Johan Hensen Column The writer is a retired hopitality consultant and living in Bali. Any comment about this article, please email at johan@bits.bali.com or HP 081558582853

Doing Business or Living in Bali?

In this column, I want to go into the many horror stories that appear in the international media, about the problems that foreigners are facing, while settling in Bali. This is nothing new, or only happening here in Bali. It happens all over the world. And like everywhere else, there are good and bad guys / companies around. Might you still have questions or want some more input, just contact me on my e-mail above. Allow me to share the next story with you…

Doing Business, Trade, Production or Export in Bali
The intricacies of doing business in Indonesia will present a mystery to newcomers. Rest assured that there are many "seasoned veterans", who can assist you in your transition to your new job in Indonesia or assist you in making your business venture in Indonesia a success.
Living In Bali
For most westerns, breaking away from the stressful western (city) life and escaping to a sunny tropical island, sounds like an idyllic fantasy. It may sound as just a fantasy and maybe you will never materialize the idea. Many of Bali’s visitors say they love the place but do not want to live here. Others, however, claim that they feel a strong affinity with the island: "As soon as I arrived, I just knew that I wanted to stay"…"I felt very strongly that I was meant to be here"…"Immediately when I got off the plane, I felt like coming home".If you’re really considering the possibility of living here you’ll have probably already spoken to some, or many, of the Westerners who already do. You’ll have probably heard some mixed reports; most expatriates will have had many similar experiences. You will have heard some incredible, heart-warming, magical stories, you might have been told about the great business possibilities - or the numerous business initiatives that have failed. You’ll have heard some scary stories and some horror stories. You’ll never really know what living in Bali is like until you try it. A two-month holiday or a series of two-month stays might help, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing!
The truth is that Bali is not entirely the Paradise that people imagine, it’s stressful – but in a different way from the West – don’t expect things to run smoothly. It is expensive - sure you can buy street food for as little as Rp 3,000; but visas, imported commodities, education, and medical attention are all expensive requirements. Paradise is hot, wet, dangerous, exciting, challenging, scary, and wonderful. You can fulfill your dreams here or you can drown in a treacherous sea.
If you make this momentous decision as part of a couple or a family, you can help and support fact, if you’re hoping to find employment here, it’s not an easy road. It becomes a bit easier after you’ve lived here for a while, have made the appropriate contacts and speak the language.
If you try to fight the system you will just stress yourself out, there’s no point in getting angry with every taxi driver who says he hasn’t got any change, or the supermarket cashier girl who gives you candies instead of coins. The frustrations of living in Bali and attempting to conduct business here are enough to try the patience of a saint. Why is everything so complicated? Why isn’t it possible to pay the bills by direct debit? Why does so much incoming post go astray? Why don’t things work properly? Why is everybody always late? Why are there so many power-cuts? Why is the traffic so terrifying?
Make friends with the local people, learn the language, acknowledge the dangers, take care on the roads, simply accept the things that you can’t change, embrace the challenges, explore the island and the culture, and be open to the intense spiritual energy here. Bali is full of magic and wonders, if you truly want to be here you will find a way to make it work. There are a lot of lessons to be learned on the way, but if you have a passion for Bali, the joy and rewards of living here are immeasurable.
Good luck!