Setting Up Your New Ubud Home: A Practical Guide to Utilities, Internet & Daily Life

Congratulations on securing your family’s new home in Ubud! While the hardest part is over, the practicalities of setting up your household can feel daunting. 

This updated guide cuts through the confusion, providing a clear roadmap for establishing everything from your electricity to understanding your legal stay options. 

At Banyan Properties, we believe your transition should be as smooth as your morning coffee overlooking the rice fields.

Part 1: The Essential Utilities – Power, Water & Gas

Getting these fundamentals right is the first step to comfort.

1. Electricity (PLN)

• The System: The state-owned provider is PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara). Most villas are already connected. You will either:
  • Pay via the Landlord: In some rentals, the landlord pays the PLN bill and you need to recharge or pay them based on the meter reading.
  • Pay yourself: buy PLN tokens at the local Indomaret/Alfamart and manually key in the pre-paid code inside your PLN house meter.
• What You Need to Know: Keep the PLN customer number and meter number handy. Familiarize yourself with the meter location and how to read it. Pay at Indomaret/Alfamart, via bank transfer, or at the PLN office
• Power Stability: Brief outages (“mati listrik”) can occur. A backup power inverter or generator can be a useful investment if you are so inclined. It is however not common in rentals.

 

2. Water

• Understanding the Sources:Ubud homes typically use a mix.
  • 1.  Municipal Water (PDAM): Treated water, often used for showers and toilets. It is not for drinking. Unfortunately most villas are NOT connected to PDAM and built outside the municipal grid.
  •  2.  Borewell/Well Water: Common for gardens and pools, and for household water.
  • 3.  Drinking Water: You *must* have a dedicated drinking water solution.
• Your Action Plan:
  • For Cooking/Drinking: Subscribe to a refillable bottled water service like Vit or Club. They deliver large 19L bottles with a dispenser.
  • For Whole-Home Filtration: Many homes have a filtration system (e.g. Terra, Nephros, Pure). Ensure it’s recently serviced. You can also install an under-sink osmosis filter like LAVIE.
• Ask Your Landlord: Clarify responsibility for water pump and filtration system maintenance.

3. Cooking Gas (LPG)

• The Standard: Most homes use 12kg Blue Gas (Bright Gas) cylinders.
• The Process: You’ll see an empty cylinder. Note the brand and take a photo of the distributor’s phone number printed on it. Call for delivery—they will swap your empty for a full one for a small fee. Often the local shop owners in your street can also be contracted to handle the last mile delivery and installation for a small fee.
• Tip: Always keep a spare cylinder to avoid running out mid-cooking

Part 2: The Digital Lifeline – Internet & Connectivity

For remote work and schooling, this is non-negotiable.

• Fiber Optic is Key: The gold standard is GlobalXtreme, Biznet or Indihome fiber optic connection. During your rental viewing, run a speed test (use www.speedtest.net) and ask for the provider’s contact details.
• The Setup Process: If a line needs to be installed, it can take 5-10 business days. You’ll need your lease agreement and passport copy. Your landlord or Banyan’s team can facilitate this.
• Backup is Essential: Always have a **mobile data backup**. Purchase a local Telkomsel or XL SIM card and a portable 4G/5G WiFi modem. Prepaid data packages (“paket data”) are affordable and reliable for emergencies. If you have the budget, buy a Starlink package, it has become indispensable for many internationals in Bali as a backup solution - fiber will likely always beat satellite, but Starlink has built a good track record over the island.

Part 3: Healthcare & Wellness for Your Family

Finding trusted medical care brings immense peace of mind.

• For General Practice & Pediatrics: Ubud Care Clinic and BIMC Ubud are the most trusted clinics for international families, with English-speaking doctors. 
• Indonesia has a surprisingly good public healthcare system, called BPJS Kesehatan. It is available for kitas-holders if their employer (local PT or foreign owned PT PMA) pays for it each month. For a modest monthly contribution of Rp.50,000-150,000 it covers many illnesses, baby delivery and major surgeries, Puskesmas is the local public clinic, which can refer you to larger BPJS clinics.
• For Dental Care: Ubud Dental Care (UDC) and My Dental** are highly recommended.
• For Emergencies & Hospitals:*For serious concerns, the major hospitals are in Sanur (Bali International Hospital) or Denpasar (Siloam, BIMC, or Kasih Ibu). Save these numbers and know the route.
• Wellness & Preventative: Ubud excels in holistic health. Explore acupuncturists, traditional Balinese healers (*balian*), and yoga studios for your family’s wellness routine. Don’t be surprised what else you may find as alternative therapies … welcome to Ubud!

Part 4: Daily Life Services, E-Commerce & Transportation

• Groceries: Start with Bintang Supermarket or Pepito for familiar international items. For fresh local produce, visit the Pasar Ubud (Ubud Market) in the early morning or explore smaller markets in villages like Pasar Penestanan.
• E-Commerce & Home Deliveries (Tokopedia & Shopee):
  • The Apps: Tokopedia and Shopee are Indonesia's Amazon equivalents and are absolutely essential. You can buy everything: kitchen appliances, furniture, toys, stationery, and specific groceries.
  • How to Use: Download the apps and use your local Indonesian phone number to register. A reliable delivery address is key. Use your villa name, a clear description (e.g., "yellow gate"), the *banjar* (neighborhood), and the driver's contact number. Be prepared to give directions over the phone.
  • Payment: You can pay on delivery (COD) or link a local bank/debit card. For larger items, delivery to Ubud from Java can take 5-7 days.
• **Transportation:  **  
  • Scooter: The most common way to get around. Rentals are widely available. Ensure you have an international driving permit (IDP) and wear a helmet.
  • Car with Driver: For longer trips or family outings, hiring a car with a trusted driver is affordable and stress-free. Ask your network for driver recommendations.
  • Online Apps: Gojek and Grab are indispensable for transport, food delivery, and even shopping. Set them up upon arrival.
• Household Help: A reliable housekeeper (“pembantu”) or nanny can be invaluable. References from other families or your property manager are the best way to find trusted help.

