(Last updated: 23 Apr 2011)

Visas

Australians should note that certain visa rules apply for entry into Indonesia. Travellers should seek advice from the nearest Indonesian Embassy or Consulate prior to arrival. The visa fee is US$10 for a three-day visit and US$25 for 30 days. This advice should be read in conjunction with General Advice for Australian Travellers, and regional timely bulletins issued by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta provides consular advice and embassy bulletins for travellers and those Australians living in Indonesia.

Climate

The climate of Indonesia is tropical. The east monsoon, from June to September, brings dry weather, while the west monsoon, from December to March brings rain. Thunderstorms can happen at any time of the year and sudden flooding of roads and consequent traffic jams are common during the wet season. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C, except at higher altitudes, and humidity is high (60–100 per cent). Heaviest rainfall is recorded in December and January.

For weather details in Indonesia, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Jakarta is the principle gateway for entry into Indonesia. With its huge tourist trade, Bali gets almost as much traffic. Flights from Singapore to Jakarta are cheap and, as it is a major travel hub in the region, it may be cheaper to fly to Singapore from where you can reach Jakarta by air or ship.

Indonesia is well serviced with domestic flights between the major cities. Most flights depart from Jakarta International Airport (Soekarno-Hatta) at Cengkareng, about 40-60 minutes drive from the city.

Surabaya has an hourly shuttle service (from Soekarno-Hatta) and services to Bandung (from Halim) are frequent, if a little unreliable, as bad weather can cause cancellations.

Allow at least an hour to get to Soekarno-Hatta airport in Jakarta as traffic jams and rain can cause major delays. The airport toll road is subject to flooding during the monsoon. When departing Indonesia, ensure you have Rp 100,000 in cash for your airport departure tax. For those flying within Indonesia, airport taxes vary from Rp15,000 to Rp20,000, depending on the airport of departure.

Ground transport

When using taxis in Indonesia, it is helpful to have the address of your destination written down in case the driver has difficulty understanding your pronunciation. A rough idea of where you are going can also help, although most taxi drivers will stop and ask locals for directions if they are unsure of the way. Although frequently wrong, locals often offer advice without actually knowing the way.

Being overcharged by taxi drivers is not uncommon. Ask hotel staff about the average fare for a particular journey. Have some change on hand as taxi drivers often do not have smaller notes. A 10 per cent tip is the norm.

In Jakarta, taxis from the Blue Bird Group, in particular Silver Bird taxis are recommended and can be booked from most hotels or at the airport. If you have a tight program, or are going to out of the way locations, it is often a good idea to book a taxi for the full day. The cost is less than a standard hire car and driver.

Contact details:

Blue Bird/Silver Bird
Jl Mampang Prapatan Raya No 60
Jakarta Selatan 12790
Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 794 1234 or 798 1001

Buses and small-motorised vehicles known as Bajajs in Jakarta are not recommended. On 15 January 2004 a new Busway Trans-Jakarta transportation system started in Jakarta, connecting major business districts. Further expansion of the system is expected in the near future.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Indonesia. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

Drink only bottled water.

Avoid specific types of seafood, such as clams and ensure that everything you eat is freshly cooked.

Although Java and Bali are considered malaria free, there is malaria in other parts of Indonesia. If travelling to other areas, askyour doctor whether malaria exists and what medication is best to bring with you.

Below are some common terms to use if you are sick:

• An upset stomach is ‘sakit perut’
• A headache is ‘sakit kepala’
• ‘Masuk angin’ means you have a cold
• If you feel nauseous say, ‘saya mual’
• A ‘dokter’ is a medical practitioner
• A ‘dokter gigi’ is a dentist

If you are travelling outside the city, carry tissues or wet towelettes to keep your hands clean after using bathrooms, as there maybe no soap, towels, or paper.

Your hotel will know a doctor on call.

Tipping

Tipping is not very widespread in Indonesia. Hotels and most restaurants always add a service fee to their bills. With taxis, it is usual to add around 10 per cent. It is always advisable to have some small change handy for taxi fares and small purchases, as shops don’t carry a lot of change.

Time zones and time differences

Indonesia has three time zones:

• Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB): covers the islands of Sumatra, Java, Madura, Western and Central Kalimantan. They are three hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
• Central Indonesia Standard Time: covers Bali, East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores and Timor. They are two hours behind AEST.
• East Indonesian Standard Time: covers Maluku and Irian Jaya (New Guinea). They are one hour behind AEST.

To find out the current time in Jakarta, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Indonesia's country code is 62.

For calls to Indonesia from Australia dial: 0011 + 62 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Indonesia to Australia dial: 001 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Most businesses, government offices and banks open from 8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Other smaller businesses are open for half a day on Saturday.

Shops are open from 10.00am to 10.00pm, Monday to Sunday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day
May 3 – Birthday of Prophet Muhammad SAW
June 3 – Waisak Day
August 17 – Indonesian Independence Day
September 13 – Ascension of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W
December 25 – Christmas Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The basic monetary unit in Indonesia is the rupiah (Rp). Denominations of coins range from 25 to 1000 rupiah. Notes range from 100 to 100,000 rupiah.

Major foreign currencies can be exchanged for Indonesian rupiah with banks and authorised money exchangers at airports and in all of the major cities of Indonesia. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in supermarkets, department stores and tourist centres.

Foreign visitors may freely bring in foreign currencies or other types of foreign exchange. When leaving Indonesia, you may freely take out all the foreign exchange that you brought in. The maximum amount of Indonesian currency that you are permitted to take out without prior authorisation is A$2000 per person.

Electricity and water

Indonesia’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. Outside Jakarta, however, it is sometimes 110 volts. Plugs vary but are generally two-pin, European type. Electricity is not very reliable and occasional blackouts do occur, but most hotels and many factories have their own back-up generators.

Dining

Indonesia offers almost all types of cuisine from all over the world. From fine dining and specialty restaurants to many warung and kaki lima (small food stalls) in Jakarta. However, we do not recommend that you dine in these local food stalls. Food in most shopping mall restaurants is relatively cheap and is priced around A$6-8 per person.