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

[Hawk256]

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.

Or you can buy Voltadex here over the counter for not much more than Ibuprofen and have a much better anti inflammatory medication.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Absolutely the number 1 thing I wish someone had told me is that mosque loudspeakers are very loud indeed and start at about 4am. When you look for a house or apartment, you need to check very carefully the locations of the local mosques and mushollas, and also note the directions in which the loudspeakers are pointing. Some of them have 15+ loudspeakers, all at 100db+.
If you're not careful you could end up paying $4000\month for accommodation and unable to ever get a full night's sleep. And no, earplugs do not work for those frequencies.

 

[Jaime C]

Absolutely the number 1 thing I wish someone had told me is that mosque loudspeakers are very loud indeed and start at about 4am. When you look for a house or apartment, you need to check very carefully the locations of the local mosques and mushollas, and also note the directions in which the loudspeakers are pointing. Some of them have 15+ loudspeakers, all at 100db+.
If you're not careful you could end up paying $4000\month for accommodation and unable to ever get a full night's sleep. And no, earplugs do not work for those frequencies.

And your location in the neighborhood is very important. We moved 6 houses closer to the residential intersection when we bought a house. So, we are just about on the corner. The noise difference is major. Went from like 75db to 100db. One bule neighbor one street closer moved out a few months after this new mosque was built, as he was directly in the sound corridor.

We got triple paned glass in our bedroom, which helped some. Most locals don’t seem to notice it.

 

[pantaiema]

And your location in the neighborhood is very important. We moved 6 houses closer to the residential intersection when we bought a house. So, we are just about on the corner. The noise difference is major. Went from like 75db to 100db. One bule neighbor one street closer moved out a few months after this new mosque was built, as he was directly in the sound corridor.

We got triple paned glass in our bedroom, which helped some. Most locals don’t seem to notice it.

When renting, you always have the option to move to a different location once your tenancy agreement ends. However, finding a place in Indonesia where you can't hear the sound of mosques while sleeping or napping can be quite challenging, especially for someone living on Lombok Island. For those planning to buy a permanent home, it is part of your duty to spend time observing the neighbourhood, both day and night, before making an offer.

Many people, myself included, dislike being disturbed by noise from mosques or other sources that can disrupt sleep. In Indonesia, this is particularly noticeable during Ramadan. Unfortunately, there is often little you can do apart from moving elsewhere. Another potential solution is to use earplugs when sleeping, which has worked for me on many occasions. I would love to hear about others' experiences or other potential solution with this issue.

 

[harryopal1]

When renting, you always have the option to move to a different location once your tenancy agreement ends. However, finding a place in Indonesia where you can't hear the sound of mosques while sleeping or napping can be quite challenging, especially for someone living on Lombok Island. For those planning to buy a permanent home, it is part of your duty to spend time observing the neighbourhood, both day and night, before making an offer.

Many people, myself included, dislike being disturbed by noise from mosques or other sources that can disrupt sleep. In Indonesia, this is particularly noticeable during Ramadan. Unfortunately, there is often little you can do apart from moving elsewhere. Another potential solution is to use earplugs when sleeping, which has worked for me on many occasions. I would love to hear about others' experiences or other potential solution with this issue.

"

I would love to hear about others' experiences or other potential solution with this issue."

Live in Bali.

 

[WhyMe]

Is this possible for somebody visiting as a tourist?

As far as i know, you cannot open a bank account in Indonesia with a tourist visa. Not sure if things have changed recently and would recommend to check it with banks once you are here.

 

[Helpful Herbert]

"

Live in Bali.

It will probably be another decade or two before Bali suffers the same fate, but it will happen eventually.

 

[Balifrog]

It will probably be another decade or two before Bali suffers the same fate, but it will happen eventually.

I VERY much doubt it..

But that's for another tread.

 

[Jaime C]

One problem with new mosques, is I think they need permission of neighbors within a certain distance. It seems they just wait until you’re out of town to start if you don’t grant permission.

I don’t mind the mosques, but obviously wish the volume was a bit lower.

 

[jukung11]

As far as i know, you cannot open a bank account in Indonesia with a tourist visa. Not sure if things have changed recently and would recommend to check it with banks once you are here.

Generally an American tourist doesn't need it. Schwab and Capital one both have no foreign transaction fee checking accounts that will give better exchange rates than posted by google. The exchange rates are so good, wire transfers even through wise are more expensive. OP only has to worry about the ATM fee. OP can transfer cash to emoney at most indomaret. Money tip, select cancel or no, when the ATM asked to do the currency conversion. Let the american bank do it. The rates are better than the Indonesian bank. Look for 100,000 idr atms that dispense 20-30 notes. The higher end malls and foreign banks all have them. There is also one before imigrasi in Jakarta.

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.

I prefer to bring my own after hundreds of children died.

On the same note, OP, get travel medicine before you leave.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/indonesia

Food borne illness is endemic in Indonesia. Everything takes time for your immune system to build a tolerance. I would recommend Typhoid first (pills if you can find them) and Hep A&B. No need to get hospitalized over street food.

