Island in Riau Islands, Indonesia
Batam
Industrial island 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore, with cheap spas, seafood, golf and shopping. A fast, practical weekend trip; there is little beach or culture, and public transport is thin.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$615–951Comfortable, one person · Rp11M–17MDetails
- Value for money88/100Better value than 87% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; avoid ice outside established restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–22Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and QRIS in malls, hotels and big restaurants; cash for warungs, angkot, small shops and markets.Details
Where to stay in Batam
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Batam Centre | Ferry terminal, malls and hotels; easy base |
| Nagoya | Restaurants, bars, cheap hotels and long-stay rooms |
| Harbour Bay and Sekupang | Second ferry port; seafront eateries and boat trips |
| Waterfront City (Tanjung Uncang) | Newer area with resorts and golf |
Apps that work in Batam
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Bluebird: Reliable metered taxis booked by app
- Traveloka: Domestic flights, trains and hotels
- Love Bali: Paying the Bali tourist levy
- Taxis: Apps are far cheaper than taxis at ferry terminals; check which pickup point is allowed. Local taxis rarely use meters.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and QRIS in malls, hotels and big restaurants; cash for warungs, angkot, small shops and markets.
- Currency: Rupiah (IDR). US$1 ≈ Rp17,883.05 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls (skimming happens in Bali); limits often 2.5–3 million IDR; some banks add fees.
- Tipping: Not expected; restaurants often add service charge and 10% tax ('++'). Tip drivers, guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: QRIS codes everywhere; some Asian banking apps scan them. Cards and phone wallets work in Bali and Jakarta.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 113 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell tourist SIMs at a mark-up; city outlets are cheaper. Passport needed for registration. Telkomsel has the widest coverage. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Indonesia
Going to Batam solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Batam meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Wonderful Indonesia (Ministry of Tourism)
- Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam)
- InJourney Airports (Indonesian airports)
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.