Overview
Everything you need to know before visiting Indonesia. From visa requirements to local customs, we've compiled the essential information to help you travel confidently and avoid common pitfalls.
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)
Best SIM Provider
Telkomsel
Main Ride App
Grab
Payment
Cash preferred
⚠️ Important Entry Restrictions
- Extreme drug penalties: Indonesia enforces the DEATH PENALTY for drug trafficking. Even small amounts can result in years in...
View full entry requirements
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa requirements vary based on your passport country. For the most accurate information, always check with your country's embassy or the official immigration website.
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B211A Digital Nomad Visa
Indonesia offers a special visa for remote workers. Allows 6-month stay, extendable. Proof of remote employment and income required.
Official applicationMedication Restrictions
Controlled substances
Indonesia has EXTREMELY strict drug laws. Some medications containing codeine, pseudoephedrine, or other controlled substances may be prohibited. Carry detailed doctor's letters with prescriptions.
⚠️ Penalty: Severe penalties including death sentence for drug trafficking
General prescription medications
Carry medications in original packaging with prescription. Bring only reasonable personal supply. When in doubt, check with the Indonesian embassy before travel.
Essential Apps
GrabEssential for cars and motorbikes
GojekIndonesia's homegrown super-app
Notes for Visitors
- Grab and Gojek work with international cards
- GoPay (Gojek) and OVO require Indonesian phone number for full features
- Download offline maps - data coverage can be spotty in rural areas
SIM Cards & Internet
Get a local SIM at the airport. Telkomsel has the best nationwide coverage. XL Axiata and Indosat are good alternatives. Data is very cheap.
- eSIM works with Airalo, Saily
- 4G coverage good in cities and Bali, spotty in remote islands
- WiFi available in hotels and cafes, speeds vary greatly
WiFi Reliability
Variable. Good in Bali tourist areas and Jakarta. Slow or unavailable in rural areas and smaller islands.
eSIM Options
Skip the airport SIM queue with an eSIM
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Money & Banking
Cards vs Cash
Cash is king outside of Bali's tourist areas and Jakarta malls. Cards accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and large stores. Markets, warungs (local eateries), and rural areas are cash-only. Always carry rupiah.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs at banks (BCA, Mandiri, BNI). Avoid standalone ATMs. Max withdrawal usually 1,250,000-3,000,000 IDR. ATM skimming is common - check for tampered machines.
Tipping Culture
Not traditionally expected but appreciated. Restaurants: 5-10% if no service charge. Tour guides: 50,000-100,000 IDR/day. Spa: 10-15%. Porters: 10,000-20,000 IDR per bag.
- Large denominations can be confusing - 100,000 IDR is only about $6 USD
- Always carry small bills (1,000-10,000 IDR) for tips and small purchases
Recommended Travel Cards
Avoid foreign transaction fees with these travel-friendly cards
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Getting Around
From the Airport
Airport bus to various city points
Available at major airports. Most convenient option.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Rail Link to BNI City Station
Pre-book for convenience, especially for Bali
Local Transport
Most convenient. Available for cars and motorbikes (ojek).
Bus rapid transit. Clean, cheap, women-only section.
Modern metro, limited coverage but expanding
Fastest in traffic. Book through Grab/Gojek for safety.
Driving & Rental Cars
International Driving Permit required
Indonesia requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive or rent a car legally. Rental agencies often won't ask — but if you're pulled over, local police may require it and fines can be significant. Also required if your license isn't in the local language or script. Costs around $20, takes about a week, and you can't get one once you've left.
Side of road
Left
Min rental age
21
Detailed road rules aren't available for Indonesia yet — check with your rental agency on arrival.
Renting a car in Indonesia
- Book early for busy seasons, and book an automatic ahead of time if you need one (manual is the default in many countries)
- Choose a "full to full" fuel policy so you only pay for the fuel you use
- Use a credit card in the driver's name, since the desk will hold a deposit on it
- Photograph or film the car at pickup, including every existing scratch
- Ask about tolls, cross-border fees and extra drivers before you sign
- Minimum rental age here is 21, and drivers under 25 often pay a young-driver fee
EconomyBookings
Compare rental car prices in Indonesia across hundreds of agencies — often cheaper than booking direct.
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Safety & Accessibility
For Women Travelers
- Generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in Bali
- Dress modestly in conservative areas (Java, Sumatra)
- Use Grab/Gojek rather than hailing transport on the street
- Avoid isolated beaches at night
LGBTQ+ Friendliness
Homosexuality is not illegal in most of Indonesia (except Aceh province which has Sharia law). However, society is largely conservative. Discretion is strongly advised. Bali is more accepting than other regions.
