The practical stuff every Aussie needs to know
Getting in and staying in — the basics
Indonesia is Australia's closest major neighbour and one of the most-visited countries by Australians. The visa system has had multiple changes in recent years, so make sure you're up to date. The good news is that it's straightforward — the process is easy, just make sure you pick the right visa type for your stay.
Australians can get a Visa on Arrival at major airports and seaports. Costs IDR 500,000 (around AUD $50) payable at the airport before immigration. Valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days. This is the standard option for most tourists. Payment can be made by card or cash. There are dedicated VOA counters before the immigration desks — don't walk past them or you'll have to go back.
Indonesia now offers an electronic Visa on Arrival that you can apply for online before departure via molina.imigrasi.go.id. Same cost (IDR 500,000), same 30-day validity, same extension rules — but you skip the queue at the airport. Processing takes 1-2 days. Pay online and get a QR code to show at immigration. Highly recommended during peak season when VOA queues at Bali airport can take 1-2 hours.
Your VOA can be extended once for another 30 days at any local immigration office (kantor imigrasi). Cost is IDR 500,000 plus the hassle of visiting the office (usually 2-3 visits over a week). Alternatively, use a visa agent — they'll handle the paperwork and visits for around IDR 750,000-1,000,000. Start the extension process at least 7 days before your visa expires. The maximum stay on a VOA plus extension is 60 days.
For longer stays, the B211 visa gives you 60 days upfront and can be extended up to 4 times (30 days each), for a total of 180 days. Applied for before arrival through a visa agent or sponsor. Costs around USD $100-150 plus agent fees. This is the visa of choice for digital nomads, long-term travellers and people who want to avoid the hassle of frequent visa runs. You need a sponsor (agents can arrange this).
For working, studying or living with a spouse in Indonesia. Must be sponsored by a company, institution or Indonesian spouse. Processing takes several weeks and involves multiple agencies. If you're married to an Indonesian, the spousal KITAS is the standard option — valid for 1-2 years and renewable. Your Indonesian partner or employer will usually handle the process with an immigration consultant.
Indonesia introduced a digital nomad visa allowing remote workers to live in Indonesia for up to 5 years. Requirements include proof of remote employment or freelance income (minimum varies), health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The visa is still relatively new and the implementation details are evolving. Check the latest requirements before applying. It's a promising option for Aussies working remotely from Bali or elsewhere in Indonesia.
Flying to Singapore, KL or Timor-Leste for a day and coming back for a fresh VOA used to be the standard long-stay workaround. Immigration has tightened up on this — if you're doing frequent back-to-back VOAs, you may be questioned or refused entry. A B211 visa is a smarter option for stays beyond 60 days. The days of indefinite visa runs are numbered.
Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of IDR 1,000,000 per day (about AUD $100) and can result in detention and deportation. If you overstay significantly, you'll be held in an immigration detention facility (not pleasant) until you pay the fines and a flight home is arranged. You may also be banned from re-entering. Don't risk it — extend on time or leave the country before your visa expires. No exceptions.
The VOA queue at Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) during peak season is genuinely painful — easily 1-2 hours standing in a hot terminal after a long flight. The E-VOA lets you skip this entirely and go straight to the e-gate or regular immigration queue. The 2 minutes it takes to apply online before your trip will save you significant time and frustration. There is literally no reason not to do this.
Passport with 6+ months validity, return or onward ticket (they check), E-VOA QR code or IDR 500,000 for VOA on arrival, proof of accommodation (sometimes asked), travel insurance (technically required since 2023 though rarely checked). No COVID vaccination requirements as of 2025. Customs declaration form (paper or digital via the e-CD app). Declare everything honestly — Bali customs are active.
A nation of 17,000 islands and a million flavours
Indonesian food is one of the most underrated cuisines in Asia. Each island and region has its own specialties. The food is rich, spicy, aromatic and incredibly cheap. From warung (small local eateries) to high-end restaurants, the range is enormous. If you stick to Western food at tourist restaurants in Bali, you're missing the entire point. Get into the local stuff — your taste buds will thank you.
