Indonesia Travel Guide
TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
On the morning of December 7, 2016, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Aceh province in the north of the island of Sumatra, killing numerous lives. The extent is not yet known; there is currently no evidence of affected German citizens. No tsunami warning was issued, but aftershocks are to be expected. Travelers are asked to read the local media, the official website of the Indonesian Department of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) (external link, opens in new window http://www.bmkg.go.id/) and these travel and safety information follow.
Country-specific safety information
Natural disasters
Volcanic activity and earthquakes are currently increasing across Indonesia, a country located in Asia according to ehealthfacts. Some flights between Australia and Bali have been interrupted due to volcanic ash from Mount Rinjani on Lombok. Even when airports are open, flights can be canceled.
Travelers are advised to follow the news and find out about possible airline delays or cancellations in good time.
Seaquakes and tsunamis cannot be ruled out in the island state of Indonesia. In December 2004, a seaquake off the island of Sumatra triggered a destructive tidal wave that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
Theft Travelers should watch out for their valuables (especially travel documents and cash). Pickpockets occur particularly on public transport, in busy places and in busy cafés and restaurants.
Terrorism The Indonesian security forces take decisive action against possible terrorists. However, terrorist activities cannot be ruled out. Particular care is required during Christian holidays such as Easter or Christmas.
M e thanolvergiftungen It is advised great caution when consuming alcohol. Several cases of sickness and death after consuming alcoholic beverages indicate that beverages have been contaminated with methanol. Methanol poisoning can cause serious health damage and, in the worst case, be fatal.
Ethnic and religious tensions In the provincial capital of Ambon, located on the Moluccas, there was last riot in September 2011, with dead and injured. In central Sulawesi around the city of Poso, there have also been repeated unrest in the past. The situation has stabilized again in both cases; However, caution is recommended when traveling to the region.
In the provinces of Papua and West Papua, violent incidents have occurred since August 2011, both in the provincial capital Jayapura (Papua) and around the grass mountain mine near Timika (West Papua) and in the Puncak Jaya district (West Papua). For Papua and West Papua, special police regulations and restrictions apply to entry and residence for non-tourist stays. Travel to the areas mentioned should not be undertaken without someone familiar with the area.
MONEY
Currency
Indonesian rupiah. Currency abbreviation: Rp, IDR (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000 Rp.Coins with a value of 1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50 Rp. 50rp coins are no longer used in practice.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa are accepted in Jakarta and in tourist centers by larger hotels, restaurants and travel agencies. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 8.30 a.m.-2.00 p.m. / 3.00 p.m., some banks also Sat 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
No import or export restrictions for foreign currencies. The import of foreign currencies in the form of cash and other means of payment must be declared if the amount is equivalent to Rp 100 million (approx. € 7,000), violations may result in high fines. Approval from the Indonesian Central Bank is required for the export of foreign currency worth more than US $ 10,000.
Import and export of the local currency up to 5 million Rp. The national currency can be changed back when leaving the country, if exchange receipts are available.
Currency Exchange
In Jakarta, money can be exchanged at international banks, hotels and authorized exchange offices. In the larger tourist centers there are no difficulties with exchanging the most popular currencies, in more remote areas it is advisable to carry cash in small denominations. Euros are recommended because this currency is most likely to be accepted alongside the US dollar. The current exchange rates are published daily in the newspapers.
