Bali is a popular holiday destination for Australians, but what happens if a loved one passes away while overseas? The unexpected death of a family member in a foreign country can be distressing, especially when dealing with legal processes, repatriation, and funeral arrangements.
At eziFunerals, we aim to make difficult times easier by guiding families through the steps required when someone dies in Bali. This article will explain what to do, who to contact, and how to bring a loved one home.
Immediate Steps: What to Do First
If someone dies in Bali, follow these steps:
Contact Local Authorities
The first step is to notify Indonesian authorities so they can issue an official death certificate. You should contact:
- The local police station (Polisi)
- The hospital or medical facility where the person passed away
- The Australian Consulate in Bali
📌 Australian Consulate-General in Bali
📍 Location: Denpasar, Bali
📞 Phone: +62 361 2000 100
🌐 Website: dfat.gov.au
Obtain a Local Death Certificate
The Indonesian Death Certificate is required for legal processes and repatriation. This will be issued in Bahasa Indonesia, but you may need an official English translation.
Notify the Australian Government
The death must also be registered with the Australian Government. You can do this through:
- The Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT)
- The Australian Embassy in Jakarta
DFAT can help with:
✔️ Repatriation assistance
✔️ Death certificate translations
✔️ Notifying next of kin
Repatriation: Bringing a Loved One Home
If you wish to bring the deceased back to Australia, this process is called repatriation. It involves:
Hiring a Repatriation Service
Repatriation requires specialist funeral directors who handle international body transport. Some reputable providers include:
•Bali Funeral Repatriation Services
Required Documents for Repatriation
To transport a body or ashes from Bali to Australia, you will need:
✔️ Indonesian Death Certificate (translated into English)
✔️ Certificate of No Communicable Disease (to confirm the person did not die from an infectious disease)
✔️ Embalming & Sealing Certificate (if sending a body)
✔️ Permit to Transport Human Remains
Estimated Costs of Repatriation
The cost to repatriate a body from Bali to Australia varies based on factors like airline fees, documentation, and funeral services.
- Body Repatriation: $10,000 – $20,000+
- Ashes Repatriation (Cremation in Bali + Flight to Australia): $3,000 – $7,000
💡 Tip: Check if the deceased had travel insurance, as many policies cover repatriation costs.
Alternative Option: Cremation in Bali & Returning Ashes
If repatriation is too expensive, another option is cremation in Bali followed by returning the ashes to Australia.
Cremation Services in Bali
Cremation can be arranged through local funeral homes in Bali. Some Western-style cremation services are available, but traditional Balinese Hindu cremations may be different from what families expect.
Transporting Ashes to Australia
To bring ashes home, you’ll need:
✔️ Cremation Certificate from Bali
✔️ Permit to Transport Human Ashes
✔️ Declaration at Australian Customs
Most airlines allow ashes to be carried in hand luggage, but check with your airline for specific policies.
Legal & Insurance Considerations
Before planning repatriation or cremation, check whether the deceased had:
✔️ Travel Insurance – Many policies cover repatriation and funeral expenses.
✔️ Life Insurance – Could provide financial support for funeral costs.
✔️ A Will – Determines funeral wishes and estate distribution.
💡 Tip: Contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if you need help with insurance claims.
Organising a Funeral in Australia
Once the body or ashes arrive in Australia, you can arrange a funeral or memorial service through a funeral provider. eziFunerals helps families:
✔️ Compare funeral directors & prices
✔️ Choose burial or cremation services
✔️ Arrange memorials or celebrations of life
🔎 Get an instant funeral quote now at eziFunerals.
What If You Need Help?
Dealing with a death overseas is complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Here are some support services:
- Australian Consulate in Bali – Assists with legal paperwork & repatriation
- DFAT Crisis Support – Available 24/7 for Australians overseas
- Funeral Directors in Australia – Can help with repatriation & funeral planning
- Travel Insurance Providers – May cover costs for repatriation or local cremation
📌 Need Help? Contact eziFunerals for Funeral Assistance.
Final Thoughts
Losing a loved one in Bali is a heartbreaking and complex situation, but knowing the right steps can make the process smoother. Whether you choose repatriation or local cremation, it’s essential to follow legal requirements, seek professional assistance, and consider the costs involved.
At eziFunerals, we help Australian families navigate funeral arrangements with ease. If you need help with repatriation, funeral planning, or finding an affordable funeral service, contact us today.
💙 eziFunerals – Australia’s Trusted Funeral Planning Service.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
