For those looking for an exotic and challenging place to live, Indonesia is it. Whether you would like to live on a rural tropical island such as Bali or a bustling city that is far different from the states such as Jakarta, Indonesia truly has it all.
Via Flickr by zsoolt
Indonesia is not for everyone, in fact, many westerners find it difficult to adjust to the Indonesian way of life. While the main cities and touristy areas are easier to adjust to, if you are looking to live in a rural area, it is in essence living in a tropical jungle.
Via Flickr by Marina & Enrique
Climate
Since Indonesia is located near the equator, the groups of islands that make up Indonesia usually range in temperature from 60 degrees to 90 degrees. Humidity is a killer and is usually constant all year round. If you don’t like the humidity, Indonesia may not be for you.
Via Flickr by CIFOR
Expect humidity to be from 60 to 90% year round. Indonesia has a monsoon season which lasts from November to May. During this time it is extremely wet and humid. Torrential downpours are normal and can happen daily. The dry season lasts from June through October and this is definitely the time to visit or stay for a few months. Sunshine is in abundance, as well as the heat.
Via Flickr by mikaku
Via Flickr by zsoolt
Government
Indonesia is a Republic and it is has an executive branch, legislative branch and judicial branch which makes it similar to the United States. The government is fairly stable, but has its problems from time to time. In recent years there have been large demonstrations and even riots, so keep that in mind. Indonesia is 90% Muslim, and the rest being Christian and Hindu. There are many major cities in Indonesia; however the largest are Jakarta, Surabay, Bandung and Semarang.
Via Flickr by fidzonflickr
It should be noted that Indonesia has a strict visa policy. While it is easy for Americans to enter Indonesia, paying $25 for a visa on arrival (VAO), you should be aware that the visa is only for 30 days. Do not overstay your visa. Not only will you be fined $20 per day, but you can be jailed. In fact, expats that overstay their visa usually sneak out of the country to avoid prosecution and fines.
You can find out more information about Indonesia, by visiting Indonesian Consulate in New York and the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.
Tax System
If you are coming to Indonesia to find work, you will be sorely disappointed. Indonesia has very high unemployment and the jobs that you will find are usually off the books and low paying. Your best bet is to do some research before coming to Indonesia, in order to work for a school, tourist company, etc. If you are coming to enjoy the surf and sun, you can surely live in Indonesia for a long period of time with only a few thousand dollars.
The tax system in Indonesia is a self assessed tax system. Personal income tax is steep compared to other countries, but since the cost of living is very low, it shouldn’t be that difficult to manage. The individual income tax tops out at 35%. Corporate tax in Indonesia is 30%. Besides these taxes, there are also value added taxes and other miscellaneous taxes.
You can find out more about Indonesia’s tax system at the Consultate General of the Republic of Indonesia in New York.
It is also a good idea to check out the United States tax laws while living in Indonesia with the IRS.
Medical Care
Before coming to Indonesia, make sure you get a full health check up. Since Indonesia is located near the equator, there are many diseases and illnesses that you can get that we don’t have in the states including malaria and dengue fever. If you fall ill in Indonesia, there are several hospitals throughout most major cities that can help you with routine medical care. If you are seriously ill, most expats are evacuated to Singapore or their own home country for health care.
Most employers purchase health insurance for their employees. These plans usually consist of care at expat medical centers throughout the major cities. Usually these centers or clinics will have English speaking doctors and staff. Medical care on the whole is relatively affordable and health care insurance for employers is extremely affordable compared to prices in the states.
Real Estate
Real estate in Indonesia is a little tricky. Foreigners can not outright purchase freehold land in Indonesia; however they can enter into a lease to purchase a home, condo or property. There are plenty of apartments, homes and villas for sale throughout Indonesia and for the most part prices are extremely reasonable. In certain areas, such as Bali, prices can be expensive, costing 200K or more for a villa; however in Jakarta and other areas, housing is extremely reasonable compared to the real estate prices in the United States.
Via Flickr by Ikhlasul Amal
Apartments are easy to rent and you can usually find apartments in the center of cities that have all the amenities you need. If you have a very small budget or if you would like to live in a rural area, then don’t expect much from the apartment offerings. Not every area in Indonesia has the entire infrastructure that Americans are used to, so you will in many areas have to rough it.
Web Sites for Real Estate in Indonesia
Villas in Bali
Resource site for expats or vacationers seeking the villa lifestyle in Bali, Indonesia.
Shopping
Indonesia has made definite inroads in shopping over the last couple of decades; today in the major cities you can find many department stores, grocery stores and supermarkets. If you are living in main cities, shopping is extremely accessible and you can normally get what you need.
Via Flickr by Shanghai Daddy
There are plenty of hyper markets such as Makro and Carrefour that have Walmart type selection of almost any items you need. You can even find these hyper markets on some of the smaller islands.
Via Flickr by nickgraywfu
Restaurants are also available and you will find many great places for Indonesian cuisine as well as American, Chinese and European cuisines. Nightlife is also very good in the major cities and there are plenty of place to relax and have a drink with your friends.
