Indonesia

VISAS

Most visitors require a visa to enter Indonesia. This can be arranged either in advance online (e-VOA) or upon arrival (VOA).

The Visa on Arrival (VOA) is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Citizens of eligible countries may apply for a VOA, while some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry. Please check the most up-to-date list before you travel.

The cost of a VOA is IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 35, depending on exchange rates). The same fee applies to extensions. Once issued, the visa must be used within 90 days.

Documents required for e-VOA:

A passport-style photo in 4:6 ratio, minimum 400x600 pixels

A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and two blank pages (a scanned copy/photo of the biodata page is required)

Proof of onward travel (e.g., return or onward flight ticket)

Important Note:
The day of arrival counts as the first day of your stay. For example, if you arrive at 11:59 PM, that is considered a full day. At midnight, it becomes your second day.

Visa rules are subject to change without notice. It is the traveler’s responsibility to confirm current requirements before departure.

BUSINESS HOURS

Private offices: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (often closed for lunch from 12:00 – 2:00 PM)

Shops: Typically open by 10:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM

Restaurants: Many are open until midnight (12:00 AM)

Government offices: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 noon

BANKS & PAYMENTS

Banks operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM and are closed on weekends. Currency exchange counters often have longer hours, especially in tourist areas.

Credit cards and digital wallets are widely accepted in cities.

In rural areas, cash is still the norm.

ATMs dispensing Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) are readily available.

Compare exchange rates before converting large sums—especially at airports or tourist hubs.

CLOTHING

Due to Indonesia’s tropical climate, lightweight cotton clothing is ideal. During the rainy season, carry a light raincoat or umbrella. In the evenings, long sleeves and trousers help protect against mosquitoes.

When visiting religious sites:

Dress modestly: avoid shorts, short skirts, singlets, or revealing clothing.

Remove shoes before entering religious buildings or private homes.

Note: Topless sunbathing is not permitted, even on beaches.

CURRENCY

Official currency: Indonesian Rupiah (Rp or IDR)

Banknotes: Rp 1,000; 2,000; 5,000; 10,000; 20,000; 50,000; 100,000

Coins: Rp 100; 200; 500; 1,000
(Smaller denominations such as Rp 1, 5, or 10 are no longer commonly used.)

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES

Travelers may bring the following items into Indonesia duty-free:

Alcohol: 1 liter

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars, or 100g of loose tobacco

Currency: Amounts exceeding IDR 100 million (or equivalent) must be declared

Tip: Complete your customs declaration online up to 3 days before arrival to save time at the airport.

DO’S AND DON’TS IN INDONESIA

DO:

Greet elders with a slight bow of the head

Dress conservatively at religious sites

Use your right hand (or both hands) to give or receive items

Bargain politely in markets—it's part of the culture

Stay calm and courteous—public anger is frowned upon

Respect religious customs and local traditions

Remove shoes when entering homes or temples

Bring a small gift if visiting someone’s home (it’s opened after your visit)

Carry a hotel business card when exploring

Try local dishes like nasi goreng, satay, gado-gado

Learn basic Bahasa phrases like:

Selamat Pagi (Good morning)

Tolong (Please)

Terima kasih (Thank you)

Carry cash for small purchases in rural areas

DON’T:

Discuss sensitive topics like politics or religion unless you're sure it's appropriate

Engage in illegal activities—drug offenses are heavily punished

Show excessive public affection—hand-holding is fine, but more is discouraged

Use your left hand to give or receive items (seen as impolite)

Dress revealingly outside beach or pool areas

Common respectful titles:

Pak (Mr.) and Bu (Ms./Mrs.) for adults, e.g., Pak Dewa, Bu Putri

Mas and Mbak are used for younger people or peers, especially in Java

ELECTRICITY

Indonesia uses the following plug types:

Type C – Two round prongs

Type F – Two round prongs with side grounding clips

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Travelers from the US, UK, Japan, and Australia will need a plug adapter. European and many Asian travelers may not. Universal adapters are widely available in shops and online.

FOOD

Indonesian cuisine is celebrated for its bold, complex flavors that combine sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements.

Popular national dishes include:

Nasi Goreng – Fried rice with egg and meat or seafood

Sate – Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce

Bakso – Savory meatball soup

Martabak – Savory or sweet stuffed pancake

Rendang – Spiced slow-cooked beef (originating from West Sumatra)

Gudeg – Sweet young jackfruit stew (from Java)

A typical local meal is Nasi Campur (“mixed rice”)—a plate of rice served with assorted vegetables, tofu, meats, and sambal (chili paste).

As an island nation, seafood is abundant, along with chicken and beef. Pork is generally only found in Balinese, Chinese, or Western-style restaurants. Coconut is used extensively in both sweet and savory dishes.

In Bali, Western food is easy to find, especially in areas like Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu, ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Continental breakfasts and international fast-food chains are also widely available.

HEALTH

All international travelers entering Indonesia must complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass—an electronic self-declaration form used for health screening, especially for arrivals from Mpox-affected regions. Upon submission, travelers will receive a QR code required at the port of entry. Some airlines may require it prior to departure.

Vaccinations are generally not required unless arriving from a yellow fever–affected country.
However, malaria and dengue fever remain present in parts of Indonesia, particularly outside major tourist areas. Take appropriate precautions such as mosquito repellent and protective clothing.

Travelers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation. If you take prescription medication, bring an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Food and Water Safety Tips:
Due to the tropical climate, food and water safety should be taken seriously:

Avoid tap water – Use bottled or filtered water, even for brushing your teeth.

Ice – Ask if ice is made from safe, filtered water before consuming.

Hand hygiene – Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.

