Citizens of the UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and most other countries need a visa to enter Indonesia. Citizens of ASEAN member countries are exempt. Visas can be obtained upon arrival (payment by cash or card) or applied for in advance here (payment by card). The approval process is quick, and you should receive your visa immediately. The visa costs 500,000 IDR. Additionally, you now need to fill out a Health Pass before entering Indonesia. Please always double-check whether you need a visa or not.

In general, the best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. This period offers sunny days, minimal rainfall, and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities like beach visits, trekking, and exploring the islands. However, Indonesia is a huge country, so it depends not only on the season, but also on which part you go to. In addition, some activities can be enjoyed all year round.

Indonesia is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to take standard precautions. This means, for example, keeping an eye on your belongings, avoiding remote areas at night, and familiarizing yourself with local customs and prices in advance. It’s also advisable not to draw attention to yourself by wearing obviously expensive clothing or carrying cameras visibly. If you are carrying a significant amount of cash, keep it separated to avoid showing how much you have when paying.

Yes, Indonesia is great for solo travelers, with many interesting destinations, plenty of affordable hostels where you can meet other solo travelers and friendly locals. Solo travel is generally safe for both men and women, but you should always take the basic safety precautions listed above.

The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. While credit cards are usually accepted in urban areas and tourist spots, it’s best to carry cash when visiting more remote areas. Sometimes it is also possible to pay in USD or EUR, but the exchange rate may not always be favorable.

Yes, you can easily purchase a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport or at various convenience stores. Major providers include Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat, offering affordable prepaid plans with data, calls, and texts. Make sure your phone is unlocked to use a local SIM. If you are staying longer in Indonesia, you can download the provider’s mobile app to purchase additional data as needed. However, be aware that some data packages may only work locally, meaning they might not be valid across all of Indonesia. To simplify your experience, you can purchase an Airalo e-SIM in advance and be online immediately upon arrival.

Getting around in Indonesia offers various options. Domestic flights are the fastest way to travel between destinations, while buses and trains provide budget-friendly choices for land travel, especially on Java and Sumatra. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are convenient and hassle-free for short distances. Bemos and angkots, which are shared minivans or vans, operate on fixed routes and offer an economical way to navigate urban areas, though they can be crowded. Renting a motorbike is popular and allows for flexible exploration, but keep in mind that traffic in Indonesia can be quite wild, and roads are not always in good condition. Ferries connect major islands, making them an economical choice for island hopping. Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings when using public transport.

For residents of most countries, no vaccinations, including COVID-19, are required to enter Indonesia. However, different rules may apply for residents of countries where certain specific diseases occur or for those who have visited those countries. Common travel essentials include vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid fever. Other vaccinations, such as those for malaria, dengue, or rabies, depend on your specific travel destination and activities. We recommend consulting your doctor about all necessary vaccinations.

In Indonesia, the standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. The electrical outlets use Type C and Type F plugs, both with two round pins. Type C plugs are common in Europe, while Type F plugs include an additional grounding feature. If your devices use a different plug type or voltage, you may need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Many modern devices, like laptops and phone chargers, are dual voltage, but it’s always a good idea to check your device’s specifications before you travel.

Yes, it’s relatively easy to find vegetarian and vegan food in Indonesia, especially in tourist areas and major cities. Indonesian cuisine offers many plant-based dishes that naturally align with vegetarian and vegan diets. Popular options include gado-gado (a vegetable salad with peanut sauce), tempeh (fermented soybean), nasi goreng (fried rice, often with vegetables), and sayur lodeh (vegetable stew in coconut milk). However, in more rural areas, it may be a bit more challenging as many traditional dishes contain fish sauce or shrimp paste. It’s always a good idea to ask for your food without these ingredients and learn phrases like “tanpa daging” (without meat) or “tanpa ikan” (without fish). Many restaurants and street food stalls are also accommodating if you specify your dietary preferences.