Travel to Indonesia
Practical & Cultural Guide

Citizens of ASEAN member states, Brazil, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and several other countries enjoy visa-free entry for 30 days (non-extendable) at main international airports (Jakarta, Bali, Lombok, Surabaya, Yogyakarta).

For stays of 30–60 days, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) costs IDR 500,000 (approx. €30), extendable once for another 30 days. The online e-VOA is now the most convenient option.

The Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) lets you obtain your Indonesian visa online before departure, avoiding queues on arrival. Apply at the official portal evisa.imigrasi.go.id. Processing takes roughly 10 minutes once your documents are properly uploaded.

e-VOA holders can use the fast-track autogates at international airports for rapid border clearance.

Source: Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration

Since October 2025, the All Indonesia platform (allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id) integrates three declarations in one:

• Digital Arrival Card
• SATUSEHAT health declaration
• Electronic Customs Declaration (E-CD)

It is free of charge and must be completed up to 3 days before arrival via the website or the mobile app.

Source: imigrasi.go.id

Yes. Since February 2024, every international tourist entering Bali must pay a mandatory provincial levy of IDR 150,000 (approx. €9 / USD 10).

Payment options:

• The official lovebali.baliprov.go.id website
• The Love Bali mobile app (iOS / Android)

The fee is separate from your visa and is verified on arrival. Keep the QR receipt on your phone.

Source: lovebali.baliprov.go.id

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Indicative exchange rates: 1 EUR ≈ 17,500 IDR · 1 USD ≈ 16,000 IDR.

Prices may look large due to the high denomination — a bottle of water costs around 5,000 IDR (approx. €0.30), while a daily scooter rental runs 70,000–100,000 IDR. Always carry small notes for markets and warungs.

ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Typical withdrawal limits are 1,250,000–2,500,000 IDR per transaction. Local ATM fees range from 25,000–50,000 IDR.

Tipping is not compulsory but is warmly appreciated, especially in tourist restaurants (5–10% is generous). At traditional villages such as Sade on Lombok, guides work primarily on tips — a contribution of 20,000–50,000 IDR is appropriate.

Recommended for all travellers: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Polio. For longer stays or off-the-beaten-path travel: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese encephalitis.

Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your departure date.

No. Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Indonesia. Use only factory-sealed bottled water (brands: Aqua, Le Minerale, Club) for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Avoid ice cubes at street stalls unless they are cylinder-shaped with a hole through the middle — this shape indicates they are made from purified water at commercial factories.

Only consume alcohol from reputable, established venues. Stick to factory-sealed bottles from recognisable brands. If you suspect poisoning, call 112 immediately.

Overall, yes. Indonesians are known for their warmth and hospitality, and violent crime against tourists is rare.

The most common issues are petty theft and bag-snatching in busy tourist areas. Stay aware on beaches and in crowded markets.

Indonesia is one of the world's most ethnically diverse nations, with more than 1,300 distinct ethnic groups: Javanese (approx. 40%), Sundanese (approx. 15%), Balinese, Sasak (Lombok), Batak, Madurese, Papuans and many others.

Each region has its own language, music, arts and culinary traditions. Bahasa Indonesia serves as the unifying national language across all groups.

• Use your right hand to give, receive, eat and point — the left hand is considered unclean.
• Remove shoes before entering a temple, mosque or private home.
• Cover shoulders and knees when visiting any place of worship.
• Do not touch children's heads — the head is considered the most sacred part of the body.
• Avoid public displays of affection — even holding hands can attract disapproval outside tourist areas.

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. English is widely understood in tourist areas (Bali, Lombok Kuta, Jakarta), in hotels and at airports. In more rural areas, basic Indonesian phrases go a long way — locals genuinely appreciate any effort to speak their language.

