Climate

Indonesia is a tropical country with two basic seasons: dry and wet. May to October belongs to the dry season and November to April is the wet season. Showers are expected in the dry season and not surprisingly, it is possible to feel the sunshine during the wet season. Temperatures range from 21°C (69.8°F) – 33°C (91.4°F).

Clothing

Casual clothing is recommended for the hot weather while formal wear is appropriate for business and meetings.

Currency

The Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is the currency in Jakarta. Cash is the most preferred form of payment while credit cards are only accepted in restaurants and hotels.

Customs

There is no limit of the amount of foreign currency or traveller's cheques that one can bring in or out of Indonesia. However, it is prohibited to import or export Indonesian currency exceeding Rp 5,000,000 unless approved by The Bank of Indonesia. Certain items such as TV sets, drugs, ammunition, pornography as well as printed materials in Chinese characters and Chinese medicine are not allowed to be brought into Indonesia.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts in the cities while rural areas can only provide at 110 volts.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health

Clinics and hospitals are available and medical facilities are adequate. Drink only boiled and bottled water. Vaccinations are advisable before visiting Jakarta.

Mobile Phones

Network accepted in Jakarta is GSM and AMPS.

Public Phones

Calls can be made from all public phones using coins or phonecards. Only some areas accept credit cards. International calls can also be made from some of the booths.

Shopping & Business Hours

Shopping malls are generally open at 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. while closing hours may vary, depending on individual shops.

• Banks: Open from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. Saturdays.
• Commercial offices: Open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Saturdays.
• Government offices: Open from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

A 10% (or VAT) government tax is imposed on all bills. Some restaurants may impose a tax up to 21% including service charge.

Time zone

GMT +7.

Tipping

An 11% service charge is added to the bill in restaurants and hotels. However, tipping is up to one's preferences.

Visa

Visas are not required for visitors from the 42 countries with diplomatic relations with Indonesia. Otherwise, a valid visa is required to enter Jakarta.