduce simultaneous appliance use or ask your landlord about a capacity upgrade.
Problem: Internet is slow during evenings. Solution: This is often congestion on shared infrastructure. Consider upgrading your plan or switching providers. A mesh WiFi system can help if the issue is coverage within your home.
Problem: Water pressure drops in the morning. Solution: Everyone in the neighborhood showers at the same time. A pressure pump (pompa dorong) costs IDR 500K-1.5M installed and solves this permanently.
Problem: No hot water on cloudy days. Solution: If you have a solar heater, you will need a backup. Electric instant heaters cost IDR 500K-1.5M and can be installed alongside solar systems.
Most expat households spend IDR 500K to 1.5M per month (USD 31-94) on electricity, depending on AC usage. The rate is IDR 1,415 per kWh for the standard residential tariff. Air conditioning is by far the biggest factor in your electricity bill. A single AC unit running 8 hours per day adds roughly IDR 300-500K per month.
Biznet is generally considered the most reliable for speed and consistency, with plans from IDR 275K to 900K per month. IndiHome by Telkom has the widest coverage but can be inconsistent. CBN is excellent where available but has limited coverage outside main areas. Always check which providers service your specific address before committing to a lease.
No. Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink, even in modern villas. Most expats use refillable 19-liter gallon jugs (IDR 8-15K per refill) or install filtration systems. Bottled water from brands like Aqua is available everywhere. For the best long-term solution, consider installing a reverse osmosis system for around IDR 3-8M.