Frequently asked questions about Indonesia

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. And with an approved visa to Indonesia, you have the ability to travel throughout most of the country, with the exception of military and other restricted areas.

The most popular regions and islands to visit:

• Bali
• Java
• Komodo Island
• Sulawesi
• Sumatra

When entering Indonesia, you must present the following documents to the border guards:

1. A valid passport.
2. An approved visa. The visa can be applied for upon arrival at the airport, online or through the consulate or our agency Buch-dein-Visum.de. The method of obtaining the visa depends on the purpose of the trip and the time of stay in the country.
3. Electronic customs declaration form (e-CD).
4. When going through immigration control, you may also be asked to show your return ticket or ticket for the next flight.

If you are traveling to the island of Bali as a tourist, you will also be required to pay a tourist fee. Payment of this “tourist fee” must be made online prior to travel or upon arrival.

If you arrived in Indonesia on a visa on arrival and want a different type of visa, you need to leave and return with a new travel authorization obtained outside the country. If you apply for a visa on arrival in Indonesia, you can only extend your existing visa, but not change the type of visa.

For transit on a connecting flight through Indonesia, travelers may require an Indonesian visa if they plan to go through border control during the stopover. In addition, a visa may be required when the transit is longer than 24 hours or 8 hours (depending on the airport), when transiting through Ngurah Rai International Airport, and when changing the terminal for a connecting flight at Sukarno-Hatta International Airport.

As of June 8, 2022, travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Indonesia. However, for your own comfort and safety, it is recommended that you purchase insurance for your entire stay in the country, which will provide you with protection against:

- Unforeseen medical expenses

- Emergency transportation home if necessary

- Lost or damaged luggage

- Trip cancellation or disruption

Don't forget to bring a copy of your travel insurance document with you on your trip to Indonesia.

The Bali Tourism Levy is a one-time fee that tourists are required to pay when visiting this popular tourist destination. This tax is part of a program to support sustainable tourism in Bali. Funds collected from the tourism levy are used to protect the environment, support local culture and improve infrastructure on the island. Payment of this tourist tax is mandatory and must be made online before your arrival or upon arrival in Bali. Travelers should consider this additional requirement when planning their trip to the island.

The Bali Tourism Levy QR Code is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, which means you need to enter the island of Bali within this period. When you arrive in Bali, immigration officers will scan your QR code at the sea or air port.

The paid tourist tax in Bali is not refundable in case of trip cancellation. The tourist tax fee is individual and applies to each traveler. Adults and children must pay their own tourist tax when visiting the island of Bali.

To enter Bali multiple times with a tourist tax QR code, please note the following: you must present your QR code when you arrive on the island. If you leave the region but stay in Indonesia and then visit Bali again, you will not need to pay the tourist tax again. However, if you leave Indonesia and then want to return to Bali, you will have to pay the tourist tax again. Make sure you save your QR code for future visits to the island to avoid additional charges and simplify the entry process.

Tourists will no longer be required to provide PCR tests or coronavirus vaccination certificates to travel to Bali from June 9, 2023. Indonesia has officially waived these requirements and lifted the last restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. This means that tourists can travel to Bali without having to be vaccinated or provide COVID-19 tests. This is great news for everyone who dreams of visiting this amazing island and enjoying its beauty and hospitality. Enjoy your trip!

When traveling to Indonesia, it is important to choose the right currency to exchange. The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah. However, in some cases it is more convenient to carry American dollars. US dollars are accepted in many tourist places, hotels, stores. Also, foreign currency can be exchanged for local currency in banks, exchange offices and hotels.

However, it should be remembered that currency exchange on the spot may be accompanied by additional commissions and will not always be favorable in terms of exchange rate. Therefore, the best option is to carry some amount of Indonesian rupiah for local expenses and small purchases, as well as US dollars for exchange and payment in cases where accepting rupiahs may be difficult. This way, you'll always have the right currency on hand for a comfortable trip around Indonesia.

When you are traveling in Indonesia, it is important to keep in mind the cultural peculiarities and traditions of the local population. After all, as you know, every country has its own nuances and rules of behavior that should be respected.

• It is important to avoid touching other people's heads, as in Indonesian culture the head is considered a sacred place where the human soul resides.
• One should not yell at people or express anger openly, as this is perceived as insulting and disrespectful to others. Instead, it is important to remain calm and harmonious in dealing with others.
• Modest clothing is appreciated in Indonesia, especially on the Muslim islands. On beaches, it is also advisable to avoid dressing too revealingly, especially for women, so as not to displease or hurt the feelings of believers.
• You should also keep in mind the rules of using your hands. In Indonesia, the left hand is considered dirty, so using it when eating or in everyday life is discouraged.
• One should show respect for religious rituals and prayers by not disturbing people during them and showing reverence for religious traditions.
• One should not point one's foot at others in Indonesia, as this is also considered disrespectful and insulting to the person.

Following these rules and respecting local traditions will help you avoid conflicts and create a favorable atmosphere while traveling.

