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Below you can get practical information when traveling to Indonesia – for example about time difference, currency and drinking water. Visit computerdo for Practical Information About Indonesia.

• Language: Indonesian and a number of minority languages
• Capital: Jakarta
• Population: 260 million
• Religion: Sunni Islam and Christianity
• Currency: Rupiah
• Surface: 1,904,569 km2

Worth knowing

Time difference

The time difference between Sweden and Indonesia depends on whether Sweden has summer or winter time. Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago and extends over three time zones.

The Caribbean is 4 hours ahead of Sweden in winter and 5 hours ahead in summer.
Central Indonesia is 5 hours ahead in winter and 6 hours ahead in summer.
East Indonesia is 6 hours before our winter time and 7 hours before our summer time.

Transportation in Indonesia

Bus The
buses in Indonesia do not meet the same standard as we are used to in Europe. Of course, we have chosen the best category, with air conditioning where possible.

Flights
On our round trips in Indonesia, we often fly longer distances with domestic flights. Prior to such flights, the tour guide informs about the time of departure and what applies at check-in at the airport.

Price level

The price level in Indonesia is generally lower than in Sweden. A main course with accessories costs about 70 SEK. When it comes to pocket money, we know from experience that you usually manage on 120-180 SEK per day. If you want to include extra drinks in that amount, you should expect an additional 70-120 SEK per day per person.

Tip

In Indonesia, it is customary to give a little extra, or round off the bill at restaurants and hotels, but otherwise you have a relaxed relationship with tips. Keep in mind that larger hotels and restaurants charge a service fee on the bill.

Currency and credit cards

The Indonesian currency is called the rupiah (IDR). You can bring USD or EUR and exchange in Indonesia and you can pay with Visa and MasterCard at most major restaurants and hotels. In most major cities, you also have the option of withdrawing cash with Visa and MasterCard.

Electricity

Indonesia, just like Sweden, has 220 volts. Adapters are sometimes needed, but you can often use Swedish connectors. We recommend that you take an adapter set with you that has different options for safety.

Telephone and internet

The international country code for Indonesia is + 62. It is expensive to call home, so feel free to consult with your mobile operator regarding coverage and rates for calls from Indonesia.

In most major cities there are internet cafes and most major hotels offer internet service for a fee.

Drinking water and hygiene

Hotels and larger restaurants are of a modern / western standard. Out in the city and in the country, you can count on going to so-called pedal toilets, and that there is a lack of toilet paper. The standard of public toilets or in the countryside can thus be relatively primitive. Bring your own toilet paper, wet wipes and perhaps hand sanitizer (available at Swedish pharmacies, for example), so you will not be as dependent on access to water.

To be on the safe side, you should not drink tap water, but instead buy bottled water.

Customs and traditions

The Indonesian population is usually very open and hospitable. It is not up to the Indonesians to tell them how to behave, and they assume that all visitors already know how to behave when they arrive in their country.

Although Indonesians are used to tourists, their shrines and customs are expected to be respected with respect and appropriate attire. This means that shoulders and knees must be covered as well as loose-fitting clothing. You always take off your shoes before entering a temple or mosque. Remember to always have the soles of your feet facing the floor and never turn them towards a Buddha figure or shrine. They are considered unclean. It is not allowed to climb on Buddha figures and historical monuments. It is not always allowed to take photos and it is important to be aware of any signage about this! It is also not allowed to pose in front of a Buddha figure.

The Indonesians consider it unworthy and indecent not to control themselves and their emotions. That is, as a tourist you should not show anger or excitement. If you end up in a situation where you feel badly treated, you can turn to the tour guide who can help resolve the situation.

Public kisses and declarations of love are highly inappropriate. Body contact and hand holding are not well regarded, although it is common for people of the same sex to hold hands. In addition, the body should always be decently covered. In the large tourist areas, it is accepted to deviate from the norms inside the hotel areas. Never touch an Indonesian on the head, it is considered rude because the hair is sacred.

In some areas there are beggars and of course you can give an elderly person or a disabled person a penny, but preferably not to children and young people as this encourages child begging. Rather give the children things like shampoo, soap, pencils or drawing pads.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited during all flights and transport. Smoking is not allowed indoors in public places, except in special smoking rooms.