Part 5: Managing Your Finances – Local Banking

While neo-banks like Wise and Revolut are excellent for international transfers and spending cards at great FX rates, a local bank account simplifies daily life, enables QR based payments (“QRIS”), avoids foreign card fees, and is needed for many apps.

• Why Open a Local Account? To receive payments in IDR, pay local bills (PLN, internet) via bank transfer, top up your e-wallets (GoPay, OVO), and avoid international ATM fees and monthly withdrawal limits imposed on foreign cards.
• Popular Banks for Expats:
  • BCA (Bank Central Asia): Arguably the most popular. Has the largest ATM network and a user-friendly app (m-BCA).
  • Mandiri: Another major state-owned bank with a wide network and good app.
  • Permata Bank: Known for being expat-friendly with English-speaking staff at major branches.
  • Danamon: Also common, with straightforward account requirements.
• The Process: Requirements vary slightly but typically include:
  • 1.  Passport and KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) or other visa.
  • Proof of address (a signed rental contract is usually sufficient).
  • A minimum initial deposit (often 1 million IDR).
  • An in-person visit to the branch is almost always required. The Denpasar** or Singaraja branches often have more experience with foreign documentation than smaller Ubud offices.
• Tip: Many larger international schools like Green Schools invite banks to the campus during the first weeks to open the bank account right from inside the campus.

Part 6: Understanding Stay Permits (KITAS) – The Legal Foundation

Your stay permit is the legal foundation for everything else—opening a bank account, enrolling children in school long-term, and even getting a local driver's license and vehicle insurance. Navigating this process is complex and highly recommended to do with a professional agent.

• Common Options for Families:

  • Second Home Visa:** A newer option for those with substantial funds overseas (approx. 2 billion IDR / ~$130,000 USD). It offers a 5 or 10-year stay permit but has specific financial proof requirements.
  • KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit) via Company Sponsorship: If you or your partner works remotely for a foreign company, one common path is to establish or be sponsored by a PT PMA (Foreign-Owned Company) in Indonesia. This entity can then sponsor your KITAS. This process involves corporate setup, requires a business plan, and has minimum capital requirements.
  • KITAS for Investors: Tied to investing in an Indonesian company or property, with specific minimum investment amounts.
  • Other Options: These include the Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) for remote workers employed outside Indonesia, and family-sponsored KITAS if one member qualifies under another permit.

• General Process (Through an Agent):

  • 1.  Choose Your Pathway: Consult with a reputable visa agent to determine the best option based on your family's situation, budget, and long-term plans. Some of the agents we would recommend are Pandu Consulting, Trident Treehouse, Seven Stones and Ganesha.
  • 2.  Document Preparation: This typically includes passport copies, proof of funds, marriage and birth certificates (legally translated and apostilled), health certificates, and passport photos. Your rental contract will serve as proof of address.
  • 3.  Submission & Processing: Your agent will handle submissions to immigration, the local police (for residence reporting/SKTT), and other relevant departments. You will need to attend some appointments in person (e.g., for biometrics).
  • 4.  Receiving Your KITAS: The physical card is your primary ID in Indonesia. The process can take several weeks to a few months.

• Why Use an Agent & Our Role: Immigration laws change frequently. A trusted agent manages the complex bureaucracy, ensures correct paperwork, and provides updates.

  • Banyan Properties does not provide legal visa services, but as part of our commitment to your seamless setup, we can connect you with reputable, professional visa agents we have seen our clients use successfully.

Your Checklist for the First Month:

1.  [  ] Confirm PLN account transfer and note meter numbers.
2.  [  ] Set up drinking water delivery (Vit/Club/Local shop).
3.  [  ] Test internet speed and contact provider if needed.
4.  [  ] Purchase local SIM cards and data packages.
5.  [  ] Locate nearest clinic (Ubud Care/BIMC) and save numbers.
6.  [  ] Download Gojek, Grab, Tokopedia, and Shopee.
7.  [  ] Visit a supermarket and local market for initial supplies.
8.  [  ] Gather documents (passport, lease) to visit a local bank branch.
9.  [  ] Research and contact a professional visa agent to discuss KITAS options.

How Banyan Properties Supports Your Transition

For families in our “managed properties”, we handle much of the practical setup proactively.

For all our clients, we are happy to be your local resource and refer you to trusted contacts and experts who can help you decipher bureaucratic processes, and offer practical advice. We not make a commission from those providers.

Moving your life to a new country is a significant undertaking, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Let us help you turn your new villa into a fully functioning, comfortable home.

Overwhelmed by the to-do list? Reach out to the Banyan team. We’re here to provide the local knowledge and trusted referrals you need to settle in with ease.