Hello. What are some things I should know before coming to Jakarta?

[J__]

Hello, I have a couple questions about life in Jakarta.

1. I've heard the water quality isn't drinkable. Does this apply to the water in hotels as well?
2. Is there anything I should buy here in the States before coming to Indonesia?
3. What do you wish you'd known about Indonesia before you came here?

Thank you.

 

[Bob]

I think at one time the Borobudor Hotel or maybe Hotel Indonesia had their own water filtration system but not now.
That depends on what you want to use when you're here. Might want to check online if it can be bought here. And check what's verboten.
Not much, but I'm glad that I was told how to not unintentionally offend people.

 

[marcus]

1. I've heard the water quality isn't drinkable. Does this apply to the water in hotels as well?

Better not take the risk . Indonesians normally drink bottled mineral water , so it is sold in many places , including street's kiosks .

2. Is there anything I should buy here in the States before coming to Indonesia?

There are not many things that you cannot buy in Indonesia . But maybe you may not find the same brand (medicines , for example) .

Indonesian shopping platforms : shopee.co.id , tokopedia.com , ...

3. What do you wish you'd known about Indonesia before you came here?

Be informed that you need to register your cellphone (or tablet/laptop with a sim card) and pay taxes for items valued more than US$500 .
And if you want to use an Indonesian phone number , you need to buy a Tourist Prepaid SIM card (or similar) , probably available at the airport or official providers' stores (Telkomsel , Indosat IM3 , XL Axiata , ..).

From https://inet.detik.com/law-and-poli...hp-baru-ini-cara-dafar-imei-bea-cukai-bandara , Aug 2024 - free translation
[... To register your cellphone IMEI, first fill out the application form via the page https://www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html or via the Mobile Customs application available on the Play Store. Passengers can also register their IMEI by declaring their devices on the Electronic Customs Declaration (E-CD) via the page https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/. Proof of filling out the form in the form of a QR Code is then submitted to the Customs officer at the arrival terminal by showing the passport, boarding pass, invoice (if any), and other supporting identification. Furthermore, the Customs officer will check the fulfillment of the requirements and determine the amount of taxes. "Each passenger is given an exemption of USD500, and the excess will be subject to taxes consisting of 10% Import Duty, 11% VAT, and Income Tax (10% for those with Indonesian Tax Number/NPWP or 20% for those without NPWP).

Passengers who previously forgot to register their IMEI at the airport arrival terminal can still register the IMEI for their device at the nearest Customs Office no later than 60 days from the date of arrival. However, devices registered after leaving the airport or port of arrival area do not receive the US$500 Import Duty exemption...]

-------------------------------

https://www.expatindo.org/community...basics-for-those-who-are-new-to-indonesia.69/ (Indonesian basics)

 

[WhyMe]

Hello, I have a couple questions about life in Jakarta.

1. I've heard the water quality isn't drinkable. Does this apply to the water in hotels as well?
2. Is there anything I should buy here in the States before coming to Indonesia?
3. What do you wish you'd known about Indonesia before you came here?

Thank you.

1. Depends where in Jakarta are you going to stay. If your apartment is going to be in South Jakarta or CBD area then most buildings have filteration plants. As mentioned by others, its always safe to use bottled water and i won't recommend using tap water even if the building has a filteration plant.

2. Would highly recommend to bring your medicines, make sure to keep prescriptions as well in case you run out of them and lastly make sure you have proper insurance in place. Not sure if its just a short visit or long term plan to settle down here but getting a local insurance can be a pain if you are not on KITAS (work permit).

3. So here is the list:

• Pork / Alchol is very limited and restaurants which serve them are expensive. Some might be OK but most have higher prices.
• Plenty of western food outlets and restaurants. Be ready to get used to the local taste buds and you might find them different
• Plenty of rice related dishes, if you like rice then it would make things easier for you
• Communication, most Indonesians feel shy and will not be able to speak in English so try to learn the local language as much as possible
• For traveling, try to use Gojek, Grab and InDrive apps before you get used to your surroundings. Once you are aware then you can use local bus service and also MRT train etc. I recently traveled to Bandung through Woosh train and it only took 30 mins but sadly from Woosh Station to my house it took 55 mins.
• Traffice jams are normal during rush hours between 7:30 - 10 AM and from 4 - 7 PM
• Jakarta is a city of malls and you will have plenty to look around. My advise would be to first create an account on Shopee, Tokopedia, BliBli, etc and check the prices online before buying anything from the mall. In most cases online prices are much cheaper with free delivery. Will not recommend you to do bargaining from day one. Counterfiet items are freely available so don't assume that its a genuine product and usually you can get a good copy of the original for a very cheap price.
• For the first few weeks you can buy grocery items from grocery stores in the mall and once you have settled down and have a maid - try to ask her to do the grocery shopping from local market which will be 30 to 40% cheap for some items.
• If you are on a work permit with family then do save a PDF copy in your phone so that when you go to places you are not charged as a tourist and pay only what locals pay. For example safari in Bogor or water sports in Bali.
• Indonesia has tropical weather so make sure not to include a lot of winter clothing. Maybe one or two pair of jacket might be enough.
• Get a good internet connection because data can be expensive and unreliable. I would recommend BizNet, FirstMedia is also good and depends on where you are going to stay.
• If you plan to stay for long then open a bank account and always try to use payment through GoPay or QRIS.
• Getting a credit card can be time consuming depending on the bank you will have your account so start the process as early as possible

Hope the above helps and welcome to Jakarta

 

[Ruserious]

All hotels supply bottled water. One thing to watch out for (especially for newcomers) is to brush your teeth with bottled water rather than tap water, even in hotels.

