Money :
Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency can easily
be exchanged at banks, hotels and money changers in major tourist destinations; US dollars
is the most accepted currency. Cash often yields a better exchange rate than travellers
cheques, which are not always accepted. It is recommended that travellers cheques also be
in US dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and stores
catering to the tourist trade. ATMs are available in main centres. Small change is often
unavailable so keep small denomination notes and coins for items like bus fares,
temple donations and cool drinks.
Time :
Indonesia spans three time zones. GMT +7 (West, including Java and Sumatra),
GMT +8 (Central, including Bali, Sulawesi and Lombok), GMT +9 (East, including Irian Jaya).
Electricity :
Electrical current is 120/230 volts, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European
two-pin and UK-style three-pin.
Language :
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but many dialects are spoken. English is widely
understood in Jakarta and tourist resorts.
Health :
There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Indonesia and medical advice
should be taken at least three weeks before departing. Malaria is a year round risk
except in Jakarta, other large cities and the tourist resorts of Java and Bali. The
dengue fever mosquito is found throughout Indonesia and visitors should be aware
of a significant increase in reported cases of dengue fever throughout all the country's
provinces during the rainy season. Outbreaks of chikungunya fever, also from mosquitoes,
have occurred regularly in Indonesia in recent years. Visitors to Java and Sumatra are
advised to ensure all polio inoculations are up to date before travel. Outbreaks of bird flu
have also occurred. Human cases have been reported, and many people have died from the
disease; Indonesia has the world's highest death toll from the virus. Travellers are
not at risk but are advised to avoid close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds,
and ensure that all eggs or poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked as a precaution. Outbreaks
of Anthrax and leprosy occur. Travellers' diarrhoea is a major risk; visitors should only
drink sealed bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit.
Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and
other diseases. The standard of local medical care is poor and very expensive. It is essential
that you take out full medical and travel insurance covering all eventualities. A yellow fever
certificate is required from those travelling from infected areas.
Tipping :
Major hotels add a 10% service charge to bills. Where it is not included, a tip of between 5% to 10%
of the bill, would be appreciated. Airport porters usually receive around Rp 2,000 per small
bag. Tipping taxi and rental car drivers is not mandatory, but if you do choose to tip,
Rp 1,000 is sufficient for taxi drivers and a little more for rental car drivers.
Safety :
Following the bombings in Bali in October 2005, there remains a high risk of terrorism
directed against foreigners throughout the country and reports indicate that terrorists are
planning further attacks on Westerners and western interests and are likely to be carried
out at locations frequented by tourists. Extreme caution is advised in public places,
including transport terminals, shopping malls and public buildings, and especially in
restaurants, hotels and places of entertainment in tourist areas. The security
situation remains unsettled in Sulawesi and foreigners are advised to avoid parts of Maluku,
particularly Ambon, and Central Sulawesi. Visitors are also advised to be cautious if
travelling to Aceh. Religious violence between Christians and Muslims and unstable politics
has also made many parts of Indonesia unsafe for travellers; there is continued risk of
harassment of Westerners by fundamentalists. Indonesia has a high crime rate and theft
and petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. Credit card fraud is on
the increase. It is strongly recommended that visitors contact their foreign office for the
latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia. Flooding and landslides occur frequently
during the rainy season between December and March. In May 2006 a severe earthquake near
Yogyakarta in Central Java caused massive damage and disruption to infrastructure,
and killed over 5,000 people. A major earthquake in the Indian Ocean in
July 2006 triggered a tsunami that hit the south coast of Java in Indonesia, killing
over 500 people, and displacing about 500,000 more. All houses and hotels along Pangandaran
beach were destroyed. Another earthquake in March 2007 hit Sumatra killing at least 50 people,
and an earthquake and its aftershocks in September 2007 caused damage and destruction to
Sumatra. The safety of air travel in Indonesia has come under the spotlight following a
series of fatal airline accidents; six of its airlines have failed to meet international
safety standards, including the national carrier, Garuda, and in June 2007 the EU
announced that all Indonesian airlines have been banned from entering the EU.
Customs :
Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while they understand that western
culture is different to their own, it will be appreciated if their customs are respected.
Religious customs should also be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when
eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the
Muslim culture. Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of affection.
It is considered impolite to use the left hand for passing or accepting things. Appropriate
dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering
the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas. The concept of 'saving face' is very
important and public displays of anger, and personal ridicule and blame are considered
extremely vulgar and bad mannered. In Jakarta a new law bans people from giving money to
beggars, buskers and unofficial traffic guides in an attempt to 'bring order' to the city.
Offenders could face up to six months in jail and $5,000 fines. Gambling is illegal.
Business :
The Indonesian climate is hot and tropical, so although formal business attire is expected,
a light, cool material is the best option. Indonesia is largely Muslim so dress should
be conservative, especially for women. Business cards are often exchanged and it is
customary to shake hands with a slight bow when greeting and leaving. Some Indonesian
names can be long and hard to pronounce and making an effort to get it right when greeting
someone will be appreciated. It is best to use formal titles such as Doctor, or 'Bapak' for
Mr. and 'Ibu' for Madam. Business hours vary, government offices are usually open from
7am to 3pm and small businesses from 8am or 9am to 4pm or 5pm.
Duty Free :
Travellers to Indonesia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or
100g tobacco; alcohol up to 1 litre; perfume for personal use; and personal goods to the value
of US$250 per passenger or US$1,000 per family. Travellers not entering on a tourist visa
will have to pay duties for photo and film cameras unless these have been registered in
their passport by Indonesian Customs. Electronic equipment may not be imported to the
country. Prohibited items include Chinese medicines and prints, narcotics, firearms
Communications :
The international access code for Indonesia is +62. The outgoing code is 001 or 007 followed by
the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). When using Voice Over
Internet Protocol, the outgoing code is 017. It is not necessary to dial the first zero
of the area code. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 36 for Bali and 21 for Jakarta. For
operator-assisted international calls, phone 101. The local mobile phone operators use
GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes
are available in the main towns and resorts.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 110 (Police); 118 (Ambulance).
