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Welcome to Indonesia, a country rich in culture, natural beauty, and the warmth of its people! For foreigners who have just arrived or plan to stay here for an extended period, adapting to a new environment can be its own challenge. From understanding the unique transportation system, shopping efficiently, to utilizing important applications that make daily life easier, everything requires some tricks and special knowledge.
Discover 8 essential survival tips for foreigners in Indonesia! Learn how to navigate transportation, shop smart, and use must-have apps to make your life easier while living in Indonesia. Whether you’re a student, professional, or long-term tourist, this guide will provide practical insights to overcome various challenges and make your Indonesian experience even more memorable.
Transportation: What to Take and How?
Indonesia, especially major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali, offers various transportation options. From online motorcycle taxis to public minivans, here’s your quick guide:
Online Motorcycle Taxis: Gojek and Grab
Online motorcycle taxis are lifesavers for many people in Indonesia. Apps like Gojek and Grab allow you to book motorcycles or cars at affordable prices. Simply download the app, enter your destination, and a driver will pick you up within minutes. These apps don’t just provide transportation, but also food delivery, shopping, and digital payment services.
Safety Tips: Always check the driver’s name and license plate number before getting on. Use a helmet for motorcycle rides and ensure the app shows the correct route. Keep cash ready as an alternative if digital payment fails.
Public Transportation: Transjakarta, KRL, and Angkot
In Jakarta, Transjakarta is a fast, cheap, and comfortable bus service that reaches many areas, even extending to urban districts. To ride Transjakarta, you can pay using the Tije smartphone app with QRIS, or alternatively use electronic money cards like e-money, Flazz, and Jakcard.
KRL Commuter Line is perfect for intercity travel in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek). For a local experience, try angkot, minivans that operate on specific routes. However, angkot can be confusing as they don’t have official schedules.
Other regions in Indonesia don’t have as much public transportation as Jakarta, so public transport arrival times can be longer. Therefore, other areas commonly use online motorcycle taxi apps.
Tips: Download apps like Google Maps for public transportation routes. Prepare cash for angkot, as they rarely accept digital payments.
Essential Apps
- Gojek/Grab: For online motorcycle taxis and taxis
- Google Maps: Route navigation and public transport schedules
- TJ Transjakarta : Apps for public bus in Jakarta area
Daily Shopping: Traditional Markets or Supermarkets?
Traditional markets offer an authentic shopping experience with negotiable prices, while modern supermarkets provide convenience with fixed prices and air conditioning facilities.
Traditional markets offer an authentic shopping experience with negotiable prices, while modern supermarkets provide convenience with fixed prices and air conditioning facilities.
How to Bargain at Traditional Markets:
- Ask politely: “Berapa harganya, Bu/Pak? (How much is this, Ma’am/Sir?)”Â
- Bargain reasonably (usually 10-20% off the initial price)
- If you agree, pay according to the agreement
Traditional Markets vs Supermarkets
Traditional markets like Beringharjo Market in Yogyakarta offer fresh ingredients like tempeh, tofu, and local vegetables. However, you need to know how to bargain. Meanwhile, supermarkets like Hypermart or Superindo are suitable for imported goods like cheese or cereal.
If you can’t speak much Indonesian yet, shopping at traditional markets might be difficult because most sellers are elderly and don’t speak foreign languages. Many only speak local dialects.
Bargaining Tips: Start by offering half the quoted price, then gradually increase until you reach an agreement. Don’t forget to smile to keep the atmosphere friendly!
Online Shopping Apps
For convenience, use Tokopedia, Sayurbox, or GoMart for daily necessities. GoMart can even deliver groceries within an hour!
Accommodation: Kos, Rental House, or Apartment?
Finding accommodation in Indonesia can be an exciting experience, but requires planning. There are three types of accommodation: kos, rental house, and apartment.Â
Kos is room rental, usually for students or young workers. Kos typically provides rooms with basic facilities like beds and bathrooms. Rental houses are suitable for families, while apartments are more modern and expensive.Â
Tips Before Renting:
- Ask if electricity and water are included in the price
- Check access to public transportation
- Ensure the neighborhood is safe and clean
- Inquire about curfew and guest policies
- What facilities are available (WiFi, kitchen, laundry)
- Payment system (monthly/yearly)
Use Mamikos to find kos, Travelio (daily/monthly apartments), or OLX for rental houses and apartments.
Eating Out: Warteg, Angkringan, and Restaurants
Indonesian cuisine is one of the best ways to understand the culture. From street side stalls to luxury restaurants, food options in Indonesia are very diverse.
