Moving to Jakarta, Indonesia

"Jakarta is a bustling city with a unique culture and a vibrant nightlife. It is important to research the city before moving to ensure that you are prepared for the climate, the cost of living, and the language. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws, as well as the transportation system. Additionally, it is important to have a good understanding of the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah, and to be aware of the exchange rate. Finally, it is important to make sure that you have the necessary documents and visas to live and work in Jakarta," remarked one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

"My advice is to get on the internet and learn all you can about neighborhoods and available housing. Try to communicate with people already living here to survey their housing situation. Select your neighborhood based on convenient drive to work and school. Use a reputable agent, or better yet, use many agents. Be firm about your requirements so you aren't dragged to the listings they are pushing, but the properties that meet your needs. Visit your prefered property at noon or 3 p.m. to hear how loud is the local mosque's call to prayer (because you don't want to discover this on your first night in the house when the 4 a.m. call is made!). Highly recommend having a housing audit (electric, plumbimg, mechanical) before signing a contract, and get a maintenance contract from a vendor of your chosing, not the owner. In this city, it is more the rule than the exception, that having maintenance done after the owner had been paid is an exercise in frustration," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.