Living in Indonesia
Last updated on Jan 01, 2024
Summary: People describe life in Indonesia as vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity. Expats love the friendly people, the tropical climate, the beautiful beaches, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. The population of Indonesia is approximately 270 million people, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. The largest cities in Indonesia are Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Semarang. The cons of living in Indonesia include the high levels of air pollution, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the prevalence of corruption. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some areas, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.
What do I need to know about living in Indonesia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Indonesia, they said:
"Don't drink tap water. Eat only at restaurants that are recommended and tested by others. Learn the language. Have patience, therefore one can adapt accordingly. Don't expect too much from the people," commented one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

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How do I meet people in Indonesia?
When we asked people living in Indonesia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Travel, Java Lava mt hiking club, BIS PTA, Cub scouts (either British First Kemang or American scouts) and the various artist groups," said one expat in Jakarta.
"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," said one expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.
What is life like in Indonesia?
When we asked people living in Indonesia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"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," commented one expat who made the move to Indonesia.
"Since it's a muslim country, they prioritize family and praying accordingly. Also, even though it's not their own holiday (i.e. Chinese New Year), they still would like to celebrate such occassion by not working and staying at home," remarked one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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Is there a lot of crime in Indonesia?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"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," wrote one member in Indonesia.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Indonesia accepting of differences?
"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," said one expat in Jakarta.
"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," said one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

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What are the schools in Indonesia like?
"When in Jakarta come see the school in person. You can look up the phone number on the website http://www.bis.or.id & make an appointment, but as in our case we just turned up & the lovely Christine in admissions took us around to see the school. My husband is American but we chose BIS over the "American" school in Jakarta because BIS teaches the youngest children academics (reading & math) earlier & instills a true sense of community in the children. Not only are my kids proud to wear the BIS uniform but also enjoy helping the local people in charities run from class. They also promote recycling at school from the youngest to the eldest. BIS has the most beautiful campus of all the schools in Jakarta & it's safety conscious without being barricaded behind 10ft walls. The air quality is probably better too, as local traffic isn't right outside the main gate," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.
"The Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) is one of the best international schools in Indonesia. It is well known for its high academic standards and commitment to promoting international understanding. It offers a rigorous curriculum based on the Common Core State Standards and is open to students of any nationality. It also offers a variety of extracurricular activities and a strong emphasis on social responsibility and sustainability. Binus International School Serpong is one of the top bilingual schools in Indonesia. This K-12 school is considered to be one of the most innovative schools in the country with a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment. Students learn English, Bahasa Indonesia and Mandarin, using a wide range of multimedia-based teaching techniques. Additionally, the school heavily emphasizes the protection of the environment, community service, and social responsibility. Cempaka International School is a well-established international school in Indonesia. It offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes, preparing students for college and beyond. The school also offers international-standard sports and music programmes, a variety of extracurricular activities, and a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded, caring, and intelligent individuals," said one parent with children at in .
Is the cost of living in Indonesia high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Indonesia, they wrote:
"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," remarked 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," said an expat in Indonesia.
What type of recreational facilities are in Indonesia?
When we asked people living in Indonesia about recreational activities, they mentioned:
"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 living in Indonesia.
What is the weather like 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," mentioned one expat inIndonesia.
Are there good restaurants 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," mentioned an expat living in Indonesia.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping 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," mentioned an expat living in Indonesia.
What are the visa & residency requirements in 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," wrote one expat living in Indonesia.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia?
"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," 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," said one expat.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Indonesia Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Indonesia
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Indonesia
- Best Places to Live in Indonesia
- Guide to Real Estate in Indonesia
- Pros & Cons of Living in Indonesia
- Cost of Living in Indonesia
- Understanding Mental Health in Indonesia
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Indonesia?
- Having a Baby in Indonesia
- Health Insurance in Indonesia
- Pros and Cons of Living in Indonesia 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Indonesia