Last updated: 23 Apr 2012
Visiting
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Indonesiatourism.com - www.indonesiatourism.com
Indo.com - www.indo.com
Expat.or.id - www.expat.or.id
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.