Travel tips · Jakarta · Indonesia
Jakarta travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Jakarta draws people from every Indonesian island, layered on top of the city's original Betawi culture and centuries of Chinese, Arab and Dutch influence. Most residents are Muslim, and the call to prayer marks the day, but the city is also commercial, mall-centred and fast-moving.
Key facts
- Language
- Indonesian
- Currency
- IDR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or refilled filtered water.
- Emergency
- 112 general emergency, 110 police, 119 ambulance
Things to know
- Use your right hand to give, receive and eat; the left hand is considered unclean.
- Dress modestly at mosques and religious sites, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering.
- Raised voices and public displays of anger cause loss of face; stay calm when negotiating or complaining.
- Point with your thumb rather than your index finger.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon, particularly outside the upmarket districts.
- Book Museum MACAN ahead: Popular exhibitions sell timed tickets online; weekends can sell out.
- Istiqlal, the Cathedral, Merdeka Square, the National Gallery and Car Free Day cost nothing.
Tipping
Restaurants usually include a service charge. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up for taxi drivers and leaving small change for hotel porters and guides is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Selamat pagi | Good morning |
| Terima kasih | Thank you |
| Berapa harganya? | How much is it? |
| Tidak pedas | Not spicy |
| Permisi | Excuse me |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothing for the heat, with long trousers or a long skirt and covered shoulders for mosques and government buildings. Malls and offices are strongly air-conditioned.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or refilled filtered water.
- Emergency number
- 112 general emergency, 110 police, 119 ambulance
- Phone and internet
- Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are widely available at the airport and in malls, and free Wi-Fi is common in malls, cafés and hotels.
- Time zone
- Asia/Jakarta
Jakarta is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing happens on crowded buses, trains and markets. Traffic is the main hazard: cross roads carefully. Use Bluebird taxis or ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked cars, and check for flooding warnings in the rainy season.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Indonesia's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Jakarta?
Restaurants usually include a service charge. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up for taxi drivers and leaving small change for hotel porters and guides is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Jakarta?
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or refilled filtered water.
+What plugs are used in Jakarta?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Jakarta?
Indonesian.