Indonesia

Indonesia offers one of the most affordable lifestyles in Southeast Asia for American expats, with a cost of living roughly 62-68% lower than the United States according to Numbeo (March 2026). Bali remains the top expat destination, hosting an estimated 100,000+ foreign residents, with Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak serving as major digital nomad and retiree hubs. Jakarta also maintains a significant expat community centered around business and diplomatic sectors. The country introduced a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (E33G) in 2024, offering tax-free income on foreign earnings and stays of up to five years for remote workers earning at least $60,000 annually. Retirement visa options are available for those 55+ with pension income of $1,500-$3,000/month, and the Second Home Visa allows long-term stays of 5-10 years with a $130,000 bank deposit. Healthcare quality varies significantly by location—JCI-accredited private hospitals in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali offer international-standard care with English-speaking staff, while rural areas have limited facilities. The US State Department rates Indonesia at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to terrorism and natural disaster risks, and the country ranks 49th globally on the 2025 Global Peace Index. English proficiency is low nationally (ranked 80th of 123 countries on the EF EPI with a score of 471), though Jakarta scores significantly higher at 523 (moderate proficiency), and tourist areas like Bali have widespread functional English. Important legal considerations include Indonesia's revised criminal code effective January 2026, which penalizes cohabitation and sex outside marriage, and strict drug laws that can carry the death penalty.