The visa system for Indonesia is complicated, and policies and procedures may vary across different regions, so there is often confusion about applying for the correct visas or permits for Indonesia.

Below is an overview of the various visas for Indonesia, but it is recommended that expats consult their nearest Indonesian Embassy for the latest information, as regulations change periodically and with short notice. 

Tourist visas for Indonesia

For short stays in Indonesia, a tourist visa is required. Nationals of many countries will be able to obtain this visa at the airport on arrival in Indonesia. In order to be granted a visa on arrival, visitors must produce an onward or return plane ticket. Visitors must also hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from their date of departure from Indonesia. Standard tourist visas allow a stay of up to three months, while tourist visas obtained on arrival allow for a stay of up to 30 days. Both types of tourist visa can be extended.

Expats planning to do business in Indonesia will need to apply for their visit visa ahead of time. During the application process, they will need to submit documents from the companies involved stating the nature of the business to be conducted.

Residence permits for Indonesia

Limited stay permit

Expats intending to stay in Indonesia for a period beyond that covered by a tourist visa will need to obtain a limited stay permit, also called an ITAS (Izin Tinggal Terbatas). The ITAS is valid for six to 12 months for foreigners employed in Indonesia. An ITAS can be renewed for the same period it was initially granted for. This can be done for a total of up to four times.

Permanent stay permit

After an expat has been in Indonesia for five years on a limited stay permit, they're eligible to apply for a permanent stay permit, also known as a KITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap). If expats are married to an Indonesian national they can apply for the KITAP after only two years.

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

Expats have a wide variety of options when it comes to finding accommodation in Indonesia. Those moving with an international company should ask their employer for assistance in finding accommodation. Employers might be able to recommend a good estate agent or assist expats in exploring various neighbourhoods to find out which one would suit them best.

Most expats opt to rent property in Indonesia, rather than buy. This may be because it's technically illegal for foreigners to own land in Indonesia. Foreigners can purchase a house or apartment without owning the land it's built on, but this is quite often still a difficult process. 

Types of accommodation in Indonesia

Apartments

There are many upmarket apartment blocks in Jakarta offering good locations, excellent amenities and stylish interiors. Apartments are well suited to expats who work in the city centre. Securing accommodation close to one's place of work can save hundreds of hours of commuting time per year. 

Apartment blocks are also usually close to restaurants, shopping areas and other entertainment facilities, ensuring an exciting expat life for those who seek it. Expats will be able to find anything from a small studio flat to a spacious five-bedroom apartment in Jakarta. 

Standalone houses

Expats with families might prefer a more suburban lifestyle. The suburbs south of Jakarta offer spacious homes, cleaner air, and close proximity to international schools. Expats can usually choose between a freestanding home and a house in a development or security complex. 

Townhouses

Another popular option for expats is a townhouse. This offers a compromise between a city apartment and a suburban house. Renting or owning a townhouse is a low-maintenance option with extra security and amenities. Townhouses are semi-attached and are usually in a gated estate. Many of the complexes have garden areas and a pool.

Finding accommodation in Indonesia

It is advisable to use a reputable estate agent to find accommodation in Indonesia. They will be familiar with all the rules and regulations and will be able to advise on the options that most expats choose. Those who are receiving help from their employer to find accommodation might not need to go through an estate agent. 

Expats should use estate agents’ databases, internet searches and newspaper classifieds to aid them in their accommodation search. 

Renting accommodation in Indonesia

Signing a lease

Lease agreements are usually negotiated directly with the owner of the property. We recommend that expats have a trusted friend or colleague that is fluent in Indonesian look through the contract to ensure a clear understanding of the agreement.

Deposits

Expats will usually need to pay a year's rent upfront, as well as a deposit of one month's rent. It's difficult but possible to find landlords willing to accept a smaller upfront payment, such as six months' rent along with the standard one-month deposit. Expats going this route should be prepared for the fact that they will have far fewer options to choose from and significantly less bargaining power when it comes to price.

Utilities

Utilities like electricity, water, gas and internet are usually an extra cost on top of the monthly rent.

Security

Security can be an issue in Indonesia, but crime is usually limited to theft and is not often violent or serious. Most apartment buildings will employ security guards and have extra security measures such as surveillance cameras in place.

Expats arriving in Indonesia might experience something of a sensory overload. This is especially true for those moving to Jakarta, a big, bustling city with a population of more than 10 million. Poverty and shanty towns are a common sight in Indonesia and are in stark contrast to the more modern buildings that scrape Jakarta's skyline.

