Indonesia eVisa Requirements for Indonesia Citizens

FAQs

1. Are there any fees for exchanging currency in Indonesia?

   Yes, there can be fees associated with exchanging currency in Indonesia, depending on where and how you exchange your money. Authorized money changers typically offer competitive exchange rates without charging a separate transaction fee. However, the rates may vary, so it’s a good idea to compare a few before making a decision. Here are some tips for exchanging currency in Indonesia

   1. Familiarise yourself with the mid-market rate before your vacation

   The real exchange rate, free of deceptive hidden costs, is the mid-market rate. Make sure you obtain a fair rate when you purchase your travel money by using an online currency converter before your trip to get a sense of how much your money is worth.

   2. When withdrawing from ATMs, opt to have your money charged in Indonesian currency.

   Being offered to let you pay in your own currency leads many visitors to pay more than they need to. Always opt to pay in the local currency, which is rupiah in this instance, in order to save money and get the greatest deals.

   3. Avoid changing currency at hotels or airports

   Airport and hotel currency exchange bureaus frequently mark up the exchange rates they use and may charge additional costs. Steer clear of this costly alternative whenever possible.

2. What is the currency used in Indonesia?

   The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), represented by the letter Rp, is the country's official currency. The rupiah is issued and regulated by Bank Indonesia, the nation's central bank. It is available in banknotes and coins with denominations ranging from Rp 1,000 to Rp 100,000. Visitors should verify the most recent exchange rates prior to their trip because they are subject to change.

   Cash is still preferred for small purchases, especially in local markets and rural areas, although credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist destinations. Foreign debit and credit cards can be used to withdraw rupiah from ATMs, which are widely available throughout Indonesia.

   Only exchange money at licensed banks or money changers to avoid fraud. The rupiah remains the official currency of Indonesia, although it fluctuates due to inflation. Depending on the exchange rate, the symbol “Rp” precedes 50,000 Rp, which is equivalent to a few US dollars. By being aware of the value of the rupiah, tourists can avoid Indonesia’s complex pricing structure and manage their money more effectively.

3. How do I find hospitals or clinics while traveling in Indonesia?

   Finding a hospital or clinic while traveling in Indonesia is relatively easy, especially in major cities and tourist destinations.

   Many major cities, including Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, have international clinics and hospitals with English-speaking staff. In particular, many of these facilities provide high-quality medical care and also accept international health insurance. Ask your hotel receptionist for help if you need medical assistance or use Google Maps to find a nearby hospital. Your country's embassy or consulate can also recommend reputable medical facilities.

   In small towns and rural areas, medical facilities and English-speaking staff may be limited. It’s important to have travel health insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical care if you need treatment in a larger city.

   In an emergency, call 119 to contact Indonesia's emergency medical services. However, response times may vary. Be aware of any emergency hotlines that may be available when visiting a private hospital.

   If you are in a remote location, research the nearest hospital in advance. To ensure a smooth trip, travelers should keep a list of important medical contacts and bring any prescription medications they may need. It is also a good idea to use trusted healthcare apps or websites when you need to find a reputable clinic or hospital.

4. Are there any health risks associated with visiting rural areas in Indonesia?

   There are health hazards in Indonesia's rural areas, so visitors should take the proper safety measures. The risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria and dengue fever is a major concern, especially in isolated or wooded areas. Using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and sleeping under mosquito nets can all help lower the risk. Typhoid, hepatitis A, and bacterial infections can also result from contaminated food or water. Drink only bottled or filtered water and stay away from undercooked or raw food to stay safe.

   Rural areas may have fewer healthcare facilities and limited English-speaking medical professionals. Therefore, it is important to have emergency medical treatment and evacuation coverage in your travel health insurance policy. Another worry is rabies, which is brought on by the rise in stray animals and wildlife encounters. If you plan to spend a lot of time in rural areas, avoid animals and consider getting a rabies vaccination.

   Air quality can also be an issue in some regions due to seasonal forest fires, which may trigger respiratory problems. Travelers with asthma or respiratory conditions should carry necessary medications and check air quality updates before visiting.

   To minimize risks, ensure you have all recommended vaccinations, pack a basic medical kit, and research the nearest medical facility in case of emergencies. Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and healthy trip to Indonesia’s rural areas.

5. What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Indonesia?

   In the event of a medical emergency in Indonesia, stay calm and seek help immediately. You can call 119 for emergency medical care, but response times can vary, especially in rural areas. If you are in a major city or tourist destination, go to the nearest international hospital or clinic, which may have better facilities and English-speaking staff. Many private hospitals have their own emergency hotlines, so it is a good idea to save their contact numbers in advance.

   Ask your hotel receptionist, tour guide, or local authority for assistance if you need immediate medical attention but cannot get to a hospital in time. They may be able to arrange transportation to the nearest hospital. Since private hospitals may require payment in advance of treatment, having travel health insurance is essential. Keep a copy of your insurance information and know how to contact your insurance company in case of a medical claim.

   To buy over-the-counter medications for minor injuries or illnesses, visit a nearby pharmacy (“Apotek”), which has qualified pharmacists. But if you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or unconsciousness, you should seek emergency medical help immediately.

   Always carry a basic medical kit, find out where the nearest hospitals are, and save important emergency contact numbers on your phone so you are prepared. By following these guidelines, you can handle a medical emergency in Indonesia with more tact.

6. Are there any street food festivals in Indonesia that promote hygiene standards?

   Yes, Indonesia has organized events to promote hygiene standards among street food vendors. A notable example was the Healthy Street Food Festival held at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Central Jakarta on 10 November 2019. The festival was a collaborative effort between five United Nations agencies: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of the event was to draw attention to and enhance Indonesian street food's safety and quality. 

