Getting You Started
Indonesia is comprised of over 17,500 islands and stretches over both northern and southern hemispheres.
The international country code for Indonesia is +62 + regional code. Time zones vary from GMT + 7 to +9 (see individual regions).
Entry & Visa Requirements (subject to change)
Visas are not required in advance but are issued on arrival. Travelers will be issued a 30-day visa at a cost of US$25. All tourists are required to have a passport with a minimum of six months validity from the date of departure along with the embarkation/disembarkation card from the airline, onward or return airline ticket or sufficient funds to purchase tickets and cover their expenses during their stay.
Medical & Health Requirements
The risk of malaria varies from area to area. Tetanus and typhoid shots should be up-to-date.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required. Please check with your travel doctor.
(For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).
Currency
The Indonesian currency is Rupiah (Rp). Many organizations accept US Dollars and credit cards but may add 3-5% for credit card transactions. Some Rupiah should be carried for daily expenses. Avoid ‘hole-in-the-wall’ moneychangers. Cash and travelers cheques should be exchanged at a bank or authorized moneychanger. It may be difficult to change money outside the main tourist areas.
1 AUD = approximately 9,300 Rupiah (Jan 2012).
Banking: Most major banks have branches in the main tourist centres. ATM’s are available in towns.
Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Garuda Indonesia - 20kg
Singapore Airlines - 20kg
Virgin Australia - 23kg (pre-purchased)
(Subject to change without notice)
Duty Free
One litre of alcohol and 200 cigarettes.
Weather
Indonesia has a tropical climate that varies from area to area. The eastern monsoon (June to September) brings the driest weather while the western monsoon (December to March) is the rainy season. Rainstorms occur all year. Higher regions are cooler. Please see individual regions. |
Clothing
Lightweight clothes and rainwear. Warmer clothes are needed for cool evenings and upland areas. It is regarded inappropriate to wear brief clothes anywhere other than the beach or at sports facilities. Women should observe the dress code in Muslim areas that requires shoulders and legs to be kept covered.
Electricity
Resorts use 220/240-volt AC at 50 cycles. Plugs are type C or F.
(for further details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).
Language
Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. There are regional dialects. English is commonly spoken.
Religion
Muslim, Christian, Hinduism and Buddhism.
Water
Check with resort if tap water is drinkable. If in doubt, drink bottled water.
Shopping
Shopping opportunities are extensive. Fashion (including haute couture), furniture, antiques, jewellery, technology, arts and crafts are available in Indonesia. It is renowned for producing exquisitely crafted goods.
Tipping
Some hotels have a no-tipping policy but in most hotels tips are welcome, although a service charge is already included in all prices. These tips are not mandatory and you should only give them if you are really content with the service offered.
Diving
Generally, the best dive conditions are from April to December, as many regions have a rainy season from January to March. Please check individual areas for the best dive seasons. Ensure that all equipment is serviced and in working order prior to departure. You will need to bring a DIN converter for DIN regulators. Water temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius. A 3mm wetsuit or lycra exposure protection are recommended.
Departure Tax
US$16.50 |