Traffic in most major Indonesian cities is a huge problem and the congestion is some of the worst in the world. Cities are not pedestrian friendly, and sidewalks are often uneven or obstructed with roadworks. Another large adjustment for expats moving to Indonesia is the quality of the air in the cities. Pollution is a concern, particularly for those with respiratory problems. 

On the plus side, Indonesians are generally friendly people with a good sense of humour. Expats should feel safe and welcome in their neighbourhoods, and making local friends is a great way to feel more at home. 

Time in Indonesia

Time can be a flexible concept in Indonesian culture, so much so that the phrase 'jam karet' (rubber time) has become famous in the country. Expats can expect to have meetings cancelled without notice and for business associates and local friends to be late quite often. 

Indonesians are generally relaxed about time and would rather spend extra time speaking to someone and building a relationship than being on time for their next meeting.

Language barrier in Indonesia

The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. English is also spoken and the most widely heard local dialect is Javanese. We recommend expats take the time to learn a few phrases in Bahasa Indonesia as it will make day-to-day tasks, like shopping or directing a taxi driver, much easier. 

Meeting and greeting in Indonesia 

The most common greeting in Indonesia is a handshake, although this differs in certain circumstances and in the interactions between different genders.

When a man is greeting a man, a handshake with the right hand is the most common. Handshakes are often accompanied by a slight bow of the head. At times both men will put their palm to their heart after shaking hands as a sign of respect. When a woman is greeting another woman, a handshake is common but sometimes just a nod of acknowledgement is used. 

When men and women greet each other, handshakes are acceptable, but the man should always wait for the woman to initiate it. If a woman puts her hands in front of her chest in a prayer position it means she would prefer not to shake hands. In this case, the man should return the gesture.

Communication in Indonesia

As in many Asian cultures, it is important for Indonesian people to 'save face'. This means never publicly criticising or reprimanding someone. This custom also often results in Indonesians being quite vague if they have a problem and always telling someone what they want to hear, even if they have no intention of following through. 

Face-to-face interactions are highly valued, especially in the business world. Expats are more likely to get attention and results from a face-to-face business meeting than from an email or phone call. 

Bureaucracy in Indonesia

Even though Indonesia boasts a powerful economy, bureaucratic red tape is still a problem which hampers economic growth and potential for investment. Besides slowing down day-to-day tasks, this bureaucracy also causes problems for expats trying to get entry visas or work permits for Indonesia. 

Religion in Indonesia

Indonesia has the world’s largest population of Muslims, and while foreigners would do well to dress modestly and respect Muslim customs, the religious differences shouldn't affect their day-to-day lives too much.

While Indonesia seemingly has a reputation as being one of the more unsafe countries in Asia, risks are often limited to certain areas. Generally speaking, by simply keeping informed and being aware of the potential dangers, expats can minimise their risks of coming to harm. Most visitors and residents spend their time in Indonesia peacefully without any problems. It makes sense to be aware of the risks, but there is no need to live in fear.

The problems Indonesia faces are compounded by an underdeveloped infrastructure that is inadequate to cope with regularly occurring natural disasters, including earthquakes and flooding. Religious and ethnic tensions, which are inevitable with many different ethnic groups living side by side, are also the root cause of much of the crime in Indonesia, including a risk of terrorism. 

Crime in Indonesia

Petty crime rates in Indonesia are relatively high, particularly in busy urban areas. Pickpocketing is common, as is bag-snatching, which is often done from the back of a motorbike. To reduce the risk of being a victim of such crimes, expats can take simple steps such as carrying as few valuables as possible, being aware of surroundings and wearing a secure bag that cannot be snatched from the shoulder.

ATM fraud is another possible issue, although most banks have taken steps to improve the security of their machines in recent years. When using any ATM, it is important to check for any suspicious persons in the vicinity and inspect the machine before use. Credit card fraud is also a concern and it is recommended to use cash wherever possible. Expats should take extra care to monitor their account and inform their bank immediately of any unauthorised activity.

Road safety in Indonesia

Road accidents are a serious concern in Indonesia. Traffic is busy and chaotic, particularly in urban centres, and traffic rules are rarely enforced. Roads are overcrowded and it is common for motorbikes to overtake on both sides. Extreme weather conditions in the wet season and poor road conditions add to the problems. Expats who can afford to hire a local driver often find this a suitable solution to these difficulties.

