Planning Your Trip to Indonesia

Let's get to know Indonesia more! - How's the weather here, what language do local people use, local currency? Don’t worry, I will give you a brief article about it so that you know what to expect when you're in Indonesia

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Indonesia is home to 17,508 beautiful tropical islands, which are the archipelago's greatest assets. A mesmerizing underwater world that peeks above the ocean upon these dazzling white sores. Diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, surfing, shopping signature items from across 34 provinces, going to some quirky museums, experiencing the local life, soaking up the spiritual side in Bali, hopping around the spectacular Raja Ampat islands, or exploring around all other islands in Indonesia are the prime pursuits on this exotic archipelago. Indonesia will surely make you fall in love with its natural beauty that also with rich exotic culture and history.

What to Expect

Indonesia has consistent hot and humid weather year-round because it's located near the Equator. In other words, Indonesia only has 2 seasons, which are wet and dry seasons. The dry season usually lasts from March to August with a possibility of rain due to erratic wind movement, while the wet season lasts from‌ September to February. However, there is no fixed weather in Indonesia because of climate change.

Weather advice and what to wear

• Average temperatures: 27-28°C (80.6 - 82.4°F) 
• Pack an umbrella or a light raincoat might also be a good option on rainy days 
• Light comfortable clothes will do well for most of the time 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, closed-toe shoes 
• Wear or bring sunglasses, sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun 
• Carry a bottle of water with you

Language

The vast majority of Indonesians speak only Bahasa Indonesia, but an exception is the tourist areas where people may know a bit of basic English to do a transaction. Just in case, it’s best to learn a bit of Indonesian before you get here, such as : 

• Apa kabar? which means ‘how are you?’ 
• Terima kasih that means ‘thank you’ Maaf, 
• Maaf, ini harganya berapa? means ‘Excuse me, how much does it cost?’

 , and others that may become handy for you.

Travel money guide

This big nation is the ultimate melting pot of culture and cuisine, which you won't want to leave! Having warm cozy weather all year long means there's no wrong time for you to spend your Rupiah while exploring the archipelago. Indonesian rupiah (IDR) or simply "Rupiah" is the national unit of currency in Indonesia. There are 7 denominations of paper notes in Indonesia, which are Rp 1,000, Rp 2,000, Rp 5,000, Rp 10,000, Rp 20,000, Rp 50,000, Rp 100,000, while coins come in Rp 100, Rp 200, Rp 500, and Rp 1,000 denominations.

Money can be changed in banks and authorized money changers everywhere in big cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Bali, Yogyakarta, and other big cities. Licensed Money Changers can be found at all the International‌‌‌ Airports, big shopping centers or malls, and other major areas of commerce (Chinatown). Remember to look for a “PVA” (Pedagang Valuta Asing) sign to be assured of prompt and honest service.

Money changers' exchange rates are competitive with those of banks (even better, because money changers don't charge service fees). Many money changers sell many other currencies besides Singapore dollars, but some of them should be inquired first.

Banks also will change your dollars to local currency. There's a bank on every corner to do business with. Banks are open from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays (it varies on the bank but it’s the usual working hours).

So, what US$100 buys you in Indonesia? A lot, but just remember that it can vary wildly depending on where you’re going and when. After arriving in Indonesia, your hundred dollar bill converts to about 1,400,000 Indonesian rupiahs (IDR). Thankfully, you can find many cheap accommodations with private rooms going for about IDR 300,000 - 500,000 a night. Famous street foods in Indonesia can be very cheap too, costing about IDR 20,000 - 40,000 per meal. But, if you want to eat in the shopping center or a nice restaurant, then it may cost around IDR 50,000 - 150,000 per meal.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in Indonesia can be found easily in bigger cities, tourist spots, or shopping centers. But you may have a hard time finding one in a rural area. If you travel into Indonesia’s smaller towns, you may want to stock up on rupiah beforehand.

Credit cards are accepted in Indonesia, but they are mostly used in big cities and tourist hotspots, such as Jakarta and Bali. Many places will only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to always have some on hand.

Tipping is not the norm in Indonesia, not even coffee shops or taxi drivers expect tips, but your bellhop won't turn down a dollar.

Internet connection is always needed nowadays, whether to update your Instagram stories or make a new trend on Tik Tok and it's easy to find an internet connection in bigger cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Bali, and so on, But it may not work that well in suburban area. Prepaid sim card could work for you if you need it just to make some calls, send a text, use Google Maps, or book a bike through a bike hailing app, and so on. I suggest you get Simpati or other veteran telcos, such as Indosat or XL. Take your time to choose the best package that suits your needs. Free public wifi is usually available at malls, airports, and maybe other places that I have not known before but .., trust me ... you really can't rely on them because I have tried it before and it never worked. 

Prayer facilities for Muslim people are available in almost every hotel and attraction. You can locate it around the country even if the majority of people that live there are not Muslims. 

Power plugs that are used in Indonesia are the ones with two round prongs.

Tap water is not safe to drink here in Indonesia, so don't ever try it. You can find stores or street vendors who sell bottled water everywhere.

Useful numbers

Police

110

Emergency

112

Ambulance

118/119

Fire Brigade

113

Covid Information

119

So, yeah, I think that is all I can share about Indonesia, I hope to see you soon here. Also hope that this pandemic will be over soon s that you can realize your plan to visit and enjoy Wonderful Indonesia :)

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