Indonesia eVisa Requirements for Indonesia Citizens

FAQs

1. How Do I Book Domestic Flights Within Indonesia?

   Booking domestic flights between Indonesia's numerous islands and cities is straightforward through multiple channels tailored to different preferences. Major airlines like Garuda Indonesia (full-service national carrier) and Lion Air (budget airline) maintain user-friendly websites with direct booking capabilities, while third-party platforms including Traveloka, Skyscanner, and Expedia allow convenient price comparison across multiple carriers.

   Local travel agencies provide valuable booking assistance for travelers who prefer personalized service or need help navigating complex multi-island itineraries. Mobile apps from both airlines and booking platforms offer the most convenient booking option, allowing on-the-go reservations with instant confirmation and digital boarding passes that simplify the travel experience across Indonesia's vast archipelago.

2. What Is the Average Cost of Meals in Indonesia?

   Indonesia's diverse dining landscape offers options for every budget, with local warungs (small family-owned restaurants) and street food stalls providing authentic Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng and mie goreng for approximately 30,000 IDR ($2 USD) per meal. Street food represents the most economical dining option, with delicious local specialties such as satay and bakso starting from just 10,000 IDR ($0.70 USD).

   Mid-range restaurants serving both Indonesian and international cuisine typically charge between 150,000-600,000 IDR ($10-40 USD) for a three-course meal for two people, depending on location and establishment. Tourist areas and upscale neighborhoods in Jakarta and Bali generally command premium prices compared to the same quality establishments in secondary cities or local neighborhoods.

3. How Much Should I Budget for a Week-Long Trip to Indonesia?

   A week-long Indonesian adventure requires different budgets depending on your travel style, with budget travelers able to explore comfortably on $25-50 daily ($175-350 weekly) by staying in hostels, eating at local warungs, using public transportation, and enjoying free or low-cost activities like temple visits and beach time. Mid-range travelers should allocate approximately $68 daily ($479 weekly) for comfortable accommodations, restaurant dining, and popular attractions with admission fees.

   Luxury travelers seeking premium experiences should budget around $206 daily ($1,442 weekly) to enjoy private villas, upscale dining, exclusive excursions, and personalized services. These estimates exclude international airfare, travel insurance, and visa costs, which should be calculated separately based on your departure location and specific requirements.

4. What Are the Best Ways to Get Around in Indonesian Cities?

   Indonesia's major cities offer diverse transportation networks with Jakarta leading the way through its integrated system of TransJakarta Busway (operating in dedicated lanes to avoid traffic), modern MRT and LRT rail services, and app-based motorcycle taxis (ojek) that efficiently navigate congested streets. These official transit options provide reliable, affordable transportation with fares starting at just IDR 2,000 ($0.13) for bus services.

   Smaller cities and towns rely heavily on angkot (shared minivans following fixed routes), traditional becak (pedal-powered tricycles), and their motorized counterparts bajaj, which offer economical short-distance travel options. Ride-hailing apps like Grab have revolutionized urban transportation throughout Indonesia, providing convenient, trackable services that bridge the gap between traditional public transit and private transportation.

5. Is It Safe to Use Ride-Sharing Apps Like Grab in Indonesia?

   Ride-sharing apps like Grab are generally safe and widely used throughout Indonesia's urban centers, with built-in safety features including GPS tracking, driver profiles with ratings, and in-app emergency assistance buttons providing enhanced security compared to traditional transportation methods. The digital payment system eliminates cash handling concerns while creating transaction records for each journey.

   Despite occasional resistance from conventional taxi operators in some areas, Indonesian authorities have confirmed the legality of ride-sharing services, making them a legitimate transportation option for both tourists and locals. For maximum safety, passengers should verify driver information matches the app details before entering vehicles and share trip information with trusted contacts when traveling alone.

6. What are some important cultural norms to be aware of in Indonesia?

   Indonesia’s rich diversity means that customs can vary by region, but there are key cultural norms that are widely respected across the country:

   • Politeness and Respect:

     • Always greet with a smile and use polite phrases like “Selamat Pagi” (Good Morning) or “Apa Kabar?” (How are you?).
     • Handshakes are common but gentle; in some places, a slight bow with palms together is used.
     • Indonesians value harmony, avoid confrontation, and tend to communicate indirectly to maintain good relationships.

   • Dress Code:

     • Modesty is important. Both men and women should avoid revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
     • Women are encouraged to cover shoulders and knees, while men should avoid shorts in formal or sacred settings.

   • Religious and Social Etiquette:

     • Always remove shoes before entering homes, mosques, temples, or carpeted rooms.
     • When visiting temples or mosques, dress conservatively and follow local customs.
     • Public displays of affection are frowned upon in most areas.

   • Dining and Gift-Giving:

     • Wait for the host to invite you to eat and use your right hand for passing food or giving/receiving items.
     • Gifts are appreciated when visiting someone’s home, but avoid giving alcohol or pork products to Muslims, and leather to Hindus.

