International health certificates for smallpox and cholera
are not required, except from travellers arriving from infected areas.
CUSTOMS
Indonesian Customs allows on entry a maximum of two liters
of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco
and a reasonable amount of perfume per adult. Cars, photographic equipment,
typewriters and tape recorders must be declared to Customs upon entry and
must be reexported. 'prohibited from entry are TV sets, radios, narcotics,
arms and ammunition, printed matter in Chinese characters and Chinese medicines.
Advance approval has to be acquired for carrying transceivers and all movie
films and video cassettes must be censored by the Film Censor Board. Fresh
fruit, plants and animals must have quarantine permits.
There is no restriction on import or export of foreign currencies. However,
the export or import of Indonesian currency exceeding Rp.50,000 is prohibited.
TRANSPORTATION FROM SOEKARNO-HATTA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO THE CITY V.V
Taxi fares are metered and will cost between Rp.15,000,- and
Rp.20,000,- to the downtown area of the city where most large hotels are located.
The air conditioned airport bus service will cost approximatelyRp.3,000,-
to any of the five city zones. Hotel limousine services are provided by some
of the leading hotels in the city, offering a city-airport-city transportation
service on a complimentary basis to hotel guests. At all major airport terminals,
inquires about local transportation should be directed to the information
counter.
EXIT
The Government of Indonesia has officially abolished the exit
permit required for people leaving the country, effective from August 17,
1992.
Airport tax levied on passengers for international travel i Rp.21,000,- for
travel within Indonesia regional variations occur. Expect to pay an average
of about Rp.8,000,-.
TIPPING
Major hotels usually add a 10% service charge to bills. Where
it is not included a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill would be appropriate
if the service is satisfactory.
Airport porters expect Rp.2,000,-for a small bag and Rp.3,000, for bags weighing
more than 20 kg.
Tipping taxi and hire-car drivers is not mandatory, but if service has been
satisfactory a basic Rp.1,000,- tip is sufficient for a taxi driver, Hire-car
drivers would normally expect a larger tip.
CLOTHING
Dress is normally informal in Indonesia due to the warm, humid
climate and clothing of light fabrics are recommended. Travelling in highland
areas is noticeably cooler, however, and carrying a light sweater may prove
useful. Accepted attire for men is a shirt and long pants. A jacket and tie
are required for official calls or for more formal occasions. Long sleeved
batik or handwoven shirts are acceptable for evening functions. For ladies,
dresses, blouses, andlong pants are appropriate. Shorts, halters or
tank tops should only be used at sports facilities or on the beach.
OFFICE HOURS
Businessoffices are usually open either from 8.00 am
to 4.00 pm or 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, with a break for lunch between 12.00 noon
and 1.00 pm. but on Saturday many business offices are closed.
Government office hours are from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Friday
and on Saturday many Government offices are closed.
BANKING
Normal banking hours are from 8.00 am to 2.30 pm from Monday
to Friday. Some bank branches in hotels, however, keep longer hours.
Jakarta has several international banks but money can also be changed at hotel
cashiers, and authorized money changers. Daily exchange rates are published
in newspapers. The US dollar is the most readily accepted currency.
Most major tourist destination areas have foreign exchange facilities, but
for travel to remote areas, it is advisable to change money and travelers
cheques in advance. Credit cards are acceptable only at major hotels, restaurants
and travel agencies.
SHOPPING
Major cities in Indonesia have shopping complexes, supermarkets
and department stores where prices are fixed. Shops are usually open all week
including Sundays. Shopping hours are usually between 9.00 am and 9.00 pm
for department stores and supermarkets in the large cities with shorter hours
on Sundays. In smaller cities, shops may be closed between 1.00 pm and 5.00
pm.
Bargaining is customary in small shops and markets, the art of which is to
start at half the asking price and slowly increase your offer until a compromise
is reached. Remember it helps to smile while bargaining.
SPORTS
Traditional sports in Indonesia include bull races, bull fights,
rowing, and unique ram fights, all of which are held as part of special festivities.
Silat, a martial art, can be performed as a dance or an exercise and is comparable
to Karate or Kung Fu. However, the most popular sports in Indonesia are soccer,
badminton, and table tennis. Golf is becoming more and more popular and a
number of excellent golf course can be found across the archipelago.
Most major hotels have their own tennis and squash courts, swimming pools,
health clubs and those at seaside resorts provide equipment for sailing, surfing,
scuba diving and windsurfing. There are also a growing number of dive shops
which provide necessary equipment and professional services.
TIME
The Indonesian archipelago is spread over three time zones.
Western Indonesia Standard Time, which covers the islands of Sumatra, Java
& Madura, West and Central Kalimantan is 7 hours ahead of GMT; Central
Indonesia Standard Time covers East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali and
Nusa Tenggara, and is 8 hours ahead of GMT; finally Eastern Indonesia Standard
Time, which covers Maluku, and Irian Jaya is 9 hours ahead of GMT.
ELECTRICITY
Power supply is usually 220 volts/250 cycles in large cities,
but 110 volts is still used in some ares. Normal outlets are plugs with two
rounded pins. It is advisable to check electricity supplies before using any
appliances.