Indonesian fried rice with sweet soy sauce (kecap manis), garlic, shallots, chilli, and your choice of chicken, prawn, or just egg. Topped with a fried egg and served with prawn crackers. Available everywhere from street carts to hotel restaurants. IDR 15,000-25,000 at a warung, IDR 50,000-100,000 at a tourist restaurant. It's the foundation of Indonesian eating and it never gets old. The street version is always better.
Nasi goreng's noodle brother. Same flavour base, but with egg noodles instead of rice. Just as ubiquitous, just as delicious. Often served alongside nasi goreng as part of a combo meal. The Indomie instant noodle brand is a national obsession — Indomie goreng (fried Indomie) is the unofficial midnight snack of all Indonesia. Available literally everywhere, including 2am street carts. Don't judge it until you've tried it at 2am.
Chicken, goat, beef or pork (in non-Muslim areas) marinated, skewered and grilled over charcoal, served with peanut sauce, rice cakes and pickled vegetables. Sate ayam (chicken) is the most common. Street vendors selling satay over portable grills are everywhere — follow the smoke. IDR 2,000-3,000 per stick. Order 10 and share. Madura-style satay (with the thin sauce) is particularly good. The smoke and charcoal smell is pure Indonesia.
CNN voted rendang the world's most delicious food. Slow-cooked beef in coconut milk with a paste of lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, chilli and about 20 other spices. Originally from the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, now beloved nationwide. The best rendang is cooked for hours until the sauce is almost dry and the meat is intensely flavoured. Padang restaurants (Rumah Makan Padang) serve the best versions.
Walk into a Rumah Makan Padang (Padang restaurant) and plates of pre-cooked dishes will be placed on your table — rendang, gulai (curry), fried chicken, vegetables, sambal, egg, fish. You eat what you want and only pay for what you've touched. The rest goes back. It's the fastest sit-down meal in Asia and the variety is incredible. Found in every town across Indonesia. Budget IDR 25,000-50,000 for a good feed.
Whole spit-roasted pig stuffed with spices, chilli, turmeric and lemongrass. It's the Balinese equivalent of lechon and it's spectacular. Ibu Oka in Ubud is the most famous spot (Anthony Bourdain approved) but warung all over Bali serve excellent versions. IDR 50,000-80,000 for a plate. Only available in Hindu-majority Bali — you won't find it in Muslim areas. The crispy skin is life-changing.
Blanched vegetables, tofu, tempeh, hard-boiled egg and rice cakes drenched in a rich peanut sauce. It's technically a salad but nothing like the sad bowls of lettuce you get back home. The peanut sauce is the star — thick, sweet, spicy and utterly addictive. A great option if you want something lighter than rice-based meals. Served cold or at room temperature. Budget IDR 15,000-30,000.
Indonesian street food is everywhere — pushcarts, night markets (pasar malam), roadside warung and mobile vendors on motorbikes. Martabak (stuffed pancakes — sweet or savoury), bakso (meatball soup), soto (turmeric-based soup), nasi campur (mixed rice with sides), and pisang goreng (fried banana) are staples. Most items are IDR 5,000-20,000. The variety is staggering. If a warung is full of locals, it's good. Trust the queues.
Indonesian food hygiene standards vary wildly. "Bali belly" (traveller's diarrhoea) is extremely common among Australian tourists. Don't drink tap water anywhere. Avoid ice from unknown sources (hotel and restaurant ice is usually fine — it comes from factories). Be cautious with raw salads, fruit that's been pre-cut, and seafood that's been sitting out. Bring Imodium and rehydration salts. Most cases pass in 1-2 days but it can ruin a holiday if you're not prepared.
The best food in Indonesia is not at tourist restaurants — it's at warungs and street stalls where locals eat. High turnover means fresh food. If a warung has motorcycles parked out front and Indonesian families eating there, it's safe and delicious. The tourist restaurant version of nasi goreng at IDR 80,000 is usually worse than the warung version at IDR 20,000. Be adventurous. Point at what looks good and eat what arrives. That's the Indonesian way.
