Need to Know
Currency
Language
Visas
Money
Mobile Phones
Time
When To Go
High Season (Jul & Aug)
ATourist numbers surge across Indonesia, from Bali to Sulawesi and beyond.
ARoom rates can spike by 50%.
ADry season except in Maluku and Papua, which are rainy.
Shoulder (May, Jun & Sep)
ADry season outside Maluku and Papua.
ABest weather in Java, Bali and Lombok (dry, not so humid).
AYou can travel more spontaneously.
Low Season (Oct–Apr)
AWet season in Java, Bali and Lombok (and Kalimantan flowers).
ADry season (best for diving) in Maluku and Papua.
AEasy to find deals and you can travel with little advance booking (except at Christmas and New Year).
Useful Websites
Inside Indonesia (www.insideindonesia.org) News and thoughtful features.
Jakarta Globe (www.thejakartaglobe.com) Top-notch national English-language newspaper.
Jakarta Post (www.thejakartapost.com) Indonesia’s original English-language daily.
tiket.com A convenient way for foreigners to purchase flights with their credit cards.
LonelyPlanet.com (www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia) Share knowledge and experiences with other travellers.
Important Numbers
Mobile phones are common across Indonesia; numbers usually start with 08 and don't require an area code.
| Indonesia country code | 62 |
| International call prefix | 001/017 |
| International operator | 102 |
| Directory assistance | 108 |
Exchange Rates
| Australia | A$1 | 9880Rp |
| Canada | C$1 | 10,225Rp |
| Euro | €1 | 14,530Rp |
| Japan | ¥100 | 11,115Rp |
| New Zealand | NZ$1 | 8960Rp |
| UK | UK£1 | 20,735Rp |
| US | US$1 | 13,650Rp |
For current exchange rates see www.xe.com.
Daily Costs
Budget:
Less than 500,000Rp
ASimple rooms less than 200,000Rp
ACheap street meals under 20,000Rp
ATravel like a local through much of Indonesia outside of major cities and tourist areas
Midrange:
500,000–2,000,000Rp
ADouble rooms with air-con and wi-fi around US$30–80
ACheap flights to shorten distances
AGuides plus meals in restaurants (where they exist)
Top End:
More than 2,000,000Rp
AStay at resorts, often noted boutique properties in remote places
AUse flights and cars with drivers to get around
ABook special tours for activities like diving and visit top restaurants on Bali
Opening Hours
Banks 8am–2pm Monday to Thursday, 8am–noon Friday, 8–11am Saturday
Government offices 8am–3pm Monday to Thursday, 8am–noon Friday.
Restaurants 8am–10pm
Shops 9am or 10am–5pm, larger shops and tourist areas to 8pm; many closed Sunday
Arriving in Indonesia
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (www.jakartaairportonline.com) (Jakarta, CGK)
Jakarta is the primary entry point to Indonesia but most people merely change planes here before continuing on to their final destination. If staying in Jakarta, you can reach your hotel by taxi, pre-arranged ride or bus.
Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali or Denpasar, DPS)
Bali is the only airport with significant international service apart from Jakarta. Prepaid 24-hour taxis are available to all parts of Bali. It's 60,000Rp for Kuta, 90,000Rp to Seminyak and 250,000Rp for Ubud.
Getting Around
Transport in Indonesia takes many forms.
Boat Boats – slow and fast – link the many islands but beware of rogue operators with dodgy safety standards.
Bus Buses of all sizes travel almost everywhere cheaply and slowly.
Car Rent a small 4WD for US$30 a day, get a car and driver from US$60 a day.
Motorbike Rent one for as little as 60,000Rp a day.
Ojek Get a cheap ride on the back of a motorbike. Used everywhere.
Taxi In cities and tourist areas; fairly cheap but only use Bluebird taxis to avoid scams.