Warteg (Warung Tegal): Simple eateries with affordable prices, serving rice, fried chicken, and varies of indonesia’s home cooking. At warteg, you will see the food serve behind the display case, you just need to point out the food you want and they will take it on the plate for you.Â
Angkringan: Javanese food carts from Jogjakarta but now you can find them everywhere, popular for hanging out while eating nasi kucing (small portions of rice with side dishes). they also sell varies of skewers.
Restaurants: For a more luxurious experience, try restaurants like Nasi Goreng Kebon Sirih in Jakarta, rumah makan Ikan Bakar Cianjur, and Solaria.Â
Rumah Makan Padang: The restaurant serve dishes from Padang, West Sumatra. Their popular dishes are rendang, ayam pop, dendeng batokok, and gulai kikil. Famous for rendang and spicy sambal ijo. Padang cuisine has a strong aroma and taste of spices and is slightly spicy. They also famous for “Serve everything, pay for what you eat” system at the restaurant.
Dining Etiquette:Â Â In Indonesia, it’s very common and polite to offer food to people around you with phrases like “Mari makan” (let’s eat) or “Ikut makan yuk” (join us for a meal) as a form of care and friendliness, even to strangers. If you don’t want to eat, simply decline politely while saying thank you and give a brief reason like “terima kasih saya sudah kenyang” (I’m already full) or “saya sudah makan tadi” (I just ate) – the offer will usually be repeated 2-3 times and this is normal, not meant to be pushy.
Tips for Beginners: If you can’t handle spice, say “tidak pedas ya” (no spice) or “tanpa sambal” (Without sambal). Prepare milk or sweet iced tea to cool the heat. Check out our article on Indonesian specialty foods for culinary inspiration!
Daily Language You Need to Know
Indonesian is the bridge to understanding local culture. Although many people can speak English in big cities, simple phrases will be very helpful.
Basic Phrases
- Berapa harganya? (How much is it?)
- Mau ke mana? (Where are you going?)
- Terima kasih (Thank you)
- Maaf, saya belum paham (Sorry, I don’t understand)
- Bisa bantu saya? (Can you help me?)
Essential Apps for Comfortable Living
In Indonesia, your smartphone is your best friend. Here are must-have apps for foreigners:
- Gojek/Grab: Transportation and food delivery
- Shopee/Tokopedia: Online shopping for all needs
- WhatsApp: Main communication, from chatting with friends to coordinating with landlords
- GoPay/OVO/Dana: Digital wallets for quick payments, from shopping to paying bills
Tips: Ensure you have an active Indonesian phone number to register for these apps. WhatsApp is very important because almost all formal and informal communication uses it.
Etiquette and Social Customs
Indonesian culture is rich in politeness values. Understanding local etiquette will make you more accepted.
Greeting Culture
A smile is the universal language in Indonesia. Greet neighbors with “Selamat pagi” (Good morning) or “Halo” (hello) to build good relationships.
Asking for Help or Refusing
Use phrases like “Bisa tolong bantu saya?” (Can I ask for help?) when requesting assistance. If you refuse, say “Maaf, lain kali ya” (Sorry, maybe next time) to remain polite.
“Jam Karet” (Rubber Time)
The term “rubber time” refers to time flexibility in Indonesia. If there’s an appointment at 10 AM, be prepared to wait 10-15 minutes. However, for formal or business events, try to be punctual.
Weather and Clothing: Always Ready with an Umbrella!
Indonesia has two seasons: dry season (April-September) and rainy season (October-March). Average temperature is 26-32°C year-round with high humidity.
Rainy & Hot Seasons
Always carry an umbrella or raincoat during rainy season. In hot season, temperatures can reach 32°C, so choose light cotton clothing.
Comfortable Dressing Tips
- Wear modest clothing, especially in public places like markets or offices
- Choose cotton or linen materials that absorb sweat
- Bring a light jacket for air-conditioned rooms
- Always have an umbrella or raincoat ready
- Wear non-slip footwear when it rains
Maintaining Health in Tropical Climate
Drink at least 2 liters of water daily to prevent dehydration. Consume local fruits like oranges, papaya, and bananas rich in vitamin C to maintain immunity.
Glossarium
- Angkot: Public minivan with specific routes
- Kos: Simple room rental, usually for students
- Nasi Kucing: Small portions of rice with side dishes, popular at angkringan
- Jam Karet: Term for time flexibility in Indonesia
Living in Indonesia as a foreigner is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and friendly culture. From riding ojek to enjoying nasi kucing at angkringan, every experience is a new lesson. Download the apps we recommend, learn basic phrases, and don’t be afraid to ask locals. Want to learn more about Indonesian language and culture? Join our language learning program at BASANTARA and start your adventure today!