The ideal time for a vacation in Indonesia is from mid-April to the end of October. By the end of April, Bali's wet season ends, the sun becomes more active and refreshing southeastern winds begin to blow. At this time the humidity decreases, making the weather more comfortable. During the day, the air temperature is around 26-28 degrees Celsius and the ocean water temperature is 25-28 degrees Celsius.

Summer on the island of Bali is also the perfect time to go surfing, as this is the period that brings the biggest waves. At this time of year you can enjoy not only picturesque beaches and crystal clear sea, but also immerse yourself in the atmosphere of active vacation. Also, the summer season is considered one of the most favorable for visiting a number of sightseeing places and attractions on the island.

Thus, for those who are planning a vacation in Indonesia, the period from mid-April to the end of October will be the most suitable for full immersion in the amazing atmosphere of this tropical paradise.

The best time to travel to Indonesia depends on your preferences. If you want to avoid large crowds of tourists and therefore prefer a quieter environment, you will be more comfortable in winter and spring. Ticket and hotel prices are usually lower at this time of year, with the exception of the New Year holidays.

However, if you prefer hotter weather and are willing to visit busier places, then summer - July and August - will be the best time for you to travel. This is the peak tourist season when Indonesia comes alive and offers plenty of entertainment and activities.

No matter what time of the year you decide to travel to Indonesia, it is important to remember that the weather here is generally favorable all year round. Therefore, choosing when to travel depends more on your preferences and plans than on the climatic conditions.

Indonesia is an amazing country that offers an endless variety of activities and vacations. You can enjoy sunny beaches and warm oceans, surf the waves or explore the underwater world, immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage or dive into volcanic adventures.

The phrase “Land of a Thousand Islands” is the perfect description of Indonesia, where you'll find secluded beaches, cliffs and breathtaking views. For those who prefer an active vacation, surfing in Bali, Lombok or other islands offers world-class waves.

For those who love the underwater world, there is unforgettable scuba diving or snorkeling to discover the wonders of coral reefs and marine life. Also, don't forget volcano trekking where you can enjoy incredible scenery and feel on top of the world.

Indonesia is also rich in its traditions and customs, which can be explored by attending local events, festivals or simply by socializing with the locals. In addition to this, you can encounter a variety of wildlife, visit national parks and reserves to enjoy incredible views and see various exotic animals.

Thus, Indonesia offers a huge number of opportunities for a variety of vacations and activities, allowing everyone to find an activity to suit their taste and enjoy an unforgettable experience in this amazing country.

Indonesia is an amazing country with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery and a variety of outdoor activities. Apart from the popular island of Bali, Indonesia has many other unique places to visit.

One such place is Java, the country's central island, which is home to the ancient UNESCO-recognized Borobudur Temple. This magnificent temple is an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture and art.

The charming island of Lombok is famous for its beautiful beaches and high surfing waves. Beautiful waterfalls and volcanoes can also be visited here.

Located in North Sumatra, Gunung Leuser National Park is the place to see wild orangutans in their natural habitat.

Another interesting destination is the island of Flores, where you can visit unique cultural villages and explore the stunning coral reefs through diving or snorkeling.

Indonesia is also famous for its volcanoes, such as Bromo on Java and Rinjani on Lombok, providing unique hiking and biking opportunities.

These are just a small part of what there is to see and do in Indonesia besides Bali. The country is rich in a variety of cultural and natural attractions that will leave an unforgettable impression on travelers.

The following dishes and drinks are worth trying in Indonesia:

• Nasi Goren: a traditional Indonesian dish of fried rice with vegetables, egg and seafood.
• Sate: meat or fish kebab, often served with kacap sauce and rice.
• Nasi Gulung: kari, traditionally served with mashed potatoes and potato chips.
• Balinese coffee: a rich and flavorful coffee that can be sampled at local coffee shops and cafes.
• Exotic fruits: try durian, mangosteen, rambutan and other fruits unique to the region.

Indonesian cuisine is known for its variety and flavors, so don't miss the opportunity to sample local dishes when visiting this amazing country.

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language in Indonesia. It is used in all areas of public life, including education, government, business negotiations and public events. In addition to Indonesian, local languages and dialects may be used in different parts of the country.

Islam is the predominant religion in Indonesia. It is the most common religion in the country and is practiced by the majority of the population. However, Indonesia also has Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism and other religions, making it one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. At the same time, Indonesia adheres to the principle of religious freedom and respect for different religious traditions.

When traveling to Indonesia, you should be careful of the following aspects:

• Theft and fraud: There may be a high risk of theft and fraud in some places in Indonesia. It is important to keep an eye on your valuables, do not leave them unattended and be vigilant in tourist areas.
• Seismic activity: Indonesia is on a seismically active zone, so there is a risk of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Before traveling, it is worth studying the safety recommendations and reacting correctly in case of an emergency.
• Traffic: Traffic in some cities in Indonesia can be chaotic. Travelers are advised to be cautious on the roads and use safe modes of transportation.

With precautions, a trip to Indonesia can be enjoyable and safe.