Customs and traditions
Islam is widely practiced in Indonesia, which requires respectful dress to avoid misunderstandings. However, Jakarta and Bali are less strict in this regard. In the province of Aceh, where Sharia law applies, appropriate behaviour and dress are recommended, including wearing clothes that cover arms and legs to respect local culture.
Time difference
Indonesia has three main time zones due to its large geographical area:
+7h for example in Bali, Java and Sumatra
+8h, as in Kalimantan and Sulawesi
+9h, for the Moluccas and Papua New Guinea
Be sure to check the specific time zone of the region you are visiting to plan your activities accordingly.
Electricity and internet access
The standard electrical voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. Sockets are type C and F. We recommend that you have a universal plug adapter if you need to plug in your electronic equipment.
For Internet access, many urban areas and hotels offer free or fee-based Wi-Fi. However, in more remote or isolated areas, internet coverage may be limited. It is therefore advisable to find out if Wi-Fi is available where you are staying and to consider purchasing a local SIM card.
Safety
While travelling, you can stay safe by taking simple steps. Keep your personal belongings safe, avoid isolated areas at night and follow local advice on where to go. And make sure you keep your important documents in a safe place for a worry-free trip.
Currency
The currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah. Transactions are mainly in cash, although bank cards are generally accepted in restaurants. Cash machines are readily available in major cities. However, caution is advised when visiting rural areas or smaller towns.
To exchange money in banks, travel agencies and hotels in Indonesia, use dollars issued after 2003 with serial numbers starting with the letter F or later. Damaged notes may be refused or exchanged at a less favourable rate.
Be on the lookout for credit card fraud, even if you are withdrawing cash from a cash machine.
Weather
As a tropical country, Indonesia doesn't follow the classic four-season calendar. It is divided into two seasons, rainy and dry, but these distinctions are relatively similar. Generally speaking, the dry season runs from April to October and the rainy season from November to March, with warm temperatures throughout the year, generally around 28-30°C.
Languages
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language in Indonesia, although Javanese and other regional languages are also used. English is spoken at varying levels in major cities and tourist areas such as Bali and Jakarta, particularly by hotel and airline staff.
Accommodation quality
In Indonesia you'll find a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets and preferences. You can choose from beachfront hotels, elegant boutique hotels, private villas, traditional guesthouses, bungalows or even budget hostels. Indonesia offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit a variety of needs. Please note that hotels are classified as 3-star, 4-star or 5-star according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European 3-star, 4-star or 5-star standards.
Food quality
Indonesian cuisine is renowned for its exceptional quality and unique flavours, reflecting the country's rich cultural and culinary diversity. Iconic dishes such as rendang, nasi goreng and sate offer an explosion of flavours with authentic spices, fresh herbs and local delicacies. From vibrant markets to street hawker stalls and fine dining, there is a wealth of delicious food to choose from. However, it's important to be aware of potential foodborne health hazards when travelling, by choosing bottled water, well-cooked dishes and avoiding raw seafood.
Other topics
It is important to remember that specific regions of the country may require special precautions due to natural hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. It's a good idea to keep up to date with travel advisories, weather warnings and local safety instructions. It's also a good idea to learn a few Indonesian words to make communication easier, although many people also speak English.
