The 12 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Internship in Bali (And How to Avoid Them)

Every year, we support students who come to do their internship in Bali.

Over the years, we've noticed the same mistakes coming up again and again. Some are harmless, others can cost you time, money, or make your experience more complicated than it needs to be.

Here are the mistakes we see most often — and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the wrong neighborhood

This is probably the mistake students regret the most.

Many choose their housing based on price alone.

The result? Some end up more than 45 minutes from their company because of traffic.

Before booking your accommodation, always find out where your company is located.

💡 Bali Interns tip: we always recommend choosing your housing only after your company placement is confirmed, to keep commute times short.

Also read: Bali's neighborhoods for interns

2. Assuming Bali is "really cheap"

Yes... but only if you build the right habits.

Trendy cafés, beach clubs, and some villas can quickly drive your budget up.

On the other hand, plenty of students live very comfortably by mixing local restaurants, cafés, and nights out.

💡 The secret isn't spending less. It's spending smart.

Also read: The cost of living in Bali

3. Starting your internship search way too early... or way too late

Unlike in France, companies in Bali tend to recruit later.

If you start your search a year in advance, some companies don't know their needs yet and may change their hiring plans by the time you're ready.

On the other hand, waiting until the last minute drastically reduces the number of available offers.

Our advice is simple: start your search 2 to 4 months before you leave. That's usually when companies are actively recruiting while having a clear view of their needs.

4. Underestimating traffic

In Bali, ten kilometers can sometimes take almost an hour.

Always choose your housing based on your company's location, not just the price.

5. Trying to see everything in the first week

The beaches, the waterfalls, the temples, the islands...

Breathe. You're staying for several months. Take the time to discover Bali little by little.

6. Renting a scooter without checking its condition

Before leaving the rental shop:

• Check the brakes
• Check the tires
• Test the lights and turn signals
• Take photos of the scooter

A few minutes of checking can save you a lot of trouble.

7. Eating only Western food

Bali's cafés are amazing. But warungs let you discover local food while keeping your budget in check.

The best approach is to mix both.

8. Not planning for the rainy season

Even during the rainy season, it doesn't rain all day.

Always keep a light raincoat in your bag or on your scooter.

9. Arriving with the wrong visa

One of the most important points.

To do an internship in Indonesia, you need the right visa. At Bali Interns, we guide our students through the process for the C22B visa, specifically designed for internships.

Also read: The C22B visa guide

10. Assuming Bali works like France

The pace is different. The culture is different. The way people communicate is different.

Adapting is part of the experience.

11. Not using the right apps

A few apps quickly become essential:

• 🚕 Grab & Gojek — to book a taxi, order food, get groceries delivered, or send a package
• 🗺️ Google Maps — to save addresses, estimate travel times, and discover new places
• 💳 Neobanks — solutions like Wise, Revolut, or N26 usually help limit banking fees on payments and withdrawals abroad
• 📱 An eSIM — having internet from the moment you land lets you book a Grab, use Google Maps, and stay reachable right away

12. Thinking your internship is just a line on your résumé

An internship in Bali isn't just a professional experience.

It's often the first time living alone abroad. The first time working in an international environment. The first time truly stepping outside your comfort zone.

And it's often what students still talk about years after coming home.

Prepare your internship in Bali with Bali Interns

At Bali Interns, we support students from A to Z on their internship project in Bali. Our support includes:

• ✅ Free registration
• ✅ An internship search tailored to your profile
• ✅ Interviews with our partner companies
• ✅ The C22B visa included
• ✅ Advice on housing and settling in
• ✅ Support before, during, and after your arrival

Our commitment is simple: you only pay once your internship is confirmed.

Ready for a unique experience in Bali? Discover our internship opportunities and apply for free