Cold beers in the world's largest Muslim country
Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country, but beer is legal and widely available in tourist areas and major cities. That said, alcohol availability, pricing and attitudes vary enormously depending on where you are. Bali is soaking wet; Aceh is bone dry. Here's the beer landscape across the archipelago.
Indonesia's most famous beer and the national icon. A light, Dutch-style pilsner brewed by Multi Bintang (a Heineken subsidiary). 4.7% ABV. Refreshing, uncomplicated and perfect for the heat. IDR 25,000-35,000 at a warung, IDR 50,000-80,000 at a bar or restaurant. The big 620ml bottles are the way. The Bintang singlet is the unofficial uniform of Aussies in Bali — you will buy one. Accept your fate.
Bintang mixed with lemon or grapefruit juice. 2% ABV. Essentially a shandy in a can. Popular with those who find regular beer too heavy in the heat. Available in convenience stores and supermarkets. Around IDR 15,000-20,000 per can. Not bad for pool-side drinking when you don't want to get smashed before lunch. Your partner might prefer this if she's not a big beer drinker.
The budget alternatives to Bintang. Bali Hai is cheaper (IDR 20,000-25,000 for a big bottle) but with a rougher taste. Prost is slightly better — a German-style lager. Neither is going to win any awards but they do the job if you're counting rupiah. Bali Hai is the beer you drink when you've run out of Bintang money. It's fine. Don't overthink it.
Bali and Jakarta have a developing craft beer scene. Stark Craft Beer (Bali), Tiga Roda (Jakarta) and Island Brewing Co are local craft producers. Expect IDR 80,000-150,000 per glass at craft bars. Seminyak, Canggu and Jakarta's SCBD area have the best craft bar concentrations. The scene is small compared to other Asian cities but improving rapidly. If you care about beer quality, seek these places out.
Traditional Balinese rice or coconut palm spirit. Can be excellent (smooth, strong, flavourful) or absolutely lethal. Legal, regulated arak from known producers is fine. The problem is unregulated arak — home-brewed stuff that can contain methanol. There have been multiple deaths of tourists from methanol-laced arak, including Australians. Only drink arak from reputable bars and restaurants. NEVER buy cheap arak from unknown sources.
Bali: everywhere, no restrictions. Jakarta: widely available in bars, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets but some areas are conservative. Lombok: available in tourist areas (Senggigi, Gili Islands) but limited elsewhere. Yogyakarta: available but more conservative — fewer options. Aceh province: COMPLETELY DRY — Sharia law applies, no alcohol whatsoever, don't even try. The further you get from tourist areas, the harder it is to find beer.
Indonesia has high alcohol taxes. Imported spirits and wine are expensive — a bottle of decent wine can cost IDR 500,000-1,000,000+ at a supermarket. Imported beer (Heineken, Corona, etc.) runs IDR 40,000-60,000 per can from a shop. Local beer (Bintang, Bali Hai) is much cheaper. Duty-free allowance is 1 litre of spirits per person — use it. Cocktails at tourist bars in Bali run IDR 80,000-150,000 — cheaper than Sydney but not as cheap as you'd expect.
Bali's beach clubs are legendary. Potato Head (Seminyak), Finns (Canggu), Sundays (Uluwatu), and Rock Bar at Ayana (Jimbaran) are the headline acts. Expect to pay IDR 100,000-300,000+ per drink. Minimum spend policies are common (IDR 300,000-500,000). The sunset views and vibes are world-class though. For budget sunset beers, hit the local warungs on the beach instead — same sunset, fraction of the price.
Every year tourists die in Indonesia from methanol-poisoned alcohol. Cheap cocktails, counterfeit spirits and home-brewed arak are the main sources. If a drink tastes odd, smells like paint or causes immediate burning/nausea — stop drinking immediately and seek medical help. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headache, nausea, blurred vision and confusion. This kills people — mostly young tourists looking for cheap drinks. Stick to sealed bottles and reputable venues. This warning could save your life.
Circle K, Indomaret and Alfamart convenience stores in Bali sell cold Bintang for IDR 25,000-30,000 — a fraction of what you'd pay at a bar. Buy a few cold ones and drink at your villa or on the beach. Not all minimarts stock beer (it depends on the area and local regulations), but in Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu and Sanur, most do. Check the fridge at the back. This is the smart Aussie move — save the expensive bar beers for sunset sessions.
