Time Difference
Indonesia spans three time zones. Sumatra, Java and Central and West Kalimantan (west zone) are seven hours ahead of GMT (west zone); Bali, Nusa Tengara, East Kalimantan and South Sulawesi (central zone) are eight hours (central time); Irian Jaya and the Moluccas are nine hours ahead. As Indonesia does not observe daylight saving hours, in the summer there is one hour less difference across all the time zones (e.g., when it is 12:00 in the UK it is 19:00 in Java in the winter but 18:00 in the summer).
Money in Indonesia
The national currency is the Indonesian rupiah (Rp), and notes come in 2000Rp, 5000Rp, 10,000Rp, 20,000Rp, 50,000Rp and 100,000Rp denominations. Coins of 50Rp, 100Rp, 200Rp, 500Rp and 1000Rp are also in circulation. US dollars are also widely accepted, as is sterling in touristy areas such as Bali and Jakarta. It is advisable to carry a fair amount of cash in denominations of under 20,000 Rp as it can be difficult to get the correct change back for larger bills. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in middling to higher end hotels, restaurants and shops – but some may add a 3% surcharge for using card. We also advise letting your bank know that you are travelling to Indonesia before you go because the first time you use your card there, your bank may presume it is fraudulent activity. More information can be found on your bank’s website. ATMs are widely available but are less easy to find in rural areas.
Electricity
220 volts; the EU two pronged plus are widely used (types C and F), so British appliances will require an adapter.
Local Amenities
The shops will usually close around 19:00, but shopping malls may stay open until 22:00 (all week, but many shops close on Friday afternoon). Street markets will start at around 19:00 and keep trading until after midnight. The banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 15:00. It’s worth noting that during Ramadan, opening hours may vary in certain parts of the country, so our team can update you on the most relevant Indonesia travel advice depending on when you are visiting.
Water
Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking. So, avoid it and stick to bottled water. This goes for ice in drinks, brushing your teeth and food that has been washed in tap water.
Media
The Jakarta Post, which is an English-language daily, is available in Jakarta and Bali (where there is also The Bali Post). There are many broadcasting restrictions in the troubled area of West Papua. Television is the most popular medium in Indonesia, with major national commercial networks competing with the state-owned TRI (Televisi Republik Indonesia). Radio is also extremely popular, with numerous channels available in many areas.
Post
Indonesia's post service is generally reliable and efficient. Stamps are available at post offices (open every day except Sunday, from 8.00 to 16.00), and you can expect a delivery time of ten days when sending letters to Europe.
Phone
To call Indonesia from the UK, dial 00 62 plus area code (21 for Jakarta, for example) and then the number of your correspondent. To call the UK from Indonesia, dial 00 44 plus the 9-digit number of your correspondent (without the first 0). Roaming charges will apply when using a mobile phone in Indonesia and can be expensive, so we advise buying a local SIM card on arrival. We’re hoping you won’t need Bali’s emergency services, but if you do call 112 (like 999). If you need the police or local authorities call 110.
Currency
IDR