Terrorism in Indonesia

Indonesia is a large country spread over thousands of islands, all with their own unique culture and infrastructure. This can make advice about visiting the country as a whole difficult. Visiting Jakarta will be a very different experience from visiting one of the small islands. Papua and West Papua, for example, are considered to be more dangerous for visitors than the rest of the country due to ethnic violence and political instability.

The Indonesian government has taken steps to fight terrorism, but attacks do happen. They are unpredictable and places frequented by tourists and expats are at risk of being hit. These include foreign embassies, shopping malls, hotels, airports and popular tourist areas. It's important to remain vigilant, particularly around holiday times.

Natural disasters in Indonesia

Indonesia is located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent. As an archipelago, a high percentage of the land in Indonesia is located in coastal areas, so tsunamis resulting from large earthquakes can be catastrophic.

Flooding is also a problem during the rainy season and flash floods and landslides occur frequently. Jakarta is hit particularly badly with flooding every year.

Emergency numbers in Indonesia

The following numbers are the official national emergency response numbers of Indonesia but cannot always be relied on, particularly in remote areas 

• General emergency number: 112
• Police: 110
• Ambulance: 118

With a population of more than 275 million people, around 300 different ethnicities and languages, and the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia provides a unique and diverse backdrop for doing business.

Indonesia is rich in natural resources, acquiring much of its wealth from gas, oil and other mining activities, while services make up the majority of the country's GDP. Agriculture also plays an important role in the Indonesian economy.

Indonesia is a colourful and exotic country, consisting of a vast archipelago stretching over more than 17,000 islands with an ethnically and culturally diverse population of over 270 million people. Most expats base themselves in the popular tourist hub of Bali or the sprawling metropolis of Jakarta, the country’s capital and economic, cultural and financial centre.

Living in Indonesia as an expat

Rich in natural resources, the country acquires most of its wealth from gas, oil and other mining activities, and most expats moving to Indonesia do so in order to work in these sectors. The telecommunications industry and teaching English are other attractions for expats seeking work in Indonesia.

Indonesia is an exciting expat destination, but it’s certainly a country that is not without its challenges. Obtaining a visa or work permit, for example, can be a frustrating process and one riddled with bureaucracy. Even more frustrating for expats planning a move to or already living in Indonesia is the fact that the requirements and processes for obtaining a visa change constantly.

Cost of living in Indonesia

Within the Indonesian education system, parents can send their children to public, private or international schools. Most expat parents living in Indonesia opt for international schools, although these are usually quite pricey.

Compulsory education in Indonesia begins at age seven and lasts a total of nine years. During this time, public schooling is offered at no cost. A minimum of one year of Indonesian language study is required if a child is to graduate from high school. However, no subject testing is completed in this language – merely achievement in basic proficiency is required.

Public schools in Indonesia

Public schools are administered by the local government and follow the Indonesian curriculum. In these schools, the teaching language used is Bahasa Indonesia and every subject is taught in the local language by local teachers. Other indigenous languages are still used in remote parts of the country.

The language barrier and inconsistent quality of public schools are the main reasons that expat children do not commonly attend public schools in Indonesia.

Private schools in Indonesia

Private schools generally offer a curriculum that both meets and exceeds the requirements of the local Indonesian curriculum, sometimes taught in combination with the International Baccalaureate (IB). Many of these schools also teach in English. 

The majority of these schools cater to Indonesian students, with foreign students often making up only a small proportion of the school's student body. They do, however, accept expat children and these schools are a more affordable alternative to international schools for expats who work for companies that do not cover education fees.

International schools in Indonesia

Most expats in Indonesia send their children to international schools – these schools offer a foreign curriculum and are officially accredited by the relevant authorities in their home country. Tuition fees can be extremely high at international schools, with annual tuition rates varying depending on the school and the age of the child. Many international schools also charge a non-refundable annual capital fee.

In a bid to regulate the quality of education in Indonesia, the government has introduced legislation that no longer permits schools to use the word 'international' in their title. This is to prevent low-quality schools from using the term merely to charge high fees. Most international schools are now classified as Satuan Pendidikan Kerjasama (SPK) – this roughly translates as collaborative schools. SPK schools are required to teach Indonesian civics, religion and language. In addition, they must allow Indonesian students to attend and must employ local teachers to teach Indonesian subjects. Children at international schools are also now expected to take part in the national examinations that students at state schools undergo, in addition to the school's own examinations.

There are many options when it comes to international schools in Indonesia, with schools catering to expat students from a number of countries, including the UK, the US, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and Singapore. Alongside the home curriculum, many of these schools also offer the IB programme.

