VISA
A free 30-day visa is issued to nationals of the vast majority of countries on the globe upon arrival at any Indonesian international airport. It is also possible to apply for a 30-day tourist visa (35 USD), renewable once in Indonesia (30 additional days). If you are not able to obtain a 60-day visa directly, please contact the Indonesian embassy of your country.
Warning! Make sure your passport is still valid 6 months after your date of entry into Indonesian territory. It is mandatory to obtain your visa.
CUSTOMS
You can take 1 litre of alcohol per person to Indonesia. Be aware that the price of cigarettes is low in Indonesia (20,000 IDR). It is obviously forbidden to introduce drugs, a crime punishable by death, as well as weapons and pornographic documents.
MEAL BUDGET
You can eat for as little as 3 USD per person per meal, excluding drinks, eating like the natives and for between 5 and 15 USD in restaurants for foreign customers or your hotels. Alcoholic drinks are often a little expensive (especially spirits).
CLIMATE
The climate can vary from one island to another, but the seasons remain relatively similar. Indonesia enjoys an ideal climate, that is, we have an average annual temperature of 26 °C.
Near the Equator, Indonesia knows only two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
In Bali, the dry season is from May to November and therefore the rainy season is from December to April. In Java, the dry season ends earlier, in September. It is therefore very interesting to come in May and June when the landscapes are very green thanks to the monsoon, and when the tourists are not yet very present.
Equatorial climate also means proximity to the sun. Be sure to bring your total sun screen protection for your trip to Indonesia, one hour is enough to burn! Speaking of sun, throughout the year the daily amplitude remains the same: from 6 am to 6 pm in the evening.
MONEY
Exchange Rate:
1 USD = 14.200 IDR (in March 2019)
Bank Cards:
American Express, Mastercard and Visa International are accepted at major hotels, restaurants and shops. Elsewhere they are useless. It must be kept in mind that credit card fraud is unfortunately quite common in Indonesia.
We therefore advise you to opt for withdrawals at ATMs to pay your benefits in cash.
COST OF LIFE
The gap has narrowed significantly between Indonesia and Europe over the past decade. Bali nevertheless remains very cheap if we live like the natives. However, this is rarely the case for tourists, even the most adventurous, whose expenses vary according to criteria of comfort and sanitary standards. However, it should be noted that the hotel offer “low end” has significantly reduced in recent years, especially in Bali and the Gili Islands. In addition, some activities such as diving or rafting have a cost close to that practiced in the West.
Some examples of prices:
1 soap: 7,500 IDR = 0,50 USD
1 beach sarong: IDR 50,000 = 3.50 USD
1 pack of cigarettes: 25.000 IDR = 1.80 USD
1 local beer of 0.70cl: 30.000 IDR = 2.10 USD
TRANSPORT
Domestic Flights: Authentic Indonesia takes care of your possible domestic flights during your trip to Indonesia: whatever your route, we are committed to finding the best solutions to travel with confidence, with flights to the best available schedules and best prices.
Land Transport: We offer safe transportation means all around Indonesia. We put at your disposal vehicles in very good condition with air conditioning, combining power and lightness to access all sites. All our vehicles are approved by the Ministry of Tourism for the transport of foreign travelers and we pass them a technical inspection each year.
We only offer tours accompanied by drivers. They are also true guides who will tell you stories, anecdotes and cultures of the country. You will share your trip to Indonesia with a local, selected for his driving skills and expertise of the country.
HEALTH
Water: Never drink running water that is not boiled. The best is to drink only mineral water. You have to force yourself to drink a lot to avoid dehydration.
Food: Do not eat raw vegetables in restaurants except of good standing. Avoid eating too spicy if it does not come at all in your habits. Please note that vegetarians will have no problem eating. We strongly advise to have lunch in small traditional restaurants where the local specialties are the most tasty. Your guide will advise you.
Vaccines: these are our best advice concerning your vaccine status.
Mandatory – None
Very strongly recommended – DTP up to date
Advised – Hepatitis A
Optional – Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid Fever
Hospital: Sanitary conditions in Bali are Western standard if you pay the price. The material is up to international standards as well as the prices charged. It is very rare for travelers to suffer from anything other than short-term diarrhea due to a change of diet, a cold snap. Be wary of the air conditioning or the fan left on all the night!
LANGUAGES
Bahasa Indonesia has been the official language since independence in 1945. It is essentially derived from Malay, but it also incorporates many dialects or imported words. The language is very easy to learn.
In addition there are about 250 languages and dialects spoken in Indonesia. The Balinese, Javanese, Toraja (in Sulawesi), Sasak (in Lombok) and others have their own dialect, but all, with the exception of older people, speak Bahasa Indonesia and possess some rudiments of English. But don’t worry, in tourist areas English is spoken relatively fluently.