Indonesia: Travel Tips
Meetings AsiaPacific
With nearly constant temperatures year-round and a visa process that makes it easy on Westerners, Indonesia is a welcoming country, and the locals will go out of their way to make sure that visitors have a great trip.
When to go
There are only two seasons—dry and wet. The East Monsoon, from June to September, brings dry weather, while the West Monsoon, from December to March, brings rain. The heaviest rainfalls are usually recorded in December and January.
The transitional periods—March to May and September to November—bring shifting winds and unpredictable weather.
Temperatures always range from 70 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and average humidity is between 75 percent and 98 percent.
Health requirements
A valid international certificate of smallpox, cholera and yellow fever vaccinations is required only from travelers coming from infected areas.
Safety
The U.S. Department of State issued a still-standing travel warning in November 2005. Because of the possibility of additional terrorist attacks against Westerners, non-essential travel to Indonesia should be deferred, the warning reads. The full warning, including areas to avoid and safety precautions, can be found here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_918.html
Electricity
Outlets for 127 or 220 volts at 50 cycles are dominant. Always check the power supply before using your equipment.
Money
Exchange facilities for the Indonesian currency, the Rupiah, are available in the major cities of Indonesia.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is added to most bills.
Visas
All visitors to Indonesia must be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date, with proof of onward passage.
Visitors from many Western countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the U.S., are granted a special Visa-on-Arrival provided they enter through one of the main airports or seaports. A complete list is available at www.jcc.co.id/usefull.php.
The seven-day Visa-On-Arrival costs $10 per person; the 30-day Visa-On-Arrival is $25.
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