Jurisdiction Guide

May to September is dry season across most of the country, with less rain and cooler temperatures. Rain patterns shift in Maluku or Papua, so check local forecasts if heading farther east.

Cash is still king in small towns and markets, but big cities use cards and e-wallets like GoPay. Grab and Gojek apps make rides and food delivery easy. SIM cards are cheap; Telkomsel offers the widest coverage. Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.

People greet with a handshake or touch of the hand to the chest. Dress modestly, especially when entering mosques or temples, cover knees and shoulders. Use your right hand to give or receive items. Avoid touching someone's head, even children. Take off shoes before entering homes.

Pickpocketing happens in crowded buses and markets, so keep your bag close. Check volcano and flood news if you travel during rainy season. Some roads are narrow and drivers can be unpredictable, so renting a scooter requires extra caution. Tap water is not safe to drink; always use bottled or filtered water.

Sumbawa offers empty beaches and surfing without Bali's crowds. The Banda Islands give a peek into old spice trade history and excellent diving. Bukittinggi in West Sumatra blends dramatic volcanic scenery with street food unknown to most tourists.

Many countries get 30 days visa-free or visa-on-arrival for tourism; always check your specific passport. Extensions can be tricky and require visits to immigration. There's a digital nomad visa scheme planned but it's not fully rolled out yet; most remote workers use the tourist visa and leave for renewal.

Domestic flights connect cities on different islands quickly and cheaply. Java's trains are reliable between big towns like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Intercity buses and ferries link less-visited islands. In cities, ride-hailing apps are much easier than taxis, and renting scooters is common but not for the faint-hearted.

Nasi goreng, satay, and soto are known everywhere but each region changes the spices. Padang restaurants let you sample many small plates, pay for what you touch. Street food is tasty but pick places with a busy turnover. Tap water isn't safe; stick to bottled drinks, and try local kopi (coffee) or jamu (herbal drinks). Vegetarian food is easy to find in Bali and Yogya, but trickier in Sumatra.

You can get by on $20 a day in small towns, but budget at least $45 daily in Jakarta or Bali. Upmarket stays and imported alcohol increase your costs quickly. A simple street meal can be $1.50, while a taxi ride in Jakarta starts around $1.80. Bali and Jakarta are more expensive than Yogyakarta or Lombok.