Electronic visa-on-arrival (E-VOA)

Citizens of several countries can apply for an electronic visa-on-arrival (E-VOA). Check eligibility and apply via the e-visa website for Indonesia

The application should be completed within 14 days prior to arrival. The E-VOA is valid for 30 days, single-entry, and can be extended one time only at the local immigration office (charges apply).

On arrival in Indonesia, holders of an E-VOA can skip the queue for purchasing a VOA (visa-on-arrival) and proceed directly to the immigration counter to have their passport stamped.

Visa-on-arrival (VOA)

Alternatively, some nationals can apply for a visa-on-arrival (VOA). See the list of eligible countries here

The cost for VOA is IDR 500,000 per person (applicable to adults and children). VOA is valid for 30 days, single entry, and can be extended one time only at the local immigration office (charges apply).

Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard, debit card, local currency (IDR) or foreign currency (USD, EURO, GBP, SGD and other currencies as determined by the exchange counter inside the airport terminal).

Electronic customs declaration (ECD)

All travellers are required to complete a customs declaration form prior to arrival. Computer terminals are available at the main airports, however we recommend completing the form in advance at: https://ecd.beacukai.go.id

Once completed, travellers will receive a QR code which they must present to immigration within three days.

Bali tourist entry fee

All foreign visitors to Bali are required to pay a tourist entry fee of IDR 150,000 per person. Children are charged at the same rate. The payment will be collected in cash or by credit card on arrival. This fee was introduced in February 2024 and is payable in addition to any visa fees.

Documents required on arrival

• Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;
• Return flight ticket;
• E-VOA or VOA; for VOA, the visa fee of IDR 500,000 per person is payable in cash or by credit card;
• If arriving in Bali, the tourist entry fee of IDR 150,000 per person is payable in cash or by credit card;
• QR code of completed electronic customs declaration (ECD).

Time zone

Language

Official language: Bahasa Indonesia

There are 583 languages and dialects spoken across the country, representing the rich diversity of cultures that inhabit the Indonesian archipelago. Many people, especially in the major tourist destinations, speak good English and can engage in basic communication with tourists.

What to pack

• Light cotton clothing is recommended for Indonesia’s tropical climate;
• Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide);
• Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;
• A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;
• Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting temples: shorts, short skirts, singlets or vest tops or similar types of clothing;
• Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious building or private home;
• An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain;
• Reusable water bottle;
• Sun hat and sunscreen;
• Insect repellent;
• Universal plug adaptor.

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

• Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
• Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
• Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
• Ask permission before taking photographs of people;
• It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
• A respectful form of greeting is to bend slightly (not a complete bow), especially when greeting someone older or in a position of authority.

Don’t

• Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
• Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
• Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or clothing that is too revealing as Indonesia is a conservative country; make sure shoulders and knees are covered, especially when visiting temples;
• Avoid overt public displays of affection;
• Don’t take photos of people or places related to the military as this is a breach of national security;
• Don’t touch people on the head and avoid standing or sitting with your arms crossed or on your hips as this is seen as a sign of hostility.

Currency

Official currency of Indonesia: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions. Cash can be exchanged at banks or exchange bureaus. Please note that ripped, torn or old US dollar bills will not be accepted.

ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are:

• Monday to Friday: 8 am to 3 pm;
• Some exchange bureaus offer extended hours on evenings and weekends.

Credit cards

Tipping

Domestic flights

Local and regional airlines service a variety of routes across Indonesia’s many islands, connecting most of the nation’s major cities.

Car with driver

Asian Trails supplies modern vehicles with trained drivers to take the strain and make travel across the archipelago seamless.

Taxis

All registered taxis, minibuses and rental cars have yellow number plates, so they are easy to recognise. Metered taxis are easy to find in the major cities. Rides can also be booked via the Grab mobile app or a local equivalent called Go-Jek.

Motorbikes

Motorbikes can be hired at many beach resorts and other towns. It is illegal to ride without a helmet and the standard of vehicle maintenance can be vary, so be sure to check brakes and lights before proceeding.

Bajaj

Typically only available in the major cities, these three-wheeled motorised scooters offer a cheap way to get around.

Becaks

Similar to bicycle rickshaws, these pedal-powered vehicles are the cheapest mode of transport and are mostly used for short distances. This form of transport is now not permitted in central Jakarta and often banned from main thoroughfares in other large cities.

Ojeks

Religion

More than 80 per cent of Indonesians are followers of the Islamic faith, with the others being Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. Religious freedom is one of the principal features of Indonesian society.

Food

Common local dishes:

• Nasi goreng – fried rice with assorted accompaniments;
• Mie goreng – fried noodles;
• Gado-gado – vegetables topped with peanut sauce and a sliced boiled egg;
• Nasi campur – rice with a variety of side dishes such as corn fritters, vegetable salad, tofu, beef rendang, chicken curry and grilled sate.

Shopping

Most towns and cities have a market that are worth visiting for a cultural retail experience. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!)

Below is a list of crafts and products which may be worth buying in Indonesia as well as a list of items which should be avoided as they are produced unsustainably or pose a threat to the country’s natural biodiversity.

What to buy:

• Textiles such as batik;
• Silverwork and ceramics;
• Woodcarvings and paintings;
• Traditional puppets and handmade kites.

What not to buy:

• Ivory products – items crafted from elephant tusks
• Tortoiseshell products – items made from the shell of endangered hawksbill turtles
• Living coral – coral that is unsustainably sourced from natural habitats
• Products made from animal parts – items made from the skins of snakes, crocodiles, tigers and other protected species
• Luwak coffee – coffee produced through the exploitation of civet cats or luwaks which are often kept in poor conditions

Vaccinations

• Typhoid;
• Cholera;
• Hepatitis A and B;
• Polio, diphtheria and tetanus;
• Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas).

Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.

Drinking water

Avoid drinking tap water in Indonesia. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are usually safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country. Use bottled water for cleaning teeth and cooking.

Safety

• Never leave items unattended;
• Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets;
• Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe;
• Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street;
• In Jakarta and Surabaya, only use reputable taxis which can be found at designated taxi queues or clearly marked taxi stands near a major hotel, shopping centre or airport.

Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Police 110
• Emergency Medical Services 118
• Fire service 113
• Search and Rescue team 115