🇮🇩

Asia · Destination guide

Indonesia

Capital: Jakarta (Bali is the main tourist destination)

CurrencyRp IDR

LanguageIndonesian

Drive on⬅ Left

Plug typeType C · 230V

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 30d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 30d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 30d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa-free · 30d

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards accepted at major hotels and upscale restaurants. For street food, local warungs, and markets: cash only. The numbers are large — Rp 100,000 is about $6.

ATMs: Bank BCA and BNI ATMs are most reliable for foreign cards. Withdraw near airports and town centres — ATMs in rural Bali are less reliable.

Tipping

Not mandatory but appreciated. Rp 10,000–20,000 for good service at restaurants. For drivers and guides who provide a good experience: Rp 50,000–100,000.

💬Language

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia)

Good in Bali's tourist areas. Limited in Jakarta and other islands.

Useful phrases

·Terima kasih — Thank you
·Tolong — Please / Help
·Berapa harganya? — How much does this cost?
·Selamat pagi/siang/malam — Good morning/afternoon/evening

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage230V

Plug typeType C / Type F (round pins)

Standard European round pins. UK and US visitors need adapters.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Bali is predominantly Hindu — dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples. A sarong is required (usually provided at the gate).
2.Use your right hand for giving, receiving, and eating. The left hand is considered unclean.
3.During Nyepi (Balinese New Year, typically March) the entire island shuts down for 24 hours — no travel, no noise, no lights. All visitors stay in their accommodation.
4.Bargaining at markets is expected — start at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle.
5.Remove shoes before entering a home or temple.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Indonesia

Local SIM: Telkomsel has the best coverage including rural areas. XL and Indosat cheaper but weaker outside cities. SIMs available everywhere. Data is very affordable.

WiFi: Good in tourist areas of Bali and Jakarta. Many warungs and cafés have WiFi.

🛡️Safety

Generally safe in Bali and tourist areas. Natural hazard awareness: volcanoes (Mount Agung, Mount Batur) — check eruption status. Ocean currents at surf beaches can be dangerous — swim where locals swim.

💉Health

Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies (if spending time in rural areas). Do not drink tap water. Bali Belly (gastrointestinal illness) is common — be careful with street food hygiene early in your stay.

🚨Emergency numbers

police

110

ambulance

118

fire

113

tourist bali

(0361) 754599

🚗Driving

Traffic side⬅ Drive on the left

LicenceIDP required. Scooter rental in Bali: extremely common — wear a helmet and check your travel insurance covers it.

Explore Indonesia

Itineraries in Indonesia Events in Indonesia Visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards accepted at major hotels and upscale restaurants. For street food, local warungs, and markets: cash only. The numbers are large — Rp 100,000 is about $6.

ATMs: Bank BCA and BNI ATMs are most reliable for foreign cards. Withdraw near airports and town centres — ATMs in rural Bali are less reliable.

Tipping

Not mandatory but appreciated. Rp 10,000–20,000 for good service at restaurants. For drivers and guides who provide a good experience: Rp 50,000–100,000.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Bali is predominantly Hindu — dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples. A sarong is required (usually provided at the gate).

2.Use your right hand for giving, receiving, and eating. The left hand is considered unclean.

3.During Nyepi (Balinese New Year, typically March) the entire island shuts down for 24 hours — no travel, no noise, no lights. All visitors stay in their accommodation.

4.Bargaining at markets is expected — start at 50% of the asking price and meet in the middle.

5.Remove shoes before entering a home or temple.