Indonesia travel guide: trip costs, safety and exchange rates

June to September, the dry season across almost the whole country. July and August are the driest months and the busiest. May, June and September are cheaper months with pretty much the same weather. Raja Ampat is the exception, and is best October to April.

Population

284,670,000 BPS · SUPAS mid-2025

International visitors

15,386,646 (2025) +10.7% YoY BPS · Last updated: May 2026

Annual visitors per resident

0.05× Annual international visitors divided by the population

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Language

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), English common in tourist hubs and major cities

Tap water

Not safe to drink

Time zone

GMT+7 to GMT+9 (multiple zones)

Power plug

Type C / F, 230V

Dialing code

+62

Driving side

left

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, especially in tourist areas. Many restaurants and hotels include a 10% service charge. If not included, 5-10% is a good guideline.

Internet

4G LTE is widely available in cities and tourist destinations, with 5G coverage limited to central areas of large cities. Speeds are generally sufficient for most needs, though coverage can vary in remote areas.

Emergency

112 (all services), 110 (police), 113 (fire), 118 or 119 (ambulance)

• Avoid Indonesia during Lebaran travel

  Late Mar – mid-Apr · lunar calendar

  Lebaran travel week breaks transport across huge parts of Indonesia, especially Java, Bali, and major ferry routes. Domestic flights sell out, toll roads clog for hours, trains disappear weeks ahead, and ports like Gilimanuk turn into all-day lines. Some tourist areas empty out in a good way, but getting between places becomes exhausting fast. If you want a smoother trip, go before the holiday rush or stay put in one region instead of island-hopping.

  Go here instead:

  • Thailand More predictable domestic transport during the same period.

• Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

  29 km northwest of city center

  Traffic in Jakarta is notoriously bad, so the airport train is often the most reliable option for getting into the city quickly. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are widely available and generally cheaper than official taxis, but surge pricing can occur during peak hours or bad weather.

  • Train: 50 min, IDR 70,000
  • Taxi: 45 min, IDR 170,000
  • Grab/Gojek: 45 min, IDR 180,000
  • DAMRI Bus: 120 min, IDR 80,000

• Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

  13 km south of Denpasar

  This is Bali's main airport, and transfers to popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu are quick. Official airport taxis have fixed rates, but ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also readily available and often offer slightly better prices.

  • Taxi: 25 min, IDR 200,000
  • Grab/Gojek: 25 min, IDR 180,000

• Surabaya Juanda International Airport (SUB)

  20 km south of city center

  The airport train is by far the cheapest option, though you'll need a short onward taxi or ride-hail from Gubeng station. Grab and Gojek are widely used and generally more affordable than official airport taxis, which operate on a fixed-rate zone system.

  • Train: 45 min, IDR 12,500
  • Grab/Gojek: 40 min, IDR 200,000
  • Taxi: 40 min, IDR 300,000
  • DAMRI Bus: 80 min, IDR 32,500

• Medan Kualanamu International Airport (KNO)

  28 km east of Medan city center

  The Airport Railink Service is the fastest and most reliable way to reach Medan city, avoiding road traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also efficient, with Grab and Gojek often being slightly cheaper than official taxis.

  • Train: 44 min, IDR 52,500
  • Taxi: 29 min, IDR 140,000
  • Grab/Gojek: 29 min, IDR 130,000
  • DAMRI/ALS Bus: 75 min, IDR 40,000

• Overland from Malaysia (Borneo)

  Two main crossings between Sarawak (Malaysia) and West Kalimantan (Indonesia)

  The Aruk border crossing is the easiest and most recommended for international travelers between Malaysian Sarawak and Indonesian West Kalimantan. While other informal crossings exist, stick to the official ones for a smoother process.

• Ferry from Singapore to Batam

  Frequent services from HarbourFront and Tanah Merah terminals

  Batam is a popular short hop from Singapore, with multiple ferry operators offering frequent daily services. Foot passengers are the norm, and tickets are easily booked online or at the terminal.

  • Ferry (HarbourFront to Batam Centre): 1 hr 30 min
  • Ferry (Tanah Merah to Batam Centre): 1 hr

• Ferry from Malaysia to Sumatra

  Services from Melaka and Port Dickson to Dumai or Tanjung Balai

  While flights are generally faster and often cheaper, ferries offer a more adventurous route to Sumatra. Indomal Fast Ferry is the primary operator, but services can be less frequent than flights.

