We've rounded up all of the basics you need to know about Indonesia prior to your trip.
entry requirements/visas
Most countries are able to travel to Indonesia for 30 days, without acquiring a visa. If you'd like to stay longer, you must get the VOA (Visa on Arrival) at the airport for 350,000IDR, and then apply for an extension during your visit at one of the immigration offices for an additional 500,000IDR. If you'd like to learn more about the extension process, check out our how to guide here.
CLIMATE
Indonesia is a tropical country, and located near the equator, which results in a hot and humid temperature year-round.
Dry Season: May to September
Wet Season: October to April
Dry Season: May to September
Wet Season: October to April
currency
Indonesian Rupiah: $1CAD = 11,516IDR / $1USD = 16,325IDR - As of March 2020.
Check https://www.xe.com/ for up-to-date exchange rates, as well as downloading the app here (Android, iOS), to use while you're in Indonesia, or traveling elsewhere.
Check https://www.xe.com/ for up-to-date exchange rates, as well as downloading the app here (Android, iOS), to use while you're in Indonesia, or traveling elsewhere.
tipping
It is not mandatory to tip in Indonesia. Most hotels and restaurants have a service charge included in the bill. However, if it is not included and the service exceeded your expectations, you're more than welcome to leave a little extra to show your gratitude, and it will be greatly appreciated. When in doubt, you can always just round up to the nearest rupiah.
language & phrases
We always, always, always recommend learning at least a few basic phrases prior to traveling to a new country to show your respect.
Bahasa is the official language in Indonesia.
Hello = Halo
Good morning = Selamat pagi
Good night = Selamat malam
How are you = Apa kabar
Good = Baik
Please = Silahkan
Thank you = Terima kasih
Yes = Iya
No = Tidak
How much? = Berapa banyak?
Bathroom = Kamir mandi
Spicy = Pedas
Not spicy = Tidak pedas
Delicious = Lezat
Beer = Bir
Beautiful = Cantik
We recommend downloading Google Translate (Android, iOS) prior to your trip and then downloading 'Indonesian'. Once that's done, you can translate words and phrases and offline download them, to use while you're traveling around Indonesia.
Bahasa is the official language in Indonesia.
Hello = Halo
Good morning = Selamat pagi
Good night = Selamat malam
How are you = Apa kabar
Good = Baik
Please = Silahkan
Thank you = Terima kasih
Yes = Iya
No = Tidak
How much? = Berapa banyak?
Bathroom = Kamir mandi
Spicy = Pedas
Not spicy = Tidak pedas
Delicious = Lezat
Beer = Bir
Beautiful = Cantik
We recommend downloading Google Translate (Android, iOS) prior to your trip and then downloading 'Indonesian'. Once that's done, you can translate words and phrases and offline download them, to use while you're traveling around Indonesia.
power plugs & sockets
In Indonesia the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Religion & culture
Most of Indonesia practices Islam, while most of Bali practices Hinduism. Always dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) while and conduct yourself appropriately when visiting temples and holy sites.
festivals & holidays
Ramadan: Dates vary, as they change every year - Always research first. Muslims in Indonesia will fast for one month, and most restaurants will be closed. However, as most of Bali is Hindu, this does not apply to Bali.
Nyepi: Balinese "Day of Silence" - Every Isakawarsa (Saka New Year) according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. During Nyepi, every single person must stay inside, both locals and tourists. Everything is also closed from the airport, to bars, restaurants, shops and more. You must be quiet inside of your hotel room, and not have lights shining through your window at night. There is also no internet on Nyepi.
Nyepi: Balinese "Day of Silence" - Every Isakawarsa (Saka New Year) according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. During Nyepi, every single person must stay inside, both locals and tourists. Everything is also closed from the airport, to bars, restaurants, shops and more. You must be quiet inside of your hotel room, and not have lights shining through your window at night. There is also no internet on Nyepi.
Food & Bev
Local mom and pop shops are called 'Warungs', where you will find Indonesia's staples - Mie Goreng which is fried rice, and Nasi Goreng, which is fried noodles. Both typically come with chicken (ayam in Bahasa), vegetables, and a fried egg on top. If you're like it spicy, be sure to say, "pedas", and if you don't want it spicy you'd say, "tidak pedas".
Bintang and Bali Hai are the local lagers, which you'll also see everywhere.
Also, do not drink the tap water! Go ahead and purchase yourself a water bottle with a filter, and fill up at your accommodations.
Bintang and Bali Hai are the local lagers, which you'll also see everywhere.
Also, do not drink the tap water! Go ahead and purchase yourself a water bottle with a filter, and fill up at your accommodations.
toilet paper
Do NOT flush it! Indonesia's sewage system cannot handle it. Also, bring it out and about with you, as most public toilets do not have toilet paper. But then again, this could be your opportunity to get used to the 'bum gun', as this is more sanitary anyway!