Indonesia
Indonesia
17,000 Islands of Adventure
Essential Phrases
Hello
Halo
Ha-lo
Thank you
Terima kasih
Teh-ree-ma ka-sih
Yes
Ya
Ya
No
Tidak
Tee-dah
Excuse me
Permisi
Pehr-mee-see
Sorry
Maaf
Ma-ahf
Please
Tolong
To-long
Help!
Tolong!
To-long
Where is...?
Di mana...?
Dee mah-na
How much?
Berapa?
Beh-ra-pa
Cheers!
Selamat!
Seh-la-mat
Goodbye
Selamat tinggal
Seh-la-mat ting-gall
Emergency Contacts
Police
110
Police (emergency)
Ambulance
118/119
Medical emergency
Fire
113
Fire department
Tourist Police
+62 21 501 6560
Tourist Police Jakarta
US Embassy Jakarta
+62 21 5083-1000
Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 5-6, Jakarta 10110
Money & ATM Reality
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah
IDR
1 USD ≈ 16,000 IDR (approximate)
ATM & Card Access
ATM Fees: 15,000-25,000 IDR per withdrawal
- • ATMs everywhere in cities, limited on smaller islands
- • Most ATMs charge 15,000-25,000 IDR fee
- • Cash preferred at local warungs and small shops
- • Tipping not expected but appreciated in tourist areas
Internet & Connectivity
Restrictions:
• Government filters some websites
• Social media occasionally restricted
• VPN recommended for full access
- • Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL are major providers
- • eSIM available from providers
- • Tourist SIM: 100,000-300,000 IDR for 5-20GB valid 30 days
- • Airport and convenience stores sell SIMs
Popular Apps
Safety Index
Crime Overview
Transportation
Traffic is chaotic - be careful crossing roads. Use ride-hailing apps. Domestic flights generally safe.
Common Scams
- •Taxi overcharging
- •Overpriced tours
- •Gem scams in Bali
- •Beach vendors aggressive pricing
Areas to Avoid
- • Some areas of Papua and West Papua (check advisories)
- • Remote areas of Kalimantan (Borneo)
Natural Disaster Risks
- • Volcanic eruptions (Bali, Java)
- • Earthquakes (common)
- • Tsunamis (coastal areas)
- • Flooding during rainy season
Note: Safety ratings are based on Global Peace Index, US Department of State Travel Advisories, and local government sources. Ratings are subjective and should be used as a general guideline only. Always verify current travel advisories before your trip.
Solo Women Travelers
Night Safety
Dress Code
Modest dress at temples (sarong required). Beachwear OK at beaches and resorts.
Harassment Risk
Tips
- •Generally safe in tourist areas
- •Dress modestly at religious sites
- •Use GoJek/Grab for transport
- •Avoid isolated beaches at night
- •Be cautious with unwanted attention
Note: Women safety ratings are based on solo female traveler experiences, TripAdvisor reviews, and US Department of State advisories. Every woman's experience may vary. Trust your instincts and research specific destinations.
Festivals & Events
Galungan & Kuningan
religiousBalinese Hindu celebrations honoring ancestors
Impact: Temples busy, offerings made
Idul Fitri (Eid)
religiousEnd of Ramadan - major Muslim celebration
Impact: Massive migration - travel crowded, businesses may close
Bali Arts Festival
culturalMonthly cultural performances and exhibitions in Jakarta
Impact: Great for culture - performances daily
Nyepi (Day of Silence)
religiousBalinese Hindu New Year - complete silence for 24 hours
Impact: Bali essentially shuts down - no flights, no going out
Independence Day
nationalNational independence day - parades and celebrations
Impact: Public holiday - patriotic atmosphere