Return to Indonesia

The islands of the Indonesian archipelago are strung across the equator and is where you can find clear blue seas lap, pristine beaches, and gentle breezes. Divers are entranced by the ocean's riches. Inland, dramatic volcanic ranges tower above a green mantle of terraced hillsides and lush rainforest.

Indonesia is filled with a rich history of kingdoms, conquests, trade and colonialism and an interesting mix of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and indigenous tribal culture which has turned the area into one of interest to visitors. The archipelago's diversity and vast size can may appear overwhelming at first glance, but an unhurried approach will reward you with a little taste of paradise.

Indonesia - Order FREE Travel Brochure! Passports and Visas Customs and Duty Free Travel Etiquette for Indonesia Language Money Matters Health Matters Shopping Climate Geography Contact Information For Planning Your Trip General and Miscellaneous Information

At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips at  InfoHub, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make InfoHub "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. Indonesia - Order FREE Travel Brochure!

The following information was provided by the CIA Fact Book.
The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to relinquish its colony. Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing financial sector reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face a low intensity separatist movement in Papua.

Indonesia, a vast polyglot nation, has been undergoing significant economic reforms under President YUDHOYONO. Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio has been declining steadily, its foreign exchange reserves are at an all-time high of over $50 billion, and its stock market has been one of the 3 best performers in the world in 2006 and 2007, as global investors sought out higher returns in emerging markets. The government has introduced significant reforms in the financial sector, including tax and customs reforms, the introduction of Treasury bills, and improved capital market supervision. Indonesia's new investment law, passed in March 2007, seeks to address some of the concerns of foreign and domestic investors. Indonesia still struggles with poverty and unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, corruption, a complex regulatory environment, and unequal resource distribution among regions. Indonesia has been slow to privatize over 100 state-owned enterprises, several of which have monopolies in key sectors. The non-bank financial sector, including pension funds and insurance, remains weak. Capital markets are underdeveloped. The high global price of oil in 2007 increased the cost of domestic fuel and electricity subsidies, and are contributing to concerns about higher food prices. Located on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" Indonesia remains vulnerable to volcanic and tectonic disasters. Significant progress has been made in rebuilding Aceh after the devastating December 2004 tsunami, and the province now shows more economic activity than before the disaster. Unfortunately, Indonesia suffered new disasters in 2006 and early 2007 including: a major earthquake near Yogyakarta, an industrial accident in Sidoarjo, East Java that created a "mud volcano," a tsunami in South Java, and major flooding in Jakarta, all of which caused additional damages in the billions of dollars. Donors are assisting Indonesia with its disaster mitigation and early warning efforts.

Before Travel
Make sure that you have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date with proof of onward passage
As for visas, please pay attention to the following :

Tourist Visas
There are about 40 countries granted free entry to Indonesia. Please check with the Indonesian Embassy in your country. The free entry valid for 60 (sixty) days and it is in-extendible.
Business Visas
You may apply for a business visa, which valid for 28 (twenty-eight) days and extendible for maximum 6 months.
Special Visas
For some countries without diplomatic relationship, you may require special visas. Please contact the closest Indonesian Diplomatic office.
Visa Upon Arrival
The government may grant you a visa upon arrival which valid for 14 days and extendible for another 14 days.

When You Arrive
Be sure to keep a close watch on your luggage and other belongings during inspection at the x-ray conveyors. To avoid problems when you pass the customs area, keep your medicines their original containers and if necessary, bring a copy your prescriptions. And since narcotics drugs are prohibited, you may want to have a letter from your doctor attesting to your need to take the drug. There is a taxi reservation stand inside the International arrival hall. An airport surcharge, plus toll road fees will be added to the metered fare.

Be sure to take a marked taxi and do your best to ignore taxi touts and other offers of transportation from unmarked ones. Otherwise, you can choose metered taxis that usually available outside the stations. When using porters to carry your bags, make sure you use the official ones who wear uniforms. Also remember their ID number that can commonly be seen at the back of their uniforms. If you have to arrive at night it is best to have someone available to pick you up.

