Indonesia - basics - Countries Guide

Safety: Following the bombings in Bali in October 2005, there remains a high risk of terrorism directed against foreigners throughout the country and reports indicate that terrorists are planning further attacks on Westerners and western interests and are likely to be carried out at locations frequented by tourists. Extreme caution is advised in public places, including transport terminals, shopping malls and public buildings, and especially in restaurants, hotels and places of entertainment in tourist areas. The security situation remains unsettled in Sulawesi and foreigners are advised to avoid parts of Maluku, particularly Ambon, and Central Sulawesi. Visitors are also advised to be cautious if travelling to Aceh. Religious violence between Christians and Muslims and unstable politics has also made many parts of Indonesia unsafe for travellers; there is continued risk of harassment of Westerners by fundamentalists. Indonesia has a high crime rate and theft and petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. Credit card fraud is on the increase. It is strongly recommended that visitors contact their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia. Flooding and landslides occur frequently during the rainy season between December and March. In May 2006 a severe earthquake near Yogyakarta in Central Java caused massive damage and disruption to infrastructure, and killed over 5,000 people. A major earthquake in the Indian Ocean in July 2006 triggered a tsunami that hit the south coast of Java in Indonesia, killing over 500 people, and displacing about 500,000 more. All houses and hotels along Pangandaran beach were destroyed. Another earthquake on 6 March 2007 hit Sumatra killing at least 50 people, and an earthquake and its aftershocks on 12-13 September 2007 caused damage and destruction to Sumatra. The safety of air travel in Indonesia has come under the spotlight following a series of fatal airline accidents; six of its airlines have failed to meet international safety standards, including the national carrier, Garuda, and on 28 June 2007 the EU announced that all Indonesian airlines have been banned from entering the EU.

Customs: Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while they understand that western culture is different to their own, it will be appreciated if their customs are respected. Religious customs should also be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of affection. It is considered impolite to use the left hand for passing or accepting things. Appropriate dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas. The concept of 'saving face' is very important and public displays of anger, and personal ridicule and blame are considered extremely vulgar and bad mannered. In Jakarta a new law bans people from giving money to beggers, buskers and unofficial traffic guides in an attempt to 'bring order' to the city. Offenders could face up to six months in jail and $5,000 fines. Gambling is illegal.

Communications: The international access code for Indonesia is +62. The outgoing code is 001 or 007 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom); when using VOIP, the outgoing code is 017. It is not necessary to dial the first zero of the area code. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 36 for Bali and 21 for Jakarta. For operator-assisted international calls, phone 101. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty Free: Travellers to Indonesia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 100g tobacco; alcohol up to 1 litre; perfume for personal use; and personal goods to the value of US$250 per passenger or US$1,000 per family. Travellers not entering on a tourist visa will have to pay duties for photo and film cameras unless these have been registered in their passport by Indonesian Customs. Electronic equipment may not be imported to the country. Prohibited items include Chinese medicines and prints, narcotics, firearms and ammunition, pornography, cordless telephones, fresh fruit or goods to be used for commercial gain.

Climate: The country is hot and humid all year round, but cooler inland than along the coastal regions, the monsoon from December to March brings the heavy rains. The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit as some activities and road travel can be difficult during the rainy season.
Cities & Regions: Sumatra | Java | Bali | Lombok | Yogyakarta