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Indonesia
Capital: Jakarta

Airport Tax
Airport tax levied on passengers for international travel is Rupiah [rp] 17,000. While for travel within Indonesia, it varies from one region to another with an average of rp 3,500 - for each departure.

Weather
A tropical country, with humidity ranging from 69% - 95%, there are two seasons: Dry Season, from May to October and Wet Season, from November to April. It should be noted that occasional showers do occur during the dry season; similarly, during the "rainy" season it is more likely that heavy tropical down-pours are interspersed with sunshine. Average temperatures range from 68�F to 86�F or 20�C to 30�C.

Money
The currency is Rupiah (rp). The exchange rate is US$1 = approx. 10,000 rp
Travellers cheques and cash (preferably US dollars) are ideal. Credit cards are accepted by expensive hotels, restaurants and shops.

Tipping
Tipping is not a normal practice in Indonesia but is often expected for special service. Most hotels and restaurants add 10% service charge. Where not inlcuded a tip of 5 to 10% is satisfactory depending on the type of establishment. Tip porters and bellboys Rp500 - Rp1,000 per bag, depending on weight and size. Tip taxi drivers Rp300 - Rp500.

Safety
It is not recommended to tavel alone at night. If you ever get lost, only ask for directions from individuals in authority. Also, avoid any public demonstrations and other civil disturbances. In the hotel, keep door locked at all times. Do not leave any valuable belongings in the hotel room - recommend to use the hotel safe.

Business Hours
Government offices open from 8:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 11:30am on Friday. Business office hours vary. Offices usually open from 8:00am or 9:00am to 4:00pm or 5:00pm. Most office closed on Saturdays. Bank hours are from 8:00am or 8:30am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Passport and Visa
Visitors from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Western Europe don't need a visa to enter Indonesia. Provided you have a ticket out of the country and your passport has at least six months validity at the time of your arrival, you'll be issued with a tourist card, which is valid for a 60-day stay. Keep the card with your passport, as you'll have to hand it back when you leave the country. It is good for 60 days, not two months, some travelers have been fined for overstaying by only a day or so. It is not possible to get an extension on a tourist visa, unless there is a medical emergency or you have to answer legal charges. There are visas, particularly a business visitor's visa, which may be valid for a longer period. The immigration office is in Denpasar. If you have to visit this office, make sure you wear your most respectable clothes.

Customs
Each adult is permitted to bring, on entry, a maximum of two liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 grams of tobacco and a reasonable quantity of perfume. Photographic equipment and typewriters must be declared and are admitted provided they are taken out on departure. Prohibited from entry are the following items: narcotics, arms and ammunition, TV sets, radio and radio cassette recorders, pornography, fresh fruit, printed matters in Chinese characters and Chinese medicine. All movie films and videocassettes will have to be deposited for review by the Film Censor Board. There is no restriction on import and export of foreign currencies and traveler's check; however, import or export Indonesia currency exceeding Rp 50,000,- is prohibited.

Electricity
Most hotels use 220 volts, 50 cycles and a round, two-pronged slim plug. Bathroom shaver plugs usually have a transformer switch. We suggest taking an adapter for your appliance.

Water
Drink only bottled or boiled water.

Medical Service
International certificates of valid small pox, cholera and yellow vaccinations are required only from travellers coming from infected area.

Transportation
An air-conditioned airport-hotel shuttle service operates frequently scheduled trips to/from major hotels to coincide with flights from Jakarta's international airport at a cost of approx. Rp 4,000 per person. Taxis at a higher rate, are also available with metered taxis operating only in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Semarang and Solo. Elsewhere, other forms of transportation, which required setting the fare in advance, include minicars for two passengers, "bemos" or small buses covering regular routes and "becaks" powered by human energy. Trains operate in Java and parts of Sumatra. Garuda Indonesia has an extensive network of daily flights to all cities in the 27 provinces. These flights are supplemented by domestic air services on Merpati, Nusantara, Mandala and Bouraq .