1. Yes. Most hotels will provide a bottle of water with the stay.
2. Bring alcohol if you drink it. 1 liter duty free. Most luxury goods like shoes, perfume, and electronics are higher import taxes and more expensive than the USA. Bring small gifts from USA that are unique from there or expensive in Indonesia. There is a tradition in Indonesia of giving small souvenirs from travel called oleh-oleh. Google oleh-oleh dari amerika for ideas. They are great to give when making friends/contacts.

 

[pantaiema]

I prefer to bring my own after hundreds of children died.

On the same note, OP, get travel medicine before you leave.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/indonesia

Food borne illness is endemic in Indonesia. Everything takes time for your immune system to build a tolerance. I would recommend Typhoid first (pills if you can find them) and Hep A&B. No need to get hospitalized over street food.

1. Yes. Most hotels will provide a bottle of water with the stay.
2. Bring alcohol if you drink it. 1 liter duty free. Most luxury goods like shoes, perfume, and electronics are higher import taxes and more expensive than the USA. Bring small gifts from USA that are unique from there or expensive in Indonesia. There is a tradition in Indonesia of giving small souvenirs from travel called oleh-oleh. Google oleh-oleh dari amerika for ideas. They are great to give when making friends/contacts.

Are you referring to Ibuprofen or Aspirin from the original post? If so, I have never heard of hundreds of children, people in Indonesia dying from taking Ibuprofen or Aspirin at proper doses, for proper use when obtained from licensed pharmacies or reputable drug stores. However, I have heard of teenagers and young people in Indonesia misusing painkillers in excessive doses, often mixing them with alcohol to get high in nightclubs or discotheques, which undoubtedly carries a high risk of fatal consequences.

It’s worth noting that children, especially toddlers, are very sensitive to medications due to their small body mass. Responsible parents wouldn’t give such painkillers to their own children of that age without consulting a paediatrician. In the op case, he is an adult and he is not taking about the opioid painkillers as he specifically mentions about Ibuprofen and Aspirin. You will be having a hard time bringing this opioid painkillers to Indonesia, anyway.

In Indonesia, large amounts of Ibuprofen and Aspirin are used every single year as painkillers, yet there is little news about people dying solely from taking these medications. But certainly children, adults die every single day in Indonesia due to various causes.

If the concern is about counterfeit drugs, it is unlikely that criminals would target these types of medications. Counterfeiting them doesn’t seem worth the effort or risk, given that they are very cheap. The criminals will be targeting high value drug. A good example involves stories of criminals offering cocaine to tourists looking for recreational drugs, only for the tourists to end up receiving chalk instead. Chalk is significantly cheaper and more accessible than cocaine. The same logic applies to faking opioids type of drugs.

 

[centurion]

Are you referring to Ibuprofen or Aspirin from the original post? If so, I have never heard of hundreds of children, people in Indonesia dying from taking Ibuprofen or Aspirin at proper doses, for proper use when obtained from licensed pharmacies or reputable drug stores. However, I have heard of teenagers and young people in Indonesia misusing painkillers in excessive doses, often mixing them with alcohol to get high in nightclubs or discotheques, which undoubtedly carries a high risk of fatal consequences.

Suppose means on panadol fatal poisoning&deaths of infants. That was panadol in liquid form, diluted with ethylen glycol, not the hard form.

Indonesia produces many generic drugs.

 

[gemima]

Suppose means on panadol fatal poisoning&deaths of infants. That was panadol in liquid form, diluted with ethylen glycol, not the hard form.

Indonesia produces many generic drugs.

A lot of children were indeed poisoned and many died. The pharma companies involved were not the big "trustworthy" ones. The source of the poison was found and was not actually a drug agent - but a food additive (they replaced a food additive with a cheaper alternative not supposed to be consumed).
I have no issues buying pills and medications here - but I do check the brand who manufactured it. If its not one of the big ones I would think twice.

 

[centurion]

A lot of children were indeed poisoned and many died. The pharma companies involved were not the big "trustworthy" ones. The source of the poison was found and was not actually a drug agent - but a food additive (they replaced a food additive with a cheaper alternative not supposed to be consumed).
I have no issues buying pills and medications here - but I do check the brand who manufactured it. If its not one of the big ones I would think twice.

They have replaced the medical grade ethylene glycol with regular car antifreeze. Something that the producer should notice in regular testing and QC, that was obviously absent. Producer matters here.

 

[pantaiema]

Suppose means on panadol fatal poisoning&deaths of infants. That was panadol in liquid form, diluted with ethylen glycol, not the hard form.

Indonesia produces many generic drugs.

Well, I am aware of the tragedy involving contaminated syrups containing diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol, which caused acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. These syrups, intended to treat fever, cough, cold, and other mild illnesses, led to fatality a few years ago. However, this phenomenon is not unique to Indonesia; similar incidents have occurred in parts of Africa and India.

Such tragedies can happen in any country due to previously unknown problems, lapses in regulatory oversight, or failures in manufacturing standards. In response, authorities in affected countries, including Indonesia, have taken actions such as banning the implicated products and tightening regulations to prevent future occurrences.