- Be discreet about relationships
- Bali is the most accepting region
- Avoid PDA everywhere
Wheelchair Accessibility
Accessibility infrastructure is limited. Sidewalks are often uneven or nonexistent. Few buildings have ramps or elevators. Major hotels and resorts in Bali may have better accessibility.
- Major hotels in Bali have some accessibility features
- Public transport has very limited accessibility
- Hiring a private driver is the most practical option for mobility-impaired travelers
Pickpocket Hotspots
- Jakarta buses and trains
- Kuta Beach (Bali) at night
- Crowded markets in Yogyakarta
- Tourist areas in Ubud
Travel Insurance
Don't travel without coverage
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Scams to Watch Out For
Money changer scams
Rigged calculators or sleight of hand at money changers give you less than the displayed rate.
Prevention: Use bank ATMs. If exchanging, count every note carefully. Avoid changers offering rates too good to be true.
Broken motorbike scam
Rental companies claim pre-existing damage when you return a scooter and demand payment.
Prevention: Photo/video the scooter thoroughly before renting. Document every scratch.
Temple donation scam
Unofficial 'guides' at temples demand large donations or fees.
Prevention: Pay only at official ticket counters. Politely decline unsolicited guides.
Traveler Safety Essentials
Traveler Safety Essentials
These safety tips apply everywhere you travel. Small habits can prevent the most common security problems travelers face — from phone theft to home break-ins.
Don't forget anything
Turn these tips into a trackable checklist so nothing slips through the cracks.
Weather & Climate
Indonesia's climate varies by region. Here's a seasonal overview to help you plan.
Dec – Feb
24-31°C (75-88°F)
Very High rainfall
Peak wet season
Mar – May
24-33°C (75-91°F)
Medium rainfall
Transition to dry season
Jun – Aug
23-31°C (73-88°F)
Low rainfall
Dry, cooler nights
Sep – Nov
24-33°C (75-91°F)
Medium rainfall
Transition to wet season
Packing Tip
Check the specific month you're traveling for detailed packing suggestions. Weather can vary significantly by region and elevation.
BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Shop on AmazonSun hoodie (UPF)
Lightweight UPF layer that covers your arms and neck, so you skip reapplying sunscreen all day. Sized by fit — pick your cut.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
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Tap Water
Don't drink the tap water.
Use sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled or treated, for drinking and for brushing your teeth. Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water. Check that the bottle seal is unbroken, because refilled bottles are sometimes sold.
A travel water filter can help, but filters differ. One that removes bacteria and parasites does not remove viruses, so for that you need a purifier, or you can boil the water. Boiling is the best way to make water safe.
Sources: CDC, food and drink considerations when traveling; CDC, water treatment while hiking, camping and traveling.
Power & Electricity
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Plug Types
C, F
European-style Type C/F plugs. US/CA devices need adapter and may need converter for older electronics.
What You May Need
- •From US/Canada/Japan: Likely need adapter and possibly converter for non-dual-voltage devices
- •From UK: Likely need adapter, voltage usually compatible
- •From Europe/Australia: Check plug type, voltage usually compatible
EPICKA 70W GaN travel adapter
3 USB-C + 2 USB-A ports with 70W GaN fast charging, so the whole family's devices charge off one plug. Not a voltage converter.
Shop on AmazonAnker power bank
A dead phone is as useless as a stolen one. Compact fast-charging backup power.
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Most modern phone chargers and laptops work with 100-240V. Check your device's power adapter for compatibility before traveling.
Language & Communication
Languages Spoken
Official Language(s)
English Proficiency
English spoken in Bali tourist areas, hotels, and some Jakarta business districts. Very limited elsewhere. Learning basic Bahasa Indonesia is highly recommended.
Essential Phrases
Terima kasih
Thank you
teh-REE-mah KAH-see
Selamat pagi
Good morning
seh-LAH-mat PAH-gee
Berapa harga?
How much?
beh-RAH-pah HAR-gah
Tidak
No
TEE-dahk
Permisi
Excuse me
per-MEE-see
Makan
Eat / Food
MAH-kahn
Dietary Options
🌱 Vegan Friendly
Tempeh and tofu are staples in Indonesian cuisine. Bali has an excellent vegan scene. Outside Bali, vegan options are limited but possible. Watch for shrimp paste (terasi) in dishes.
🥗 Vegetarian Friendly
Tempeh, tofu, and vegetable dishes widely available. Say 'tanpa daging' (without meat). Watch for hidden shrimp paste and fish sauce in many dishes.
🌾 Gluten-Free Friendly
Rice is the staple food. Many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free. Be careful with soy sauce (kecap) which contains wheat.
Traveling with a Pet
Requires pre-clearance tracking, localized clinical validation, and advanced government import licenses.
