Travel Essentials
Before you land in Sumatra, there are a few practical things worth sorting out: visas, vaccinations, cash, and a SIM card mostly. None of it is complicated, but it's the kind of thing you'd rather know in advance than figure out at Kualanamu Airport at 2am. Here's what we tell our own guests before they travel.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 travelling.
Health & Vaccinations
Quick disclaimer: this is general info, not medical advice. Always check with your GP for anything specific to you.
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Indonesia (except yellow fever if arriving from an endemic country). The following are recommended:
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Hepatitis A and B
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Typhoid
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Tetanus / Diphtheria / Whooping cough (booster)
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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.
Mosquito protection is recommended, particularly at dusk and during the night.
SIM Card & Internet
SIM cards from local providers are available immediately after arrival at Kualanamu Airport in Medan. Recommended options:
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Telkomsel (Simpati): Best network coverage, including rural areas, and the one we'd recommend for travel to Bukit Lawang
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XL Axiata: More affordable, good coverage in cities
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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.
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.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Indonesia, but very much appreciated, especially by guides, drivers and guesthouse staff.
Typical amounts as a general guide:
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Restaurants: 5–10% of the bill, or simply round up
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Becak drivers: A small tip depending on the journey
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Jungle guides: 50,000–100,000 IDR per person per day (approx. 3–6 USD) is a welcome gesture
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Accommodation staff: 20,000–50,000 IDR depending on the length of your stay
Culture & Etiquette
Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country. In practice, this means:
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Dress in villages: Shoulders and knees should be covered, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites.
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Respect during Ramadan: If your trip falls during Ramadan, be mindful about eating and drinking in public during the day.
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Left hand: In Indonesian culture, the left hand is considered unclean. Always pass items with the right hand or with both hands.
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Shoes off: Remove your shoes before entering mosques, and often before guesthouses and private homes too.
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Photography: Just ask before photographing people. Most Indonesians are very friendly and happy to take pictures together.
Safety & Emergencies
Indonesia is generally a safe travel destination. A few things to keep in mind:
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Pickpocketing in larger cities (Medan): Stay alert at busy markets and bus stations.
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Emergency number Indonesia: 112 (general), 119 (medical)
Embassy contacts by nationality:
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UK: British Embassy Jakarta: +62 21 2356 5200. For 24/7 emergency consular assistance, call the main number and follow the prompts.
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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
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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.
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.