Transport across 17,000 islands
Indonesia is enormous — the archipelago stretches over 5,000 km. Transport varies wildly between islands and cities. Bali is scooter territory, Jakarta has a growing modern transit system, and remote islands might only have boats. The one constant? Traffic in cities is mental. Here's how to navigate the chaos.
Both ride-hailing apps are available across Indonesia. Gojek is the local favourite (Indonesian company), Grab is the regional player. Both offer car rides, motorbike taxis (ojek), food delivery and more. Prices are cheap — a 30-minute car ride in Bali costs IDR 50,000-100,000. Motorbike taxis are even cheaper. Pay by cash or GoPay/OVO digital wallets. Download both apps before you arrive. They're essential for daily life.
Renting a scooter is the most common way to get around Bali. IDR 70,000-100,000 per day for an automatic scooter (Honda Vario, Scoopy). You'll need an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement — technically. Most rental shops don't check. Police checkpoints do check and the fine is IDR 500,000+ if you don't have one. Get the IDP before you leave Australia — it's AUD $39 from your local motoring association.
Hiring a private driver for a full day in Bali costs IDR 500,000-700,000 (AUD $50-70) including petrol. They'll take you anywhere, wait while you explore, and drive you home. This is the safest and most comfortable option, especially for day trips to Ubud, the temples or the north coast. Your hotel can arrange one, or ask on Bali expat Facebook groups. Many drivers speak decent English and double as informal tour guides.
Indonesia has multiple domestic airlines. Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, Batik Air and AirAsia Indonesia are the main carriers. Flights between major cities are cheap if booked early — Bali to Jakarta from IDR 500,000-1,000,000 one way. Traveloka and Tiket.com are the best booking platforms. Don't trust the schedules absolutely — delays are common, especially with Lion Air. Build buffer time into your itinerary.
Jakarta now has an MRT line (opened 2019) running north-south through the city, and a BRT system called TransJakarta with dedicated bus lanes. Both are modern, air-conditioned and cheap (IDR 3,500-14,000). They don't cover the whole city but are excellent for avoiding Jakarta's catastrophic traffic on the routes they do cover. The MRT is genuinely world-class. More lines are under construction.
Inter-island ferries connect Java to Bali (Ketapang-Gilimanuk, IDR 8,000, 45 mins), Bali to Lombok (Padang Bai-Lembar, IDR 46,000, 4 hours), and many other routes. Fast boats to the Gili Islands from Bali take 1.5-2.5 hours and cost IDR 350,000-600,000. Book through reputable operators (Bluewater Express, Eka Jaya) — safety standards vary. PELNI government ferries connect remote islands across the archipelago for long-distance travel.
Java has a good train network connecting Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya and more. Executive class is comfortable, air-conditioned and scenic. Book via the KAI Access app or Traveloka. Jakarta to Yogyakarta executive class costs IDR 350,000-500,000 and takes 7-8 hours. The scenic route through Java's volcanic landscapes is spectacular. Trains are more reliable and comfortable than buses for long Java trips.
Bali's roads, especially in Kuta, Seminyak and Denpasar, are increasingly gridlocked. What should be a 20-minute ride can take an hour during peak times. No public transport to speak of (outside of the recent TransSarbagita bus attempts). Scooters can weave through traffic but it's stressful. If you're staying in Canggu or Uluwatu, traffic to Seminyak or the airport can be brutal. Time your movements or accept the delays.
Scooter accidents are the biggest risk for Australian tourists in Bali. Hospital emergency rooms in Kuta and Denpasar see multiple Aussie scooter injuries EVERY DAY — road rash, broken bones, head injuries. Many riders are inexperienced, don't wear helmets properly, and ride drunk. If you're not an experienced rider, don't rent a scooter. Use Grab/Gojek instead. If you do ride, wear a helmet, long pants, closed shoes and don't drink. Your travel insurance may not cover scooter accidents if you don't have the right licence.