Special-needs education in Indonesia

In public education, Indonesia has two types of schools that cater to special-needs students: inclusive schools and extraordinary schools. Inclusive schools have a student body made up of both special needs and mainstream students, while extraordinary schools are dedicated to special-needs students only. Unless expat families already speak Indonesian fluently, most opt for private schooling for their children with special educational needs.

It's worth noting that some international schools are able to provide the specialised services such a student would require, depending on the severity of the condition. This is usually for an extra fee but can be a good option for expat families.

Tutors in Indonesia

Tutors are much used in Indonesia. For expat families, tutors can be a great help in giving expat children a leg up in adjusting to a new school, especially if an unfamiliar curriculum or new language is involved. Some expat families hire a tutor to help maintain a child's mother tongue, or to help them learn and refine Indonesian or English quickly.

The months leading up to final exams are a busy time for tutors, who are often hired to help students reach peak performance. Most tutors specialise in a particular subject but some are able to help across the board, especially when it comes to teaching general essay writing and study techniques.

Indonesia has a tropical climate. The weather is hot and humid all year round, but cooler inland than along the coastal regions. For expats moving to Indonesia from cooler climates, the high temperatures and humidity are certainly something that takes getting used to.

The country doesn't experience four distinct seasons, with temperatures staying quite constant throughout the year. Coastal regions average around 82°F (28°C) and the inland and mountainous areas average around 79°F (26°C) year-round. The monsoon season is from December to March, bringing heavy rains that can make travel around the country difficult. Tropical storms can also affect the country between September and December, causing major travel disruptions. The dry season, from June to October, is the most pleasant time of year.

Expats working in Indonesia will find themselves in an extremely diverse business environment. With over 300 different languages and ethnicities among a population of over 260 million people, the work culture will vary depending on where in Indonesia one is based. Jakarta is the country’s commercial centre and the best option for job-seeking expats.

Job market in Indonesia

Indonesia’s rich supply of natural resources has attracted expats with skills in mining and construction, while agriculture is another large employer. Other important sectors of the Indonesian economy include textiles, electronics and manufacturing of apparel and footwear. There are also opportunities for expats wanting to teach English in Indonesia, while others move there to take up a position within the humanitarian or tourism sectors.

Finding a job in Indonesia

Most expats are employed by foreign companies in Indonesia and secure a job before arriving in the country, with many sent as part of an intra-company transfer. There are several local job portals for searching for jobs online.

Foreigners wanting to work in Indonesia will need a valid work permit. The process for acquiring a work permit for Indonesia can be quite complicated but, thankfully, most hiring companies will deal with all the logistics for this.

It is not always easy for expats to find employment, as government policy dictates that companies wanting to hire foreigners in Indonesia will need to show that the potential employee has significant skills in their sector and that there are no locals capable of filling the position. Certain sectors also have restrictions on the employment of expats. The bureaucratic hurdles in this regard can be quite intense and companies are therefore often reluctant to hire foreigners. 

Work culture in Indonesia

Expats working in Indonesia will generally experience a friendly and welcoming environment. Business structures are hierarchical and the concept of saving face should always be considered in order to maintain harmonious relationships and avoid offending Indonesian colleagues. 

The communication style in Indonesia may be something expats take a while to get used to – Indonesians often adopt an indirect style to avoid offending anyone. Expats, therefore, need to exercise patience when engaging in negotiations with Indonesian counterparts, as an answer of 'yes' may sometimes indicate that an associate has heard the request, rather than an actual answer to the question.

With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago. This culturally diverse corner of South-East Asia maintains a rich tradition of music, art, dance, storytelling and craft, and offers a rich and varied lifestyle for expats.

Nevertheless, as exciting and exotic as the country is, there are still some downsides to living in Indonesia. Depending on the origins of an expat, these things may be of little or no concern, but they are worth considering if they're thinking of settling in Indonesia.

Indonesian embassies

• Indonesian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 775 5200

• Indonesian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7499 7661

• Indonesian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 724 1100 

• Indonesian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6250 8600

• Indonesian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 342 3350

• Indonesian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 475 8699

Foreign embassies in Indonesia

• United States Embassy, Jakarta: +62 21 5083 1000 

• British Embassy, Jakarta: +62 21 2356 5200

• Canadian Embassy, Jakarta: +62 21 2550 7800

• Australian Embassy, Jakarta: +62 21 2550 5555

• South African Embassy, Jakarta: +62 21 2991 2500

• New Zealand Embassy, Jakarta: +62 21 2995 5800

The cost of living in Indonesia differs greatly between rural and urban areas. In general, though, Indonesia has a lower cost of living than many Western countries. In Mercer's 2022 Cost of Living Survey, Jakarta was ranked as the 151st most expensive city out of 227 cities surveyed.

