What You Need To Know If You’re Traveling To Indonesia

Traveling to Indonesia soon, but afraid you might forget something important? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip and leave your worries behind! Follow this practical guide full of useful information and get ready to embark on a beautiful adventure!

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Entry requirements

As in most countries, Indonesia has a 30-day visa waiver program. 13 countries are here concerned (most of them in Asia). You can find the list of the countries requiring the A1 visas on the official website or on your embassy’s website.

But for other countries, you’ll need to apply for a B1 tourist visa or VoA (Visa on Arrival), delivered directly at your point of arrival (airport, port, land border), costing IDR 500,000 ($30) and allowing you to enter the country for a maximum of 30 days, extendable for another 30 days. Of course, you can also apply for an e-VoA directly online and renew it directly on the website too.

Here’s what you’ll need to obtain one and enter Indonesia:

• your passport: valid 6 months beyond your arrival date
• fill out the SATUSEHAT Health Pass before your entry (since August 2024 because of the Mpox outbreak)
• an outbound ticket from Indonesia

Good to know: there’s also a new tourist tax of IDR 150,000 ($9) if you intend to visit Bali!

For more information on visas and requirements, but also to apply for a visa, don’t forget to visit the official website!

Money

The Indonesian Rupiah is the official currency of the country. As an indication, $1 is currently equivalent to IDR 17,000.

In regard to other monetary questions you might have while traveling in Indonesia, such as the tipping culture, you should know that this is not a general custom. But for the more touristy experiences, such as a tour or various excursions, tipping will always be appreciated.

As a general rule, and if you really want to tip: giving a 10% tip in a normal, warung-type restaurant is the best way to go. It shows your consideration and appreciation. Just try not to overdo it, as Indonesians are rather discreet and won’ t really like you showing off your wealth by tipping excessively.

Language

As Indonesia is a country with around 750 dialects (I can picture you goggling at your screen), you may be wondering how you’re going to survive and make yourself understood during your trip.

Well, don’t worry, because even though the country has many dialects, it’s also the world’s first trilingual country: Bahasa Indonesian, Javanese and English. Reassured now?

For more unique facts about Indonesia, check out my other article here!

SIM/eSIM

Although I love traveling in Indonesia with only my offline map, I also tend to love visiting remote areas, so if you’re like me, chances are you’ll need a SIM card at some point.

The two best telephone network operators are Telkom Indonesia and Indosat, which offer great coverage and affordability. Plus, they also do eSIM!

Remember to bring your passport along with you if you want to buy a SIM card: you’ll need it to register!

Health

There aren’t really any mandatory vaccines for traveling in Indonesia, but there are, however, a number of recommendations you’re free to consult directly on the CDC website, as well as a few health tips you should be aware of.

But as always when traveling abroad, there’s one thing you should always take out: travel insurance! Because you never know what might happen, and with it, you can also travel stress-free!

Things you should avoid doing in Indonesia

If you don’t want to be seen as a rude traveler or risk ending up in jail, it goes without saying that you should always inform yourself on the culture, customs and rules of the country.

Here are a few tips to follow when traveling in Indonesia:

• Respect the culture: I actually shouldn’t have to include it because it’s a given but I will anyway. Also remember to avoid wearing only swimwear and revealing clothes in towns.
  And please respect the dress code for entering a temple.

• Don’t touch people’s head or point your feet: both are considered disrespectful.

• Don’t show too much affection in public: it’s a bit frowned upon.

• Don’t touch or step on the Canang Sari or religious offerings you see on sidewalks… in Bali.

• Use your right hand to eat, give, take anything… as the left hand is considered dirty (it’s used to clean yourself after going to the toilet).

• Don’t show directions or things with a pointing finger (rude) but use your thumb or palm.

• Don’t drink tap water, unless you want to be sick for the duration of your trip.

That’s a wrap on the things you need to know when planning your trip to Indonesia! Any other information you’d like to know or share with people traveling to Indonesia? Feel free to leave a comment!

Want to know what you should absolutely include in your packing list for a trip to Southeast Asia? Here are my 20 must-haves!