Useful information for visitors in Indonesia

Etiquette

Indonesians don’t like conflict. Friendly, outgoing and peaceful are the norms for interaction. For this reason, saving face and not being caustic are very important for travellers to remember. A handshake is usually the first introduction in a business setting and is used for both greeting and farewell. It is recommended that men be addressed as Pak (equivalent to Mr) and women as Ibu (Mrs). People in Indonesia embarrass easily, so it is considered very rude to do things that would embarrass anybody. These include raising your voice or making accusations. Visitors are expected to show respect toward religion, culture and local values. One may hear oneself being referred to as a boule – this is simply an Indonesian term for a white person or visitor and should not be taken as an insult.

Transport

Flying is the primary and fastest means of travelling medium to long distances. The country has more than 230 airports, 20 of which are international, with a number of domestic airlines offering frequent flights at affordable prices. In Indonesia one drives on the left side of the road, and an international driving licence is required to rent or drive a car.

Traffic in large cities, especially Jakarta, can be very heavy during weekdays (Fridays in particular). Public transportation such as buses (these are different from busway and far more uncomfortable), public vans (called ANGKOT or angkutan kota), metromini and kopaja ( public mini buses), bajaj (India-made bajaj vehicle) and ojek (motorcycle ride) are readily available. Fares for bajaj and ojek journeys should be agreed in advance.

Currency

Investment banks have warned their clients to prepare for the rupiah’s depreciation in 2015, as the US Federal Reserve’s move to hike its interest rates would trigger capital outflows in the region and weaken the local currency. The 2015 budget assumes the rupiah will trade at 11,900 to the dollar.

ATMs are widely accessible, especially in cities, and can be used to withdraw cash using internationally accepted cards. It is advisable to carry dollars as they are usually accepted by banks and money changers.

Business Attire

The normal business attire is a suit or white shirt, tie and slacks for men, and a suit or dress for women. The traditional batik shirt is also commonly worn in the office and is now considered proper business attire, especially on Fridays, which is known as “batik day”. Business cards are commonly used.

Visa

To boost its economy, starting from April 2015, Indonesia has opened visa-free travel to foreigners from an additional 30 countries. Indonesia had previously exempted 15 countries from visa requirements for short visits. These are Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Chile, Hong Kong, Macau, Morocco, Peru and Ecuador. The 30 new countries whose citizens do not need a visa for short visits are China, Japan, South Korea, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, Russia, the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and South Africa.

Health

Stomach upsets and dehydration can affect visitors to Indonesia. It is recommended to drink bottled or boiled water. Health insurance that includes emergency repatriation cover is strongly advised. Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities, but emergency services are generally inadequate outside major cities. When visiting rural areas, travellers should carry plenty of mosquito repellent to protect themselves from mosquitoes, which can carry malaria and dengue virus. Although medical costs are relatively cheap, drugs can be expensive.

Food & Drink

Throughout Indonesia, nasi (rice) remains the main staple and features within dishes of many types. Mi or mie (noodles) is the second-most-common staple food. The spice level of dishes varies, but can often be quite hot due to liberal applications of chilli. Although the country has the largest Muslim population in the world, alcohol is readily available, particularly in hotels, restaurants and bars. Public displays of drunkenness are strongly frowned upon, however.