Indonesia is one of my favorite countries. I have traveled many times to the country, with the intention of visiting every corner. Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, so getting to know it completely can be practically impossible. On the blog you will find many complete guides to different islands, detailing incredible places, how to visit them and specific advice for each place.
In this post I tell you what you need to know to travel to Indonesia, practical advice to take into account such as visas, currency, health, how to move...
COMPLETE GUIDE TO TRAVEL TO INDONESIA
Visa to travel to Indonesia
For most Southeast Asian countries, it is not necessary to have a previously requested visa to enter Indonesia for a period not exceeding 30 days. In Indonesia, at the airport upon arrival, you will manage a tourist visa process. (For free)
It is necessary to have a passport valid for more than 6 months and a departure flight. However, always check with the embassy, in case the regulations have changed.
If your intention is to be in the country for more than 30 days (maximum 60 days), you will have to enter with a 60-day visa that you will have to process previously at one of the Indonesian embassies or consulates around the world or pay at the Entry of the country the visa on arrival (35 usd) and then extend it in the country another 30 days (35 usd). For this you will have to meet the following requirements.
Print, fill out and sign the form.
Have and show a passport (the original passport, not a copy) with a minimum validity of 6 months from arrival in Indonesia.
Show a photocopy of the main page of the passport.
Provide two current passport-size photos with a white background.
Copy of ID.
Show a copy of the ticket and flight itinerary (round trip)
Show a copy of the proof of the accommodation reservation: the first 3 nights.
If you are going to need this type of visa, I recommend that you manage it before traveling. You can do it by calling the embassy in Spain and requesting the information or you can do it online.
Money and cards in Indonesia
The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
To withdraw money and make payments abroad, our advice is to get the free N26 card. You can see all the information HERE.
Vaccines required to travel to Indonesia
In Indonesia there is a risk of dengue and malaria throughout the year, but in the latter case there is no need to worry too much as it is concentrated mainly in the areas of the five eastern provinces of East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, North Maluku, Papua and West Papua. The most touristic and urban areas are free of Malaria. In any case, take all possible precautions: always wear a good mosquito repellent, sleep with a mosquito net every night, avoid the hours of greatest concentration of mosquitoes (dawn and sunset) and the areas of greatest concentration (rivers, lakes and wetlands). and wear appropriate clothing.
The recommended vaccinations are: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and tetanus and rabies (which you probably already have).
Travel insurance for Indonesia
I always say so, but it is very important that whenever you travel, you do so with specific travel and traveler insurance. Accidents happen all the time and we get sick when you least expect it. It is very important to be protected and calm on your trip.
When to travel to Indonesia
When to travel? as long as you find a cheap flight and have days available :)
But if you're guided by the weather, here it goes:
In Indonesia, two seasons are usually distinguished: the dry and the humid, although in general the climate is hot and humid all year round.
The rainy season usually starts between September and October (the later the farther south-east) and lasts until May. In the months of January and February it usually rains a lot.
The dry season and when it is advisable to travel is from May to September.
That does not mean that if you travel in the dry season it will not rain, keep in mind that it is a tropical climate and surely you will not get rid of some torrential rain for minutes.
The Molukas Islands have changed seasons.
Keep in mind that if you are going to make excursions to the top of a volcano it can make you feel chilly, especially if you go out at night to see the sunrise.
How to get around Indonesia
Unlike Vietnam, where transportation is amazing, Indonesia is a bit precarious in this regard.
To go from island to island the best option is the plane. But there are public Ferry's and private speedboat services.
In all my articles on Indonesia, where I explain each island, I also tell how it is the best way to get to it.
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SIM card to have internet in Indonesia
Depending on the area/island that you include in your itinerary, having the internet easily will be somewhat more complicated. Although the vast majority of hotels have Wi-Fi, the signal is usually not very good. Also, if you go exploring on your own, being able to move with Google maps is a privilege on those unmarked roads.
Even Bali your wifi signal on the island is regular. You can go to cafes with a satellite signal that charge you per hour of Wi-Fi.
It is advisable to buy a SIM card to have calls and data in Indonesia. With it you can complement your internet access.
Hotels in Indonesia
It is advisable to book a hotel in advance before traveling to Indonesia. Although you can improvise as you go, I advise you to set an itinerary, places to see and reserved hotels.
The most visited islands in Indonesia usually have luxury accommodations at quite low prices. In Bali, Lombok... you can even book complete villas, with a private pool, garden, internet, etc... for less than 100 euros a day.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Indonesia a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!