Passports and visas are required by all except the following for tourist visits only of up to 60 days, non extendable:
a. Nationals of countries referred to in the chart above, with the exception of Portugal.
b. Nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Egypt, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro).
c. Nationals of Taiwan with passports endorsed with code MFA/M. If passport is endorsed with code OM or X, a visa is required and entry and exit is only permitted via Denpasar Bali (Ngurah Rai), Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta) or Medan (Polonia) airports.
d. Passengers who are in transit passengers and continuing their journey within a maximum of 8 hours, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
e. All journalists and business travelers regardless of nationality require visas and special permission.
f.  All children traveling with parents who require visas must also have visas, even if traveling on their parents' passports.
g. All visitors require US$2000 in cash and/or travelers checks. Credit cards can no longer be accepted as proof of a traveler's financial status when applying for a visa or traveling to Indonesia. Travelers must be in possession of a current credit statement with a minimum credit limit of US$1000 from their banks or credit card issuance authority, and be able to present it on demand when applying for a visa and also to the Immigration/Customs Officers upon arrival in Indonesia should they wish to use their credit cards as a means of payment while in Indonesia.

The following nationals my have restricted entry:
a. Nationals of Israel will be refused entry unless they have applied to the Immigration Office in Indonesia, prior to traveling, to obtain approval/special permit.
b. Nationals of Portugal are allowed to enter Indonesia but need a tourist visa and need approval from Immigration authorities in Indonesia for business and social visits.
c. Nationals of China (PR) and CIS traveling to Indonesia as tourists, or for business or social purposes, need approval from the Immigration Office in Indonesia before traveling. Nationals of China (PR) should also have sponsorship in Indonesia and must travel in a group of at least 5 people.
d. All applications for business, tourist and social visits from nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Congo (Rep. of), Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Yemen need special approval from the Immigration Department in Indonesia.

Regulations and requirements may be subject to change at short notice, and you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing travel arrangements. Severe fines and, in some cases, prison sentences will be given to visitors who exceed their visa-free stay.

Note: East Timor is no longer a part of Indonesia. Those wishing to travel to this area should contact the nearest United Nations office in the country where they live. The UN is currently acting as the administrative authority in East Timor. People wishing to travel to Aceh and Irian Jaya must obtain a special permit from the Indonesian Immigration Office and the State Police Headquarters in Jakarta. Upon arrival in Aceh and Irian Jaya, visitors must report to the local police office. Permits are issued at the discretion of the immigration authorities on presentation of a valid passport, a return ticket and several passport photographs.

Gateways: Entry and exits must be made from one of the authorized 16 airports, 10 seaports or the authorized overland entry point:
Air - Ambon (Pattimura), Balikpapan (Sepinggan), Bandung (Sastranegara), Batam (Hang Nadim), Biak (Frans Kaisiapo), Denpasar Bali (Ngurah Rai), Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta), Manado (Samratulangi), Mataram (Selaparang), Medan (Polonia), Padang (Tabing), Pekan-baru (Simpang Tiga), Pontianak (Soepadio), and Surabaya (Juanda), Ujung Pandang (Hassanadim).
Sea -  Ambon (Ambon), Batu Ampar (Batam), Belawan (Medan), Benoa (Bali), Bitung (Bitung), Padang Bai (Bali), Tanjung Mas (Semarang), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya), Tanjung Pinang (Riau), Tanjung Periok (Jakarta).
Overland -  Etikong (West Kalimantan)

Nationals of China (PR) may enter and exit from the following airports or seaports only:
Air - Denpasar Bali (Ngurah Rai), Jakarta (Halim/Soekarno-Hatta) and Medan (Polonia).
Sea - Belawan (Medan), Tanjung Perak (Surabaya) and Tanjung Periok (Jakarta).