  • Ferry (Melaka to Dumai): 2.5 hr, MYR 170
  • Ferry (Port Dickson to Dumai): 2.5 hr, MYR 200
  • Ferry (Port Dickson to Tanjung Balai): 5.5 hr, MYR 200

Cards work across Indonesia's cities and tourist areas, but payment habits change a lot from Jakarta to the outer islands. Paying in rupiah and using the right ATM can save you far more than most travelers expect.

• Cards, cash and QRIS

  Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, malls, chain stores and larger restaurants. Cash is still essential in many places, especially outside the main tourist areas, while QRIS has become the dominant payment method for locals.

• Avoid expensive ATM and exchange fees

  The biggest cost usually isn't the ATM fee. It's poor exchange rates and dynamic currency conversion. Using the right bank ATM and always paying in rupiah can save several percent over the course of a trip.

Sending money to Indonesia from abroad? These price one currency against a live rate:

• USD to IDR
• EUR to IDR
• AUD to IDR
• SGD to IDR
• GBP to IDR

Best option for most travelers: an eSIM you set up before you arrive. You'll be online the moment you land, with no airport line and no tourist pricing.

Prefer a local SIM?

Indonesia has widespread 4G coverage, ensuring reliable speeds for essential apps like maps, ride-hailing, and messaging across most populated areas. 5G is available in major cities like Jakarta and parts of Bali, though its reach is still expanding. Expect weaker or dead zones in very rural or mountainous regions, but overall connectivity is good for typical tourist needs.

• Telkomsel

  Telkomsel offers the most extensive and reliable 4G/5G coverage nationwide, making it the best choice for exploring beyond major cities. A 25GB tourist plan with 25 minutes of local and international calls costs around IDR 150,000.

• XL Axiata

  XL Axiata provides strong 4G coverage and good speeds in tourist hotspots and urban areas, with competitive pricing. A 12GB plan for 30 days costs around IDR 100,000-130,000.

• IM3 Indosat

  IM3 Indosat, also known as Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, is a budget-friendly option with good coverage in cities and tourist areas. A 30GB data plan for 30 days with 10 domestic and international call minutes starts around IDR 100,000.

• Smartfren

  Smartfren offers affordable data plans, particularly suitable for travelers staying in well-known areas. An unlimited data plan for 14 days with a fair usage policy of 1.5GB per day costs around IDR 200,000.

Thinking about living in Indonesia? Here is what the visa routes, the tax rules and the everyday costs look like before you commit.

Planning & moving around

• What is a good multi-city itinerary for a 10 to 14 day trip to Indonesia?

  A classic first trip combines Java and Bali. Spend a few days around Yogyakarta for Borobudur, Prambanan and Javanese culture, then fly to Bali for beaches, food and day trips. If you have extra time, add Komodo for diving, wildlife and island scenery rather than trying to squeeze in too many islands.

  See our Bali travel guide →

• How much does Indonesia change between regions?

  More than many first-time visitors expect. Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi and the eastern islands differ in religion, food, architecture, social norms and tourism infrastructure. Treat Indonesia as a collection of distinct regions rather than a single travel experience.

  See our Bali travel guide →

• How do you travel between cities in Indonesia?

  Flights are the default for moving between islands because distances are huge. On Java, trains are often more comfortable and predictable than buses, especially between major cities. Ferries connect many islands but schedules can change and journeys are often slower than they look on a map.

• How reliable are domestic flights in Indonesia, and which airline should I use?

  Domestic aviation is extensive and usually works well, but delays are common enough that you should avoid tight same-day connections. Garuda Indonesia has the strongest reputation for reliability, while Citilink and Batik Air are widely used alternatives. Budget carriers can be considerably less predictable during bad weather or busy holiday periods.

• What's the most common mistake first-time visitors make in Indonesia?

  Trying to cover too many islands in one trip. Indonesia looks compact on a map, but flights, ferries and transfers take time. Most travelers have a better experience focusing on two or three regions rather than constantly moving.

• Which Indonesian destinations are best for beginner surfers?

  Bali is the easiest starting point thanks to sandy-bottom breaks, surf schools and reliable board rentals. Kuta, Canggu and parts of Lombok offer plenty of options for first-timers. Most other famous Indonesian surf regions are aimed at more experienced surfers.

  See our Bali travel guide →

• Which Indonesian destinations are best for advanced surfers?

  Sumbawa, Mentawai, Nias and parts of Bali are where experienced surfers usually head. Many breaks are reef-based, powerful and far less forgiving than beginner beaches. Conditions can be exceptional, but they are not places to learn.

  See our Bali travel guide →

Safety & medical

• Do I need travel insurance for Indonesia?