Download Google Maps offline for Bali and wherever else you're going. Data coverage can be patchy in rural areas and you don't want to be lost on a Balinese back road at night with no signal. The offline maps include navigation. Also download the Grab and Gojek apps and test them before you need them. Traveloka is the best all-in-one app for booking flights, hotels and transport across Indonesia.
Millions of rupiah and what they're worth
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR/Rp) is a high-denomination currency — you'll be dealing in tens and hundreds of thousands regularly. As of 2025, AUD $1 gets you roughly IDR 10,000-10,500. Cash is still dominant for everyday transactions, especially outside Bali's tourist zones. Get comfortable with the zeros and you'll be right.
Notes come in IDR 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 denominations. A restaurant bill of IDR 250,000 is about AUD $25 — the numbers look scary but the value is modest. Get used to dropping zeros mentally (divide by 10,000 for a rough AUD conversion). The IDR 100,000 note (red) is the biggest and the one you'll use most. Keep smaller notes for markets and local transport.
ATMs are plentiful in Bali, Jakarta and major towns. BCA, BNI, Mandiri and BRI are the main banks. Most international cards work. Maximum withdrawal is usually IDR 2,500,000-3,000,000 per transaction (AUD $250-300). Fees are IDR 50,000-100,000 per withdrawal from the Indonesian bank side, plus your Aussie bank's international fee. Use BCA ATMs where possible — they tend to have the highest limits and best reliability.
Bali has money changers on every corner. The ones offering the best rates are sometimes scams — fast-counting, hidden calculators and sleight of hand. Use authorised money changers ONLY: BMC (Bali Maspintjinra), Central Kuta, or money changers inside malls and hotels. PT Central Kuta has the best reputation. Count your money at the counter, in front of the staff, before you leave. If the rate seems too good to be true, it is.
GoPay (through Gojek) and OVO (through Grab) are the main digital wallets. Load them via bank transfer, ATM or convenience store top-up. Increasingly accepted at restaurants, shops and even some warungs. QRIS (QR code payment system) is being rolled out nationwide. For tourists, the easiest option is linking GoPay to your Gojek app and topping up with cash at an Indomaret or Alfamart.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, mid-to-high-end restaurants, shopping malls and tourist-oriented businesses. Many places add a 2-3% surcharge for card payments. Small warungs, local shops, markets and transport are cash only. Don't assume cards work everywhere — always carry cash. Contactless payments are growing in Jakarta but lagging in other areas. Amex has very limited acceptance.
Bargaining is expected at markets, souvenir shops, taxi (non-app) rides and many tourist-oriented transactions. Start at 40-50% of the asking price and work from there. Be friendly, smile, and be willing to walk away — the price often drops dramatically when you turn to leave. Fixed-price shops (malls, supermarkets, chain restaurants) don't bargain. Knowing the rough local price before you start negotiating gives you leverage.
Local meal at a warung: IDR 15,000-30,000. Mid-range restaurant: IDR 100,000-200,000. Bintang beer (store): IDR 25,000-35,000. Bintang (bar): IDR 50,000-80,000. Scooter rental/day: IDR 70,000-100,000. Hotel (mid-range): IDR 500,000-1,500,000. Monthly villa rental (Bali): IDR 5,000,000-15,000,000. Indonesia is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia for Australians. Your money goes a very long way.
Dodgy money changers in Bali use techniques including: pre-programmed calculators showing inflated amounts, folding notes to make the stack look right, distracting you while removing notes, and fast-counting that skips notes. ALWAYS count your money yourself, at the counter, note by note. Never let them take the money back to "recount." If they insist on rushing you, walk out. Use BMC, Central Kuta or hotel/airport exchangers. Losing AUD $50-100 to a scammer is a rite of passage nobody needs.
A Wise multi-currency debit card gives you the mid-market exchange rate with minimal fees. Top up with AUD, spend directly in IDR at any Visa terminal. Better rates than ATMs or money changers. Two free ATM withdrawals per month (up to a limit). If you travel to Asia regularly, the Wise card will save you hundreds of dollars in exchange rate margins over time. Set it up before your trip.
