Asia · Destination guide
Indonesia
Capital: Jakarta (Bali is the main tourist destination)
🛂Visa requirements
💳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
Language preparation
15 min/day for 8 weeks ≈ 672 useful words and phrases
Learn some Indonesian before you go
Good in Bali's tourist areas. Limited in Jakarta and other islands. — even basic phrases open doors and locals appreciate the effort.
Start with these
- 1.Terima kasih — Thank you
- 2.Bisa bicara bahasa Inggris? — Can you speak English?
- 3.Berapa harganya? — How much?
- 4.Tolong — Please/Help
Not a native English speaker?
English is the international travel language — building confidence before your trip makes every interaction easier.
Babbel and italki links are affiliate links — Tripzeeker earns a small commission on sign-ups at no extra cost to you.
🔌Electricity & plugs
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
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
Explore Indonesia