Sawahlunto

Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Indonesia page at Yoogo.

Indonesia uses the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cash is preferred for most everyday transactions, especially outside major cities. ATMs are widely available in urban areas and popular tourist destinations such as Bali and Yogyakarta. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and upscale establishments. Use authorised currency exchange counters or ATMs for the best rates and avoid unlicensed money changers.

Indonesia is generally safe for tourists, though petty theft and scams occur in busy tourist areas. Avoid displaying valuables openly. Some regions, including parts of Papua and areas with historical civil unrest, require extra caution. Indonesia is an archipelago with active volcanoes and occasional natural hazards; check advisories before travel to affected areas. During Ramadan, be mindful that eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours can cause offence.

Indonesia's size means domestic flights are often the most practical option for inter-island travel, with budget carriers offering affordable fares. On Java, a reasonable rail network connects major cities including Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Within cities, ride-hailing apps Grab and Gojek are convenient and reliable. Taxis are metered in major cities; always insist on the meter. Motorbikes are widely available for hire but require a valid licence and caution on busy roads.

The dry season, roughly April through October, is the best time to visit most of Indonesia, including Bali and Java. The wet season from November through March brings heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. Temperatures remain consistently warm year-round, typically 26–32°C. Bali's high season coincides with the dry months, so accommodation books up quickly. Different islands have slightly varied wet and dry season timing.

Bahasa Indonesia is the official national language and is widely understood across the archipelago's diverse ethnic groups. English proficiency is reasonable in tourist hubs such as Bali and Jakarta's business districts, but limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Learning a handful of basic Indonesian phrases is both practical and appreciated. Many Indonesians also speak their regional ethnic language alongside Indonesian.

No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers entering Indonesia. Travel health professionals commonly recommend hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Dengue fever is present throughout the country; use insect repellent and appropriate clothing, particularly around dawn and dusk. Bottled water is widely available and recommended over tap water. Consult a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.