The real risks and how to avoid them
Indonesia is generally safe for Australian tourists, but it's a big, diverse country and risks vary by region. Bali is very safe. Parts of Papua and Sulawesi have higher risks. The biggest dangers for Aussies are mundane — scooter accidents, Bali belly and sunburn. But there are other things you should know. Here's the full picture.
More Australians are hospitalised in Bali from scooter accidents than any other cause. Burns from exhaust pipes, road rash from falls, broken limbs from collisions, and head injuries from not wearing helmets. The Australian Consulate in Bali deals with this constantly. If you must ride a scooter: wear a proper helmet (not the useless ones they give you at rental shops — buy one), wear closed shoes, don't ride drunk, and get the IDP before you leave home.
Motorbike-riding thieves snatching bags and phones from pedestrians and scooter riders is the most common crime affecting tourists. Wear crossbody bags on the side away from the road. Don't walk along busy roads with your phone out. On a scooter, put your bag in the storage compartment, not on the hook. This happens in Kuta, Seminyak and Denpasar regularly. Be streetwise.
Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. The death penalty applies to drug trafficking. Possession of even small amounts of cannabis or other drugs can result in years in prison. The Bali Nine case should tell you everything you need to know. Schapelle Corby's case also. Don't bring drugs, don't buy drugs, don't use drugs. Indonesia does NOT mess around with this. The risk is absolute.
Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are real risks. The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, 2018 Lombok earthquakes and Krakatoa eruption are recent examples. Download emergency alert apps, know your hotel's evacuation procedures, and don't ignore tsunami warnings. Volcanic eruptions can close airports (Bali's airport closes when Agung erupts). Check volcanic activity status before booking travel near active volcanoes.
Bali's south-facing beaches (Kuta, Legian, Seminyak) have powerful rip currents that catch tourists every year. Multiple drowning deaths occur annually. Swim between the flags where lifeguards are present. Don't swim drunk. Don't swim at unpatrolled beaches in big swell. The waves look fun but the undertow can be savage. If caught in a rip, swim parallel to the beach, not against it. This is serious — people die regularly.
The 2002 Bali bombings killed 202 people including 88 Australians. While security has improved enormously since then and Indonesia's counter-terrorism efforts have been effective, the risk hasn't completely disappeared. Be aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas. The Australian Government's Smartraveller advice for Indonesia remains at "Exercise a High Degree of Caution." Register your travel plans and stay informed.
Indonesian police, particularly in Bali, have a reputation for targeting foreigners for "infractions" and seeking on-the-spot payments. Traffic stops (checking licences) are the most common scenario. If you have valid documents, politely show them. If you don't (no IDP, no helmet), the "fine" is typically IDR 50,000-200,000 paid directly to the officer. It's technically a bribe but it's also how it works. Don't argue aggressively — stay calm and polite.
The monkeys at Ubud's Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple are aggressive thieves. They'll snatch sunglasses, phones, hats and anything shiny. Don't carry food, secure your belongings, and don't make eye contact or show teeth (they interpret it as aggression). If a monkey grabs something, don't try to wrestle it back — temple staff can usually retrieve items. It sounds funny until your phone is up a tree.
Repeated from the beer section because it's that important. Methanol-laced drinks have killed multiple Australian tourists in Bali. Cheap cocktails from dodgy bars, counterfeit branded spirits, and home-brewed arak are the main vectors. If a cocktail tastes weird or burns unusually, stop drinking and seek help. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include severe headache, nausea, vision problems and confusion. Go to BIMC Hospital in Kuta or Siloam Hospital immediately if suspected. This is not a joke — people die every year.
Do NOT travel to Indonesia without comprehensive travel insurance. Medical evacuation from Indonesia (especially outside Bali) can cost AUD $50,000-100,000+. Hospital bills from scooter accidents routinely hit AUD $10,000-30,000. Make sure your policy covers motorbike/scooter use if you plan to ride (many standard policies exclude it unless you have an IDP). The Australian Consulate can't pay your medical bills — insurance is your safety net. Get it. Always.
