Living in Indonesia

"Don't worry too much. It's pretty easy life here but will require patience a plenty. Traffic is horrible! But I get lots of reading done in my Mitsurbishi Grandis. Good staff are very important and should be rewarded with your trust and better than average pay if you find good ones. We love ours. Finally, as usual, a little bit of the local language goes a long long ways. Vocabulary is the key here b/c the rest of the language is easy," wrote one member in Jakarta.

"Expats considering retiring in Indonesia should familiarize themselves with the country's unique visa requirements and residence permits. They should also take into account the cost of living, healthcare and other important areas such as availability and quality of education. It is advisable to research the various areas in which one is looking to live and to check for any civil unrest or areas known for high crime rates. Additionally, expats should investigate what cultural customs and habits are observed in Indonesia in order to get a better understanding of the local culture and way of life," remarked one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

"Expats in Indonesia often join local clubs and activities such as diving, surfing, angling, golfing, running, painting, and photography. Additionally, many activities in Indonesia are organised by churches, volunteer groups, and international organisations as a way for expats to meet and interact with one another. Other ways for expats to meet people in Indonesia include attending local events, festivals, and meet-up groups, joining language classes, visiting coffee houses and libraries, and exploring local neighbourhoods," wrote a member in Indonesia.

"Activities - Golf, road trip, Bazaars, Clubs - AWA, BEA, BWA, AWC, PWA (also, huge community of Latinos) and lots more. Whatever nationality they are, they will surely find their own country having their own organizations," commented one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

"Living in Indonesia as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The country's unique culture, incredible diversity and sublime natural beauty offer incomparable opportunities to experience a different life. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the benefits of a modern infrastructure, relaxed cost of living, and a vibrant social scene with plenty of diverse people from around the world. While renting a property can be expensive, there are many cost-effective accommodation options available. With its plethora of stunning beaches and awe-inspiring jungles, Indonesia provides the perfect source of inspiration for those seeking a creative outlet. English is widely spoken and online is widely available for those needing it for work. Additionally, the government has created an efficient visa process for those wanting to stay for extended periods. Overall, living in Indonesia can be incredibly enjoyable and rewarding," wrote one member in Indonesia.

"Crime is not uncommon in Indonesia. It is estimated that the actual rate of crime is considerably higher than the reported rate due to a lack of reporting, under-recording of crime and corruption. Petty theft, pickpocketing and opportunistic burglaries are the most frequent complaints, while violent incidents are less common. Idolatry and falsification of documents are relatively frequent in Indonesia, as are fraud and kidnapping," remarked one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

"Indonesia is a very diverse country, culturally and religiously. There are hundreds of different ethnic and religious groups coexisting peacefully. People in Indonesia are generally welcoming of diversity, with strong community bonds and mutual respect among its citizens. Despite the country's diversity, the national motto is one of unity: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, literally translated as 'Unity in Diversity'," commented one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

"Even though it's a Muslim country, Balikpapan and Jakarta are filled with various nationalities. This is basically because employees of foreign companies live here. And, because many people from Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong take their annual holidays here. Accepting differences? If it means culture, no but they are strong to letting other culture/countries know that being a Muslim means being one," remarked one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"Religion is not diverse. It's mostly Muslim among the locals, and aetheism and Christianity among the expats. Their are of coarse plenty of folk beyond that mold though," wrote one member in Jakarta.

"Use the web site www.baisedu.org, it will save you a lot of time and travel. You can sign up your student, send in their records and even pay your bill and all that information is available via the web. I would also advise doing this as early as possible," said one parent with children at Bandung Alliance International School in Bandung.

"The cost of living in Indonesia is considered to be relatively low compared to other countries. Prices for goods and services are often less expensive compared to other countries in the region, making it a great destination for those looking for an affordable place to live. Cost of accommodation, food, and transportation in Indonesia is quite reasonable and it also has some of the lowest cheapest internet prices globally. All in all, Indonesia offers ample opportunities for a comfortable life at a much lower cost than many other countries," commented one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

"Living in Indonesia can be relatively inexpensive, but it depends on where in the country you live. The places with the highest cost of living are usually the more densely populated cities, such as Jakarta and Bali, due to higher demand for goods and services. Rent for a nice one bedroom apartment can range from around $300 to $650 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can range from around $450 to $1200 USD per month. Eating out in a moderately priced restaurant costs around $8 to $15 USD per meal," commented one expat who moved to Indonesia.

"In Indonesia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and waterfalls. There are also many cultural attractions, such as temples, museums, and monuments. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and bird watching. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of shopping malls, movie theaters, and bowling alleys. Additionally, there are many restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of local and international cuisine," remarked one expat in Indonesia.

"The climate in Indonesia is tropical and humid, with two distinct monsoon seasons. The wet season runs from October to April, while the dry season runs from May to September. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, with the average temperature ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Indonesia is also prone to typhoons and other tropical storms during the wet season," remarked one expat in Indonesia.

"One of Indonesia's most popular restaurants is Warung Sate Klathak Pak Pong in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant serves up delicious sate (skewered meat) and other traditional Indonesian dishes. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and generous portions. Another popular restaurant in Indonesia is Warung Makan Ibu Andika in Jakarta. This restaurant serves up traditional Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice) and soto ayam (chicken soup). The restaurant is known for its generous portions and friendly staff. In Bali, Warung Made is a popular restaurant that serves up traditional Balinese dishes. The restaurant is known for its delicious food and friendly staff. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. Finally, Warung Sate Padang in Padang is a popular restaurant that serves up traditional Padang dishes. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and delicious food. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes," remarked one expat in Indonesia.

"People living in Indonesia typically buy groceries and do other shopping at traditional markets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and online stores. Many people also shop at local mom-and-pop stores, which are often family-run businesses. Additionally, some people may purchase items from street vendors or hawkers," commented one expat who moved to Indonesia.

"The process of applying for a visa in Indonesia typically involves submitting a visa application form to an Indonesian embassy or consulate. Other required documents may include passport photographs, payment, as well as a valid passport. Visitors may need to provide evidence of purpose of stay, such as a letter of invitation and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the purpose of the stay, different types of visa may be available. The process of applying for residency in Indonesia requires the applicant to register a company in Indonesia, or obtain a work permit sponsored by an Indonesian employer. The applicant may also need to obtain a Temporary Stay Permit from an Immigration Office, and apply for an identity card and residency permit from the local Civil Registry Office. Depending on the type of residence permit, additional documents may be required, such as a local police record check and a Health Booklet," commented one expat who moved to Indonesia.

"My kids and I all had dengue fever at the same time and were taken very well care of at BIMC, Nusa Dua. I am so pleased we had health insurance because the hospital bill would have cost us a hefty US $2100," commented one expat who moved to Bali.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Indonesia can be expensive, depending on the type of care and insurance coverage needed. Generally, basic healthcare services such as doctor visits and vaccinations are relatively affordable, but more specialized treatments and procedures can be costly. Health insurance premiums can also be expensive, especially for comprehensive coverage, but there are government-subsidized health insurance plans available for those who qualify," said one expat.