arrive.guide

Last updated Apr 2026

Indonesia

Everything you need before landing in Indonesia: visa on arrival info, best eSIM plans for Bali and Jakarta, airport transport, rupiah tips, and essential apps.

Visa

PassportStatusDurationCost
🇦🇺AustraliaVisa on arrival30 days$35
🇨🇳ChinaVisa on arrival30 days$35
🇮🇳IndiaVisa on arrival30 days$35
🇰🇷KoreaVisa on arrival30 days$35
🇬🇧UKVisa on arrival30 days$35
🇺🇸USAVisa on arrival30 days$35
🇪🇺EUVisa on arrival30 days$35

Visa rules change. Always confirm your requirements at the official Indonesia immigration site before you travel.

Have IDR 500,000 (~$35) ready for the Visa on Arrival fee

Get your visa stamp before joining the main immigration queue. The counters accept foreign currency as well as card.

Most passport can extend +30 additional days — If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must extend before the first 30 days expire. Do this at the nearest immigration office (Kantor Imigrasi). The extension costs IDR 500,000 and gives you another 30 days.

eSIM / SIM card

Airalo covers Indonesia via Indosat and Three networks, with solid connectivity across major cities and tourist areas. If you're heading to rural Lombok or remote islands, a physical Telkomsel SIM (available at the airport) will give you better reach.

Short stay — up to 10 days

AiraloBest value

7 days · 3GB · Indosat / Three network

~$10Get it →
HolaflyUnlimited data

7 days · Unlimited · Telkomsel, XL network

$27.30Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

Long stay — 10 to 30 days

AiraloBest value

30 days · 5GB · Indosat / Three network

~$15Get it →
HolaflyUnlimited data

30 days · Unlimited · Telkomsel, XL network

$74.90Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

More plan lengths and data sizes available directly from:

Airalo →Holafly →
Physical Telkomsel SIMs are available at Ngurah Rai (DPS) airport for around IDR 100,000–200,000 ($6–13) with data included. Requires passport registration at the counter.
Purchase and install your eSIM 1-2 days before your departure, and activate it once you land — Most eSIMs validity period start when it connects to a supported network.

Airport Transport

DPS – Ngurah Rai International

Main international hub for Bali — most long-haul and Asian carriers

OptionTimeCostBest for
GrabBest value
Pick-up zone a short walk from arrivals — follow the signs
20–40 minIDR 80,000–150,000 ($5–10)Seminyak, Kuta, Legian — fixed Grab price upfront
Official airport taxi (Bluebird)
Official taxi rank directly outside arrivals — blue cars only
20–40 minIDR 150,000–250,000 ($10–16)Reliable metered taxi if Grab isn't available at pickup
Private transfer (pre-booked)20–60 minIDR 200,000–400,000 ($13–26)Ubud or Canggu — flat rate for longer distances

Watch out

Grab operates from a designated pick-up zone a short walk from arrivals — follow the signs. Avoid taxi touts inside the terminal who charge 3–5x the metered rate. Bluebird taxis (blue cars) are the only reputable metered option at the official taxi rank.

Cash & ATMs

Verdict

Indonesia is still very cash-heavy, especially outside Bali's tourist hubs. Warung food stalls, local transport, temples, and small shops are almost always cash-only. Always carry IDR. In Bali's touristy areas (Seminyak, Canggu) cards are more widely accepted.

ATMs

ATMs (called 'ATM' or 'mesin ATM') are widely available in cities and tourist areas. BCA and Mandiri ATMs have the highest withdrawal limits (up to IDR 2,500,000 per transaction). Most charge foreign fees of IDR 25,000–50,000 ($1.50–3) per transaction. Money changers in Bali (Kuta, Seminyak) often offer better rates than airport banks — use a reputable authorised one to avoid short-change scams.

Tipping

Not traditional but increasingly common in tourist areas. Round up taxi fares to the nearest IDR 5,000 or 10,000. Tip IDR 50,000–100,000 for guides or drivers per day. Spa and massage workers appreciate tips of IDR 20,000–50,000. In small local eateries (Warungs) tipping is not expected, but leaving small change is a nice gesture.

Withdraw a larger sum at your first ATM to minimise fees — IDR 2,000,000 ($130) is a reasonable starting amount for a week. BCA and Mandiri machines are the most reliable.

Essential Apps

🟢

Gojek

Indonesia's super-app — ride-hailing, food delivery, grocery, and more.

🟢

Grab

Ride-hailing and food delivery. Sometimes has better availability at airports. Save by buying their Travel Pass package.

🗺️

Google Maps

Download offline maps for Bali, Jakarta, or Lombok before landing. Works well even in areas with poor signal.

💬

WhatsApp

Primary messaging platform in Indonesia. Accommodation, tour operators, and drivers all use WhatsApp.

🏨

Agoda

Best hotel deals for Indonesia — particularly strong for Bali properties and last-minute bookings.

First Day Tips

  • 1Activate your eSIM while on board the plane so you can open Grab or Gojek the moment you clear customs — both apps are essential for getting a fair-priced ride from the airport.
  • 2In Bali, the currency is rupiah (IDR) but prices at tourist spots are often quoted in USD or Australian dollars. Always confirm which currency before agreeing to a price.
  • 3Download offline Google Maps for your area before leaving the airport Wi-Fi zone — signal can be weak in parts of Ubud, the rice terraces, and rural Lombok.

Stay up to date on Indonesia

We'll email you if visa rules, transport costs or arrival tips change.