Jakarta Indonesia Travel Tips

Travel and Cultural Etiquette Tips for Tourists in Jakarta, Indonesia

Before You Go

  • Vaccinations: Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Indonesia.
  • Respect Local Customs: Familiarize yourself with Indonesian customs and laws to avoid unintended offense.

In Jakarta

Transportation

  • Taxis: Use Blue Bird taxis, which are considered safe and reputable. Always check the meter is turned on when you start your journey.
  • Motorcycle Taxis (Angkot): Not recommended for tourists due to high crime rates.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Greetings:
    • Greet people with a handshake or a slight bow, followed by “Selamat pagi” (good morning), “Selamat siang” (good afternoon), or “Selamat malam” (good evening).
    • When leaving, say “Terima kasih” (thank you) and " Sampai jumpa lagi" (see you again soon).
  • Dress Modestly: Jakarta is a conservative city. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or mosques.
  • Remove Your Shoes:
    • When entering temples, mosques, or some private homes, remove your shoes before stepping inside.

Dining

  • Trying Local Food:
    • Indonesian cuisine is known for its spicy flavors. Be prepared to try dishes with chili peppers and spices.
    • Try local street food like nasi goreng (fried rice) and gado-gado (vegetable salad).
  • Dining Etiquette: Use your right hand when eating, as the left hand is considered unclean in many Indonesian cultures.

Shopping

  • Bargaining: When shopping at markets or from street vendors, bargain politely to get a good price.
  • Respect Local Merchants: Be patient and courteous when dealing with local merchants.