Essential Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Nanny in Bali.
Finding the right nanny in Bali can transform your family holiday (or your life as an expat) from chaotic to blissful. However, cultural differences and varying standards of care mean you need to ask specific questions to ensure safety and compatibility.
Here are the essential questions to ask during the interview process, categorized by priority.
1. The “Safety First” Questions (Non-Negotiables)
Since many Bali villas have open pools and the ocean is never far away, safety is your top priority.
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“Can you swim, and are you comfortable being in the pool with the children?”
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Why ask: Many local Indonesians cannot swim or are not confident in deep water. If your villa has an unfenced pool, this is critical.
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“Do you have current First Aid or CPR training?”
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Why ask: While not all nannies have this, premium nannies (especially those from agencies) often do. It’s a huge plus.
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“How would you handle a medical emergency? Do you know where the nearest hospital (BIMC or Siloam) is?”
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Why ask: Tests their local knowledge and crisis readiness.
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“Do you smoke?”
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Why ask: Smoking is common in Indonesia. Ensure they understand your strict rules about smoking around the kids or on the property.
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2. Experience & Capability
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“What ages of children have you looked after most recently?”
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Why ask: Caring for a newborn is vastly different from managing a high-energy toddler. Ensure their recent experience matches your child’s age.
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“Can you provide phone numbers for your last two Western/expat employers?”
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Why ask: Written references can be faked or outdated. Speaking directly to a previous employer (even via WhatsApp) is the best verification.
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“How do you discipline or handle a tantrum?”
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Why ask: Cultural styles differ. Some local nannies may be too permissive (avoiding conflict) or use methods you aren’t comfortable with. You want to align on “gentle parenting” or whatever your style is.
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3. Logistics & Transport
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“Do you have your own scooter and a valid license?”
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Why ask: You want to ensure they can get to work reliably without you needing to pick them up.
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“Are you comfortable riding on a scooter with my child, or do you prefer cars only?”
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Why ask: If you strictly forbid your child from being on a motorbike (a common safety rule for tourists), you need to set this boundary immediately.
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“Are you available on public holidays or during ceremonies?”
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Why ask: Bali has many religious ceremonies (Galungan, Kuningan, village temple odalan) that require locals to return to their village. Clarify if this will affect their schedule.
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4. Job Scope & Expectations
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“Are you willing to prepare meals for the children?”
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Why ask: Some nannies are excellent cooks; others only do childcare. If you want them to prep simple meals (pasta, fruit, sandwiches), ask upfront.
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“Are you comfortable with pets?”
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Why ask: If your villa has dogs (or if you brought yours), ensure they aren’t afraid of animals.
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“How do you feel about working overtime or doing a late-night shift?”
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Why ask: If you plan on having date nights that go past midnight, check if they have a curfew or transport issues late at night.
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5. The “Scenario” Test
Give them a real-life situation to see how they think.
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“If my child refuses to eat lunch and throws the food on the floor, what would you do?”
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“If the power goes out at the villa (common in Bali) and the AC stops, how do you keep the baby comfortable?”
Pro-Tip for Hiring in Bali:
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The “Trial” Day: Never hire long-term without a paid trial day. Watch how they interact with your child while you are there. Do they get on the floor and play, or do they sit on their phone?
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Salary vs. “All-Inclusive”: If hiring privately (not through an agency), clarify if the rate includes their petrol and food, or if you are expected to provide “uang makan” (meal money). Most tourist rates are all-inclusive, but it’s good to be clear.
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