Travel tips · Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Yogyakarta 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
Yogyakarta is a special region of Indonesia ruled by a hereditary sultan who also serves as governor, and the city sees itself as the guardian of Javanese culture. Refined manners, batik, gamelan music, classical dance and shadow puppetry remain part of daily life, alongside a large student population that keeps the arts and café scene active.
Key facts
- Language
- Indonesian and Javanese
- Currency
- IDR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and refill water is widely available.
- Emergency
- 112 general emergency, 110 police, 119 ambulance
Things to know
- Speak softly and stay calm; Javanese culture values politeness and avoiding open confrontation.
- Use your right hand to give and receive, and avoid pointing with your index finger; gesture with your thumb.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples, the Kraton, mosques and royal tombs; sarongs are provided at many sites.
- Do not climb on temple stupas or touch Buddha statues at Borobudur.
- Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques.
- Book Borobudur ahead: Access to the upper terraces is limited by a daily quota with timed tickets; book online well ahead in peak season.
- Book Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan ahead: Shows can sell out in July and August; reserve seats a few days ahead.
- Borobudur and Prambanan charge much higher foreigner prices than the rest of the city's sights; check combined ticket options.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in warung, but small tips for guides, drivers and becak riders are appreciated. Hotels and restaurants often add a service charge.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sugeng enjing | Good morning (Javanese) |
| Matur nuwun | Thank you (Javanese) |
| Terima kasih | Thank you (Indonesian) |
| Berapa harganya? | How much is it? |
| Pinten? | How much? (Javanese) |
What to wear
Light, modest clothing works best: loose trousers or long skirts and covered shoulders for temples and the Kraton, plus a hat and sunscreen for exposed temple sites.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; bottled and refill water is widely available.
- Emergency number
- 112 general emergency, 110 police, 119 ambulance
- Phone and internet
- Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy, and most hotels, cafés and many warung have free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Asia/Jakarta
Yogyakarta is generally safe and relaxed, but watch for batik-gallery scams on Malioboro and pickpockets in crowds. Mount Merapi is an active volcano, so follow official alert levels and exclusion zones, and do not swim at Parangtritis or the southern beaches, where rip currents are strong.
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 Yogyakarta?
Tipping is not expected in warung, but small tips for guides, drivers and becak riders are appreciated. Hotels and restaurants often add a service charge.
+Can you drink the tap water in Yogyakarta?
Do not drink tap water; bottled and refill water is widely available.
+What plugs are used in Yogyakarta?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Yogyakarta?
Indonesian and Javanese.