Getting connected across the archipelago
Getting a local SIM in Indonesia is essential. You'll need it for Grab, Gojek, maps, messaging and staying connected. Data is cheap but you need to register your IMEI (phone's identity number) if you're staying more than 90 days. For short visits, buy a tourist SIM at the airport and you're sorted. Here's the guide.
Indonesia's largest carrier with the best nationwide coverage. Their tourist SIM (simPATI Tourist) comes with data packages starting from IDR 100,000 for 15GB over 30 days. Available at the airport and Telkomsel stores (GraPARI). Best choice if you're travelling beyond Bali to areas with less infrastructure — Telkomsel has the widest coverage in remote areas. 4G/5G in major cities.
The second largest carrier. Competitive data packages and good coverage in Java and Bali. Their tourist SIM (XL Tourist Pack) offers similar data at slightly lower prices than Telkomsel. Good coverage in urban areas and tourist destinations. Less reliable than Telkomsel in very remote areas. Available at the airport and XL outlets in malls. A perfectly good choice for Bali-focused trips.
The third major carrier. Aggressive pricing on data packages — sometimes the cheapest option. Their Freedom package offers large data allowances. Coverage is good in Java and Bali but can be weaker in eastern Indonesia. Available at the airport and Indosat stores. If you're staying in Bali or Java and want the cheapest data, Indosat is worth considering. Speed and reliability are a step below Telkomsel.
Buy your SIM at the airport arrivals hall. All three carriers have counters at Ngurah Rai (Bali), Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta) and other major airports. Staff will install the SIM, register it with your passport, activate it and test it. The whole process takes 10-15 minutes. Prices are slightly higher than in town but the convenience is worth it. Also available at Indomaret, Alfamart and dedicated stores in town.
Indonesia requires foreign phones used with local SIMs for more than 90 days to register their IMEI number. If you're on a short visit (under 90 days), your phone will work fine without IMEI registration. For longer stays, register via the Bea Cukai (customs) app or at the airport on arrival. Unregistered phones will be blocked from local networks after 90 days. This is enforced — your phone will literally stop working on local SIMs.
Manage your SIM through the carrier's app (MyTelkomsel, myXL, myIM3). Buy data packages via the app with credit card or top up credit at any Indomaret or Alfamart (as low as IDR 10,000). Popular packages: Telkomsel 15GB/30 days for IDR 100,000, XL 25GB/30 days for IDR 90,000. Prices and packages change frequently — check the app for current offers. Data is cheap by any standard.
Free WiFi is standard in hotels, cafes, restaurants and coworking spaces throughout Bali and Jakarta. Bali's cafe culture (Canggu and Ubud in particular) is built around digital nomads with laptops — the WiFi is usually excellent. In more remote areas, WiFi quality drops off. Coworking spaces (Dojo Bali, Outpost, Hubud) offer fast, reliable internet for IDR 100,000-200,000 per day. For casual use, cafe WiFi is generally fine.
WhatsApp is the dominant messaging app in Indonesia — used by virtually everyone for personal and business communication. Indonesian businesses often use WhatsApp for customer service, bookings and orders. Instagram DMs are also common, especially in Bali. Facebook Messenger is used but less dominant than in the Philippines. Line has some usage but is declining. Get comfortable with WhatsApp — it's how Indonesia communicates.
Indonesia is vast and mobile coverage outside of Java and Bali can be patchy. Flores, Sumba, Papua, remote parts of Kalimantan and smaller islands may have limited or no 4G coverage. Telkomsel has the best remote coverage but even they have dead zones. If you're going off the beaten track, download offline maps and don't rely on mobile data for navigation. Let people know your itinerary in case you go off-grid.
If your phone supports eSIM, buy an Indonesia eSIM before you leave Australia. Airalo, Nomad and Holafly offer Indonesia data eSIMs from AUD $5-10. Activate before landing and you'll have data immediately — useful for Grab/Gojek from the airport, maps and messaging. Keep your Aussie SIM active for receiving bank SMS codes. For longer stays, supplement with a physical SIM from a local carrier for calls and a local number.
