Essential Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Indonesia
The first time I visited Jakarta, Indonesia 🇲🇨, everything was seamlessly arranged by a friend ✅. This time, I took on the challenge of organizing a significant part of the trip myself. Here are six essential tips for anyone planning a visit:
1. **Visa on Arrival**:
As you near your arrival in Indonesia, flight attendants will provide a QR code to fill out your entry information. After landing, head to a designated window before customs to obtain a simple visa. If you’re concerned about navigating this process or prefer to avoid potential language barriers, consider applying for an e-visa from your home country. The e-visa takes just three working days and allows you to breeze through customs upon arrival.
2. **Tipping at Customs**:
During my first experience, I placed a 10 RMB note in my passport, but the officer hinted at 100 RMB. I played dumb, and after a brief standoff, they let me through. This time, I didn’t include any money, and I still passed without issues. In short, tipping is not necessary and can be avoided.
3. **Document Preparation**:
For an e-visa, you’ll need a 2-inch white background electronic photo, round-trip flight details, hotel name and address, and about 1000 RMB to exchange for Indonesian Rupiah at the airport. Additionally, purchase a data package online, activate global roaming, and download local ride-hailing apps. Make sure to link these apps with UnionPay or Alipay for seamless transactions.
4. **Dressing**:
The temperature typically ranges from 25-30 degrees Celsius. However, the air conditioning in offices, hotels, and shopping malls is quite powerful, so it’s wise to carry a cardigan or shawl to pair with a long dress. If you tend to feel cold, take extra care. Flip-flops are ideal, and a crossbody bag is both practical and stylish.
5. **Communication**:
English is widely spoken, so knowing a few basic phrases, having translation software handy, and using body language can go a long way 💏. You’ll find it easy to get by with these tools.
6. **Eating 🍽️**:
The water quality is not great, so it’s best to avoid tap water and street beverages🥤. Fortunately, many familiar restaurant chains found in domestic malls are also present in Indonesia, making it easy to find food that suits your taste.
7. **Transportation**:
Local ride-hailing apps like Grab and Jeoke are indispensable. These apps also offer motorcycle services, which are not available in China. Jakarta’s roads are narrow and often congested with vehicles and pedestrians. Opting for a motorcycle is the most convenient and cost-effective choice, though it comes with safety and dust concerns.
