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TRAVEL GUIDE TO INDONESIA
Airport Taxes
When you depart Indonesia there is a
International departure tax of Rp50,000 (approx. US$6.00).
Domestic airport departure tax is Rp11,000
(approx. $1.25). Fees must be paid in Indonesian currency at a special
airport tax desk before check in.
Baggage
On Domestic flights,
passengers are allowed 44 pounds of luggage per person. On International
flights, passengers are allowed two pieces of checked luggage. Excess
luggage fees will be charged if you check more than the stated
allowances, and these charges are your responsibility. At most
major airports, baggage carts are available for your luggage, usually
for a small additional fee.
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Climate
and Clothing
Indonesia's climate is tropical. Temperatures average between 21C and
33C. In the mountains, however, it can go as low as 5C at night.
Humidity varies between 60% and 100%.In general, Bali experiences two
seasons: moist and wet! The rainy season is normally from November to
April, during which it can rain for several hours each day. The rain
tends to be intermittent, however, with plenty of sun in between. The
dry season is normally from May to October.
Climate is generally warm, humid and wet. Light
cotton clothing is highly recommended and be sure to pack a light
waterproof jacket.
Communications
The
international dialing code for Indonesia is 62
When making international telephone calls from Indonesia, first dial 001
+ country code + area code + telephone number
Local Telephone Codes
Balikpapan (Borneo) 052
Batam 0778
Bekasi (West Java) 021
Bintan 0771
Jakarta 021
Lombok 0370
Manado (Sulawesi) 0431
Medan 061
South Bali (Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud) 0361
Sumatra 0628
Surabaya 031
Ujung Padang (Sulawesi) 0411
Yogyakarta 0274
Currency
The local
currency is the Indonesian rupiah ('Rp' or 'IDR'). There are Rp100,
Rp500, and Rp1,000 coins and Rp1,000, Rp5,000, Rp10,000, Rp20,000,
Rp50,000, and Rp100,000 paper notes. Compare the exchange rates on offer
before changing money at money changers or banks. Although banks may
offer an added measure of professionalism and security, it's not
uncommon for money changers to offer better rates. There are usually
different rates for cash and non-cash instruments such as travelers
checks. Also, be aware that both banks and money changers can be very
picky about the cash notes that they will accept; they often refuse
notes that are in anything less than near-mint condition.
Major credit and charge cards are accepted in most major stores and
hotels. Smaller merchants often add a small surcharge to card
transactions.
Many -- but not all -- banks' ATMs in Indonesia are linked to major
international networks such as Cirrus, Plus, Visa, and MasterCard. As a
result, this can be a convenient and cost-effective way to obtain local
currency; such ATMs are widely available throughout major tourist areas.
Customs Regulations
Indonesian law forbids visitors from bringing weapons, illegal drugs,
or pornography into the country. Penalties can be severe and include
death for weapons or drugs. You may bring a maximum of two liters of
alcohol, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco, and a
reasonable amount of perfume with you. Visitors must surrender a signed
customs declaration in order to clear customs inspection upon arrival.
There are no restrictions on the
amounts of foreign currency that can be taken into/out of Indonesia.
However, you cannot import or export more than Rp5million. The total
cost of gifts taken into the country must not exceed US$100.
Electricity
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Voltage in Indonesia is 220 volts, so a
transformer will be needed to operate 100-volt appliances.
Electrical appliances will require an adapter that can change the shape
of the plug prongs, as well as an electrical voltage converter that will
allow a normal 110-volt American appliance to take 220 Volt current.
Adapters and converters are usually available in major hotels but may be
hard to find elsewhere.
Food and
Water
Tap water is not safe to drink
and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available.
Heath
Matters
There are no vaccinations required for entering Indonesia from
anywhere around the world, except for travelers arriving from smallpox
and cholera infected areas.
Reasonable medical facilities
are available in major towns but once outside these areas, medical
services tend to be very poor. Make sure that you have adequate health
insurance that covers evacuation and consider inoculations against
typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis. There is a risk
of malaria in many parts of Indonesia and it is recommended that you
take advice regarding anti-malarials. It is always best to check the
current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when
planning your trip.
Holidays
New Year’s Day - Jan 1st
Chinese New Year (2 days) - Jan/Feb
Eid Al Adha - Feb 1st
Islamic New Year - Deb 22nd
Nyepi Day - Apr 2nd
Good Friday - Mar/Apr
Muhammad's Birthday - May 2nd
Wesak Day - Jun 2nd
Independence Day - Aug 17th
Lailat Al Mi'raj - Sep 27th
Hari Raya Puasa - Nov 14, 15th
Christmas Day - Dec 25th
Passports and Visas
All visitors traveling to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport
valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and have proof of
onward passage. Effective February 1st, 2004, tourist visas are required
to enter Indonesia. Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival for up to a
30-day stay. Please contact the Consulate General of Indonesia for
details.
Time Difference
Eastern Indonesia (Iryan Jaya &
Maluka): GMT + 9 hours
Central Indonesia (Bali, East Timor, East & South Kalimantan, Lombok,
Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara): GMT + 8 hours
Western Indonesia (Central Kalimantan, Jakarta, Java, Sumatra): GMT + 7
hours
Tipping
Tipping is not traditionally a custom in
Indonesia, although it is becoming common in tourist areas.
A Government Tax of 11% is added
to bills and many restaurants and larger hotels also add a 10% service
charge. Additional tipping is optional and 5-10% of the bill is
acceptable. Tip porters at your hotel or the airport around Rp2,000 per
bag.
On tours with private sightseeing, gratuities of $5-$10 for travel
guides, $2-$3 for drivers per person per day is customary.
Transportation
Arrangements for domestic air and ground transportation are included and
made by the ground operator. All ground transportation, airport
transfers and sightseeing, will be provided via private car and guide. Taxis are available from major hotels and the
use of mass public transportation is not recommended.
What to Pack?
Climate is generally warm, humid and wet. Light
cotton clothing is highly recommended and be sure to pack a light
waterproof jacket. Other essential items
include: valid Passport.
Travelers Checks. Copy of Your Airline Ticket. Your Medicines. Departure
documents. Travel alarm clock.
Camera(s), batteries & films. Sunscreen/Tan lotion. Pocket size
Kleenex. Extra luggage locks/keys. First Aid kit. Soft, foldable
slippers. Extra set of eyeglasses. Folding Umbrella. Comfortable
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