Welcome to Indonesia 😊

Quick Facts About Indonesia

Money and Finances

Indonesia's currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Notes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 IDR. Coins come in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 IDR.

ATM Network

ATMs are easily accessible in major cities across Indonesia, but may be less common in more rural areas. Most ATMs in Indonesia accept major credit cards and debit cards.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are generally accepted at larger businesses in Indonesia, particularly in major tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than AMEX, which may only be accepted at select locations.

Internet and Phones

The average internet speed in Indonesia is 7.5 Mbps for downloads and 2.5 Mbps for uploads. There is some government interference in internet use, with occasional blocking of certain websites.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Major telco companies in Indonesia include Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around IDR 100,000 (about USD 7) per month. There may be sim compatibility issues when using foreign sim cards.

Dialling to Indonesia

To call Indonesia from another country, dial +62 followed by the area code and local number. The most common area codes in Indonesia are 021 for Jakarta, 022 for Bandung, and 031 for Surabaya.

Transport Around Indonesia

Air Travel

Indonesia has many airports, with the major ones being Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, and Surabaya Juanda International Airport. These airports connect to many other cities within Indonesia as well as international destinations.

Train Travel

Indonesia has a train network that connects major cities on the island of Java. Some example ticket prices include IDR 60,000 ($4 USD) for a business class ticket from Jakarta to Bandung, and IDR 145,000 ($10 USD) for an executive class ticket from Jakarta to Surabaya. Journey times can vary, but for example, the Jakarta to Bandung train journey takes around 3 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Jakarta has a metro system called the Jakarta MRT, which currently has two lines. Other major cities in Indonesia do not have metro systems.

Buses

Indonesia has an extensive bus network, with both government-run and private companies offering routes throughout the country. Some example ticket prices include IDR 100,000 ($7 USD) for a bus from Jakarta to Bandung, and IDR 200,000 ($14 USD) for a bus from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Journey times can vary but generally take several hours.

Rideshare

Go-Jek and Grab are two popular rideshare companies in Indonesia, offering both car and motorcycle rides. Prices vary depending on the distance and time of day, but for example, a 30-minute car ride in Jakarta may cost around IDR 50,000 ($3.50 USD).

Driving by Car

Driving in Indonesia can be challenging due to the often chaotic traffic conditions and poor road infrastructure outside of major cities. The speed limit on most roads is 50 km/h in urban areas and 80 km/h on highways. Indonesia drives on the left side of the road.

Local Customs

In Indonesia, tipping is not a common practice, but it is appreciated in tourist areas. When greeting, locals usually shake hands or nod, but in some areas, a slight bow is also acceptable. Indonesians are generally friendly towards strangers and enjoy socializing. However, it is important to remember that public displays of affection are frowned upon. Men and women in Indonesia generally address each other formally using titles or honorifics, such as 'Bapak' (father) or 'Ibu' (mother).

Health and Diseases

Medical System

The healthcare system in Indonesia varies from region to region and is often lacking in rural areas. Private healthcare is generally better than public healthcare in Indonesia, although it is more expensive. Some common health concerns in Indonesia include diarrhea, dengue fever, and rabies. Visiting a doctor in Indonesia can cost approximately IDR 200,000-500,000 ($14-35 US dollars). It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses when visiting Indonesia.

COVID Situation

Indonesia has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with high numbers of cases and deaths. The government has implemented various measures to control the spread of the virus, including lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings. Vaccines are being administered, with priority given to healthcare workers and the elderly. However, there has been some criticism of the government's handling of the pandemic and reports of vaccine shortages in some areas.

Common Health Risks

In addition to COVID-19, visitors to Indonesia should be aware of the risk of other infectious diseases. Malaria is a concern in some areas, particularly during the rainy season. Dengue fever is also common, especially in urban areas. Travelers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent. Food and waterborne illnesses, such as typhoid and cholera, are also a risk in Indonesia. It is recommended to only drink bottled or boiled water and to avoid raw or undercooked food.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Indonesia, alcohol consumption is legal for non-Muslims. However, there are strict regulations on its distribution and sale. It is prohibited for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol, and drinking in public places is also prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

The use and possession of recreational drugs such as cannabis is strictly forbidden in Indonesia. Offenders can face long prison sentences, and in some cases, the death penalty.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Although pre-marital relationships are not technically illegal in Indonesia, the country is predominantly Muslim and conservative. This means that public displays of affection, or having intimate relationships outside of marriage, can be frowned upon and may lead to social consequences.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Indonesia is known for its conservative stance on LGBTQ rights. Homosexuality is not illegal, but there are no provisions to protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination. Same-sex marriages are not recognized, and LGBTQ couples can face harassment and arrest.

Firearms / Guns

Indonesia has strict laws around the use and ownership of firearms. Only licensed individuals are permitted to own guns, and the country also prohibits the possession of firearms by foreigners or non-residents. Penalties for breaking these laws can be severe, including imprisonment or the death penalty.

Regions in Indonesia

There are many wonderful regions to visit in Indonesia, browse through each to see what to visit.

67 Popular Travel Destinations in Indonesia