 

At Travelocity, not only can you find the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but Travelocity can often save you up to 20% or More on Airfares. You can also find the Best Car Rental Rates in Top Destinations. You can also find Great Hotel Rates At Top Destinations! And, to save even more, Book Air + Hotel Together and SAVE with Travelocity! You can also find Incredible Deals on the Best Cruises! Remember - Travelocity Always Saves You on Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, Cruises and More.

For Flights, Hotels, Cars, Cruises, Vacations, Tours and Travel Deals, Click on Global Travel International. If the link does not work properly, type www.gettingaway.globaltravel.com in the address line of your browser.

To Top

Travel Etiquette
Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Customs and Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Indonesia by travelers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100g of tobacco;1 liter of alcohol (opened); a reasonable quantity of perfume; gifts up to a value of US$250.

Prohibited items: Weapons, ammunition, non-prescribed drugs, television sets and other electronic equipment, fresh fruit, Chinese publications and medicines, and pornography.

Cameras must be declared on arrival. Video cameras, radio cassette recorders, binoculars and sport equipment may be imported provided you take them back home with you. Motion-picture film, video tapes, video laser discs, records and computer software must be screened by the censor board.

To Top

Money Matters
Currency - The currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah (Rp) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of Rp50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100 and coins are in denominations of Rp1000, 500, 100, 50 and 25.

Currency Exchange - Although there should be no difficulty exchanging major currencies in the main tourist centers, problems may occur elsewhere. The easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar. You should always try to exchange money at banks as it is there where you will normally get the best rates.

Banking Hours - Mon-Fri 0800-1500.

Credit & Debit Cards - MasterCard, American Express and Visa are widely accepted in Jakarta and the main tourist areas. In more remote areas it is best to carry cash in small denominations as it could be expensive to exchange money. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available including a pin number that will work for you in Indonesia.

Travelers Checks - There is limited merchant acceptance for travelers checks, but they can be easily exchanged at banks and larger hotels. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers checks in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions - There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency. The import and export of local currency is limited to Rp5,000,000 which must be declared; failure to declare amounts in excess of the maximum allowance may result in fines of up to Rp10,000,000. Local currency may be exchanged on departure.

Tipping - Major hotels add an 11% service charge and 10% government tax to bills. Where not included a tip of 5 to 10 % is satisfactory depending on the type of establishment. Giving tips to taxi driver is not mandatory, but rounding up the fares to the nearest RP 1,000,00 will be much appreciated.

Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare.  Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate

To Top

Health Matters
Adequate routine medical care is available in all major cities, but emergency services are generally inadequate outside major cities. Fees must be paid before leaving the hospital. Although medical costs are relatively cheap, drugs can be expensive. I would recommend that you travel with health insurance. What follows are some special precautions of which you should be aware.

Cholera - You will want to be sure to take special precautions for cholera. Check with your personal physician while you are making your travel plans. Following WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Indonesia. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

Malaria - The risk of malaria exists throughout the year everywhere except in the main tourist resorts of Java and Bali, Jakarta municipality and other big cities where risk is only slight. Therefore, if you plan to travel outside of these areas, special precautions should be taken. he malignant form falciparum is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine/pyrimethane. The benign form vivax is reported to be resistant to chloroquine in Irian Jaya, where mefloquine is recommended. No certificate is required.

Polio - Although there have not been any recent breakouts, special precautions should be taken.

Typhoid - As in many areas of Asia you will want to take special precautions. There have not been any recent outbreaks however.

Yellow Fever - A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers coming from infected areas. The countries and areas included in the yellow fever endemic zones are considered by Indonesia as infected areas. For a map of yellow fever endemic zones, see the Health appendix. Regulations and requirements may be subject to change at short notice, and you are advised to contact your doctor well in advance of your intended date of departure.

Other risks might include: Amoebic and bacillary dysenteries occur. Hepatitis A and E occur and hepatitis B is highly endemic. Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever can occur in the more rural areas. Poliomyelitis, tuberculosis and diphtheria vaccinations are sometimes recommended. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in central Sulawesi. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

What follows is good advice for all travelers:
►Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe.
►All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. I would suggest you drink bottled water only.
►Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. My suggestion, just avoid dairy products.
►Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.