 

[Banana72]

1. I've heard the water quality isn't drinkable. Does this apply to the water in hotels as well?

Majority of 4 star hotels provide bottled water....I always buy extra waters in big 1.5 liter bottles even though they provide free ones (smaller bottles of course). At home, I love my dispensers. In the US I had to microwave my water to make coffee...here just press the hot water button and voila! In some outdoor restaurants many would have ice from ice machine, but be careful with ice from uncooked water=expat's kryptonite. Some veterans here I'm sure already developed stomach of steel...and can eat salads from street vendors with no issues at all.

2. Is there anything I should buy here in the States before coming to Indonesia? Unless you are really particular about certain brands of meds, majority of regular meds are easily available. Learn to use tokopedia. It is a game changer for me in finding stuff I need (or want....).

3. If you have bigger feet....(bigger than size 44.5), won't hurt to bring a couple everyday shoes (walking/running shoes, dress shoes, etc) although I'm pretty sure the international brands here have international sizes.
4. Same with clothing. Large in Asian fit (especially locally made shirts) equals to medium fit in the US.

 

[Banana72]

1. Depends where in Jakarta are you going to stay. If your apartment is going to be in South Jakarta or CBD area then most buildings have filteration plants. As mentioned by others, its always safe to use bottled water and i won't recommend using tap water even if the building has a filteration plant.

2. Would highly recommend to bring your medicines, make sure to keep prescriptions as well in case you run out of them and lastly make sure you have proper insurance in place. Not sure if its just a short visit or long term plan to settle down here but getting a local insurance can be a pain if you are not on KITAS (work permit).

3. So here is the list:

• Pork / Alchol is very limited and restaurants which serve them are expensive. Some might be OK but most have higher prices.
• Plenty of western food outlets and restaurants. Be ready to get used to the local taste buds and you might find them different
• Plenty of rice related dishes, if you like rice then it would make things easier for you
• Communication, most Indonesians feel shy and will not be able to speak in English so try to learn the local language as much as possible
• For traveling, try to use Gojek, Grab and InDrive apps before you get used to your surroundings. Once you are aware then you can use local bus service and also MRT train etc. I recently traveled to Bandung through Woosh train and it only took 30 mins but sadly from Woosh Station to my house it took 55 mins.
• Traffice jams are normal during rush hours between 7:30 - 10 AM and from 4 - 7 PM
• Jakarta is a city of malls and you will have plenty to look around. My advise would be to first create an account on Shopee, Tokopedia, BliBli, etc and check the prices online before buying anything from the mall. In most cases online prices are much cheaper with free delivery. Will not recommend you to do bargaining from day one. Counterfiet items are freely available so don't assume that its a genuine product and usually you can get a good copy of the original for a very cheap price.
• For the first few weeks you can buy grocery items from grocery stores in the mall and once you have settled down and have a maid - try to ask her to do the grocery shopping from local market which will be 30 to 40% cheap for some items.
• If you are on a work permit with family then do save a PDF copy in your phone so that when you go to places you are not charged as a tourist and pay only what locals pay. For example safari in Bogor or water sports in Bali.
• Indonesia has tropical weather so make sure not to include a lot of winter clothing. Maybe one or two pair of jacket might be enough.
• Get a good internet connection because data can be expensive and unreliable. I would recommend BizNet, FirstMedia is also good and depends on where you are going to stay.
• If you plan to stay for long then open a bank account and always try to use payment through GoPay or QRIS.
• Getting a credit card can be time consuming depending on the bank you will have your account so start the process as early as possible

Hope the above helps and welcome to Jakarta

Dang this is quite a comprehensive list!

 

[harryopal1]

Regarding medications. Best to bring a doctor's letter and copy of prescription if you are bringing medicine and especially so with pain killers as these are regarded as narcotics and without a letter or prescription you might not only have your stuff seized but be given a hard time.

 

[Jaime C]

A lot of the things I bring are items or brands not available here, or exceeding expensive.

Mostly food items, good tortillas, salsa, chocolates, beef jerky, cookies, candy, etc. I‘ll load up at Costco for 90% of the stuff. I’ve stopped bringing some heavier items, such as bottles of green olives, as I can find acceptable versions here.

If I’m lucky, I’ll be flying with a big luggage allowance. At best 3 bags at 70 pounds each. Usually 2 bags at 50 pounds. The excess baggage fees are crazy these days.

