Living in Indonesia: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Indonesia

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:

"Think very hard, it's interesting to see the local culture and be so close to Singapore, but you will be living in second or third world standards. Power cuts, dirty water, trash everywhere, poverty, unreliable internet...the benefit is that it is cheap and expats can own land here. But the corruption makes that an expensive goal," commented one expat who made the move to Batam.

"Don't drink tap water. Eat only at restaurants that are recommended and tested by others. Learn the language. Have patience, therefore one can adapt accordingly. Don't expect too much from the people," remarked one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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How do I meet people in Indonesia?

When we asked people living in Indonesia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Travel, Java Lava mt hiking club, BIS PTA, Cub scouts (either British First Kemang or American scouts) and the various artist groups," said one expat in Jakarta.

"Not hardly anything here. A few people informally meet up. There is an English-speaking international church with lots of expats...otherwise it's up to you to meet others," said one expat who made the move to Batam.

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What is life like in Indonesia?

When we asked people living in Indonesia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Living in Indonesia as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The country's unique culture, incredible diversity and sublime natural beauty offer incomparable opportunities to experience a different life. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the benefits of a modern infrastructure, relaxed cost of living, and a vibrant social scene with plenty of diverse people from around the world. While renting a property can be expensive, there are many cost-effective accommodation options available. With its plethora of stunning beaches and awe-inspiring jungles, Indonesia provides the perfect source of inspiration for those seeking a creative outlet. English is widely spoken and online is widely available for those needing it for work. Additionally, the government has created an efficient visa process for those wanting to stay for extended periods. Overall, living in Indonesia can be incredibly enjoyable and rewarding," remarked one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

"The local's lives revolve around work, getting to work and family affairs, photography and facebook but beyond that I can't comment. Expat lives revolve around work and family too of course but the family bit comes and goes. Many seem to let the nanny's take over and participate in a lot of Golf or women's organizations, and football/rugby. For us we travel, throw house parties, and participate in school activities," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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Is there a lot of crime in Indonesia?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Crime is not uncommon in Indonesia. It is estimated that the actual rate of crime is considerably higher than the reported rate due to a lack of reporting, under-recording of crime and corruption. Petty theft, pickpocketing and opportunistic burglaries are the most frequent complaints, while violent incidents are less common. Idolatry and falsification of documents are relatively frequent in Indonesia, as are fraud and kidnapping," said one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

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Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Indonesia accepting of differences?

"It has a boom-town feeling, fast development and lots of jobs for the local workforce. Almost all locals or Chinese/local mix. Very young population as this town has many factory jobs open. As mentioned before, since it is far from where people are from they come here, work for a few years and go back," commented one expat who made the move to Batam.

"Even though it's a Muslim country, Balikpapan and Jakarta are filled with various nationalities. This is basically because employees of foreign companies live here. And, because many people from Asian countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong take their annual holidays here. Accepting differences? If it means culture, no but they are strong to letting other culture/countries know that being a Muslim means being one," remarked one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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What are the schools in Indonesia like?

"This is the only International college in Batam. Lecturers are of expat themselves, so only English language is used for lesson delivery. It canl be a challenge if your child is not proficient in English," remarked one parent with kids at Raffles Institute of Higher Education, Batam in Batam - Harbour Bay.

"If you want your children to improve their English because they come from a non-English as a first language speaking country then this is good for a six-month English course, and then most then go to Jakarta International School, British International School, Australia International School or ACG Jakarta. They're all accredited, whereas I don't think the New Zealand International School is actually accredited - they are just authorised to let students sit Cambridge International Exams, which is different," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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Is the cost of living in Indonesia high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Indonesia, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Indonesia is considered to be relatively low compared to other countries. Prices for goods and services are often less expensive compared to other countries in the region, making it a great destination for those looking for an affordable place to live. Cost of accommodation, food, and transportation in Indonesia is quite reasonable and it also has some of the lowest cheapest internet prices globally. All in all, Indonesia offers ample opportunities for a comfortable life at a much lower cost than many other countries," explained one expat living in Indonesia.

