Indonesia
Archipelago of wonders — 17,000 islands, one unforgettable journey
Currency
Rp
IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
IDR
Cashless Payments
5 / 10
Moderately cashless-friendly
Indonesia's cashless adoption is growing rapidly in cities, led by GoPay (Gojek) and OVO. QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) is a unified QR payment system accepted at many merchants. Credit cards work at hotels, malls, and chain restaurants. However, markets, warungs, and rural areas are still heavily cash-based. Always carry Rupiah.
Cash Advice
Bills (Rp1,000 to Rp100,000) and coins (Rp100, Rp200, Rp500, Rp1,000). Large denominations are common — Rp100,000 ≈ $6 USD. Cash is essential outside major cities and Bali tourist areas. ATMs are widely available but charge fees for foreign cards.
Daily Budget Guide
Meals & Transportation only — excludes accommodation · Prices in IDR
Rp125,000–Rp235,000
≈ $8–$15 USD
Warung (local eatery) meals at Rp15,000–Rp30,000 per meal. GrabBike rides at Rp5,000–Rp15,000 per trip.
Rp315,000–Rp630,000
≈ $20–$40 USD
Casual restaurants and cafes (Rp50,000–Rp150,000 per meal). Mix of GrabCar and GrabBike rides.
Rp950,000+
≈ $60+ USD
Fine dining and resort restaurants (Rp300,000–Rp1,000,000+ per meal). Private drivers and domestic flights.
Tipping Guide
Restaurants
Tipping 5–10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants, especially in tourist areas. Some restaurants add a service charge. At warungs, tipping is not expected.
Hotels
Tip bellboys Rp10,000–Rp20,000 per bag. Housekeeping Rp20,000–Rp50,000 per day. Appreciated but not mandatory.
Taxis / Drivers
Rounding up the fare is common. Private drivers and tour guides typically receive Rp50,000–Rp100,000 per day.
Visa Requirements
Select your passport to view visa requirements.
Official Links
🔒Always verify you are on official government domains (.gov). Be cautious of third-party sites charging fees for free government services.
- 🔗Visa on Arrival / e-VOA
Official Indonesia e-Visa on Arrival application portal by the Directorate General of Immigration
- 🔗Ministry of Tourism
Official tourism website with destination guides and travel information
- 🔗Immigration
Directorate General of Immigration — entry requirements and visa information
- 🔗Customs & Prohibited Items
Indonesia Customs — what you can and cannot bring into Indonesia
Rules & Restrictions
⚠️ Always verify current laws before travel. Laws can change and penalties vary.
⚖️Legal
- Drug laws are extremely strict. 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
- Remove shoes before 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. 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.
Apps & Getting Around
Indonesia's transport varies dramatically by island. In Jakarta, the TransJakarta BRT (bus rapid transit) and MRT are modern and efficient. Grab and Gojek are essential for getting around cities. Domestic flights (Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, Citilink) connect the major islands. In Bali, renting a scooter is common but requires an international driving permit. Ferries connect nearby islands. Ojek (motorcycle taxis) via apps are the fastest way through traffic.
Transport
- GrabTransport✅ Foreigner-friendly
Dominant ride-hailing app in Indonesia. Works for cars (GrabCar) and motorbikes (GrabBike). Accepts international cards.
- GojekTransport✅ Foreigner-friendly
Indonesia's homegrown super-app. Ride-hailing, food delivery, and payments. Very popular with locals.
Food
- GoFood (via Gojek)Food✅ Foreigner-friendly
Food delivery integrated into the Gojek app. Wide restaurant selection in major cities.
Navigation
- Google MapsNavigation✅ Foreigner-friendly
Works well in Indonesia for navigation. Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity.
Other
- TravelokaOther✅ Foreigner-friendly
Southeast Asian travel booking app. Book domestic flights, hotels, and activities. Often has better local prices than international platforms.
Public Holidays 2026
Plan Your Trip
These are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Power & Plugs
Type
Type C
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
Type
Type F
Voltage
230V
Frequency
50Hz
SIM Card Guide
Typical price range
Rp50,000–Rp150,000 (approx. USD $3–$10) for a 7–30 day data SIM
Telkomsel
Indonesia's largest network with the best coverage across the archipelago. Tourist SIM (simPATI) available at airports.
XL Axiata
Good coverage in Java and Bali. Tourist packages available at airports and convenience stores.
Indosat Ooredoo
Competitive data rates. Available at airports and Indomaret/Alfamart stores.
Suggested Attractions
Borobudur Temple (Central Java)
World's largest Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage site. Sunrise tours are popular.
Ubud Rice Terraces (Bali)
Tegallalang Rice Terraces with stunning green landscapes. Small entry fee and optional guided walks.
Komodo National Park
Home to the Komodo dragon. Boat trips from Labuan Bajo. Park entry fees apply.
Mount Bromo (East Java)
Active volcano with dramatic sunrise views. Jeep tours available from nearby towns.
Uluwatu Temple (Bali)
Clifftop temple with ocean views and traditional Kecak fire dance performances at sunset.
Raja Ampat (West Papua)
World-class diving and snorkeling destination. Remote but spectacular coral reefs and marine life.