To Top

Shopping
Shopping for souvenirs is always part of any trip, vacation, or holiday. Some items you might want to be on the lookout for in Indonesia would include batik cloth, woodcarvings and sculpture, silverwork, woven baskets and hats, bamboo articles, krises (small daggers), paintings and woven cloth. At small shops bartering might be necessary. When bartering, always begin with a little less than you are willing to pay and then work up while the seller works down and you come to a reasonable price. If you have problems getting the price you want I have found that if you walk away the price will sometimes immediately come down a little bit more. The normal shopping hours are Mon-Sun 1000-2200. Most local markets open either very early in the morning or at dusk.

To Top

Climate
Indonesia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons -- wet (October to April) and dry (May to September). As Indonesia is so large, this tropical climate can vary from area to area. The typical day offers 12 hours of daylight and conditions are generally sunny throughout the year. Humidity averages about 75 percent, with an average daily temperature of 25 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius in the lowlands and 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius in the mountains. If you're staying overnight in the mountains, a light jacket or sweater will come in handy. Water temperature varies from 24 degree Celsius to 26 degree Celsius but can drop to as low as 16 degree Celsius in deeper water. The wettest and coolest months are December and January and the driest and warmest are July and August. I would suggest you take lightweight clothing and rainwear. Warmer clothes are needed for cool evenings and upland areas.

To Top

Geography
Indonesia,  It is the world's largest archipelago state, lies between the mainland of South-East Asia and Australia in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  Indonesia is made up of six main islands - Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, Kalimantan (part of the island of Borneo) and Irian Jaya (the western half of New Guinea) - and 30 smaller archipelagos. In total, the Indonesian archipelago consists of more than 17,000 islands with some 6,000 of these being inhabited. the islands stretch over 3,000 miles with most of the islands most lying in a volcanic belt with more than 300 volcanoes, the great majority of which are extinct. The landscape varies from island to island, ranging from high mountains and plateau to coastal lowlands and alluvial belts.

To Top

Contact Addresses

Department of Culture and Tourism
Gedung Sapta Pesona, 16/19 Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Tel: (21) 383 8568 or 383 8188 or 383 8185. Fax: (21) 384 8245 or 384 9715.

Indonesia Tourism Promotion Board (ITPB)
Wisma Nugra Santana Building, Ninth Floor, Jalan Jend Sudirman Kav 7-8, Jakarta 10220, Indonesia
Tel: (21) 570 4879. Fax: (21) 570 4855.
E-mail: itpb@cbn.net.id

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and Indonesia Tourist Promotion Office (ITPO)
38 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HW, UK
Consular section: 38A Adam's Row, London W1X 9AD, UK
All post should be addressed to 38 Grosvenor Square.
Tel: (020) 7499 7661 (for all commercial, consular and tourism enquiries). Fax: (020) 7491 4993.

British Embassy
Jalan M H Thamrin 75, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Tel: (21) 315 6264 or 315 6272 (commercial section). Fax: (21) 315 4061 (commercial section) or 392 6263 (political section).

British Consulate General
Deutsche Bank Building, 19th Floor, Jalan Iman Bonjol 80, Jakarta 10310, Indonesia
Tel: (21) 390 7484-7. Fax: (21) 316 0858.
E-mail: britemb@attglobal.net
Honorary Consulates in: Medan, Bali and Surabaya.

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
2020 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 200036, USA
Tel: (202) 775 5200. Fax: (202) 775 5365.
E-mail: indonsia@dgs.dgsys.com (information section).
Website: www.embassyofindonesia.org

Consulate General of Indonesia
5 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
Tel: (212) 879 0600. Fax: (212) 570 6206 (visas and tourist information).
Consulates General in: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Embassy of the United States of America
Jalan Merdeka Selatan 4-5, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Tel: (21) 3435 9000. Fax: (21) 385 7189.
Consulate General in: Surabaya. Consular Agency in: Bali.

Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
55 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 1E5, Canada
Tel: (613) 724 1100. Fax: (613) 724 1105 or 724 4959.
E-mail: kbri@indonesia-ottawa.org
Website: www.indonesia-ottawa.org
Consulates General in: Toronto and Vancouver.

Canadian Embassy
Street address: Sixth Floor, World Trade Centre, Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav. 29-31, Jakarta 12920, Indonesia
Postal address: PO Box 8324/JKS.MP, Jakarta 12084, Indonesia
Tel: (21) 525 0709. Fax: (21) 571 2251.
E-mail: canadianembassy.jkrta@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/jakarta
Honorary Consulate in: Surabaya.

To Top

General Information

Area - 741,053 sq miles.
Population - 224,784,210 (2000).
Capital - Jakarta (Java). 
Government - Indonesia is a republic that declared independence from the Netherlands in 1945. 

Language - Bahasa Indonesian is the official national language. It is similar to Malay and written in the Roman alphabet. In addition, there are over 250 recognized languages spoken by as many distinct ethnic groups. Many local languages are further divided by special forms of address depending on social status, and all languages are spoken in a variety of local dialects. English is the most widely used foreign language for business and tourism, and many people in the more remote areas have a basic command of English making it pretty easy for English-speaking visitors to enjoy their stay. The older generation still speak Dutch as a second language.

I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language.

Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more. Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

Religion - There is a Muslim majority of approximately 88 per cent, with Christian (10 per cent), Hindu (mainly in Bali) and Buddhist minorities. Animist beliefs are held in remote areas.

Time - Indonesia spans three time zones: Bangka, Billiton, Java, West and Central Kalimantan, Madura and Sumatra: GMT + 7 (West), GMT + 8 (Central), GMT + 9 (East). Bali, Flores, South and East Kalimantan, Lombok, Sulawesi, Sumba, Sumbawa and Timor: GMT + 8. Aru, Irian Jaya, Kai, Moluccas and Tanimbar: GMT + 9.

Electricity - Generally 220 volts AC, 50Hz, but 110 volts AC, 50Hz, in some rural areas. Better be sure to pack your convert and adaptors. Find the converter you will need in the Getting Away Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you need in the Getting Away Travel Store!

Communications -
Telephone - IDD telephone service is available in main cities. The country code is 62 (followed by 22 for Bandung, 21 for Jakarta, 61 for Medan and 31 for Surabaya), and the outgoing international code is 00. Many hotel lobbies have public phones which take credit cards and phone cards. State-operated phone booths (WARTEL), which work on a pay-as-you-leave basis, can be found throughout the country.
Mobile telephone - GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Main operators include Welcomes(website: www.telkomsel.com), Natrindo Telepon Selular (website: www.lippotel.com) and Excelcomindo (www.excelcom.co.id). Coverage may be limited to main towns and cities.
Fax - Faxes can be sent and received from WARTEL shops.
Emergency Phone Numbers - For emergencies, dial 110 (police) or 118 (ambulance for traffic accidents) or 119 (ambulance for general health) or 113 (fire department).
Internet - ISPs include Indosat (website: www.indosat.net.id) and Indobiz (website: www.indobiz.com). There are cybercafés in all major cities and tourist destinations.
Telegram - These can be sent from any telegraphic office; in Jakarta facilities are available 24 hours a day, but services outside Jakarta are less efficient.

Office Hours/Business Hours - Government offices open from 08.00 AM - 15.00 PM, Monday to Thursday, 08.00 AM - 11.30 AM on Friday. Business office hours vary. Some from 08.00 AM to 16.00 PM, others : 09.00 AM to 17.00. Most office closed on Saturdays. Bank hours are 08.00 AM or 08.30 to 16.00 hours - mostly Monday to Friday.

To Top

Language

I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language.

Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more. Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.

To Top

To Top