Travel Guide
Currency Indonesia
What is the currency of Indonesia?
The official currency of Indonesia is Rupiah which is Issued and controlled by the Bank of Indonesia. The currency code for Rupiahs is IDR, and the currency symbol is Rp. By law, all transactions are required to be conducted in rupiah, and information on the daily exchange rate can be found in newspapers or from the internet and online apps. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and large stores.
Indonesian banknotes come in denominations of IDR1000, IDR2000, IDR5000, IDR10000, IDR20000, IDR50000, and IDR100000. Coins in circulation include IDR1000, IDR500, IDR200, IDR100, and IDR50.
Where can I buy and exchange currency?
You can exchange foreign currency in major cities throughout the archipelago at banks and money changers. Most tourists’ resorts have money changer facilities; however, if you are traveling to more remote areas it is advisable to exchange your money beforehand. If you need a large amount of foreign currency, and you don’t have a foreign currency account at your bank, it is best to order the money the day before. Local banks keep a limited amount of foreign currency in their smaller branches.
Are ATMs easily accessible?
ATMs on the international Plus/Cirrus or Alto networks are common in all major Indonesian cities and tourist destinations. Limitation withdrawal is depending on your respective home bank. Machines are loaded with IDR50,000 denomination notes or IDR100,000 denomination notes, as indicated on the machine; however keep in mind that the bigger notes can be harder to split, especially in rural non-tourist areas. It is also best to withdraw some money from an ATM in major cities before venturing onto more secluded destinations.
Language
What is the main language of Indonesia?
Bahasa Indonesia is the national and official language of Indonesia and is used in the entire country. It is the language of official communication, taught in schools and used for broadcast in electronic and digital media. Most Indonesians also have their own ethnic language and dialect, with the most widely spoken being Javanese and Sundanese. Some ethnic Chinese communities continue to speak various Chinese dialects, most notably Hokkien in Medan and Teochew in Pontianak.
Do people speak or understand English?
English is not widely spoken, however, an acceptable level of English can be understood in a number of major cities and tourists’ destinations including Bali, Batam, Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta. Moreover, most hotel and airline staff can also communicate in English on a basic to moderate level.
What are some common phrases in Bahasa that can help me?
Indonesian pronunciation is relatively easy to master. Each letter always represents the same sound and most letters are pronounced the same as their English counterparts. The following are examples of some of the common phrases in Bahasa Indonesia that can be useful in conversation:
- Good Morning = Selamat Pagi
- Good Day = Selamat Siang
- Good Afternoon = Selamat Sore
- Good Evening/Good Night = Selamat Malam
- Goodbye = Selamat Tinggal
- How are you? = Apa Kabar
- I’m Fine/Good/Great = Baik-baik (as an answer to Apa Kabar)
- Excuse me = Permisi
- Sorry = Maaf
- Please = Silahkan
- Help! = Tolong!
- Thank You = Terima Kasih
- You’re Welcome = Terima kasih Kembali
- Yes = Ya
- Tidak = No
- Mr/Sir = Bapak
- Ms/Ms/Madam = Ibu
- Miss = Nona
- How much/many = Berapa
- How much is it (price)? = Berapa Harganya?
- Where is… = Dimana….
- How to get There = bagaimana caranya kesana?
- I want… = Saya Mau…
- I don’t want… = Saya Tidak Mau…..
Plugs & Electricity
A Guide to Plugs and Electricity in Indonesia
Charging your phone, laptop and other important gadgets is essential, especially during trips like this. For your trip to Indonesia, understand that plugs and electricity in Indonesia might differ from one back home. So what do you need in Indonesia? An adapter? A voltage converter? Maybe both. Check it out below!
How is the standard voltage and electricity in Indonesia?
The standard voltage throughout Indonesia is normally 230 V and with a standard frequency of 50 Hz. If you’re from the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia or Africa, most of your phones, laptops and other gadgets could be charged like normal. However, if you come from countries like the United States, Canada, and most South American countries, the range of voltage differs here in Indonesia.
Charging it like normal is possible, but only for a short time and with a few risks. So you should consider buying a voltage converter instead, which is also available on Amazon or electrical stores in Indonesia.
How does the power plugs in Indonesia differ from my country?
Most power plugs and sockets in Indonesia are type C and F. This plug is the 2 pin socket and plug design which is the standard European plug. If you’re coming from a country that does not use this type of sockets, you should buy an adapter. Amazon sells plenty, but you can also find them in many local minimarkets around Indonesia.
Where can I charge my gadgets in Indonesia?
You can find a socket in almost all the restaurants in Indonesia, especially in a tourist attraction. All hotels and airports have sockets and plugs you can use for free as well. In trains, a plug is provided for all classes (economy and business) and in most shuttles, you can plug in a USB cable to charge your phone.
Visa & Immigration
Find out everything you need to know about visa & immigration in Wonderful Indonesia
Another important thing to know before you travel to Indonesia is the different types of visas that have specific requirements. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you with Visa & immigration policies in Indonesia.
What is the Visa Exemption?
Foreign nationals from countries that are included in the 169 Visa-Free Country List are entitled to visa exemption and may enter Indonesia from 124 immigration checkpoints and are granted a 30-day stay that cannot be extended. Mandatory requirements include: passport with minimum 6 months validity and return / through tickets.
What is Visa on Arrival?
Foreigners can apply for this visa upon arrival in Indonesia if their nationality is included on visa-on-arrival 68 countries list. A holder of Visit Visa on Arrival is given a 30-day stay and can be extended at the Immigration Office for 1 (one) time, in order to have another 30 days stay. Mandatory requirements include: passport with minimum 6 months validity and return/through tickets.
What is a Visit Visa?
Foreigners can apply for Visit Visa in the Indonesian Embassy or Consulates, or the guarantor could apply to the Directorate General of Immigration in Jakarta, Indonesia. Visit Visa is issued in the Indonesian Embassy or Consulates with mandatory requirements of Application/Guarantee Letter, passport with minimum 6 months validity, copy of bank accounts, return /through tickets and re-entry permit (or stateless /non-nationality person). A holder of Visit Visa is given up to 60 days stay and can be extended at the Immigration Office for 5 (five) times, each extension will be given for another 30 days stay.
What is a Multiple Visit Visa?
Foreigners that travel frequently to Indonesia for Family, Business, and Governmental visit purposes may choose this type of visa. Multiple Visit Visa is issued in the Indonesian Embassy or Consulates, with mandatory requirements of Application/Guarantee Letter, passport with minimum 18 months validity, copy of bank accounts, return/through tickets and re-entry permit ( or stateless /non-nationality person). Multiple Visit Visa is valid for one year, a holder of multiple visit visa is given up-to 60 days stay each visit and can’t be extended.
For more details, you can also log on to http://www.imigrasi.go.id