Language
Bahasa Indonesia
There are hundreds of regional dialects and languages throughout Indonesia. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. English is also widely spoken in non rural areas.
Common PhrasesCurrency
Money
Notes come in denominations of Rp 1000, Rp 2000, Rp 5000, Rp 10.000, Rp 20.000, Rp 50.000, and Rp 100.000. Coins come in Rp 100, Rp 200, Rp 500, and Rp 1000.
Immigration
Visa Requirements
Free Visa (Visa Exemption), Visa on Arrival (VOA), and Visitor Visa are the most common types of Indonesian Visa for Tourists.
Check Visa RequirementsCommunication
Wi-Fi & Phone
WiFi is common in more upmarket hotels or trendy coffee shops/eateries. Purchasing a local SIM card by Telkomsel Simpati could be an alternative.
More InfoEtiquette
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory. If you want to tip, perhaps provide 5-10% of the total bill.
Info About TippingElectricity
Plug Types
The standard electrical current in Indonesia is 220 volts and 50 Hz cycle power. Power types: C and F. Plug type C has two round pins and plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.
Water
Drinking Water
Water is not potable in Indonesia. Bottled water is recommended. Avoid drinking with ice cubes in rural areas.
Emergency
Useful Numbers
Main emergency number is 112. Ambulance is 118. Police is 110. Fire Department is 113. Make sure you use the country and area code depending on what SIM card or phone you are using.
Local Time
Time Zones
Indonesia is divided into 3 time zones: WIB which is Western Indonesia Time (GMT +7), WITA which is Central Indonesia Time (GMT +8), and WIT which is Eastern Indonesia Time (GMT +9).
Check Time ZonesWeather
Best Time To Go
Located right in the middle of the equator with sunlight all year-around. Indonesia has two seasons: hot or dry (May to September) and rain or wet (October to April). Dry season is the most popular and most comfortable time to visit.
Complete Weather InfoFormat & Measurements
Dates & Metrics
The Indonesian date format is date-month-year, like 11 December, 2025 or 11/12/2025. Indonesia uses the metric system for weights & measures.
Payment Methods
Cash, Credit Card, Digital Payment
Cash is still the most used option and in many cases the only acceptable way of payment. Most hotels, trendy cafes, and big restaurants accept credit cards. E‑wallet apps are also available but could be arduous for visitors to set up.
Tobacco
Smoking
Smoking is relatively common in Indonesia. Lots of public places are facilitating a smoking room. You may ask for a non-smoking area when possible.
Drug Laws
Drugs & CBD
One of the countries with the strictest drug regulations in South East Asia. Indonesia does not allow the possession or trafficking of drugs or narcotics, including many recreational drugs or substances, such as cannabis derivatives or prescribed narcotics for legitimate consumption.