Expats in Indonesia working for large organisations often receive international salaries and extensive compensation for their basic expenses, including housing, schooling and transportation. These expats may consider the cost of living in Jakarta relatively low, and their lives will be far more luxurious than those of most locals.

As an expat, accommodation will most likely take the biggest portion of one's salary. Education, medical care and utilities are also relatively expensive. Groceries in supermarkets are relatively cheap and even cheaper in small shops and at local ‘wet’ markets. Imported products are generally much more expensive, especially wine and liquor.

Cost of accommodation in Indonesia

The cost of accommodation in Indonesia's different cities is highly variable. In general, foreigners with an expat salary will be able to rent a luxurious apartment or house in the best neighbourhoods in Jakarta. Expats with a lower budget will be able to rent a simple apartment in a decent and safe neighbourhood.

Cost of groceries and clothing in Indonesia

Food and clothing will probably not take up a great portion of an expat's salary, provided expats do not buy a lot of imported products and internationally branded clothing.

Local food, clothing and personal care products are cheap compared to their imported equivalents, so it’s often worth trying local products instead of ‘trusted’ Western products and brands.

Cost of transport in Indonesia

Transport won't constitute a great portion of an expat's salary in Indonesia, even if they regularly take a taxi or have their own driver. Car prices are comparable to those in other countries. Fuel prices are very low compared to other countries, but are rising quickly. 

Public transport is much cheaper, but also far less comfortable and not very safe. Buses and minibuses can be packed. They often don't have air conditioning and can be relatively unsafe, particularly for expat women.

If looking for cheap transportation, an ojek (motorbike driver) or a bajaj (tuk-tuk) are other options. It is best to negotiate the price, and if unable to speak Bahasa Indonesia, expats will probably pay almost as much as they would pay for a taxi. It's therefore useful to learn some key phrases in Bahasa Indonesia for situations like these.

Cost of education in Indonesia

International schools are expensive in Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta. Though pricey, the quality of international schools is most often significantly higher than the quality of local public schools. Most schools also have additional charges for extracurricular activities. 

Cost of healthcare in Indonesia

Healthcare services are relatively expensive in Jakarta and vary significantly in quality. It's therefore important for expats to find a good local hospital with affordable rates as soon as possible.

Expats should also familiarise themselves with the medical coverage provided by their company and ensure that it will provide for medical concerns, major emergencies and medical evacuation to another country.

Cost of living in Indonesia chart

Prices vary across Indonesia – these are average costs for Jakarta in January 2023. Prices may vary depending on product and service provider.

The standard of public healthcare in Indonesia varies, and most expats in the country choose to make use of private healthcare throughout their stay in the country.

Expats are not covered under the Indonesian universal healthcare scheme. Having comprehensive medical insurance is therefore essential for expats moving to Indonesia, and those living in the country on a retirement visa are required by law to have medical insurance.

Health insurance in Indonesia

Most companies will provide comprehensive medical insurance for their expat staff. Before setting off for Indonesia, expats should check their contract to see whether the health insurance policy is adequate for their needs and those of any family members.

As most expats and wealthy Indonesians often go to Singapore to access better medical care for more serious conditions, expats should ensure the company’s health insurance policy covers international medical evacuation as well as treatment in Singapore.

Public healthcare in Indonesia

Healthcare facilities in Indonesia are limited, with the best facilities found in and around Jakarta. The standard of local medical care can be poor and public hospitals, especially those found in the capital, tend to be overcrowded and waiting times will be long.

While expats can be treated in local public hospitals, doctors and staff will most likely be Indonesian and there can be no guarantee that they will speak English, so communication may be an issue. Foreigners are not included in the national health insurance scheme, so doctors and public hospitals will likely expect payment in cash upfront.

For these reasons, expats in Indonesia tend to opt for private healthcare, which is relatively expensive but offers far better facilities and coverage.

Private healthcare in Indonesia

The quality of public healthcare in Indonesia is not up to the standard that many Western expats may be used to. Although private medical care in Indonesia is expensive, it is the option best suited to the needs of most expats.

