Kamilla Henke
Indonesia is a beautiful country to visit, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 °C. When travelling there, it is important to know what you can and cannot bring with you. Indonesian customs law restricts the import and export of certain products, but foreign currency is allowed. Duty-free products include perfume, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, and electronics. However, there are restrictions on items such as handicrafts, historical artefacts, and certain animals. When packing, it is recommended to bring modest clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and essential medicines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Documents | Passport, visa, vaccination card, flight ticket, health insurance, proof of yellow fever vaccination, etc. |
| Electronics | Mobile phone, travel plug adapter, power bank, camera, laptop, tablet, etc. |
| Clothing | Light pants, t-shirts, beachwear, light jacket, waterproof clothing, etc. |
| Footwear | Flip-flops, hiking shoes, sandals, etc. |
| Toiletries | Toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, etc. |
| Medications | Anti-diarrhea, antihistamines, antibiotics, anti-malarial, painkillers, etc. |
| Other Essentials | Insect repellent, sunglasses, hat, water purification tablets, reusable water bottle, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Duty-free items
When travelling to Indonesia, there are specific restrictions on what you can and cannot bring into the country. While Indonesian customs law prohibits many imports and exports, foreign currency is the only thing that is not prohibited.
Alcoholic Beverages
According to local regulations, travellers are permitted to bring one litre of alcoholic beverages into Indonesia. It is important to note that the amount of alcohol you can bring into the country may be subject to change, so it is advisable to check the most recent regulations before your travel.
Tobacco Products
When entering Indonesia, travellers are allowed to bring a limited quantity of tobacco products. This includes 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 100 grams of tobacco of your choice.
Perfume and Toilet Water
Travellers are allowed to bring small quantities of perfume (50 ml) or toilet water (250 ml) into Indonesia.
Coffee and Tea
Bringing small amounts of coffee (500 grams) or tea (100 grams) into Indonesia is permitted.
Electronics and Household Appliances
Indonesia allows travellers to bring electronics and household appliances into the country duty-free. However, certain items like LED/LCD/Plasma TVs are not included in the duty-free allowance, and drones are banned unless used for research, military, or security purposes.
It is important to remember that duty-free allowances vary from country to country. When purchasing duty-free items, it is essential to be mindful of the quantity restrictions and to declare any dutiable goods to avoid complications.
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Travel documents
To enter Indonesia, you must have a valid passport, visa, and the SATUSEHAT Health Pass.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Indonesia. It should also have at least two blank pages.
Visa
You can apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at some international airports, seaports, or land crossings. The VOA costs 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) (about $35 USD) and is valid for up to 30 days. You may extend the VOA once at an immigration office for an additional 30 days for another 500,000 IDR.
Alternatively, you can apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) in advance if you are entering Indonesia at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali. The e-VOA is also valid for 30 days and costs IDR500,000, with a small online processing fee.
If you are travelling for more than 30 days or for non-VOA purposes, such as employment or journalism, you must obtain the appropriate visa from an Indonesian embassy or consulate before your arrival.
SATUSEHAT Health Pass
Before entering Indonesia, you need to complete an electronic health declaration called the SATUSEHAT Health Pass. You can complete the form online before checking in for your flight to Indonesia. After completing the form, a barcode containing your health and travel history will appear. Indonesian authorities will scan the barcode on arrival in Indonesia. Save your barcode or bring a printed copy to ensure authorities can scan it. If you have Mpox symptoms, you may be referred to a hospital for treatment on arrival.
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Electronics
Indonesia has strict regulations on items prohibited or restricted for import, and it is important to know these rules to avoid any legal trouble or inconvenience. Some electronic items that are not allowed to be brought into the country include:
- Radio transmitters not approved for normal usage
- Telephone and telephony equipment of restricted frequencies
- Aero models (such as remote-controlled toys) that operate on high radio bandwidths
It is also important to note that Indonesia has specific power sockets, requiring a power converter with two round prongs. This is essential for recharging electronics such as cameras, phones, and laptops.