Where Aussies gather, relax and feel at home
Indonesia — particularly Bali — might have the largest concentration of Australians outside of Australia itself. It's a 6-hour flight from most Australian cities, cheap as chips, and culturally familiar to generations of Aussie travellers. Finding other Australians in Bali isn't hard — the challenge is finding somewhere they're NOT. Here's where the tribe hangs out.
Canggu has become essentially an Australian suburb transplanted to Bali. Echo Beach, Batu Bolong and Berawa are packed with Aussie surfers, digital nomads and expats. Old Man's is the unofficial Aussie pub — cold Bintangs, pool tables and a young crowd. The Lawn is great for sunset. Deus Ex Machina is the coffee-surf-bike hybrid that is peak Canggu. You'll hear more Australian accents here than Indonesian.
The more polished, slightly older sibling to Canggu's scruffiness. Seminyak's bar and restaurant scene is world-class. Potato Head Beach Club is the headline act — infinity pool, sunset views, craft cocktails. La Lucciola for beachfront dining. Ku De Ta for the original Bali sunset bar experience. The crowds here are slightly older and more cashed-up than Canggu but the Australian representation is equally strong.
Where it all started for Australians in Bali. Kuta Beach, Poppies Lane, and the surrounding streets have been Aussie party territory since the 1970s. It's rougher, louder and more chaotic than Seminyak or Canggu. Sky Garden megaclub is the centrepiece. Younger crowd, bigger parties, cheaper drinks. The Bali Memorial at Ground Zero (Jalan Legian) honours the 2002 bombing victims — a sobering and important stop. Kuta is messy but iconic.
For Aussies who want Bali without the party scene, Ubud is the answer. Rice paddies, yoga studios, art galleries and a slower pace of life. The Yoga Barn is an institution. Locavore is one of Indonesia's best restaurants. The monkey forest is obligatory (watch your belongings). Growing community of Australian wellness types, creatives and remote workers. Less beer, more smoothie bowls — but excellent in its own way.
The Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu area) is Bali's premium surf zone. Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Bingin attract serious Australian surfers. Single Fin is the legendary cliff-top bar — Sunday sessions with live music, craft beer and sunset views over the surf break. Sundays Beach Club is another stunning option. The area is more spread out than Canggu or Seminyak, so you need transport, but the vibe is worth the effort.
The three Gili Islands off Lombok's northwest coast are a major Aussie hangout. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the party island — no cars, no motorbikes, just bikes, horse carts and bars. Gili Air is quieter and more couples-oriented. Gili Meno is the romantic one. Fast boats from Bali take 1.5-2.5 hours. The snorkelling and diving is excellent. Gili T's beach bars at sunset are the definition of tropical paradise drinking.
A 30-minute fast boat from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan is a popular day trip and overnight destination. Blue Lagoon, Devil's Tears and Dream Beach are the main attractions. Several Aussie-run bars and restaurants. Sandy Bay Beach Club is a favourite. The neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan (connected by a yellow bridge) has cliff jumping and Instagram spots. Good snorkelling with manta rays at Manta Point. Less hectic than the Bali mainland.
Jakarta's Australian community is more corporate — working in mining, banking, consulting and trade. The SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District) area has upmarket bars and restaurants. Skye Bar (rooftop at BCA Tower) and Paulaner Brauhaus are popular with expats. The Australian-Indonesian community is well-established through AustCham and various business networks. Less casual than Bali but a legitimate expat scene.
Lombok is being developed as Bali's quieter alternative. The Mandalika resort area in the south is growing. Kuta Lombok (different from Kuta Bali) has stunning beaches with a fraction of the crowds. A growing number of Australian surfers and travellers are basing themselves here. The Senggigi area on the west coast has established restaurants and bars. Less infrastructure than Bali but that's part of the appeal for those wanting something less developed.
Facebook groups are your gateway: "Australians in Bali," "Canggu Community," "Bali Expats," "Australians Living in Indonesia." For Bali-specific info, the "Bali Bogans" group is hilariously honest and useful. Coworking spaces (Dojo Bali, Outpost Canggu, Hubud Ubud) are great for meeting other Aussie remote workers. And honestly, just sit at any bar in Canggu for 20 minutes — you'll hear a familiar accent and make a mate. It's that easy.