Landmarks and scenery of Indonesia
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Travel Guide · Asia

Flag of Indonesia

Indonesia

17,000 islands — from Bali's temples to Komodo's dragons.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Indonesia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for Indonesia

Emergency Numbers

Police
110
Ambulance
118
Fire
113

Currency

Name
Indonesian Rupiah
Code
IDR
Symbol
Rp

Notes have many zeros — double-check amounts when paying (100,000 Rp ≈ $6 USD)

Power Outlets

Outlet types
Type C, Type F
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

WIB (UTC+7) west · WITA (UTC+8) central incl. Bali · WIT (UTC+9) east

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Bali dry season: April–October. Wet season (November–March): heavy afternoon rain but still warm. Avoid Nyepi (Balinese New Year) if you need to travel — the entire island shuts down

Tipping Customs

VenueTypicalNotes
Restaurants10%Often automatically added to bills — check before adding more
Hotel staffRp 10,000–20,000 per bag or service—
Tour guides / driversRp 50,000–100,000 per day—
MassageRp 20,000–50,000—

Dress Code

  • Temples in Bali: sarong and sash are mandatory — usually available to rent at the entrance
  • Remove shoes before entering a temple
  • Modest dress outside of beach and resort areas
  • Swimwear stays at the beach or pool

Social Etiquette

  • Bali is predominantly Hindu — respect temple ceremonies and rituals; don't walk over offerings (small leaf packets on the ground)
  • Use the right hand for giving, receiving, and eating — left hand is considered unclean
  • Don't touch anyone's head
  • Smiling is universal in Indonesian culture — it de-escalates almost any situation
  • Remove your shoes when invited into a home

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Drug offences carry the death penalty or life imprisonment — this is enforced seriously; no exceptions for tourists
  • Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) has some of the strictest drug detection in the world
  • Disrespecting Balinese Hindu culture or desecrating temples can result in deportation
  • Drone use requires a permit
  • Downloading pornography is illegal

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
HelloHalohah-LOH
Thank youTerima kasihteh-REE-mah KAH-see
Please / HelpTolongtoh-LONG
Excuse me / SorryPermisi / Maafpair-MEE-see / MAH-af
Thank you (Balinese)SuksmaSOOK-smah

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