Living in Indonesia
Last updated on Apr 11, 2023
Summary: People describe life in Indonesia as vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunity. Expats love the friendly people, the tropical climate, the beautiful beaches, and the low cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle and location. The population of Indonesia is approximately 270 million people, making it the fourth most populous country in the world. The largest cities in Indonesia are Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Medan, and Semarang. The cons of living in Indonesia include the high levels of air pollution, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the prevalence of corruption. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher in some areas, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other countries.
What do I need to know about living in Indonesia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Indonesia, they said:
"Expats considering retiring in Indonesia should familiarize themselves with the country's unique visa requirements and residence permits. They should also take into account the cost of living, healthcare and other important areas such as availability and quality of education. It is advisable to research the various areas in which one is looking to live and to check for any civil unrest or areas known for high crime rates. Additionally, expats should investigate what cultural customs and habits are observed in Indonesia in order to get a better understanding of the local culture and way of life," said one expat who made the move to Indonesia.
"Don't worry too much. It's pretty easy life here but will require patience a plenty. Traffic is horrible! But I get lots of reading done in my Mitsurbishi Grandis. Good staff are very important and should be rewarded with your trust and better than average pay if you find good ones. We love ours. Finally, as usual, a little bit of the local language goes a long long ways. Vocabulary is the key here b/c the rest of the language is easy," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.
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How do I meet people in Indonesia?
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AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world. Presently the AGS Group has over 141 locations in more than 95 countries and has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry. We relocate 85,000 families every year. Free moving quote!
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Indonesia?
- How do I find a place to live in Indonesia?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Indonesia?
- What is the average cost of housing in Indonesia?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Indonesia?
- What should I pack when moving to Indonesia?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Indonesia?
- Why do people move to Indonesia?
- How are healthcare services Indonesia?
- What are medical services in Indonesia like?
- What are typical rents in Indonesia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?