Essential Travel Information for Indonesia: Your Complete Guide

Last Updated: August 2025

Planning your Indonesian adventure? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before your trip, from entry requirements and practical travel tips to health considerations and cultural insights.

Table of Contents

Entry Requirements

Visas for Indonesia

We recommend obtaining your visa directly at the airport upon arrival. The online system occasionally experiences issues, and if problems arise, you’ll need to reapply and pay again. The cost is 500,000 IDR per person (approximately €30). Both card and cash payments are accepted.

Important note: Make sure your passport is in good condition. Indonesia has strict entry regulations, and immigration officers can deny entry if your passport is damaged, torn, water-stained, or has missing pages. Even minor damage may raise concerns, so it’s best to renew your passport before traveling if it’s worn or compromised.

NEW – “All Indonesia” Integrated Arrival Card (from July 24, 2025)

Indonesia has launched a new online system that combines the Arrival Card, Electronic Customs Declaration, and Health Declaration into a single form and QR code, reducing processing time at the airport.

  • Access the form here: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/
  • Fill in your personal details, passport information, flight details, address in Indonesia, and answer health/customs questions.
  • Submit to generate a QR code – save or screenshot it to show on arrival.
  • The QR code is valid for 72 hours from submission; after that, you must complete a new form.
  • Currently available only at Jakarta (Soekarno–Hatta) and Bali (Ngurah Rai) airports, where both the new system and old separate forms are accepted.
  • All other international airports still require the old system.

Note: This applies only to international arrivals. Domestic flights within Indonesia do not require any of these forms.

Customs Declaration

Before boarding your international flight to Indonesia, complete your customs declaration online at https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/ . After completing the process, you’ll receive a QR code. Take a screenshot to scan when passing through customs after collecting your luggage.

Bali Tourism Tax

As of February 14, 2024, international tourists must pay a tourism levy of IDR 150,000 (approximately USD 10 or €9) when entering Bali. This initiative supports sustainable tourism by preserving Balinese heritage, protecting the natural environment, and improving tourism services.

The tax applies to tourists arriving on eVOA (electronic Visa On Arrival) and VOA (Visa On Arrival). Certain visitors are exempt, including diplomatic visa holders, residence permit holders, and specific non-tourist visa holders.

You can pay the tourism tax through the Love Bali app (available on App Store and Play Store) or by visiting lovebali.baliprov.go.id . Once payment is confirmed, you’ll receive a voucher via email, which you must keep on your smartphone for scanning at Bali’s entry points. For more details, read our post about the Bali Tourism Tax.

Money Matters

Currency

The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). According to current exchange rates (as of May 2025):

  • EUR to IDR: €1 = 18,564 IDR
  • USD to IDR: $1 ≈ 16,800 IDR

Quick Value Reference Guide

Indonesian RupiahEuros (€)US Dollars ($)
50,000 IDR≈ €2.70≈ $3.00
100,000 IDR≈ €5.40≈ $6.00
150,000 IDR≈ €8.10≈ $9.00
500,000 IDR≈ €27≈ $30
1,000,000 IDR≈ €54≈ $60

Money Exchange

If bringing cash, exchange it at official money changers. Your drivers can direct you to reliable establishments. Airport exchanges typically offer less favorable rates.

ATMs & Payments

ATMs are widely available throughout Indonesia, particularly in tourist areas. For security, use ATMs located inside banks or established businesses like mini markets.

Most restaurants and hotels accept card payments, though international cards often incur a 2-3% surcharge. In small local establishments and markets, cash remains the preferred payment method.

Tipping Culture

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Indonesia but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants without service charges, 5-10% is appropriate. For tour guides and drivers, consider IDR 50,000-100,000 (approximately €3-6) per day.

Staying Connected

Wi-Fi is readily available across Bali and other tourist destinations in Indonesia, including hotels, restaurants, and cafes.

For continuous connectivity while exploring, consider these options:

  • Purchase a local SIM card at the airport or from phone shops (often cheaper outside the airport)
  • If your device supports eSIMs, subscribe to a plan covering Indonesia (slightly more expensive than local SIMs)

For comprehensive information on staying connected in Indonesia, visit our complete guide to internet access and eSIMs in Indonesia .

Health and Safety

Staying healthy during your Indonesian adventure requires some basic precautions. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Health Landscape

Indonesia’s diverse geography creates varying health considerations across its 17,000+ islands. Fortunately, popular tourist destinations like Bali, Java, and the Gili Islands have relatively low health risks compared to more remote areas.

Vaccines and Preventive Care

Essential Vaccines for Most Travelers

  • Hepatitis A (protects against food and water-borne illness)
  • Ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date (tetanus, diphtheria, measles, etc.)

Consider Based on Your Itinerary

  • Typhoid (especially for longer stays or more remote travel)
  • Rabies (for adventure travelers, those working with animals, or visiting remote areas)
  • Japanese encephalitis (for longer rural stays)
  • Hepatitis B (for longer stays or higher-risk activities)

Mosquito-Borne Illness Prevention

Indonesia has several mosquito-transmitted diseases to be aware of, including malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Risk varies by region:

Low-Risk Malaria Areas

  • Bali and the Gili Islands
  • Java
  • Most of Sumatra
  • Sulawesi
  • Lombok and other West Nusa Tenggara islands
  • Western Flores

For these areas, basic mosquito protection measures are typically sufficient.

Moderate to High-Risk Areas

Locations such as Raja Ampat, Papua, and parts of Kalimantan may require more comprehensive protection, including anti-malarial medication.

Mosquito Protection Essentials

  • Apply repellent containing DEET (20-30%) or picaridin to exposed skin
  • Wear long, loose-fitting clothing, especially at dawn and dusk
  • Sleep in air-conditioned rooms when possible
  • Use bed nets in rustic accommodations
  • Consider treating clothes with permethrin before your trip

Food and Water Safety

  • Drink only bottled or purified water (including for brushing teeth)
  • Ensure food is freshly cooked and served hot
  • Exercise caution with street food, though it’s often delicious
  • Fruits you peel yourself are generally safe
  • Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer

Medical Travel Kit

  • Personal prescription medications (in original packaging)
  • Mosquito repellent and sunscreen
  • Basic first aid supplies
  • Oral rehydration salts
  • Antidiarrheal medication
  • Motion sickness remedies (especially for boat trips)
  • Hand sanitizer

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage, particularly for visits to remote areas.

For a detailed guide to staying healthy in Indonesia, including region-specific advice and diving safety tips, visit our comprehensive Indonesia Health and Vaccines Travel Guide .

Cultural Insights

Understanding Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage enhances your travel experience. We recommend exploring: