Useful Travel Hints

Currency and Exchange

The exchange rate for U.S. currency was about Rp. 7,600 for US$ 1, but this undergoes regular fluctuation on a daily basis, according to the international money market, so it is advisable not to exchange large sums of money if you plan to be in Indonesia for more than a month. Changing Money Foreign currency, in bank notes and travelers cheques, can be exchanged at major banks or leading hotels, although hotel rates are generally slightly less favourable. There are also a number of registered money changers. Most newspapers publish a current, daily rate, but in general rates vary from place to place, and it is wise to shop around if you wish to change a large amount of money.

Banks in many smaller towns are not necessarily conversant with all foreign banknotes, so it is advisable to change most currencies in the cities and tourist resorts, and keep your exchange receipts for reference.

All international airports have banks that will convert your Rupiah into foreign currencies when you leave the country.

Travelers cheques and Credit Cards

Major hotels, banks and some shops will accept travelers cheques and credit cards. The US dollar is recommended for travelers cheques. International Airline offices will accept credit cards only in non-discount tickets, so it is wise to pay cash for tickets. The general rule is to inquire in advance whether your cheques or credit cards will be acceptable when dining or shopping.

Tipping

Service charges of 10% are added to bills in most leading hotels and restaurants. Where it is not included a tip of between 5 - 10% of the bill would be appropriate, depending upon the service and establishment.

Clothing

Dress is normally informal in Indonesia: a shirt and long trousers for men and dresses or long trousers for women. A jacket and tie is required when making official calls or on formal occasions. Brief tops and shorts are not considered appropriate except around sports facilities or on the beach.

Proper decorum should especially be observed when visiting places of worship. In Bali both men and women wear a sash around their waists when visiting temples or attending ceremonies. It is a necessary courtesy to comply with this custom, and you will find sashes readily obtainable at all temples on your tour routes. For those venturing off the beaten track it would be wise to purchase a sash for use whenever necessary. Nudist bathing in public places is against the law.

Office Hours

Business Offices are open either from 08.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., or from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Government Offices are open from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, 8.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Fridays and 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on Saturday.

Banking hours are from 8.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Mondays to Fridays, and 8.00 a.m. to 11 .00 a.m. on Saturdays. Banks in hotels usually stay open longer. hours. Money changers are generally open till the evening. Shopping hours in most resort-areas extend from 8.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and some open for half a day on Sunday. In the city centres some shops close for a siesta between 1.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. Most large shops, supermarkets and department stores have fixed prices, but at small stalls and in the markets it is customary to bargain, starting at half of the asking price and going up to what you want to pay.

Time

There are three time zones in Indonesia, so it is sometimes necessary to make adjustments to your watch in order to avoid missing plane departures and connections, which are always scheduled on local time at that particular airport. West Indonesia Standard Time is GMT plus 7 hours covering the islands of Sumatra, Java, Madura. Central Indonesia Standard Time is GMT plus 8 hours for Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara and Bali and East Indonesia Standard Time is GMT plus 9 hours for Maluku and Irian Jaya.

Electricity

Most hotels use 220 volts 50 cycles. Outlets for shaving equipment are in both 220 and 110 voltage. Some of the smaller hotels still use 110 volts. It is better to check before using an appliance.

Climate

Bali is situated only 8 degrees south of the equator, but the weather is quite mild and pleasant throughout the year. Cool breezes make the morning and afternoon hours most suitable for comfortable sightseeing. All of Indonesia has two distinct seasons, the dry season from June to October and the rainy season from November to March. There are occasional showers during the transitional periods and the general maximum temperature is 33 degrees centigrade (62 degrees Fahrenheit), the general minimum 21 degrees centigrade (41 degrees Fahrenheit). Humidity is fairly high at all times.