The Basics:

Electricity

Electrical current is 120/230 volts, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European two-pin and UK-style three-pin.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but many dialects are spoken. English is widely understood in Jakarta and tourist resorts.

Tipping

Major hotels add a 10% service charge to bills in Indonesia and, where it is not included, a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill, would be appreciated. Airport porters usually receive around Rp 2,000 per small bag. Tipping taxi and rental car drivers is not mandatory, but if you do choose to tip, Rp 1,000 is sufficient for taxi drivers and a little more for rental car drivers.

Safety Information

Following the bombings in Bali in October 2005, there remains a high risk of terrorism directed against foreigners throughout the country and reports indicate that terrorists are planning further attacks on Westerners and western interests and are likely to be carried out at locations frequented by tourists. Extreme caution is advised in public places, including transport terminals, shopping malls and public buildings, and especially in restaurants, hotels and places of entertainment in tourist areas. The security situation remains unsettled in Sulawesi and foreigners are advised to avoid parts of Maluku, particularly Ambon, and Central Sulawesi. Visitors are also advised to be cautious if travelling to Aceh. Religious violence between Christians and Muslims and unstable politics has also made many parts of Indonesia unsafe for travellers; there is continued risk of harassment of Westerners by fundamentalists. Indonesia has a high crime rate and theft and petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. Credit card fraud is on the increase. It is strongly recommended that visitors contact their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia. Flooding and landslides occur frequently during the rainy season between December and March. The safety of air travel in Indonesia has come under the spotlight following a series of fatal airline accidents; six of its airlines have failed to meet international safety standards, including the national carrier, Garuda, and in June 2007 the EU announced that all Indonesian airlines have been banned from entering the EU.

Local Customs

Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while they understand that western culture is different to their own, it will be appreciated if their customs are respected. Religious customs should also be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of affection. It is considered impolite to use the left hand for passing or accepting things. Appropriate dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas. The concept of 'saving face' is very important and public displays of anger, and personal ridicule and blame are considered extremely vulgar and bad mannered. In Jakarta a new law bans people from giving money to beggars, buskers and unofficial traffic guides in an attempt to 'bring order' to the city. Offenders could face up to six months in jail and $5,000 fines. Gambling is illegal.

Business

Due to the hot and tropical climate, when conducting business in Indonesia, formal business attire in a light, cool material is the best option. Indonesia is largely Muslim so dress should be conservative, especially for women. Business cards are often exchanged and it is customary to shake hands with a slight bow when greeting and leaving. Some Indonesian names can be long and hard to pronounce and making an effort to get it right when greeting someone will be appreciated. It is best to use formal titles such as Doctor, or 'Bapak' for Mr. and 'Ibu' for Madam. Business hours vary, government