For those who believe avoiding all painkillers Ibuprofen or Aspirin manufactured in Indonesia will prevent such incidents, this may be an overreaction. By that logic, one would also have to avoid all other medications, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and even healthcare providers like BPJS in Indonesia. It is important to recognize that avoiding Indonesian-made medications, pharmacies, does not guarantee protection from similar accidents, as such issues are not exclusive to one country or region.

 

[jukung11]

By that logic, one would also have to avoid all other medications, doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and even healthcare providers like BPJS in Indonesia.

If I have the option of health care and medication from a developed country, I would choose that every time over Indonesian health care or medication. It is a couple hundred grams of luggage. Including Indonesia, the examples cited for wide scale poisoning and supply chain issues are all lower development countries with high levels of corruption. I will also get any preventative medical care or vaccines when abroad too. Many medicines and vaccines require specialized care in the supply chain (often temperature controlled) and don't have unlimited shelf lives. I distrust the Indonesian supply chain and will not depend on it if not necessary. Brands matter more in Indonesia because there are more bad actors in the market cutting corners.

Which leads to my previous recommendation for OP. Get vaccines from the U.S. before coming to Indonesia. It is more reliable to get a working vaccine and less likely you will need to use the Indonesian medical system. In the U.S.A., they have typhoid pills which have a much higher efficacy than the shot and up to a 5 year coverage vs. 2 for the shot. The pills require a cold supply chain from manufacture until consumption and must be kept chilled over the week taking them. I remember an analysis of Jakarta hospitals before covid. Typhoid was the second leading cause of death for infectious diseases. It had a 10% fatality rate of hospitalized patients in the most developed city of Indonesia. This is for a preventable disease that a vaccine has been available for decades.

On the same topic, OP, have medical and evacuation travel insurance. Make sure it covers the duration of your trip. Many travel insurance policies have a limit to a trip duration and you need to shop around for extended coverage. Travel insurance policies can be purchased on an annual basis instead of per trip.

 

[centurion]

Well, I am aware of the tragedy involving contaminated syrups containing diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol, which caused acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. These syrups, intended to treat fever, cough, cold, and other mild illnesses, led to fatality a few years ago. However, this phenomenon is not unique to Indonesia; similar incidents have occurred in parts of Africa and India.

Such tragedies can happen in any country due to previously unknown problems, lapses in regulatory oversight, or failures in manufacturing standards. In response, authorities in affected countries, including Indonesia, have taken actions such as banning the implicated products and tightening regulations to prevent future occurrences.

These tragedies usually happen in 3rd world countries, not in any country. Indonesian Governement took steps after almost 200 kids died and a public backlash. This blood is on ther hands, and a testament to bureacratic ineficciency and corruption.

 

[centurion]

As far as i know, you cannot open a bank account in Indonesia with a tourist visa. Not sure if things have changed recently and would recommend to check it with banks once you are here.

You can, Permata offers non resident tourist accounts I think.

 

[harryopal1]

If I have the option of health care and medication from a developed country, I would choose that every time over Indonesian health care or medication. It is a couple hundred grams of luggage. Including Indonesia, the examples cited for wide scale poisoning and supply chain issues are all lower development countries with high levels of corruption. I will also get any preventative medical care or vaccines when abroad too. Many medicines and vaccines require specialized care in the supply chain (often temperature controlled) and don't have unlimited shelf lives. I distrust the Indonesian supply chain and will not depend on it if not necessary. Brands matter more in Indonesia because there are more bad actors in the market cutting corners.

Which leads to my previous recommendation for OP. Get vaccines from the U.S. before coming to Indonesia. It is more reliable to get a working vaccine and less likely you will need to use the Indonesian medical system. In the U.S.A., they have typhoid pills which have a much higher efficacy than the shot and up to a 5 year coverage vs. 2 for the shot. The pills require a cold supply chain from manufacture until consumption and must be kept chilled over the week taking them. I remember an analysis of Jakarta hospitals before covid. Typhoid was the second leading cause of death for infectious diseases. It had a 10% fatality rate of hospitalized patients in the most developed city of Indonesia. This is for a preventable disease that a vaccine has been available for decades.

On the same topic, OP, have medical and evacuation travel insurance. Make sure it covers the duration of your trip. Many travel insurance policies have a limit to a trip duration and you need to shop around for extended coverage. Travel insurance policies can be purchased on an annual basis instead of per trip.

Some while ago one of Australia's largest pharmaceutical companies closed its Australian factories to have medications made in China. Not long before that the person in China heading the regulations ensuring safe products was executed for taking bribes. Just yesterday it was found that long term use of B6 causes major health problems. (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-01...heral-neuropathy-health-supplements/104793006)
Almost all medications can have adverse effects and especially so if using them over a long term period. People pill pop often without thought as they are seduced by advertising. Doctors get kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies when promoting particular products. Committing to ongoing use of any medication deserves serious thought and research.

 

[mysticadvertising]

as well?