Capital city, Indonesia
Jakarta
Indonesia's huge capital offers business hubs, excellent food, malls, museums and a growing metro, but also severe traffic, heat and air pollution. Few solo travelers linger; nomads mostly pass through.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,010–1,680Comfortable, one person · Rp18M–30MDetails
- Value for money44/100Better value than 43% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Oct, 30°CDetails
- Air quality33.8 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2021) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water isn't drinkable; use bottled or refill-station water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$17–45Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGojekYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and QRIS work in malls, cafés and restaurants; cash for warungs, street food, kramat markets and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Jakarta
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Menteng | Leafy and central: cafés, museums, embassies |
| Senopati–SCBD | Business district, bars, coworking and nightlife |
| Kemang | Expat enclave with restaurants and bars |
| Kota Tua | Colonial old town, budget hostels |
Apps that work in Jakarta
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: Bluebird taxis are metered and reliable. Skip unmarked airport touts; use the official taxi counters or book in-app.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and QRIS work in malls, cafés and restaurants; cash for warungs, street food, kramat markets and some taxis.
- 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 Jakarta solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Jakarta meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
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.