   During the festival, the head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM), Penny Kusumastuti Lukito, addressed the ongoing problem of food poisoning in the country, noting that there are still around 20 million cases occurring annually. Through the festival, street food vendors can improve their hygiene and increase public awareness of food safety.

   Although these festivals have helped to improve food safety, many challenges remain. It is challenging to enforce uniform hygienic standards in Indonesia due to the size and frequently unregulated street food industry. In addition to implementing improved management practices, efforts are being made to inform the public and vendors about the significance of food safety.

   As a consumer, attending these festivals can be an opportunity to enjoy a variety of street foods while being held to higher hygiene standards. However, since such events may not be held regularly, it is recommended that you check local event listings or official announcements for information about upcoming festivals that focus on street food hygiene.

7. What are some common symptoms of food poisoning from street food in Indonesia?

   In Indonesia, eating street food can sometimes lead to food poisoning, but it can also be a wonderful experience. Sometimes you need to pay attention to symptoms that can range from mild discomfort to more serious reactions.

   Common Symptoms

   • Stomach problems: You may experience nausea, vomiting (your body's way of getting rid of toxins), or diarrhea, often accompanied by cramps.
   • Abdominal pain: Pain can be sharp or dull, causing discomfort.
   • Blood & gas: Feeling too full or bloated after eating.

   Fever & Body Reactions

   • Fever: Your body may increase its temperature to fight off an infection.
   • Sweating & chills: You may feel hot and cold alternately.
   • Fatigue & weakness: Dehydration and infection can leave you feeling exhausted.

   Serious Symptoms (Get medical help if you experience these symptoms!)

   • Blood in your stool or vomit – This could be a sign of a bacterial infection that needs treatment.
   • Severe dehydration – Signs include extreme thirst, dizziness, dry mouth, or very little urination.
   • Persistent symptoms – If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours or get worse, seek medical attention.

   Symptoms can appear within hours or even days of eating contaminated food. To be safe, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe.

8. How can I identify a clean and safe street food vendor in Indonesia?

   It is important to pay attention to detail and carefully evaluate a few key factors to find a street food vendor in Indonesia that is both safe and hygienic.

   First of all, hygiene is the most important factor. A good vendor will keep their hands clean, dress appropriately, and keep their stall tidy. To protect the food from dust and insects, they should cover the food. Another smart idea is to choose a vendor with a high rate of repeat customers as this indicates that the food is freshly prepared and popular in the neighborhood.

   Freshly prepared food is usually safer than food that has been left out for a long time. Paying attention to how the vendor handles ingredients and cooking utensils is important as this reduces the possibility of cross-contamination when raw and cooked foods are handled separately.

   It can also be enlightening to check the quality of cooking oil; if the oil is too dark, it has been used a lot, which could be harmful to your health. The risk of waterborne illnesses is decreased when drinks and ice are obtained from a sealed or purified source as opposed to tap water. Additionally, you should trust your instincts and avoid approaching food vendors who seem spoiled or have an unpleasant odor.

   Finally, you can find trustworthy and clean street food vendors by reviewing internet reviews or getting referrals from locals. These rules will help visitors safely savor Indonesia's varied and delectable street cuisine.

9. Can I use ATMs in Indonesia to withdraw Rupiah?

   Yes, you can use ATMs in Indonesia to withdraw Rupiah. Most ATMs accept international debit and credit cards, especially those affiliated with major networks like Visa, Mastercard or Cirrus.

   In Indonesia, ATMs are widely available in larger cities and popular tourist destinations like Bali. But it can be difficult to locate one in more rural locations. You might want to stock up on some rupiah in advance if you are traveling to one of Indonesia's smaller towns.

   Here are few things you should know when withdrawing Rupiah at ATMs in Indonesia: 

   • Use ATMs attached to a major bank branch

   The best ATMs to use are those found in large banks' lobby areas. Since all of these ATMs have security personnel on duty around-the-clock, there is absolutely no danger that they will be stolen.

   • Go inside the bank for large transactions

   The typical withdrawal limit from an ATM in Bali is less than 2.5 million Rupiah. You might be tempted to make several transactions to top up your holiday spending funds because of these low withdrawal restrictions, but each time you do, you will be assessed transaction costs from both your local and home banks.

   • Stock up on cash before festivals and public holidays

   Locals withdraw large sums of cash from the banks in the days preceding the major public holidays and festivities. The day before public holidays, when, guess what, the banks are closed, this always leads to ATMs running dry.

10. How can I extend my stay in Indonesia?

    Unfortunately for international citizens, the Indonesia e-visa cannot be extended. If you’re enjoying your time in Indonesia and wish to stay longer, you need to apply for a new Indonesian e-visa.

    The Indonesia e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue; this allows travelers to stay for 30 or 60 days depending on which visa type you choose. For more information, travelers can refer to Indonesia e-visa.

    If you apply for an Indonesian paper visa, travelers can visit the Indonesian Embassy for extending your e-visa. The process will be charged an amount of fee. Please contact the Indonesia Embassy in your country.

    If your visa cannot be extended, consider leaving Indonesia and reapplying for a new visa or re-entering on a VoA if your nationality is eligible. Visa-on-Arrival can be extended for an additional 30 days. Visit a local immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi) before your initial 30-day period ends. In any case, travelers should remember to extend your e-visa 1 week before your visa expiration date.

    If you have any concerns, please contact GVC staff for more assistance. You can dial +1 928 352 8770 or complete the contact form, we are available 24/7 to support you.