|
|
|
|
|
Things to know
Currency Things to Know Visas and Passport Customs Regulations
CURRENCYThe Indonesian currency unit is called the Rupiah. Notes are issued in the values of Rp500, Rp5,000 and Rp10,000. Coins of Rp5, Rp10, Rp25, Rp50 and Rp100.
When changing large amounts, banks usually give Rp10,000 notes, but changing these in the provinces may prove troublesome. If you are heading for the Outer Islands, take Rp1,000 and Rp5,000 notes instead. Always keep your exchange receipts so that you can exchange your rupiah for foreign currencies upon leaving the country. The U.S. dollar is the most readily accepted currency.
THINGS TO KNOW
Indonesia has an area of 767,777 square miles (1,919,443 sq. km) scattered over about 13,700 islands. The country also claims sovereignty over 1,308,864 square miles (3,272,160 sq. km) of sea stretching from Asia to Australia. An active volcanic arc runs through Sumatra, Java and the islands of Nusa Tenggara, and then north through Maluku to Sulawesi. It marks the place where tectonic plates plunge one beneath the other.
This is an area of intense volcanic activity called the "ring of fire." Off the coast of these islands is a deep sea trench in places more than 22,960 feet (7,000m) deep. Within the arc is the more stable Sunda Shelf with shallow seas and less dramatic landscape. Some parts of the country remain vast, barely explored regions of dense jungle, and many islands have extinct, active or dormant volcanoes.
Population: 190,000,000
Capital: Jakarta
Flag: Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white.
Shop Hours: Most shops are open from 8am to 9pm, daily. Sunday is a public holiday, but some shops are open at least part of the day.
Bank Hours: The majority of the banks in Indonesia are open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 noon.
Holidays:
Some of these holidays are based on the lunar calendar and change yearly.
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- February - Chinese New Year (lunar calendar; mid-January to mid-February)
- March - Nyepi (day of silence in Bali and a Hindu holiday celebrated nationwide)
- March or April - Good Friday
- March - Hari Raya Puasa
- Waicack - May 23 (anniversary of the birth and death of Buddha)
- March 25-26 - Idul Fitri/Lebaran
- April - Mi'raj Nabi Muhammad (ascension of the prophet Muhammad)
- April 21 - Kartini Day (ceremony held by women to mark the birthday of Radeng Ajeng Kartini, proclaimed as a pioneer of women's emancipation).
- May - Hari Raya Haji
- August 17 - Independence Day
- September - Gareg Maulad (birthday of Prophet Mohammad)
- October 5 - Armed Forces Day
- December 25 - Christmas Day (celebrated by Christians)
Time:
There are three time zones in Indonesia. Sumatra, Java and west and central Kalimantan are in West Indonesian Time, which is seven hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Meant Time). Bali, Nusa Tenggara, south and east Kalimantan and Silawesi are on Central Indonesian Time, which is eight hours ahead of GMT. Irian Jaya and Maluku are on the East Indonesian Time, which is nine hours ahead of GMT.
Tipping:
Restaurants: Some restaurants may automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill, but an additional tip is always appreciated.
Porters: Rp500-1,000 is generally the average tip expected for airport porters and bellhops in Jakarta, while Rp2,000 is expected in Denpasar or Ujung airport.
Taxis: Taxi drivers are never tipped, although in Jakarta they may expect a tip. A few coins will make them happy.
VISAS AND PASSPORT All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months after arrival. Visas have been waived for nationals of some Western countries for a stay of up to two months and for registered delegates attending a conference that has received official approval.
Each visitor is required to pay an airport tax of Rp11,000 for international departures and between Rp 800 and Rp 3,000 for domestic flights, depending on the airport of departure.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive within six days of leaving or passing through an infected area.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONSDuty-Free Items: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 2 pounds of tobacco, cameras and a reasonable amount of film, 2 liters of alcohol and a reasonable amount of perfume for personal use.
|
|
|
|
|
|
