general_information

The population of Indonesia is approximately 207 million people.

Language Bahasa Indonesia is the national language which is akin to Malay, written in Roman script and based on European orthography. In all tourist destination areas English is the number one foreign language spoken and written, some Dutch is still spoken and understood in the bigger cities. French is increasing in its popularity at the better hotels and restaurants. generally the older generation speaks Dutch as a second language.

Airports:

Polonia (MES), Hang Nadim (BTH), Simpang Tiga (PKU), Tabing (PDG), Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Ngurah Rai (DPS), Sam Ratulangie (MDC), Pattimura (AMQ), Frans Kaisiepo (BIK), El Tari (KOE), Soepadio (PNK), Juanda (SUB), Sepinggan (BPN).

Harbours:

Belawan (MES), Tanjung Pinang (TNJ), Sekupang (BTH), Tanjung Mas (SRG), Tanjung Priok (JKT), Benoa (DPS), Tanjung Perak (SUB), Ambon (AMQ), Padang Bai (DPS), Bitung (MDC).

Airport Tax is levied on all departing passengers on international flights. For those flights within Indonesia, airport taxes vary depending on airport of departure. An additional sum is levied for insurance on domestic routes if tickets are purchased in Indonesia. International Airport Departure Tax is Rp50,000

Time Zone Indonesia is divided into three time zones: Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, west and central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT. Central Indonesia Time (Bali, south and east Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead of GMT. East Indonesia Time (Maluku, Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead of GMT.

Currency In major centres, travellers cheques in US dollars are readily accepted and most hotels in tourist or commercial centres will accept major credit cards. In other areas, small denomination bills in Rupiah are advisable. The Rupiah comes in 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000 and 50,000 notes.

Customs There are no restrictions on the amounts of foreign currency that can be taken into/out of Indonesia. However, you cannot import or export more than Rp5million. The total cost of gifts taken into the country must not exceed US$100.

Taxes 11% government tax is levied on all bills. Restaurants may levy a tax of up to 21%

Telephone The international dial-up code for Indonesia is 62

When making international telephone calls from Indonesia, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number

Public phones are available in coins, cards, chips and (in some tourist areas) credit card operated machines. There are also some “wartel” or Telecommunication kiosks where you can make IDD or long distance calls or send a fax, etc., in the bigger cities, one can find internet kiosks.

Water Tap water is not safe to drink and ice cubes should be avoided. Bottled water is widely available but not always safe as there are some illicit brands of (claimed-to-be) mineral water from street vendors with no-guarantee that they are any better than tap water. Some approved and safe to drink brands include Aqua, Ades, Vit and Oasis. Ice cubes/bits from street vendors or small restaurants are sometimes made from un-boiled water, or crushed from ice blocks used for coolers. Those with weak stomachs are better off sticking with cold drinks from fridge.