GETTING ABOUT
From the airport - Your local guide will arrange all travel from and to the airport.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAXES
You will be required to pay the following departure taxes:
Domestic Departure Tax        IDR   40,000
International Departure Tax    IDR 150,000
These taxes, which are subject to change without notice, are also applicable for passengers in transit.            

SHOPPING
Java and Bali is the favourite buys such as batik cloth, woodcarvings and sculpture, silverwork, woven baskets and hats, bamboo articles, krises (small daggers), paintings and woven cloth with average price depending on quality.
 
WATER
The water in the cities is drinkable although not recommended.  It is much safer to buy bottled water, you should ensure that you drink water that has come from a sealed bottle - if it is corked do not drink it.

ELECTRICITY
Usually 110 volts dc, 220v AC, 50Hz, in some areas, includes Jakarta.

LOCAL TIME
GMT + 7 (Java, Sumatra)
GMT + 8 (Bali/Lombok)

LOCAL CURRENCY
IDR = Indonesian Rupiah
Notes are in denominations of IDR 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 100.
Exchange rate US Dollar = IDR 8,000 (approximately)

CREDIT CARDS
American Express, Visa, and Access/MasterCard are accepted throughout the country, Euro and US dollar traveller cheques are readily accepted at the banks and official money exchange bureaux.

TIPPING
Tipping is not included in the cost of the tour and you may wish to tip your drivers and guides. Hotels sometimes add a 10% service tax. It is up to you to decide whom to reward for services and by how much. Often a tip at the beginning of your stay will ensure good service throughout the rest of your stay.
 
WEATHER
The weather in Indonesia is always hot and during the winter months the humidity is high. The eastern monsoon brings the driest weather (June to September), whilst the western monsoon brings the rains (December to March). Rainstorms occur all year. The higher regions are cooler.

SWIMMING AND WATER SPORTS
The sea on the south coast of Bali is more suited to surfing than swimming, especially during the rainy season.

CLOTHING
Lightweight cottons or other natural fibres are most comfortable in the heat and humidity. Be prepared to cover up to protect yourself from the sun. You will find that casual clothes are all you will need.

Some items that you might find useful to take are:
•    Sunhat
•    Sunglasses
•    Sun cream - high factor
•    Water bottle (minimum 1.5 litres), make sure it is water tight.
•    Swimming costume
•    Insect repellent - the best are those that contain DEET
•    Travel adapter plug
•    Paper tissues
•    Camera - ensure this is not on display when in the urban areas
•    Emergency medical pack
•    Personal toiletries
•    Emergency medical pack
•    Torch
•    Small rucksack to carry discarded clothing

THE ENVIRONMENT
All around the world, people are becoming increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment both locally and globally.  

NATURE : Tropical rainforest bursting with animal life, terrace rice fields and awesome volcanoes, beautiful sandy beaches and the living forest of coral combine to make Indonesia a country of amazing geographical diversity.

CULTURE : This is the most populated country in the world with over 200 million people from a multitude of ethnic groups, customs, religions and languages. The peoples of Indonesia have preserved their arts, crafts and traditions and their intense pride in their heritage has helped forge one of the most culturally prolific nations on earth.

LAND ENVIRONMENT : There are nearly 4,500 volcanoes across Indonesia. It is the shared home of orang-utans, birds of paradise, reptiles from pre-history and also some very rare orchids.

MARINE ENVIRONMENT : Indonesia has established protected marine parks, diving centres and diving guides to introduce visitors to some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery in the world. The deepest sea in the region runs like a channel between Bali and Lombok.

HOTELS : Ask to see the hotel’s environmental policy. Your interest in protecting the environment of Indonesia will encourage staff to be proactive about environmental issues. All around the world people are becoming increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment both locally and globally.    

COMMUNICATION
Postal Services - Air Mail is fast and generally quite reliable
Telephone - There is a full IDD service available in the main cities.