  Yes. Medical evacuation from remote islands can be extremely expensive, and scooter accidents are one of the most common causes of serious tourist claims. Read the policy carefully because many insurers will not cover motorcycle accidents if you lack the correct license or permit.

  Read our travel insurance guide →

• What natural hazards should I plan around in Indonesia?

  Earthquakes, volcanic activity and seasonal flooding are the main risks. Most travelers are unaffected, but transport disruptions do happen, especially during heavy rains and around active volcanoes. Check local conditions if you are visiting remote islands or trekking near volcanic areas.

• Are there any regions or areas of Indonesia I should avoid entirely?

  Most tourist areas are straightforward to visit. Aceh follows local Sharia regulations and has stricter rules around alcohol, dress and public behavior than the rest of the country. Some remote areas of Papua occasionally experience security issues, but they are far from mainstream tourist routes.

• What vaccinations do I need for Indonesia?

  Most travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations and consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Longer stays, rural travel or extensive outdoor activities may justify additional vaccines such as Rabies or Japanese Encephalitis. A travel clinic can advise based on your exact itinerary.

• Can you drink the tap water in Indonesia?

  No. Most locals and travelers rely on bottled, filtered or refilled drinking water. Ice in reputable restaurants is usually fine, and many travelers brush their teeth with tap water without issues, but drinking it directly is not recommended.

Laws & local norms

• What are the drug laws in Indonesia?

  Indonesia enforces some of the toughest drug laws in the region. Even small quantities can lead to long prison sentences, and trafficking offenses can carry life imprisonment or the death penalty. Do not assume substances that are tolerated elsewhere are acceptable here.

• Can I vape in Indonesia?

  Vaping is legal, and vape shops are common in many cities and tourist areas. Rules vary by location, and vaping is often prohibited in the same places where smoking is banned. Carry commercially packaged products and avoid assuming local enforcement will be consistent everywhere.

• Is alcohol legal in Indonesia?

  Yes, but availability varies sharply by region. Alcohol is easy to find in places such as Bali, Jakarta and major tourist centers, while Aceh prohibits it entirely. Imported alcohol is heavily taxed, so prices are often higher than visitors expect.

  See our Bali travel guide →

• How LGBTQ+ friendly is Indonesia?

  Acceptance varies widely. Tourist areas such as Bali tend to be more relaxed, but public attitudes across much of the country remain conservative. Same-sex couples rarely face issues when being discreet, though open displays of affection can attract unwanted attention.

  See our Bali travel guide →

• Do I need an International Driving Permit for Indonesia?

  Yes, if you plan to ride a scooter or motorcycle legally. The permit should match the type of vehicle you are using and be carried alongside your home license. Lack of proper documentation can lead to fines and may invalidate travel insurance.

  Read our travel insurance guide →

• What is the dress code for tourists in Indonesia?

  Modest clothing is appreciated in most of the country, especially away from beaches and resorts. Temples and mosques often require covered shoulders and legs. What feels normal in a beach town may stand out in a rural village.

• What local etiquette should tourists be aware of in Indonesia?

  Politeness matters more than perfection. Using your right hand when giving or receiving items, dressing respectfully at religious sites and staying calm during disagreements will be noticed positively. Indonesians are usually forgiving of genuine mistakes.

Money & costs

• Is Indonesia expensive?

  It costs less than Thailand for most of what we price. A taxi ride costs about half as much and a hostel bed about a third less, while a 3-star hotel and a local meal cost about the same. The Costs in Indonesia section on this page lists each price with its source.

  See our Thailand travel guide →

• Do you tip in Indonesia?

  Tipping is not expected, but small tips are welcome. Many restaurants and hotels add tax and a service charge to the bill, shown as ++ next to menu prices, so check the bill before you add anything. Rounding up for drivers and leaving a little for spa staff and guides is common.

Culture & etiquette

• Is English widely spoken in Indonesia?

  English is common in major tourist destinations but drops off quickly outside them. In smaller towns and less-visited islands, basic Indonesian is often more useful than English. Learning a handful of phrases goes a long way.

• What does almost every tourist get wrong about Indonesia?

  Many visitors assume Indonesia is basically Bali. In reality, Bali is only one small part of a huge country with very different cultures, religions and landscapes. Planning around that difference leads to a much richer trip.

  See our Bali travel guide →

Families & kids

• Is Indonesia a good place to travel with kids?

  Yes, provided you choose destinations carefully. Bali, Yogyakarta and parts of Lombok are easy with children, while remote islands can involve long transfers and limited medical facilities. Heat, traffic and uneven sidewalks are often bigger challenges than locals, who are usually very welcoming toward kids.

  See our Bali travel guide →