Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bali, Indonesia the ideal destination for your internship or volunteering abroad? Get the answers to your questions and see if Bali Internships is the right fit for you!

Our team has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about our internship programs in Bali, Indonesia. Explore the categories below to find the information you need: Visa Information for Indonesia, Accommodation, Program Details, Cost and Fees, Living in Bali, Indonesia (Culture, safety, transportation) and so forth. Can't find the answer to your question? Contact our team today! We're happy to help you navigate your internship journey in Indonesia.

Internship and Volunteering in Bali, Indonesia

Before applying for the program

Who can apply for the internship programs?

Our internship, voluntary work and study programs are all open for everyone. Our programs are open to anyone who is the minimum age of 18 years old, current students, graduates, post graduates, young professionals, career changing professionals and seniors. Our internship programs are open for all interested individuals, who wish to travel while having meaningful experiences for both personal or professional growth.

Why are internships unpaid?

All internships offered are unpaid due to Indonesia’s strict immigration and department of labor laws and regulations, for foreign nationals. All non-Indonesian interns are to be invited by legitimate host companies under a social culture visa which does not allow remuneration. To reward interns, most of Bali Internships’ host partners offer different forms of allowances, such as: free accommodation, meals, visa extension fee, vouchers, scooter rental fee and so forth. Any agent or host company promoting a paid internship in Indonesia under social culture visa, is acting against Indonesian immigration law.

Can I apply for an internship even if I do not speak Indonesian?

Yes, you can also apply for an internship in Bali even if you do not speak Indonesian. You should, however, not forget that Indonesian is the official language. Read more about Understanding English Proficiency in Bali here.

How many hours will I be working as an intern in a week?

In general interns are assigned to comply with the office's working days and hours. Monday-Friday, 7 hours a day (one-hour lunch break in addition), Saturday and Sunday are off for all interns to relax and enjoy the beauty of the island.

What happens after I paid the registration fee and applied?

You will receive an initiation email from our program coordinator and will be given further information and details on: your host company profile and interview schedule with the company.

Will I receive support upon my arrival and during my stay?

Definitely! Both your Bali Internships and your future internship host company will assist you accordingly prior and during your internship in Bali. On your first day of internship our team will accompany and guide you.

Can I gain academic credits from volunteering?

Yes! Bali Internships offer a variety of opportunities -internships, social work placements, and volunteer programs – designed to combine meaningful volunteering with the chance to earn academic credit. Consult us on how, schedule a call here. Read more about academic credits from our voluntary work program here.

Where will I stay?

You will be staying with our other interns and volunteers generally near your volunteer program location in local Balinese homestays or apartments. If you want to be accommodated privately or elsewhere, you can always consult us.

I do not need accommodation or other services, can I still apply?

Yes sure! Our accommodation and other services are offered mainly for first timer travelers. Program only fee information can be seen here.

Can I meet other volunteers/students when I will be in Bali?

Sure! One of the main reasons for our success is the fact that we are able to create and maintain our student community in Bali with all of our interns, volunteers and alumni! You will never be alone and we will help you connect with our interns and volunteers. We will also have student gatherings where you can always meet other students.

How can I get funding for my internship in Bali?

We have helped hundreds of international students and graduates finding their funded internships and voluntary work throughout the years. Our team will provide guidance on identifying suitable scholarships and grants, preparing application materials, and navigating the application process. Read more about finding funding here.

Program Placement Fee

Why should I pay to participate?

It is critical that you understand the concept of traveling abroad to intern independently or to get mediation with reliable thorough information on the organization you will support when you arrive in Bali. With over a decade of work and commitment to support local organizations in every project they have, our mediation throughout the year of connecting young and senior volunteers from around the world to Bali's local community projects such as schools, non profits, conservation centers has been our strongest suit. Our program fee logic is to provide responsible and quality programs

Before deciding, be aware of the pro's and con's of organizing an internship abroad to Bali on your own or to get wholesome assistance from organizations like ours. We are a team of professionals, who commit ourselves to providing full-time support for individuals, who want to make sure that their support is sustainable and valuable, while exploring Bali with like-minded people, to learn, to connect and to network.

