Frequently Asked Question
Is Indonesia dangerous ...?
Theft from tourists is uncommon in Indonesia, although there are exceptions to this rule so take sensible precautions. As long as you keep an eye on your belongings and you do not flash money/valuables around, you should have no problems. Don’t keep wallets in your back pocket and always carry bags in front of you when it is busy. Do not leave valuables/important documents behind in the hotel; hand in money and passports at the hotel reception and store cameras and other important equipment/items in a locked cupboard in your room.
Do I need travel insurance ...?
As this is not included in the tour fee we strongly recommend that you purchase your own personal travel insurance.
Do I need to exchange money before arriving in Indonesia ...?
Not necessarily. Most banks in bigger cities have Money Changers.
Can I use my credit card in Indonesia ...?
The most commonly accepted cards in Indonesia are Visa and MasterCard. Diners Club, American Express and JCB are also accepted but not as widely. Savings account cards that are connected to networks such as Maestro, Cirrus and Plus can be used at most ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) to withdraw cash. You will need to contact your bank regarding this.
What is the best time to travel ...?
The country is hot and humid all year round, but cooler inland than in the coastal regions. The monsoon from December to March brings heavy rain. The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit as some activities and road travel can be difficult during the rainy season.
What about my passport ...?
You need a passport that is valid at least 6 months from the date of your departure. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.
Do I need a visa ...?
You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel. Please check the embassy if you need a visa for Indonesia and check out the current situation. Make sure you inquire at least a month before departure if you need a visa so you do not run into time problems.
What kind of transportation is used ...?
You will use many forms of transportation in Indonesia including trains, aeroplanes, ferries, boats and minibuses.
What local customs do I need to keep in mind ...?
Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite. However, while they understand that western culture is different to their own, it is much appreciated if their own customs are respected. Religious customs should also be respected; particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
Appropriate dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas. Do not criticize people in the company of others. Never touch anybody’s head (even children).
Indonesians do not use toilet paper; they clean themselves using water out of a bottle and their left hand. For this reason you should never offer your left hand to shake, gesture or eat. This is considered filthy.
When you visit a mosque or temple, look for signs, which indicate whether or not, you must take off your shoes.
Are there opportunities to snorkel or dive ...?
Yes ..., On many islands you will find coral reefs, white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees. It is an excellent spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving and you can often see sea tortoises in the depths. On one of the islands, the beach runs right the way around so you can go for a great walk around the entire island.
Are there opportunities to swim ...?
Yes ..., there are many beaches and waterfalls where it is possible to swim.
What other activities and sports could I do ...?
There are many activities that you can do in Indonesia such as adventure cruises, surfing, trekking, sailing and river rafting.
What to bring ...?
Indonesia is a tropical country so bring thin, cotton clothes with you. For the evenings, a high-collared T-shirt with long sleeves or a thin turtle necked sweater will help reduce insect bites. It is better to bring too little rather than too much clothing, as anything you need can be bought very cheaply in Indonesia. An umbrella and waterproof jacket can come in handy (the umbrella can provide protection against the bright sun as well as the rain). A good, worn-in pair of walking shoes/hiking boots and a pair of flip-flops is all you need with regards to footwear. Remember that you must remove your shoes when visiting sacred sites; so flip flips are useful for these visits. Other important items include sheets, hand towels, sunglasses, sun creams, toiletries, a first-aid kit, a roll of toilet paper, headgear/headscarves, a (video) camera with enough film, a torch, a pen/pocket knife, a lighter, an alarm clock, writing materials and books.
Currency
Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, hotels and moneychangers in major tourist destinations. US dollars are the most widely accepted currency. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and stores catering to the tourist trade. ATMs are available in the main towns and cities. Small change is often unavailable so keep small denomination notes and coins for items like bus fares, temple donations and cool drinks.
Food
It is surprising that any form of Indonesian cuisine exists in a land consisting of so many different cultures, but it does! The basic ingredient of every meal is boiled white rice (nasi putih). Vegetarians are well catered for. Some well-known vegetarian dishes include gado-gado and tjap tjoy. Fish (ikan) is also widely available.
Mobile phone and email
The international access code for Indonesia is +62. The outgoing code is 001 or 007 followed by the relevant country code. When using VOIP, the outgoing code is 017. It is not necessary to dial the first zero of the area code. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 36 for Bali and 21 for Jakarta. For operator-assisted international calls, phone 101. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Time Zones
| Western Indonesia | GMT+7 | Sumatra & Java |
| Central Indonesia | GMT+8 | Bali, Lombok, East Timor, South Kalimantan, Sulawesi |
| Eastern Indonesia | GMT+9 | Maluku & Papua |
Electricity
Power supply is usually 220 volts/50 cycles in the big cities, but 110 volts is still used in some region. Normal outlets are plugs with two rounded prongs. It is advisable to check before using your appliances.
Luggage & Baggage
Pack everything into a weekend bag or backpack: do not bring a hard suitcase, as this will be too difficult to transport. A shoulder bag or small backpack is useful for daily hand luggage. For storage of valuables or important documents, a thin money belt worn under your clothing is very useful.
Travel guides and maps
If you want to take a travel guide or map, we suggest you click on wikipedia.
Etiquette
It is inappropriate to use the left hand to eat or to give or receive anything.
Office Hours
Government offices open from 8.00 a.m.to 4.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday in Jakarta and close on Saturday and Sunday. In the provinces they close at 3.00 p.m. and open on Saturday till 1.00 p.m. Business offices have staggered hours. Banks are open from either 8.00 or 8.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Banks in hotels stay open longer hours, and mo ney changers till the evening. Shopping centers open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday. In smaller towns, shops close for a siesta at 1 pm until 3 pm. Bargaining might be necessary especially in tourist area. A general rule of thumb is to aim for half the asking prices by opening with an offer lower than that but many sellers will my come down by 20%.
Emergency Services
| Information | 108 |
| Police | 112 |
| Ambulance | 118 |
| Fire Department | 113 |
Bali Personal Drivers