Timeline
30-45 days minimum
Quarantine Risk
Medium if permit missing
Regulatory Framework
Advance Government No Objection Certificate (NOC) / Import Permit.
Key Constraints
Banned from commercial flight cabin spaces on specific airlines. Supplementary vaccine sets required.
Pet Culture
Highly structured or fragmented urban terrain. Best within dedicated expat pockets and private developments.
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Cultural Tips
Remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and mosques
Dress modestly at temples - sarong and sash often required (usually provided)
Use your right hand for eating and handing things to people
Indonesians are very warm and hospitable - smile and greet people
Bargaining is expected at markets - start at 30-50% of asking price
Never touch someone's head - it's considered the most sacred body part
Local Quirks & Fun Facts
Bali and Java are completely different worlds - Bali is Hindu, Java is Muslim
Indonesian time ('jam karet' = rubber time) means schedules are very flexible
Nasi goreng (fried rice) is the unofficial national dish - every warung has its own version
Learning 'terima kasih' (thank you) and 'permisi' (excuse me) goes a long way
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Only visiting Bali - Java, Lombok, Flores, and Komodo are incredible
Drinking tap water - always use bottled water
Not bargaining at markets - you'll pay 3-5x the local price
Wearing revealing clothing at temples or in conservative areas
Underestimating travel times between islands
Not carrying cash - most places outside tourist areas are cash-only
Tours & Experiences
Book ahead — the best tours sell out fast.
Tours and experiences in Indonesia
Browse bookable tours, tickets and day trips on Viator, our tours partner.
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Gear to make your trip easier
Pack smart
4BAGAIL compression packing cubes
Six compression cubes plus vacuum bags and a hand pump, so you can squeeze bulky items down hard when mesh alone isn't enough. Sold as a bundle; every piece is also available on its own.
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Notabag packable backpack/tote
Folds into its own pocket, then opens into a backpack or tote for market runs, day trips, and overflow on the way home.
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FYY electronics organizer
Keeps chargers, cables, and adapters untangled in one place, so you're not digging through your bag at security.
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TSA toiletry containers (3oz set)
Refillable, TSA-approved bottles so you carry your own products in a carry-on without the airport surprise.
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Rest on the way
7Mavogel sleep mask
Blocks light completely for sleep on planes, in bright rooms, or across time zones — contoured so nothing presses on your eyes.
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Sea to Summit Aeros neck pillow
Inflatable, so it packs down to nothing but still holds your head up on long flights and buses.
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Twelve South AirFly SE
Pairs your own headphones with any 3.5mm jack — seatback screens, gym equipment, whatever doesn't have Bluetooth. Reusable, so you're not relying on (or wasting) a disposable pair every flight.
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Children's EarPlanes
Reduces the pressure change in a child's ears during takeoff and landing — less pain, less crying. 3-pair value pack.
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Pedialyte electrolyte powder packets
Single-serve oral rehydration packets — lightweight, no fridge needed, and often not available at your destination.
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Compression socks
Keep your legs from swelling and aching on long flights and bus rides — the cheap habit frequent flyers swear by.
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Loop Quiet earplugs
Reusable, low-profile earplugs that dull engine drone, snorers, and noisy streets so you actually rest.
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Keep it safe
9
NordPass
Keep every login and a passport photo encrypted, so losing your phone doesn't lose your accounts. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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NordVPN
Encrypts your connection on sketchy public and hotel WiFi. Use code TRAVELREDDI for 4 months free on a paid plan.
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Apple AirTag
Slip one into a checked bag, daypack or even your wallet, then find it in Find My. For iPhone users.
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Tile tracker
The same idea for Android and iPhone. Great in luggage, a daypack, or a wallet.
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Pacsafe crossbody
Locking zippers and a slash-resistant strap. The bag I wish I'd had when mine got unclipped.
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Peak Gear money belt
A hidden belt for cash and a backup card, out of reach of pickpockets.
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Guard Dog door lock
For when you're in the room. Adds a sturdy lock to almost any hotel or rental door so no one can open it while you're inside or asleep.
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TSA locks with cable
For when you're out. Use the cable to lock your bags to each other or to a fixed piece of furniture, so they're harder to grab and more obvious if someone tries. TSA-approved, 2-pack.
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TORRAS phone lanyard
Keeps your phone on your body, much harder to snatch out of your hand.
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Weather ready
3BAODINI mini umbrella
Packs into a daypack and blocks both UV and sudden downpours — a travel-day staple when the forecast can't make up its mind.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Diveblues portable fan
Rechargeable handheld fan for hot, humid days and stuffy transit — stands hands-free when you need both hands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd suggest to a friend.
Nearby destinations
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