When bringing electronics into Indonesia, it is recommended to use good-quality luggage that can be securely locked. It is also advisable to pack electronics carefully, using containers to prevent damage and leakage. Additionally, it is worth noting that some sources suggest removing items such as SSDs and hard drives from computers and carrying them in hand luggage.
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Toiletries
When packing toiletries for Indonesia, it's important to consider the climate and activities you plan to engage in. Here are some essential items to include:
Sun Protection
Indonesia's tropical climate calls for extra sun protection. Pack a high-SPF sunscreen, preferably one that is reef-safe and non-nano zinc oxide to protect both your skin and the environment. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen regularly and bring a soothing balm for sunburn relief.
Insect Repellent
Invest in a good insect repellent to protect yourself from stinging and biting insects. Look for one that is DEET-free and non-toxic to avoid harmful chemicals.
Sanitary Precautions
The tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink, so bring a water filter or purification tablets. Pack a small stock of hand sanitiser and diarrhoea relief medication, as it's common for tourists to experience stomach issues.
Basic First Aid
Assemble a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, painkillers, motion sickness medication, and essential oils to soothe nausea.
Personal Care Items
Bring travel-sized versions of your favourite toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other personal care items you use daily. Remember that your preferred brands may not be available in Indonesia, so pack enough for your entire trip.
Feminine Hygiene Products
If necessary, pack feminine hygiene products suitable for your needs.
Moisturiser
The hot Indonesian sun can be drying, so bring a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, pack only the essentials like foundation, mascara, and blush.
Other Toiletries
Other useful items include a portable power bank to charge your electronic devices, a universal travel adapter, and a hanging toiletry bag to save space and keep your products organised.
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Clothing
When packing for Indonesia, opt for light, breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and rayon. The country has a hot, tropical climate all year round, so you'll want to dress for warm, humid weather.
As Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, it's important to pack modest clothing. While places like Bali and Java are generally more relaxed and used to tourists wearing summer clothing, if you plan to visit temples or travel to more remote areas, you should consider packing more conservative outfits. Aim to cover your chest, shoulders, and legs to below the knees.
For women, loose-fitting t-shirts, blouses in neutral colours, long sleeve tops, lightweight sweaters, and flowy tank tops are good options. Bring a couple of pairs of shorts, a simple black skirt, and a pair of long, lightweight pyjama-style pants. A sarong is also a versatile item that can be used as a beach cover-up, a shawl to cover your shoulders, or a blanket on the plane.
For men, t-shirts, collared shirts, and exercise gear are recommended. Men should also pack shorts, long trousers, and swimwear.
You'll likely spend most of your time in sandals, so bring a pair that is sturdy and comfortable. If you plan to hike or trek, you'll need closed-toe shoes, and if you plan to visit temples, you may need to remove your shoes, so pack some heavy socks too.
Don't forget to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, and if you plan to visit the beach, a rash vest or sun shirt is a good idea.
Other Essentials
- Waterproof watch
- Scarf for modesty and chilly nights
- Reusable tote bag
- Lanyard case for your phone
- Power adapter
- Portable charger
- Water bottle with a built-in filter (the tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink)
- Travel insurance
- Mosquito repellent
- First aid kit
- Visa (if staying longer than 30 days)
- Debit and credit cards
- Driving licence and International Driving Licence
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to bring a valid passport, a copy of your passport (saved digitally or physically kept separately from the original), proof of health insurance, a vaccination card, and a flight ticket. If you are staying longer than 30 days, you will also need to bring visa information.
It is recommended to bring a small first-aid kit with essential medicines, including anti-diarrhoea medication, antihistamines, antibiotics, and anti-malarial treatment. Other recommended medicines include painkillers, seasickness tablets, and wound cream.
Indonesia has a tropical and humid climate, so it is best to wear natural fibres that pull sweat away from your body, such as linen and performance fabric. It is also important to remember that Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, so modest clothing is suggested, especially when travelling outside of tourist areas. Pack loose-fitting and breathable clothing, such as t-shirts, blouses, long-sleeved tops, trousers, dresses, and skirts. Don't forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