• Nasi Goreng — Indonesian fried rice; considered the national dish.
• Sate — Grilled meat skewers served with spiced peanut sauce.
• Rendang — Slow-cooked, deeply spiced beef originating from West Sumatra.
• Gado-Gado — Mixed vegetable salad with a rich peanut dressing.
• Soto — A fragrant, spiced broth with meat or vegetables; dozens of regional variants.
• Ayam Betutu — Balinese whole chicken marinated in bumbu spice paste and slow-roasted.

Choose busy stalls with high turnover — fast turnover means fresh food. Prefer dishes cooked in front of you. Avoid pre-made sauces sitting at room temperature and unpeeled raw fruit from unknown sources.

Yes, plenty. Good vegetarian choices include Gado-Gado, Tahu (tofu), Tempe (fermented soy cake), Pecel (vegetables in peanut sauce) and Urap (steamed vegetables with spiced coconut).

Tell staff: "Saya vegetarian" (I am vegetarian). Also add "tidak pakai daging" (no meat) as some dishes contain trace amounts of meat stock or shrimp paste.

• Gojek & Grab — Ride-hailing, food delivery and courier services. Having both gives you more options.
• WhatsApp — The universal communication channel in Indonesia. Hotels, guides and local businesses all use it.
• Google Translate — Download the Indonesian language pack for offline use before you travel.
• Maps.me / Google Maps — Download offline maps for your destinations in case of weak signal.
• Traveloka — The best app for booking domestic flights, ferries and hotels across Indonesia.

Get an eSIM before departure (providers: Airalo, Nomad, Holafly) for instant data from the moment you land — no queue at a shop needed.

Alternatively, buy a physical SIM card from Telkomsel (widest coverage, especially in rural areas and on Lombok) at the airport arrivals hall or at official stores. Bring your passport — SIM registration requires ID by law.

Power sockets in Indonesia are Type C/F (two round pins, as used across most of Europe and Asia). Voltage is 230V / 50Hz.

• US plugs (Type A) require an adapter.
• UK plugs (Type G) require an adapter.
• Most modern USB-C chargers and laptops accept 100–240V and do not need a voltage converter — check the label on your charger.

• Dry season: April – October — ideal for Bali, Lombok, Java and Komodo. Clear skies, calm seas, excellent conditions for trekking and diving.
• Rainy season: November – March — short but intense afternoon downpours. Travel is still very possible; mornings are often clear.
• Low season (wet months) = fewer crowds and lower prices, but beaches may collect debris after storms.
• Papua / Maluku — these eastern islands follow the reverse pattern: their dry season runs September–March.

Indonesia has a tropical humid climate with temperatures of 26–32°C in coastal lowlands year-round. Mountainous areas are cooler — around Mount Rinjani (Lombok) and Ubud (Bali) temperatures can drop to 18–22°C at night.

Humidity averages 70–90% throughout the year. Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothing. A compact rain jacket or poncho is useful during the wet season, especially for motorbike rides.

The Sasak are the indigenous people of Lombok, representing approximately 80% of the island's population. Predominantly Muslim, they have a distinct culture that blends Islamic traditions with ancient animist customs.

The Sasak are renowned for their songket hand-weaving (intricate brocade textiles) and their traditional thatched-roof houses. The village of Sade, near Kuta Lombok, has been continuously inhabited for more than 15 generations.

The village of Sade (near Kuta, south Lombok) is free to enter and open to visitors. A local guide from the village will accompany you — a tip of 30,000–50,000 IDR is appreciated and supports the community directly.

You will discover traditional bamboo and thatched architecture, live weaving demonstrations and ancestral ceremonial objects.

• Rinjani trekking — Indonesia's second-highest volcano (3,726 m), with a stunning crater lake. 2–4 day guided treks available.
• South coast beaches — Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak offer sweeping white sand and calm turquoise water.
• Gili Islands — Three car-free islands (Gili Trawangan, Meno, Air) famous for snorkelling, sea turtles and relaxed beach life.
• Waterfalls — Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep near Senaru are spectacular and easy to reach.
• Craft villages — Sukarara (weaving) and Banyumulek (pottery) offer direct access to Sasak artisans.