Street Food:

Choose vendors with high turnover and freshly prepared items.

Eat fruits you can peel (e.g., bananas, oranges, snake fruit).

Avoid pre-cut fruit and raw vegetables from unknown sources.

Ensure meats, seafood, and eggs are thoroughly cooked.

Be cautious with spicy food if you’re not used to it.

These precautions help avoid “Bali Belly”—a common term for stomach issues caused by contaminated food or water. Fortunately, all food venues featured on Destination Asia Indonesia’s food tours are carefully vetted for hygiene, allowing guests to sample local cuisine with confidence.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Bali offers a wide range of accommodations: luxury resorts, boutique hotels, wellness retreats, private villas, family-friendly resorts, eco-lodges, and budget stays. Most hotels provide amenities such as pools, spas, restaurants, and Wi-Fi. Many also offer wellness services like massages and yoga.

Hotel staff in main areas (e.g., reception, restaurants) typically speak English, though occasional miscommunications may occur—patience is appreciated.

Check-in: Usually from 2:00–3:00 PM
Check-out: Typically by 12:00 noon
Late check-out may incur additional charges—request in advance.

INSURANCE

While cities like Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta have quality medical facilities, rural areas may have limited healthcare access.

Private hospitals offer better care but can be expensive. In serious cases, medical evacuation may be necessary, which is extremely costly without insurance.

Ensure your policy covers:

Medical treatment and evacuation

Prescription medication

Vehicle (car/motorbike) rental

Emergency repatriation

Given Indonesia’s road conditions, especially for motorbike riders, adequate insurance is essential.

INTERNET

Internet access is generally reliable in major cities and tourist hubs. Most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and malls offer free Wi-Fi.

For mobile connectivity, prepaid SIM cards with data plans are widely available from providers such as Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat, including at airports and convenience stores. Coverage is strong in urban and tourist areas, though patchy in remote regions.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, a standardized form of Malay spoken nationwide and used to unify the country’s diverse population.

Indonesia also has over 700 regional languages, including Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, Batak, and Minangkabau.

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, particularly among the younger generation and in the hospitality industry. In rural areas, English may be limited, so learning a few basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases is helpful.

PEOPLE

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, with approximately 87% of the population identifying as Sunni Muslim. It is also religiously diverse, with significant populations of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Confucians.

Bali is distinct, with around 80% of its population practicing Balinese Hinduism, a unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous Balinese traditions.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Indonesia observes a variety of public holidays, including:

New Year’s Day

Chinese New Year

Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan)

Eid al-Adha

Independence Day (August 17)

Christmas

Good Friday

Nyepi (Balinese Day of Silence)

Waisak (Buddha’s Birthday)

Note: Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so dates vary each year. Travel may be busier, and some businesses may close during major holidays.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Our trusted local partners offer modern, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers, ensuring safe and efficient travel.

In tourist hubs like Bali, renting a scooter or motorbike is popular. You'll need a valid international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement. Some rental agencies may request a passport or deposit. Always wear a helmet—it’s mandatory.

Ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab are widely used for both car and motorbike transport.

For longer journeys in Java, trains provide a scenic and comfortable way to travel between cities like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya.

RELIGION

Indonesia officially recognizes six religions:

Islam

Christianity

Hinduism

Buddhism

Confucianism

Indigenous beliefs

While urban centers tend to be more secular, rural areas may observe stricter religious customs. Indonesia is generally known for its religious harmony and tolerance.

SAFETY

Indonesia is largely safe for tourists, especially in well-frequented destinations. Still, travelers should remain vigilant:

Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) can occur in crowded areas—keep belongings secure.

Traffic can be chaotic; motorbike accidents are common.

Natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are possible—stay updated via local news.

At airports or markets, be cautious of unofficial taxis or persistent vendors. Use official taxi stands and decline unsolicited offers politely.

With awareness and respect for local customs, most travelers enjoy a safe, trouble-free visit.

SHOPPING

Indonesia is known for its unique handicrafts and artisanal goods:

Batik textiles

Silver jewelry

Wood carvings

Wayang (shadow puppets)

Handmade kites

Paintings

Ceramics

Bali offers the widest selection, but other cities like Jakarta also have great shopping options. Bargaining is common in traditional markets—start low and negotiate politely.

Avoid purchasing items made from endangered species (e.g., ivory, turtle shell, coral, or bone) to support ethical and sustainable tourism.

TIME ZONE

Indonesia spans three time zones:

WIB (GMT+7) – Western Indonesia: Sumatra, Java, West & Central Kalimantan

WITA (GMT+8) – Central Indonesia: Bali, South & East Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara

WIT (GMT+9) – Eastern Indonesia: Maluku and Papua

TIPPING

Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated:

Restaurants: A 5–10% service charge is often included. If not, tipping 5–10% is customary.

Street food/casual eateries: Tipping is not expected but always welcome.

Hotel staff: Tip around IDR 10,000–20,000 (approx. USD 1–2) for bellhops and housekeeping.

WEATHER

Indonesia has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Dry season (May–September): Sunny and humid with temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F).

Wet season (October–April): Heavier rainfall, especially from December to February. Rain often comes in short, intense bursts, typically in the afternoon.

Humidity remains high year-round (70–90%), particularly in coastal areas. Mountainous regions, like Bali’s central highlands or parts of Sumatra, are cooler—especially at night.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

Police: 110

Medical Emergency: 118

Fire Department: 113

Search & Rescue: 115

DISCLAIMER

All information is accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice. External links are provided for convenience and do not constitute endorsement. GoAsia Travel is not liable for any damages arising from the use of this information. We reserve the right to make corrections or updates at any time.