Private healthcare facilities usually boast superior amenities and expats making use of these are far likelier to encounter English-speaking staff. Many expats choose to travel to neighbouring countries which have better medical facilities, such as Singapore or Thailand, for serious routine or planned procedures.

Pharmacies in Indonesia

Pharmacies in Indonesia are known as ‘apotik’ and can easily be found in the large shopping malls scattered throughout all major cities. The main pharmacy chains include Century Healthcare, Guardian and Apotik Melawai. Pharmacies can also be found in most hospitals and medical clinics, although expats will need a prescription from a doctor at that particular practice as they will not generally fill prescriptions from elsewhere.

Pharmacies in Indonesia sell a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications and usually have a pharmacist on site to assist customers with any drug-related questions. Again, expats should be aware that, generally, Indonesian pharmacists know little English so foreigners may have trouble communicating with them.

Health hazards in Indonesia

Due to Indonesia’s tropical climate, malaria can be an issue. However, it is generally not a problem in the country's major urban hubs like Jakarta and on Bali. If based in rural areas such as Sumatra, Sulawesi and Kalimantan, it is advisable that expats are on a course of anti-malarial medication.

The air quality in Indonesia’s main cities, especially Jakarta, is poor. This can be a particular issue for those suffering from asthma, so it is advised that expats have the necessary medication and their inhaler on hand.

Emergency services in Indonesia

Indonesia does not have a national emergency medical service. Public hospitals do have ambulances but staffing and equipment are not of a particularly high standard. Expats should identify private ambulance services available in their area. The general emergency number is 112.

*Islamic holidays are subject to change based on sightings of the moon.

Banking in Indonesia could be an exercise in patience, but once expats become more accustomed to the way things are done in the country it will become easier to navigate the financial side of life in Indonesia. 

Money in Indonesia

The official currency in Indonesia is the rupiah (IDR), which is divided into 100 sen.

• Notes: 2,000 IDR; 5,000 IDR; 10,000 IDR; 20,000 IDR; 50,000 IDR and 100,000 IDR.

• Coins: 100 IDR, 200 IDR, 500 IDR and 1,000 IDR

Traffic in Indonesia is chaotic, and driving can be daunting for even the most experienced of city drivers. Luckily, private drivers are affordable and are a popular option among expats in Indonesia. There is also a relatively good public transport system in Indonesia and taxis are readily available in larger cities.

Public transport in Indonesia

Indonesia has a decent public transport system, although taxis are probably the better option for short distances and trains over long distances. 

Trains

Indonesia’s railway system consists of four networks in Java and Sumatra. Indonesians mainly use trains for long-distance travel. There is a commuter train service in Jakarta called the KRL Commuterline. Expats can purchase tickets at train stations or buy them online.

Buses

Buses are the most popular form of public transport in Indonesia. There are frequent bus services on Sumatra, Java and Bali. In the more remote areas, there are minibuses that provide transport. Jakarta has its own bus rapid transit system known as TransJakarta.

Ferries

Because Indonesia is an archipelago, it is common for people to travel by boat or ferry. There are frequent ferries between the islands, particularly between Sumatra, Bali and Java. Expats can also use ferries to travel to nearby countries like Malaysia and Singapore.

Taxis in Indonesia

Most large cities in Indonesia have numerous taxi companies to choose from. Expats should always request that the meter be turned on when getting into a taxi to avoid being overcharged. Expats who are not familiar with the local language can make use of ride-sharing services such as Grab to avoid miscommunications with drivers.

There are also ojeks, which are motorcycle taxis; bajaj, which are motorised rickshaws; and becaks, which are cycle rickshaws.

Driving in Indonesia

Road transport is the most common form of transport in Indonesia. There has been a massive growth in the number of motor vehicles in the country in the last decade, but the government has not been able to construct new roads fast enough to keep up with the demand. Traffic jams are therefore a problem, particularly in Jakarta and on Bali. 

Many embassies advise their nationals against driving in Indonesia and many expats choose to hire a private driver or use taxis instead. Foreigners also often choose motorbikes as their primary means of transport, although this can be a dangerous option.

To drive in Indonesia, expats must apply for an Indonesian driving licence which is called a SIM (Surat Izin Mengemudi). Those wanting to drive a motorcycle will need a separate licence called a SIM C. Expats will have to pass a written test to obtain a SIM.

Air travel in Indonesia

Travelling by plane can be one of the cheapest ways to get around Indonesia. There are many domestic airlines to choose from and all of Indonesia’s major cities have airports. The country’s main airport is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, and the national air carrier is Garuda Indonesia.