City in North Sumatra, Indonesia
Medan
Sumatra's largest city, useful mainly as a gateway to Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang. Good food and Chinese, Batak and Malay history, but heavy traffic, heat and uneven sidewalks make it a stopover rather than a base.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$559–895Comfortable, one person · Rp10M–16MDetails
- Value for money88/100Better value than 87% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Mar, Jun–AugWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or refill-station water; avoid ice at street stalls.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 many restaurants; cash for warungs, markets, bentors and angkot.Details
Where to stay in Medan
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kesawan and the old center | Colonial buildings, Tjong A Fie Mansion, central hotels |
| Polonia and Sei Rengas | Quiet residential streets near the old airport; mid-range hotels |
| Medan Baru and Dr. Mansur | Students, cafés and cheaper long-stay rooms |
| Merdeka Walk and Sun Plaza area | Malls, restaurants, modern hotels |
Apps that work in Medan
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 beat airport taxis for price and clarity. Becak, bentor and angkot need prices agreed first; metered taxis are uncommon.
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 many restaurants; cash for warungs, markets, bentors and angkot.
- 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
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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.