General information for the traveller new to Indonesia.
Visas
Effective 1 February 2004, nationals of these countries who are going on holiday and/or are attending conventions are allowed to stay in Indonesia of up to 30 days without visa.
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Visas on arrival can be obtained for the nationals of the following countries:
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The cost of visa on arrival is USD10 for up to 3 days stay / 4 days to 30 days is USD25 and extensions are charged at USD20 per day.
All visitors must have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the date of entry as well as a return or ongoing ticket. Nationals from countries not listed above and those wishing to check the ever changing visarequirements shouldcontact your nearest Indonesian Embassy or representative office.
Customs
There are no restrictions on the amounts of foreign currency that can be taken into/out of Indonesia. However, you cannot import or export more than Rp5million. The total cost of gifts taken into the country must not exceed US$100.
Visitors may take the following into Indonesia duty free:
- 1-week stay:
- Alcohol - up to 2 litres
- Tobacco - 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco
- 2-week stay:
- Alcohol - up to 2 litres
- Tobacco - 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 200g of tobacco
- 3-weeks and over:
- Alcohol - up to 2 litres
- Tobacco - 600 cigarettes, 150 cigars or 300g of tobacco
Time
Eastern Indonesia (Iryan Jaya & Maluka): GMT + 9 hours
Central Indonesia (Bali, East Timor, East & South Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara): GMT + 8 hours
Western Indonesia (Central Kalimantan, Jakarta, Java, Sumatra): GMT + 7 hours
Currency
Rupiah (Rp) - Check current exchange rates
1 Rupiah = 100 sen.
Notes issued: Rp50,000, Rp20,000, Rp10,000, Rp5,000, Rp1,000, Rp500, Rp100
Coins issued: Rp1,000, Rp500, Rp100, Rp50
Visitors are advised that currency that has been written on, looks scruffy or is generally older in appearance may not be accepted by establishments. Some guests have also noted that US dollar notes printed prior to 1997 will also not be accepted in Bali.
Tipping
A Government Tax of 11% is added to bills and many restaurants and larger hotels also add a 10% service charge. Additional tipping is optional and 5-10% of the bill is acceptable. Tip porters at your hotel or the airport around Rp2,000 per bag.
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 3.00 pm
Some larger banks are open on Saturday from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm
Language
Bahasa Indonesian is the official language, however numerous local languages are spoken throughout the islands, which vary according to different dialects. English is widely understood in tourist areas and to a very limited extent in rural areas.
Telephone
The international dialling code for Indonesia is 62
When making international telephone calls from Indonesia, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number
Local Telephone Codes
Balikpapan (Borneo) 052 Batam 0778 Bekasi (West Java) 021 Bintan 0771 Jakarta 021 Lombok 0370 Manado (Sulawesi) 0431 Medan 061 South Bali (Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud) 0361 Sumatra 0628 Surabaya 031 Ujung Padang (Sulawesi) 0411 Yogyakarta 0274
Electricity
220V AC 50 cycles is most common, however smaller hotels and rural areas tend to use 110V. It's best to double check before plugging anything in. A torch is a useful item to have as power cuts do occur.
Plugs are two round pin.
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.
Health
Reasonable medical facilities are available in major towns but once outside these areas, medical services tend to be very poor. Make sure that you have adequate health insurance that covers evacuation and consider inoculations against typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis. There is a risk of malaria in many parts of Indonesia and it is recommended that you take advice regarding anti-malarials. It is always best to check thecurrent situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.
International Airports
- Bali - Ngurah Rai
- Borneo - Balikpapan
- Jakarta - Soekarno Hatta
- Medan - Polonia
International Airport Departure Tax
Rp50,000
Domestic Airports
There are numerous domestic airports all over Indonesia providing a vast network of travel options. In addition to the above, the more popular destinations include the following:
- Batam
- Manado (Sulawesi)
- Surabaya
- Ujung Padang (Sulawesi)
- Yogyakarta
Domestic Airport Departure Tax
Rp11,000
Etiquette/Dress Code
Dress is informal in Indonesia but try to wear unrevealing clothes at all times as a mark of respect to the country's predominantly Muslim values. Beach attire is tolerated around the resort areas but outside these regions bearing flesh is considered immodest.
Visitors to temples are expected to wear a sash (you can normally rent these if you don't have one) and women should make sure that their arms and head are covered before entering.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon and it is considered impolite to point. Avoid patting children on the head and do not use your left hand when giving or receiving. As with most Asian countries, it is best to try not to lose your temper. Confrontation is not appreciated and will only worsen rather than resolve any situation.
Diplomatic Missions
Many countries have representative offices and consulates in Indonesia