   • Hierarchy and Group Harmony:

     • Respect for elders and those in authority is deeply ingrained. Address superiors as “Bapak” (Sir) or “Ibu” (Ma’am).
     • Decisions are often made collectively, and maintaining group harmony is valued over individual opinions.

   • Cultural Diversity:

     • Indonesia is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and religions, so customs can vary. Always observe and adapt to local practices.

   Understanding and respecting these cultural norms will help you have positive interactions and a more meaningful experience in Indonesia. If you’d like tips on etiquette for specific regions or situations, just ask!

7. What Is The Climate Like Throughout The Year In Different Regions Of Indonesia?

   Indonesia's climate varies significantly across its vast archipelago, with most regions experiencing tropical conditions characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The country's position along the equator creates relatively consistent temperatures, with coastal plains averaging 28°C (82°F), inland areas around 26°C (79°F), and mountain regions about 23°C (73°F).

   Regional climate variations:

   • Western regions (Sumatra, Java, Bali) typically receive more rainfall than eastern areas
   • Eastern islands closer to Australia (Nusa Tenggara, eastern Java) tend to be drier, with some areas receiving less than 1,000mm of rainfall annually
   • Mountain regions in Papua can experience dramatically cooler temperatures, with minimums as low as 5°C (41°F)
   • Southern provinces like South Sulawesi and East Java can see maximum temperatures soaring to 39°C (103°F)

   The primary climatic variable in Indonesia is rainfall rather than temperature. The country experiences two distinct seasons driven by monsoon patterns:

   • Wet season (October to March): Influenced by Asia and Pacific Ocean air masses
   • Dry season (April to September): Influenced by Australian continental air masses

   Local conditions can vary significantly from these general patterns. For example, Bogor near Jakarta claims to have the world's highest number of thunderstorm days per year (322), while some islands in the southern Malukus experience unpredictable rainfall patterns due to local wind currents.

   This diversity of climatic conditions contributes to Indonesia's rich biodiversity and varied ecosystems, from lush rainforests to arid plains.

8. How Do I Book Tours Or Excursions While Traveling In Indonesia?

   When it comes to booking tours and excursions in Indonesia, you'll find that waiting until you arrive is often the best approach. Booking locally offers several advantages over pre-booking online, including better prices, flexibility, and the ability to assess conditions on the ground.

   Local booking options:

   • Tourist booths/offices in popular areas like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Sanur, and Ubud offer a wide variety of tour packages
   • Hotel concierge services can arrange reputable guides and excursions
   • Private drivers can be hired for approximately IDR 600,000 (about $45) for a full day (9am to 7pm), allowing you to create your own customized itinerary

   When booking locally, you'll benefit from:

   • Flexibility to adjust plans based on weather conditions
   • Better pricing without the markup added by international booking platforms
   • Ability to negotiate, especially for solo travelers who might otherwise face "minimum two people" requirements

   For specialized experiences like wildlife tours, cultural immersions, or adventure activities, consider contacting local tour operators like Adventure Indonesia, which offers tailor-made packages and supports sustainable tourism initiatives through mangrove and coral planting projects.

   If you prefer the security of pre-booking, platforms like Viator offer options with free cancellation policies, though prices are typically higher than booking locally. Remember that traffic in Bali and other parts of Indonesia moves slowly, with average speeds of about 20mph, so factor this into your planning when scheduling multiple activities in a single day.

9. Where Can I Exchange Currency in Indonesia?

   Indonesia offers multiple currency exchange options with varying rates and convenience levels. Dedicated money changers like PT Dirgahayu Valuta Prima in Bali and Money Changer Sejahtera Valasindo in Jakarta typically offer the most competitive exchange rates, though visitors should verify the exchanger is licensed and always count money before leaving the counter to avoid common scams.

   Banking institutions provide secure currency exchange services with slightly less favorable rates but greater reliability and documentation, making them ideal for larger transactions. Airport exchange counters at Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta) and Ngurah Rai (Bali) offer convenience for immediate cash needs upon arrival, though their rates are typically 10-15% less competitive than city-based exchangers, making them better for small initial exchanges rather than converting large sums.

10. Are There Public Transportation Options Available in Major Cities?

    Indonesia's largest cities have developed public transportation systems of varying sophistication to address growing urban mobility needs. Jakarta offers the most comprehensive network with its integrated TransJakarta buses, MRT and LRT rail systems, and commuter trains connecting the metropolitan area, while Bandung operates a similar Bus Rapid Transit system providing efficient travel along major corridors.

    Other major urban centers including Surabaya and Medan maintain more traditional public transit options like conventional city buses, angkot (minivans), and regional variations of motorized tricycles. Bali stands as an exception with limited formal public transportation, though tourist areas are well-served by private shuttle services, taxis, and ride-sharing applications that effectively function as public transport alternatives.