Visa, SIM cards, tipping, health and more – the complete travel guide for first-time visitors to Indonesia

Indonesia is vast, fascinating and full of little quirks worth knowing before you go. The better prepared you are, the more relaxed your arrival – and the more you'll enjoy. This guide covers the most important practical information for your trip to Indonesia, tailored to travelers from German-speaking countries.

Important: All information is subject to change. Always check current visa requirements and entry regulations on the website of the Indonesian embassy or relevant official authorities. We cannot guarantee accuracy, but will do our best to keep you informed.

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Visa & Entry

Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most EU countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) – as are over 97 nationalities in total. Always verify your eligibility before travelling, as the list can change. Pnbimmigrationlawfirm

Visa on Arrival (VoA): Available on arrival at the airport, valid for 30 days and extendable once to 60 days. Cost: IDR 500,000 (approx. 30 USD). eVisa Indonesia

E-VoA (recommended): Apply online in advance at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. This saves time at the border and is especially recommended when arriving at busy airports such as Denpasar in Bali. For arrivals into Medan (KNO), it is less essential but still a convenient option.

Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. eVisa Indonesia

Return or onward ticket: Immigration officers reserve the right to ask for your return ticket at entry. Please also ensure all travellers have valid international health insurance. eVisa Indonesia

Important: Entry requirements can change. Always check the latest regulations via your country's official travel advisory website or the Indonesian immigration authority at imigrasi.go.id before traveling.

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Health & Vaccinations

The following section is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. We accept no liability. Please always consult your GP with any health-related questions.

No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Indonesia (except yellow fever if arriving from an endemic country). The following are recommended:

• Hepatitis A and B

• Typhoid

• Tetanus / Diphtheria / Whooping cough (booster)

• Rabies (particularly recommended for jungle tours and activities involving wildlife)

Travel pharmacy essentials: Anti-diarrhoeal medication, antihistamine, wound disinfectant, effective insect repellent (DEET-based for adults, child-safe formula for children), sunscreen.

Dengue fever: Widespread in Indonesia. Mosquito protection is essential – particularly at dusk and during the night.

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SIM Card & Internet

SIM cards from local providers are available immediately after arrival at Kualanamu Airport in Medan. Recommended options:

• Telkomsel (Simpati): Best network coverage, including rural areas – recommended for travel to Bukit Lawang

• XL Axiata: More affordable, good coverage in cities

• Indosat Ooredoo: Also a solid option

Prices: A SIM card including a data package (e.g. 15–30 GB for 30 days) costs the equivalent of around €5–15.

Note for Bukit Lawang: Mobile coverage exists but is not always strong. In more remote jungle areas, there is no signal at all – which, honestly, is all part of the experience.

Wi-Fi: Most guesthouses and restaurants in Bukit Lawang offer Wi-Fi, though it tends to be slow and unreliable, especially during heavy rain. For anything important, rely on mobile data instead.

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Currency & Money

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). As of July 2026: €1 ≈ 20,000 IDR.

Cash withdrawals: There are very few ATMs in Bukit Lawang. Make sure to withdraw enough cash in Medan or at the airport before heading out. In Medan and Binjai, you'll find plenty of ATMs from BCA, Mandiri, BNI and others that accept international cards.

Credit cards: Rarely accepted in Bukit Lawang. Cash is essential.

Tip: Euros are widely accepted at exchange offices and are useful to carry as a backup.

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Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in Indonesia, but very much appreciated – especially by guides, drivers and guesthouse staff.

Typical amounts as a general guide:

• Restaurants: 5–10% of the bill, or simply round up

• Becak drivers: A small tip depending on the journey

• Jungle guides: 50,000–100,000 IDR per person per day (approx. 3–6 USD) is a welcome gesture

• Accommodation staff: 20,000–50,000 IDR depending on the length of your stay

Always tip directly and in person – that's the respectful way to do it.

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Culture & Etiquette

Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. In practice, this means:

• Dress in villages: Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites.

• Respect during Ramadan: If your trip falls during Ramadan, be mindful about eating and drinking in public during the day.

• Left hand: In Indonesian culture, the left hand is considered unclean. Always pass items with the right hand or with both hands.

• Shoes off: Remove your shoes before entering mosques, and often before guesthouses and private homes too.

• Photography: Always ask before photographing people. Most Indonesians are happy to oblige, but asking first is a sign of respect.

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Safety & Emergencies

Indonesia is generally a safe travel destination. A few things to keep in mind:

• Pickpocketing in larger cities (Medan): Stay alert at busy markets and bus stations.

• Emergency number Indonesia: 112 (general), 119 (medical)

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Embassy contacts by nationality:

• UK: British Embassy Jakarta: +62 21 2356 5200 – for 24/7 emergency consular assistance, call the main number and follow the prompts. Online enquiry: gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-jakarta Embassies

• USA: U.S. Embassy Jakarta: +62 21 5083 1000, press 0 for the operator (24/7). Americans abroad can also call +1 202 501 4444 at any time. There is also a U.S. Consulate in Medan covering Sumatra: Sumatra@state.gov U.S. Embassy

• Australia / Canada / other nationalities: Please check your country's official foreign affairs website for the relevant embassy contact in Jakarta.

• Travel insurance: We strongly recommend taking out travel cancellation and international health insurance, ideally including emergency evacuation cover.

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Electricity & Adapters

Voltage: 220V / 50Hz – the same as in Europe.

Plug types: Type C and F (Euro plugs) – usually compatible without an adapter.

Tip: A small multi-socket extension is always handy to have.

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Well prepared is halfway there

With this information, you're all set for your trip to Indonesia. Still have questions? We're happy to help – get in touch with us anytime here.