Indonesia travel info

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.

Brunei Darussalam
Chile
Hong Kong
Macau
Malaysia

Morocco
Peru
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand

Vietnam

Visas on arrival can be obtained for the nationals of the following countries:

Australia
Argentina
Canada
Denmark
Finland

France
Germany
Hungary
Italy
Japan

New Zealand
Norway
Poland
South Africa
South Korea

Switzerland
Taiwan
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America

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 the current 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

Further Information
Further information on Indonesian culture and tourist attractions.