How much is the internship placement fee?

Our registration fee is 59 Euro, our internship placement program fee is starting from 490 - 690 Euro, please see here for detailed information.

What does the registration fee cover?

- Personalized program consultation and assessment with a placement specialist, including thesis or final report guidance if required. Assistance with funding and scholarship documentation for program participation.

- Mediation and matching with the most suitable available internship openings or programs.

- Access to a professional network of companies, businesses, startups, organizations, and non-profits in Bali during the placement process.

- Provision of detailed profiles and information about prospective host organizations.

- Arrangement of an internship recruitment interview with a potential host company mentor.

- Up to three interview opportunities with different companies in case a placement is not secured after the initial interview(s).

- Ongoing website maintenance and responsive customer service support throughout the placement process.

How to pay the registration fee?

To begin your program placement, please complete your registration by paying the program registration fee here.

If you are unable to use Wise bank transfer, please consult our program expert here.

What does the program fee cover?

Internship Program

Internship program search, placement & alternative suggestions
Internship documents arrangement (internship contract, university statement letter, reference letter, and any related documents required)

Pre-departure Support

Visa application arrangement contact, information, and guide
Travel planning arrangement
Accommodation proposals and arrangement
Transportation arrangement: organizing motor vehicle rental (international driver’s license required)

Upon Arrival & Bali Support

Airport pick-up and transfer to intern’s Bali home
Arrival package incl. Bali Internships merchandise, SIM-card and welcome dinner voucher
First training day assistance and introduction to the host company
Internship program assessment, feedback and visit
24/7 Emergency support & support during your program
Visa extension assistance during your program
Information about events and access to students community in Bali
Information and guidance for social and tourism activities

When do I have to pay the program fee?

When your internship is confirmed, after the interview conduct.

When is the latest date of payment of the program fee?

After the invoice is being sent, interns will be given 14 working days to settle the final program fee payment. For more information about the final payment or installment, please contact our program coordinator.

How can I pay the program fee?

Via international bank transfer, please see here for more details

Will I still get support from Bali Internships throughout my internship?

Yes, definitely! Although your internship coordinator in your host company/organization might already support you, as you will see them on a daily basis, we will always be there to support you. We will schedule regular internship visits to ensure your satisfaction and the sustainability of your internship commitment. Plus, we will assist you with your monthly visa extension, inform you about upcoming events and student gatherings and you can always reach us over our emergency number!

What does visa assistance mean?

Visa assistance means that we will mediate with you to provide you assistance, information, and guidance during your visa application. Visa costs are not included in our service fee and need to be settled directly to your visa inviter as the current visa applications due to the global pandemic are all done online and directly to the Immigration Official site and visits to the embassy of Indonesia have been eliminated entirely. During your program in Bali, our team will assist you to arrange your visa extension after your first 60 days in Bali. This includes providing you with necessary contacts from visa agents and extension documents. The extension fees are not included in our service fee and need to be settled at the immigration office in Bali directly.

How is the refund policy in case of travel ban due to the pandemic?

Due to circumstances changes of travel restrictions, you will have the following options:

Postpone your participation until the Indonesian border is open for international visitors with visa visitorand you will arrive to start your internship as planned (with a new internship starting date)
Postpone your internship to a completely new term and we will hold your internship program until the agreed and confirmed new term advised by you and acknowledged by Bali Internships and internship host company/program

Please note that the refund exceptions as stated above only apply in case traveling is made impossible by higher authorities. In other cases, such as sickness or withdrawal due to personal reasons, doubts, fear, etc. our usual terms and conditions apply.

Visa/Enter Permit

What visa/permit a non-Indonesian intern/volunteer must apply for?

International interns must apply for the social culture visa (Per January 2024 visa code is now C6B and C22A). This permits short term study, any educational short term visit purpose. Contact our program coordinator to find out more about the student permit, how much it costs, and how to apply.

How much does the intern visa cost?

