City in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Yogyakarta
Java's culture and student capital: Borobudur and Prambanan day trips, batik, gamelan, cheap food and a creative scene. Suits slow, budget-friendly stays; it is hot, sprawling and has little nomad infrastructure.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$559–1,010Comfortable, one person · Rp10M–18MDetails
- Value for money94/100Better value than 93% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–SepWarmest: Oct, 30°CDetails
- Internet51 MbpsFixed broadband, Indonesia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water isn't drinkable; use bottled or refill-station water, widely available.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–22Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGojekWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards in malls, hotels and some cafés; cash for warungs, markets, becak and entry tickets.Details
Where to stay in Yogyakarta
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Prawirotaman | Travelers: guesthouses, cafés, tour agencies, cheaper meals |
| Malioboro | First-timers: street food, shopping, near station |
| Sleman (Seturan, Gejayan) | Students and long stays: cafés and cheap rent |
| Kotabaru | Quiet leafy area near museums |
Apps that work in Yogyakarta
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: Some local taxi and ojek groups restrict apps near the station and airport; walk a block or book through a hotel.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Indonesia.
- Mostly cash Cards in malls, hotels and some cafés; cash for warungs, markets, becak and entry tickets. QRIS is common.
- 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.