We’ve brought as much as 500 pounds of stuff for “free” when all three of us are flying.

 

[J__]

A lot of the things I bring are items or brands not available here, or exceeding expensive.

Mostly food items, good tortillas, salsa, chocolates, beef jerky, cookies, candy, etc. I‘ll load up at Costco for 90% of the stuff. I’ve stopped bringing some heavier items, such as bottles of green olives, as I can find acceptable versions here.

If I’m lucky, I’ll be flying with a big luggage allowance. At best 3 bags at 70 pounds each. Usually 2 bags at 50 pounds. The excess baggage fees are crazy these days.

We’ve brought as much as 500 pounds of stuff for “free” when all three of us are flying.

Do they have oats, granola, goat milk, greek yogurt? Beans? Corn?

Also, when I was in Thailand, I was absolutely floored by how cheap food delivery apps were. I spent my entire week in Thailand having meals delivered to my doorstep for $2.50, taking taxi's for $5.00, et cetera.

Is Indonesia a similar level of cheap?

 

[J__]

Regarding medications. Best to bring a doctor's letter and copy of prescription if you are bringing medicine and especially so with pain killers as these are regarded as narcotics and without a letter or prescription you might not only have your stuff seized but be given a hard time.
View attachment 4553

Would they give me a hard time over OTC drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin?

 

[J__]

If you plan to stay for long then open a bank account and always try to use payment through GoPay or QRIS.

Is this possible for somebody visiting as a tourist?

 

[Bob]

Do they have oats, granola, goat milk, greek yogurt? Beans? Corn?

All that's available in Jakarta.

 

[harryopal1]

Would they give me a hard time over OTC drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin?

Best to use do an online customs declaration before leaving. The official Indonesian site is:
ecd.beacukai.go.id
However, when I tried just now it would not open. However if you try and still does not work you can use this:

Customs Declaration Form Bali, Indonesia (official link)

Fill in the Custom Declaration form (electronic CD already before your arrival. That will save you time at the airport. You will receive a QR code

bali.com

At completion you get one of those QR codes to photograph. You then show this on arrival at Customs to show you have declared on line. With a bit of luck you then get waved through.

 

[Shadrach]

Do they have oats, granola, goat milk, greek yogurt? Beans? Corn?

Also, when I was in Thailand, I was absolutely floored by how cheap food delivery apps were. I spent my entire week in Thailand having meals delivered to my doorstep for $2.50, taking taxi's for $5.00, et cetera.

Is Indonesia a similar level of cheap?

Yes all those are a available, except maybe Goat milk. You can find Goat cheese at Grand Lucky, for a high price. These are items for tourist. The locals have a very basic diet, that doesn't vary much. I've found most of them are afraid to try new things. I gave a caper to a local man and he almost died! He couldn't believe we eat fermented foods.
I hope you like lots of deep fried foods, and chilies, because that's big on the menu here!

 

[J__]

Yes all those are a available, except maybe Goat milk. You can find Goat cheese at Grand Lucky, for a high price. These are items for tourist. The locals have a very basic diet, that doesn't vary much. I've found most of them are afraid to try new things. I gave a caper to a local man and he almost died! He couldn't believe we eat fermented foods.
I hope you like lots of deep fried foods, and chilies, because that's big on the menu here!

For the foods I referred to earlier (not including any goat cheese), how would the prices compare to prices in the USA?

 

[Jaime C]

Would they give me a hard time over OTC drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin?

No. I bring multiple bottles of 500 quantity of the Kirkland brand.

Yes, many food delivery services are cheap here. If you eat local type foods, $2-5 is pretty average. If you want western food, beef, etc, it might be in the $7-15 a person.

 

[Ruserious]

Is Indonesia a similar level of cheap?

Yes if not cheaper. Grab and Gojek apps. Delivery is very very cheap but they tend to add 10%+ to the cost of the food items in the menu.
Also most restaurants are happy to accept orders on whatsapp (this is vital app in everywhere in the world except America) and then you can pay the delivery separately. If you want to order from a more expensive restaurant this can save a lot.

 

[pantaiema]

Would they give me a hard time over OTC drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin?

Tons of Ibuprofen, Aspirin along with other painkillers could be bought free prescription in almost any Pharmacies, Drug Store, why even bother bring them to Indonesia. Typically bring items, particular favourite brands that are not widely available in Indonesia. So better to spend some time researching on this matter.

 

[Jaime C]

Tons of Ibuprofen, Aspirin along with other painkillers could be bought free prescription in almost any Pharmacies, Drug Store, why even bother bring them to Indonesia. Typically bring items, particular favourite brands that are not widely available in Indonesia. So better to spend some time researching on this matter.

Most Ibuprofen here is served in small packs. 10 pills, often, for 15-20k. I can buy a two bottle bundle of 1000 pills, for $9-10 at Costco. If you have constant body pain, and take multiple doses a day, it’s a big price difference.