The visa application costs starting from 3,500,000 IDR to 8,000,000 IDR depending on which kind of visa you require (internship, volunteering or study). Visa application fees can be changed at any time by the immigration. Contact our program coordinator to find out more about the student/intern permit.

How long does it take to process the visa?

Roughly 4 to 10 working days, excluded national holidays. Contact our program coordinator to learn more about the process and the visa fee.

Where can I apply for my Visa?

As per the new immigration regulations, all visa applications are now done online. Your host company/appointed external visa invitor/guarantor will propose and request your visa application and approval. Contact our program coordinator to find out more about the student/intern permit.

What documents do I need for the visa application?

Valid passport (of at least 6 months validity when entering and leaving Indonesia) and personal bank statement. All interns/students/participants are to obtain visa via an appointed independent visa agent based in Bali. Contact our program coordinator to learn more about the process and the visa fee.

Do I need to extend my visa in Bali?

Yes. You are required to extend your visa after the first 60 days of your stay, in total the social culture visa allows one to stay in Indonesia for 24 weeks in total. This means depending on how long your internship program is, you are required to extend the visa. Visa extension costs more or less 165 Euro for another 60 days. Fees are subject to change based on any Immigration's regulations decisions.

Before arriving in Bali

What vaccinations are recommended for Indonesia?

Effective June 9, 2023, Indonesia no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry. However, the government strongly recommends staying up-to-date with your vaccinations, especially the second booster (fourth dose) for high-risk individuals. Additionally, review your vaccinations for Tetanus, Measles, Polio, Diphtheria, and Hepatitis A. While malaria risk is low in major cities and tourist areas like Bali and Java, consider rabies vaccination if you interact with animals

Where do I stay during my internship in Bali?

Accommodation options for interns are endless. Bali Internships assists interns in finding suitable accommodations per request. Bali Internships connects you with a variety of accommodation options, conveniently located near the host companies and perfectly matched to your desired area, budget, and standard.

Can I withdraw money in Bali?

You can withdraw money in Bali at ATMs with an international debit or credit card (Visa, Cirrus, Master). Please ask your bank about international fees. You can pay via credit card in restaurants, banks, travel agencies, supermarkets . However, it is recommended to take cash, especially if you want to travel to the more rural areas. Currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

What about the average costs of living?

While living costs in Bali depend on your lifestyle, it's generally more affordable than many European cities and even some Southeast Asian hubs like Jakarta and Singapore. Particularly, food, services, and restaurants offer excellent value, with delicious meals and quality experiences available at budget-friendly prices. Read more about living cost in Bail.

Can I use my mobile phone or smartphone in Indonesia?

Of course. Just bring your SIM-LOCK free mobile/smartphone and get an Indonesian prepaid card. We provide local SIM cards for free for our clients. Country code for Indonesia: 0062

Do I have access to the internet?

In most accommodations, cafés, restaurants, and convenient stores in Bali offer WIFI, you can surf the net and check your emails regularly. You can also purchase affordable monthly internet data for your local SIM card. Price starting from 3 Euros for 2 GB data for 30 days.

Do my electrical devices work in Indonesia?

Indonesian plugs have 220 Volt. However, there are still some older plugs with only 127 Volt, however if you are not going to a rather rural area the Schuko plugs should be fine.

Can I ride/rent motor vehicles in Bali?

To drive motor vehicles in Bali you must possess an “International Driver’s License“, which needs to be presented when renting any motor vehicles. Read more about transportation in Bali.

Can I take a bus to my host company or to travel around?

Sure, there is a public bus system (Teman Bus), which you get from Nusa Dua on the south to Ubud district. However, the buses run on the main streets of Bali and are therefore rather tardy. To cope with smaller distances, there are also the so-called bemo, which are mostly used by locals. Another reliable mini bus is called Kura-kura bus which is more accessible but a bit more pricey than the local bemo, you may buy a one week pass to travel the island and see the route they offer on the website. In general, Balinese and people who live in the island mostly use scooters as means of transportation, and local online public transportation such as Gojek and Grab. Read more about transportation in Bali.

More information needed?

If that wasn’t much of a help and your questions are more specific, please, don’t hesitate to contact us!