Hiring a Nanny in Bali 2026: Pay Rates & Vetting Guide | Knowmads Bali

Hiring a Nanny in Bali 2026: Pay Rates & The Real Vetting Guide

In 2026, a full-time nanny in Bali typically earns IDR 3,500,000–6,000,000/month (USD $215–$370) depending on experience, hours, and English level. Start with a paid trial week, ask for two local references, and verify their ID card (KTP). For trusted leads, post in the Canggu Expat Mamas Facebook Group or use Bali Nanny Agency (balinanny.com).

---

The Reality of Nannies in Bali

Here's what most newcomers get wrong: they assume a warm smile and a way with kids is enough. It isn't.

Bali has a deep culture of loyalty and family — and most nannies genuinely love the children they care for. But trust is built, not assumed. The expat community is large enough now that there are experienced nannies who've worked with dozens of families, and there are also people presenting themselves as nannies with no real experience and no verifiable history. You won't always be able to tell the difference on day one.

There's also a cultural layer that trips people up. Direct confrontation is uncomfortable for most Balinese. A nanny who's unhappy, confused about expectations, or overwhelmed may not say anything — she'll quietly disengage, or simply not show up one day. This isn't dishonesty; it's conflict avoidance baked deep into the culture. Your job is to create an environment where she feels safe being honest with you.

Don't lowball. Paying a fair wage isn't charity — it's how you build loyalty. A nanny who feels respected and well-compensated will protect your child like her own. One who feels exploited will leave the moment something better comes along, often without notice.

---

Where to Actually Find Good Nannies

Bali Nanny Agency (balinanny.com)

This is the go-to placement service for expat families who want a structured process. Candidates are background-checked, and the agency handles initial screening, which saves you enormous time. You'll pay a placement fee, but for many families — especially those new to Bali — the peace of mind is worth every rupiah. They maintain a roster of experienced nannies and can often match you quickly. Good for families who need English speakers or candidates with infant care experience.

Canggu Expat Mamas Facebook Group

This is the community gold standard. Post here and you'll get real referrals from real families who've actually employed these women. You'll also find the most current rate benchmarks — what people are actually paying right now, not what some outdated forum thread suggested. The group is active, moderators take it seriously, and the community self-polices bad actors. When you post, be specific: ages of your kids, hours needed, whether accommodation is on offer, and what language skills you need. You'll get better responses.

Bali Kids Club (Seminyak)

Less well-known but genuinely useful: Bali Kids Club functions as both a childcare centre and an informal nanny training and referral hub. The staff there know which caregivers are skilled, reliable, and ready for private placement. If you're based in or near Seminyak, this is worth a visit in person. Their network skews toward nannies with actual early childhood training, which matters if you have babies or toddlers.

---

Pro-Tips: What the Locals Know

• Always do a paid trial week. Seven days tells you more than any interview. Watch how she handles tantrums, transitions, and moments when she thinks you're not watching.
• Ask for two references from previous expat families — and actually call them. Don't just text. A five-minute phone call reveals things a WhatsApp reply never will.
• Copy her KTP (national ID card) and keep it. This is standard, not invasive. Any professional nanny will expect it.
• Write a simple written agreement. Cover hours, pay, holidays, sick days, and notice period. Balinese work culture doesn't always use contracts, but expats should. It protects both of you.
• Pay on a fixed date, every time. Inconsistent pay is the number one cause of quiet resentment. Reliability builds trust.
• Galungan and Nyepi are non-negotiable days off. Respect the Balinese Hindu calendar. Asking her to work through major ceremonies damages the relationship permanently.
• Budget for a 13th-month bonus (THR). This is legally required in Indonesia before Lebaran (Eid), even for non-Muslim employees who work for Muslim employers. Many expats also give a year-end bonus. It's expected and it matters.
• Be specific about your parenting style upfront. Screen time rules, nap schedules, food — don't assume alignment. Have the conversation before she starts.
• Night nannies command a premium. IDR 700,000–1,000,000 per night is the current going rate for overnight infant care. Don't expect this to be covered by a standard day rate.

---

A Conscious Note

The nanny relationship is one of the most intimate economic exchanges in expat life — someone you're trusting with your most precious people. Do it with intention. Pay a fair wage (not the minimum you can negotiate), contribute to her BPJS Kesehatan (national health insurance) if she's full-time, and give genuine notice if your plans change. Word travels fast in Bali's expat community, and how you treat your nanny reflects on all of us. The families who invest in their nannies — financially, respectfully, with real relationship — are the ones who end up with someone who stays for years, becomes part of the family, and cares for their children as her own. That's not luck. That's how it works.

---

Quick-Reference FAQ

How much should I pay a full-time nanny in Bali in 2026? Expect to pay IDR 3,500,000–6,000,000/month (roughly USD $215–$370) for full-time hours (8–10 hours/day, 5–6 days/week). More for strong English, infant care specialisation, or live-in arrangements. Always factor in annual THR (one month's salary).

Do I need a formal contract with a nanny in Bali? Legally, Indonesian law covers domestic workers under certain conditions, but practically speaking, a simple written agreement — hours, pay, holidays, notice period — protects everyone and sets clear expectations. Keep it short, translate it to Bahasa Indonesia, and have her sign it.

What are the biggest red flags when interviewing a nanny in Bali? Watch for: no verifiable references from previous employers, vague or inconsistent answers about past work history, reluctance to provide a KTP copy, and excessive focus on salary negotiation before you've even discussed the role. A nanny who has genuinely worked with expat families before will know the process and won't be rattled by standard vetting questions.