Indonesia Travel Essentials: Everything You Need to Know

Planning your Indonesian adventure? Our comprehensive travel guide covers everything from visa requirements to local customs, ensuring you’re perfectly prepared for your holiday.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Passport Requirements

Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date and contain at least 2 blank pages for entry stamps.

E-Visa Options (Recommended)

We strongly recommend applying for an e-visa before departure to speed up airport immigration processes.

30-Day e-Visa

• Cost: IDR 500,000 per person
• Extendable once for 30 additional days (can be done online if you applied online initially)
• Best for shorter holidays
• Single entry only

60-Day e-Visa

• Cost: IDR 1,000,000 per person
• Ideal for extended exploration
• No extension required for stays up to 60 days

Multiple-Entry Visas

• Available through the online application system
• Ideal for those planning to visit neighbouring countries and return

Application Process:

• Apply at least 7 days before departure via the official Indonesian immigration website
• Payment accepted via Mastercard, Visa, or JCB credit cards
• Account verification required before application
• Warning: Beware of visa scams by fake agents – always use the official Indonesian immigration website

Visa on Arrival Alternative

British nationals can obtain visas on arrival for tourism, business, or transit purposes:

• Cost: IDR 500,000 (30 days validity)
• Payable in cash or by card
• Available at main airports and ports
• Extendable once for 30 additional days at local immigration offices
• Important: Extend within the initial 30 days to avoid overstay fines of IDR 1,000,000 per day

Mandatory Health Requirements

SATUSEHAT Health Pass All international travellers must complete an electronic self-declaration form called SATUSEHAT Health Pass before entering Indonesia. Complete this form prior to departure to avoid delays at immigration.

Yellow Fever Vaccination You must have a certificate proving yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.

Bali Tourist Levy

The Bali provincial government has introduced a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately £8) for all foreign tourists arriving in Bali. You can pay online in advance or on arrival.

Police Registration Requirements

Critical for Private Accommodation: If staying in private accommodation (not hotels), you must register your presence with local police at the nearest police station. Failure to register can result in fines of IDR 5,000,000. Hotel guests are registered automatically.

Essential Travel Information

Electricity & Adapters

Indonesia uses 220v electricity. European plug adaptors work perfectly for most devices.

Health & Safety Precautions

• Insect Protection: Use tropical-strength repellent during daytime hours when dengue mosquitoes are active
• Malaria: Most tourist areas, particularly Bali, are malaria-free
• Rabies: Bali maintains strict rabies-free status as part of tourism safety measures

Currency & Money Exchange

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency.

Best Exchange Options:

• Bank ATMs using debit/credit cards (notify your bank of travel plans)
• Authorised bank exchanges
• Licensed money changers displaying “PVA Berizin” (green authorisation signs)

Avoid: Hotel currency exchange (poor rates) and unauthorised street changers

What to Pack

Clothing Essentials:

• Lightweight cotton garments for tropical climate
• Light jacket for mountain regions and air-conditioned spaces
• Avoid heavy jeans – uncomfortable in humid conditions
• Reliable flip-flops for everyday wear
• Sarong for temple visits (covering arms and legs)

Packing Tips:

• Pack minimally – excellent local shopping opportunities
• Laundry services widely available (charged by weight)
• Purchase additional items locally if needed

Driving Requirements

• International driving licence required for car rental
• Tourist driving licences available at Denpasar police station (one-month validity)
• Note: We don’t offer self-drive rentals due to insurance limitations – our professional driver service provides superior safety and local knowledge

Cultural Guidelines & Customs

Temple Etiquette

• Wear sarongs and cover arms when visiting temples
• Women experiencing menstruation should not enter temple grounds
• Remove shoes before entering sacred areas
• Never touch anyone’s head (considered sacred)

Social Customs

• Use only your right hand for handshakes and passing items
• Maintain calm, respectful demeanour – highly valued in Balinese Hindu culture
• Dress modestly outside beach areas

Legal Considerations

Extremely Important: Indonesia enforces zero tolerance for drug offences, with severe penalties including death sentences for trafficking. Never carry or use illegal substances.

Practical Daily Information

Time Difference

• Standard Time: Indonesia is 8 hours ahead of London
• British Summer Time: Indonesia is 7 hours ahead of London (Indonesia doesn’t observe daylight saving)

Shopping & Bargaining

Best Shopping Practices:

• Shop individually rather than in groups for better prices
• Morning shopping often yields better deals (“harga pagi” – morning prices)
• Have a target price in mind before asking
• Tagged items typically have fixed prices
• Bargaining is expected at traditional markets

Dining & Cuisine

Indonesia offers exceptional dining diversity across all budgets. We provide personalised restaurant recommendations before your departure, covering everything from street food to fine dining experiences.

Vegetarian Options: Despite meat-heavy traditional menus, Bali and major tourist areas offer excellent vegetarian choices with creative plant-based alternatives.

Departure Information

Airport tax is included in most flight costs, but check with your airline for international departures as some may require separate payment.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated for good service:

Restaurants:

• High-end venues may include 10% service charge
• Otherwise, 5-10% or rounding up the bill is appreciated

Hotel Staff:

• Bellhop/Porter: IDR 10,000-20,000 per bag
• Housekeeping: IDR 30,000-100,000 per day

Tour Services:

• Private guides: IDR 100,000-200,000 per day
• Group tour guides: IDR 50,000-100,000 per day
• Full-day drivers: IDR 100,000-150,000 per day
• Transfer drivers: IDR 30,000-50,000 per journey

Wellness Services:

• Spa treatments: IDR 50,000-100,000 per service

Cultural Visits: Small donations are customary when visiting villages, local homes, or temples.

Ready for Your Indonesian Adventure?

Our destination specialists ensure you’re fully prepared for your Indonesian holiday. We handle visa guidance, provide detailed pre-travel briefings, and offer 24/7 support throughout your journey.

Important Reminders:

• Complete SATUSEHAT Health Pass before departure
• Budget for Bali tourist levy if visiting Bali
• Register with police if staying in private accommodation
• Use only official visa services to avoid scams

Contact us to discuss your personalised Indonesian travel experience – we’ll take care of every detail whilst you focus on anticipating your adventure.