Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Jakarta and Bali pull in completely different directions, and it's worth treating them as two separate trips rather than one. Jakarta surprised me on payments - plenty of stores there have gone effectively cashless, while the traditional markets run almost entirely on cash, so you end up needing both depending on where you are. The city's malls are a genuine scene in their own right, more varied and interesting than 'mall' suggests. People were consistently warm, and the food range is wide - even if you don't want Indonesian cuisine every day, there's plenty else on offer, and it's reliably good.
Last updated May 2026
Money & Payments
Currency
Rp
Indonesian Rupiah
IDR
Cash Tip
Bills (Rp1,000 to Rp100,000) and coins (Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, Rp1,000) are in circulation, with large denominations common (Rp100,000 ≈ $6.30 USD).
Cash is essential outside major cities and tourist areas in Bali.
ATMs are widely available but charge fees for foreign cards.
Card Rating
How widely cards and contactless payments are accepted
5 / 10.0
Cashless payments are common in urban centers via the standardized QRIS system, though it requires a local mobile wallet (such as GoPay or OVO) linked to an Indonesian bank account. Credit cards are accepted at large commercial establishments, while traditional markets and rural areas operate on cash.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily costs per person
Budget
Meals & Transit
Rp125,000–Rp235,000
Warung (local eatery) meals at Rp15,000–Rp30,000 per meal. GrabBike rides at Rp5,000–Rp15,000 per trip.
≈ $8–$15
Meals & Transit
Rp125,000–Rp235,000
≈ $8–$15
Warung (local eatery) meals at Rp15,000–Rp30,000 per meal. GrabBike rides at Rp5,000–Rp15,000 per trip.
Accommodation
Rp110,000–Rp235,000
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
≈ $7–$15
Accommodation
Rp110,000–Rp235,000
≈ $7–$15
Hostel dorm beds, capsule hotels, or basic guesthouses with shared facilities.
Mid-Range
Meals & Transit
Rp315,000–Rp630,000
Casual restaurants and cafes (Rp50,000–Rp150,000 per meal). Mix of GrabCar and GrabBike rides.
Entry & Documents
Visa Requirements
Check entry requirements for your passport
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
On the Ground
Power & Plugs
Voltage, frequency, and plug types
Type C230V50Hz
Type F230V50Hz
Bring a universal travel adapter to stay powered up regardless of plug type.
SIM Card Guide
Stay connected while traveling
Typical price range
Rp50,000–Rp150,000
≈ $3–$10 USD
Validity: 7–30 day data SIM
Practical Info
Apps & Getting Around
Essential apps and transport info
Transport
- GrabForeigner-friendly
common ride-hailing app in Indonesia. Works for cars (GrabCar) and motorbikes (GrabBike). Accepts international cards.
- GojekForeigner-friendly
Indonesia's homegrown super-app. Ride-hailing, food delivery, and payments. Very popular with locals.
Food
- GoFood (via Gojek)Foreigner-friendly
Food delivery integrated into the Gojek app. Wide restaurant selection in major cities.
Navigation
- Google MapsForeigner-friendly
Functions in Indonesia for navigation. Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity.
Other
Before You Go
Rules & Restrictions
Important laws and customs to be aware of
Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
Legal
- Drug legislation is strictly enforced. Indonesia has the death penalty for drug trafficking. Possession of even small amounts of narcotics can result in lengthy prison sentences.
- Alcohol is restricted in some areas, particularly in Aceh province which follows Sharia law. In Bali and major tourist areas, alcohol is widely available.
- Unmarried couples cohabiting is technically illegal under the revised Criminal Code (KUHP), though enforcement against tourists has been minimal.
- Insulting the President or state institutions is a criminal offence under Indonesian law.
Cultural
- Removal of shoes is customary prior to entering mosques and many homes. Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country.
- Use your right hand for giving, receiving, eating, and handshakes. The left hand is considered unclean.
- Dress modestly outside of beach/resort areas, especially when visiting temples and mosques. Attire must cover shoulders and knees.
Health
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Drink bottled water. Be cautious with ice and raw foods at street stalls.
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