Southeast Asia
Indonesia
Bali is Southeast Asia's biggest nomad base, with surf, yoga and coworking; Java, Lombok, Flores and Sumatra add volcanoes and diving with fewer foreigners. Conservative outside Bali; internet is slower.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa13 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyIDRUS$1 ≈ Rp17,883.05Details
- Price level29%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water isn't drinkable anywhere; use bottled water or refill stations, common in Bali.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalBali is relaxed, with gay-friendly bars in Seminyak; elsewhere hostility is rising, police raid private parties, and discretion is essential.Details
- Internet51 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 66 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftBring an IDP plus your home licence with the motorcycle category; Bali police fine unlicensed scooter riders at checkpoints.
- Digital nomad visaYesRemote Worker Visa (E33G)Details
Where to go in Indonesia
30 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BaliIsland | 4/5 | $1,400–2,240 | May–Sep | 44/100 |
| UbudTown | 4/5 | $1,120–1,790 | May–Sep | 65/100 |
| CangguDistrict | 4/5 | $1,450–2,350 | May–Sep | 44/100 |
| JakartaCapital city | 3/5 | $1,010–1,680 | Jun–Sep | 44/100 |
| SeminyakDistrict | 4/5 | $1,570–2,520 | May–Sep | 36/100 |
| UluwatuBeach town | 4/5 | $1,340–2,120 | May–Sep | 48/100 |
| YogyakartaCity | 4/5 | $559–1,010 | May–Sep | 94/100 |
| Gili IslandsIslands | 4/5 | $895–1,570 | May–Oct | 73/100 |
| Nusa PenidaIsland | 4/5 | $783–1,340 | May–Sep | 82/100 |
| KutaBeach town | 3/5 | $951–1,570 | May–Sep | 64/100 |
| LombokIsland | 4/5 | $727–1,230 | May–Sep | 86/100 |
| Labuan BajoTown | 4/5 | $839–1,450 | Apr–Oct | 76/100 |
| Nusa DuaDistrict | 5/5 | $1,340–2,240 | May–Sep | 59/100 |
| SanurBeach town | 4/5 | $1,120–1,790 | May–Sep | 63/100 |
| Raja AmpatIslands | 4/5 | $1,230–2,240 | Oct–Apr | 35/100 |
| Mount BromoRegion | 4/5 | $503–783 | May–Sep | 96/100 |
| BandungCity | 4/5 | $615–951 | May–Sep | 87/100 |
| Nusa LembonganIsland | 4/5 | $727–1,120 | May–Oct | 90/100 |
| Lake TobaRegion | 4/5 | $447–727 | May–Sep | 96/100 |
| Kuta LombokBeach town | 4/5 | $615–951 | May–Oct | 93/100 |
| AmedBeach town | 4/5 | $615–951 | May–Oct | 94/100 |
| BatamIsland | 4/5 | $615–951 | May–Sep | 88/100 |
| BintanIsland | 4/5 | $671–1,120 | May–Sep | 84/100 |
| MalangCity | 4/5 | $503–783 | May–Sep | 97/100 |
| Bukit LawangTown | 4/5 | $447–671 | Mar–Aug | 98/100 |
| MedanCity | 3/5 | $559–895 | Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug | 88/100 |
| SurabayaCity | 4/5 | $615–951 | May–Oct | 89/100 |
| ManadoCity | 4/5 | $615–951 | May–Oct | 94/100 |
| Tana TorajaRegion | 4/5 | $503–783 | Jun–Sep | 95/100 |
| JimbaranBeach town | 4/5 | $1,010–1,680 | May–Sep | 69/100 |
When to visit Indonesia
Dry season May–September is best for Bali, Lombok, Java and Komodo; the rainy season runs November–March. Bali is most crowded July–August and around New Year.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the free All Indonesia arrival declaration (immigration, customs, health) online or in its app within 3 days before arrival.
- Nationalities eligible for a visa on arrival can buy the e-VOA in advance on the official immigration e-visa site.
- Bali charges foreign visitors a one-time tourist levy, payable online through the official Love Bali site or app.
- Passports need six months' validity and you need an onward or return ticket; airlines check both.
Laws visitors break by accident
- From 2026, sex outside marriage and unmarried cohabitation are crimes, prosecuted only on a spouse's, parent's or child's complaint
- Drug trafficking can bring the death penalty; even small amounts mean prison
- Disrespecting temples or sacred sites in Bali can lead to deportation
Etiquette
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques; wear a sarong in Bali temples
- Don't touch heads; avoid public displays of affection
- Stay indoors and quiet on Nyepi, Bali's silent day; the airport closes
Tipping
Not expected; restaurants often add service charge and 10% tax ('++'). Tip drivers, guides and spa staff for good service.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- All Indonesia arrival declaration (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Indonesia e-Visa (Directorate General of Immigration)
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- Speedtest Global Index: Indonesia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.