Travel Tips

• Climate
  Although Indonesia is hot and humid throughout the year, the official wet season runs from October to April and is marked by heavy, short rain-storms after which the air is fresher. Temperatures range from 21 to 33 degrees C in the lowlands. Higher altitudes enjoy cooler conditions.
• Airport Tax and Transport
  Passengers departing on international and domestic flights will have to pay Rp. 50,000 and Rp 11,000 airport tax respectively.
• Customs
  On entry to Indonesia, each adult is allowed to bring in tax-free a maximum of two litres of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco.
  
  There is no restriction on the movement of foreign currencies in and out of the country. On entry or departure, however, you may only carry a maximum of 50,000 rupiahs.
• Communications
  Long-distance telephone calls within Indonesia are by direct dialling. International direct dialling (IDD) is available in all 27 provincial capitals and in more than 320 cities throughout the country. For the business traveller facsimile and telex services are available in most hotels and at service outlets.
• Currency
  Exchange facilities for the main foreign currencies are available in the major cities of Indonesia. Rupiahs come in denominations of 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500 and 100 in bank notes, and 1000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10 and five in coins.
• Time
  Indonesia is devided into three time zones. Western Indonesia Time (Sumatra, Java, West and Central Kalimantan) is seven hours ahead of GMT, Central Indonesia Time (Bali, South and East Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara) is eight hours ahead, and east Indonesia Time (Maluku and Irian Jaya) is nine hours ahead.
• Electricity
  50 Hz at either 110 or 220 volts
• Office Hours
  Business offices open from 8am or 9am to 4pm or 5 pm. Some work halfday on Saturdays. Banks open from 8am to 3pm on weekdays. Foreign banks are closed on Saturdays.
• Should Do/Shouldn't Do
  
  DO
  - Shop around for the best money exchange rates.
  - Wear lots of sunscreen when travelling around or swimming.
  - Drink a lot of water.
  - Take care of your belongings at all times. It is better to leave your valuables your hotel safe and wear your bag across your shoulder.
  - Avoid stepping on ceremonial offerings in the street.
  - Bargain when shopping except on fixed price tagged goods.
  - Make sure that you have personal or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.
  - Be careful when driving in Bali, keep your eyes and your mind on the road.
  - Wear a sarong and sash when visiting temples and attending ceremonies.
  
  DON"T
  - Swim outside of the designated areas as currents and undertows can be very strong.
  - Take drugs - it can result in imprisonment and can carry the death penalty.
  - Touch peoples heads - this is offensive to Hindus.
  - Enter a temple when menstruating.
  - Worry about the ice - it's government controlled in established restaurants.
  - Sit higher than the priest or the offerings at a ceremony.
  - Use flash cameras during ceremonies
  - Forget to reconfirm your outbound flight - Airport Tax is Rp 50,000 for International & Rp 11,000 for domestic flights