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"Living in Indonesia can be relatively inexpensive, but it depends on where in the country you live. The places with the highest cost of living are usually the more densely populated cities, such as Jakarta and Bali, due to higher demand for goods and services. Rent for a nice one bedroom apartment can range from around $300 to $650 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can range from around $450 to $1200 USD per month. Eating out in a moderately priced restaurant costs around $8 to $15 USD per meal," commented one expat who moved to Indonesia.

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What type of recreational facilities are in Indonesia?

When we asked people living in Indonesia about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Indonesia is full of recreational facilities, such as beaches and national parks, that provide fun and relaxation to its citizens. Churches, public parks, and swimming pools are also available for communal gatherings. Popular architectural landmarks, like the Borobudur Temple and Istiqlal Mosque, provide a great spot to explore and learn about the culture. There are plenty of options for adventurous activities, such as mountain biking, water skiing, and trekking. Shopping malls and open-air markets offer both traditional and modern items for a variety of tastes. Cinemas, theatres, and nightclubs offer a unique way for people to enjoy music and entertainment. Sports lovers are sure to find interest in the abundance of soccer stadiums and basketball courts throughout the country," said an expat in Indonesia.

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What is the weather like in Indonesia?

"Indonesia generally has a tropical climate with high temperatures and a humid atmosphere. The temperature can range from warm to hot depending upon the season, and rainfall is possible throughout the year. During the monsoon season, there can be heavy rains in some areas while some areas remain dry. Indonesia generally experiences two distinct seasons- the dry season, which runs from May to September, and the wet season, which runs from October to April," said an expat in Indonesia.

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Are there good restaurants in Indonesia?

"One of the most beloved restaurants in Indonesia is Kaum in Bali. Kaum offers up a unique mix of Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisine, making it the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. Its specialty dishes such as Kaum’s Satay Lobster and their incredible selection of desserts have put them at the top of the list for many foodies visiting the country. Another highly appreciated restaurant is Umay Restaurant in Jakarta. This restaurant specialises in traditional Indonesian and Asian cuisine that has been given a modern twist. Culinary dishes such as rabuang and chicken sapi teriyaki, as well as its fresh seafood and meat dishes, have made Umay Restaurant extremely popular with food lovers. Last but not least, there is Gubug Mang Engking in Yogyakarta. Gubug Mang Engking has long been acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in Yogyakarta, boasting some of the tastiest traditional Indonesian dishes. From sambal goreng ati to their classic chicken suwir, diners will find a range of delicious local dishes here that cannot be found anywhere else," remarked one expat in Indonesia.

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Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Indonesia?

"People living in Indonesia typically buy groceries from local markets and convenience stores, as well as larger supermarkets like Carrefour and Hypermart. People in Indonesia also shop at traditional markets and online stores which offer a variety of goods from local and global brands. In addition, many Indonesians shop in malls which offer a large variety of stores and services. Shopping centers are also popular places to find everything from clothes and electronics, to food and drinks," mentioned one expat inIndonesia.

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What are the visa & residency requirements in Indonesia?

"The process of applying for a visa in Indonesia typically involves submitting a visa application form to an Indonesian embassy or consulate. Other required documents may include passport photographs, payment, as well as a valid passport. Visitors may need to provide evidence of purpose of stay, such as a letter of invitation and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the purpose of the stay, different types of visa may be available. The process of applying for residency in Indonesia requires the applicant to register a company in Indonesia, or obtain a work permit sponsored by an Indonesian employer. The applicant may also need to obtain a Temporary Stay Permit from an Immigration Office, and apply for an identity card and residency permit from the local Civil Registry Office. Depending on the type of residence permit, additional documents may be required, such as a local police record check and a Health Booklet," mentioned one expat inIndonesia.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia?

"Healthcare and health insurance can be expensive in Indonesia depending on the service or coverage being sought. Generally, public health services are cheaper than private services and there are some public health programs and insurance schemes that are aimed at providing coverage to those in need. However, for comprehensive health insurance plans that cover a variety of services and providers, the cost can be relatively high. Ultimately, the cost of healthcare and health insurance in Indonesia can vary widely based on need and coverage," mentioned an expat living in Indonesia.

"My kids and I all had dengue fever at the same time and were taken very well care of at BIMC, Nusa Dua. I am so pleased we had health insurance because the hospital bill would have cost us a hefty US $2100," said an expat in Bali.

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