The Trust Guide: How to Verify References for Independent Nannies in Amed
Finding an independent nanny in Amed—one who isn’t tied to a pricey agency—often feels like striking gold. You get a more authentic connection to the local culture, and the nanny often receives a fairer wage directly.
However, the lack of an agency safety net means the burden of vetting falls entirely on you. In a village environment where everyone knows everyone, formal CVs and police checks are rare. Trust is built on reputation, word-of-mouth, and community standing.
For Western parents used to formal background checks, this can feel unsettling. How do you verify someone’s capability to care for your most precious assets when there is no paper trail?
This guide will walk you through the culturally nuanced process of verifying references for independent nannies in East Bali.
The Mindset Shift (Village vs. City)
Before you begin calling references, you must adjust your expectations to the Amed context.
In Western countries, a reference check is a formal assessment of professional competency. In a Balinese village, it is an assessment of character within the community.
Amed is a series of small fishing villages. Reputation is everything here. If a woman is known in her Banjar (local community neighborhood) as reliable and kind to children, that is often a stronger guarantee than any certificate. Your goal is to tap into this community knowledge.
Soliciting the Right References
When you interview a potential independent nanny, ask for two types of references. You need a mix of perspectives to get a full picture.
The Previous “Western” Employer
This is your gold standard. Ask for the WhatsApp contact of a previous tourist or expatriate family they worked for.
- Why: They understand your specific anxieties regarding water safety, hygiene standards, and discipline styles. They can speak your language—literally and culturally.
The Local Community Pillar
If they haven’t worked for many Westerners, ask for a local reference who holds some standing. This could be the manager of the villa where they previously worked, a local school teacher, or even the owner of a respected warung.
- Why: This person vouches for their character, honesty, and standing in the village.
Red Flag Warning: If a nanny claims to have worked for many tourist families over several years but cannot provide a single WhatsApp contact for a past employer, proceed with extreme caution.
The Method of Contact (WhatsApp is King)
Do not send emails. Do not expect formal letters. In Bali, business happens on WhatsApp.
When reaching out to a previous employer (Type A reference), a text message is okay to start, but always try to upgrade to a quick voice call or voice notes.
You learn much more from the tone of voice, hesitant pauses, or enthusiastic gushing than you ever will from a typed text.
The Interview Script (Asking Better Questions)
The mistake many parents make is asking “Yes/No” questions like, “Was she a good nanny?” In Balinese culture, which values harmony and avoids direct confrontation, people will almost always say “Yes” to be polite.
You need to ask open-ended, behavioral questions that force a descriptive answer.
The Essential Questions to Ask Previous Employers:
- Instead of: “Was she reliable?” Ask: “How did she handle days when she was sick or had a ceremony? Did she give you much notice?”
- Instead of: “Did the kids like her?” Ask: “My child can be tricky at meal times/nap times. How did she handle those difficult moments with your kids?”
- Instead of: “Was she safe?” Ask: “We are staying near a pool and the ocean. How proactive was she regarding water safety? Did you ever have to remind her?”
- The Crucial Wrap-up Question: “We are nervous first-timers in Bali. Is there anything at all, even small, that you think we should be aware of to make the relationship work smoothly?”
Decoding the “Cultural Silence”
This is the hardest part for Westerners. When speaking to local references (Type B), or even some long-term expats who have adopted local ways, you have to listen to what is not said.
Balinese culture is rarely directly critical. If a previous employer was unhappy, they won’t usually say, “She was terrible and lazy.” They might say:
- “She was okay for a short time.”
- “She is very nice, but maybe better for older kids.”
- A long pause before answering, followed by faint praise.
If the reference is genuinely good, the praise is usually effusive: “Oh, Ibu Kadek is wonderful, part of our family, we missed her so much when we left.”
If you sense hesitation, dig gently: “I sense you might have had a small issue. It would really help me to know, just so I can manage it better.”
The Final “Village Vouch”
Once you have checked the references provided by the nanny, do one final independent check on the ground in Amed.
Ask the manager or host of the villa/homestay where you are currently staying. Show them a photo or tell them the name of the nanny and her village. Ask simply: “Do you know Ibu [Name]? Is she known as a good person in the village?”
If your host looks uncomfortable, changes the subject, or gives a lukewarm response, take that as a major warning sign. If they smile widely and say, “Oh yes, her cousin works here, good family,” you can feel much more secure.
Trust But Verify (With a Trial)
Verifying references in Amed is an exercise in cultural navigation. By asking the right open-ended questions and learning to read the subtle cues of community reputation, you can find incredible independent nannies.
However, references only get you through the door. The final step is always a paid trial day. No matter how glowing the references, you must observe the chemistry between the nanny and your child with your own eyes before committing to a longer arrangement.