Via Flickr by “The owner”
If you are looking for culture and to interact with the people of Indonesia, there are plenty of traditional markets and small shops that cater to residents. These shops have wonderful products such as exotic teas and crafts. In the rural areas there are many markets that have home made items for sale.
Via Flickr by DMahendra
Besides shopping, there are plenty of sports and entertainment available from playing golf to tennis to enjoying a live concert.
Via Flickr by qronoz
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indonesia is usually much more affordable than the states. For the most part, you largest expense will be your apartment. Other large expenses will be eating out and entertainment costs. You can live fairly well with a normal expat salary in Indonesia. While most expats can get by with less than $1,000 per month in the suburban and rural areas of Indonesia, if you live in the major cities expect to spend a little bit more. For instance, $1,200 to $1,500 per month (which in many cases will also support a family)
However, most expats are compensated well by their corporations and companies that they work for, so they usually have plenty of money to live and many times enough to save as well.
Web Sites for Expats in Indonesia
Living in Indonesia: A Site for Expatriates
Providing a wealth of practical information for expatriates planning to move to or already living in Indonesia.
Map of Indonesia
February 9, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Are there any religious persecutions or problems in Indonesia?
April 23, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Brandon, I just got back from a lengthy trip to Indonesia. On the whole, there are very few problems with religion. Most of Indonesia is Muslim, though people from Northern Sulawesi (and a few other scattered areas) are Christian, and those from Bali have retained Hinduism. Average citizens are extremely tolerant of other religions, as long as you don’t evangelize. However, there are fringe Muslim groups that are militant and causing trouble, and if you are atheist or agnostic you may have trouble being accepted.
April 28, 2010 at 3:44 am
It’s interesting to read the wealth of information provided here, for the most part being quite accurate, except for the cost of living section.
I’d say $1,200-1,500 a month will only be enough to pay for your apartment / house rent if you’re an expat. Even with that, you’ll only get an average apartment unit. The luxurious serviced apartments and huge houses most expats reside in will easily cost 3 times that amount.
Also, the average meal in a foodcourt in Jakarta cost around $3-5 now. I wonder when this piece was written… but great information otherwise.
November 25, 2010 at 10:18 pm
I’d like to invest (purchase) a couple of luxurious serviced apartments, to rent to expats.
Would it be better to look for them in Jakarta or in Bali?
I am currently in the States, but would like to eventually retire in Indonesia.
Any feedbacks are appreciated. Thanks.
November 27, 2010 at 3:55 am
For luxury serviced apartments, Bali seems a better bet. It has much more of a tourist industry. We stayed at a nice rental house in Bali just a few months ago.
But I would also recommend that you look at other destinations, such as The Philippines, Thailand, Panama, and Costa Rica. Indonesia has some long-term stability issues due to the rise of militant fundamentalism.
November 29, 2010 at 11:31 am
@Admin: I don’t think that we have militant fundamentalism rising here in Indonesia.
@Alex: Agree with Admin, Bali seems better.
December 2, 2010 at 12:13 am
What about education for young children? Is it advisable to send expat’s kids to international schools only or will other private or public school suffice?
December 23, 2010 at 3:16 am
how much is the tax amount i have to pay if i work in Indonesia 35 days off/on.
December 23, 2010 at 3:20 am
What do you mean by “off/on”? What county are you coming to Indonesia from?
December 23, 2010 at 5:14 am
WORKING IN OIL RIG COMMING FROM INDIA 35 DAYS WORK & 35 DAYS OFFSCHEDULE IN THE POST OF TOOLPUSHER
March 1, 2011 at 9:29 am
Arvind,
I am about to come to Indonesia to live also working on a Drill ship in Makaysia.Thinking of living in Bali for the duration of the next 2 years.
How have you got on so far?
March 6, 2011 at 11:39 pm
I got an offer to work with TV industry in Indonesia. Expecting remuneration of INR200 to 300 thousand . want to know more about TV industry. Is that remuneration sufficient to cope up cost of living and reasonable savings?
March 8, 2011 at 4:20 am
Alex: Look into Batam. Smiling Hills has a great deal on investing, just what you’re looking for. http://bataminfo.com/investinsmilinghill.html
March 13, 2011 at 3:35 am
What is the preferred education for kids? Is it advisable to send expat’s kids to international schools or will other private or public school suffice?
April 6, 2011 at 10:28 am
will come to indonesia on transfer of job from india. what would be the right salary for assistant manager post ? and cost of living…
April 6, 2011 at 11:01 am
Need help on how much is the monthly living (US$) cost in major cities such as Jakarta, in order to live well for a family.
Good house in good neighbourhood, good schools for children, good health care, etc.?
Thank you.
April 25, 2011 at 12:25 am
I am looking for a cheap rent room maybe called “kost” for my friend. He’s coming from USA and his budget for the room is not more than $200. He’ll be in Jakarta from 5th May till 2nd June.. I would appreciate the informations.. Thank you..
April 25, 2011 at 11:44 am
AirBNB is a good site for finding inexpensive rooms in advance of travel.
June 10, 2011 at 7:29 am
@donna: I have relatives who have lived in Jakarta for years, and their students attend JIS (Jakarta International School) which has the International Baccalaureate diploma (internationally recognized) and is taught in English. Great school for international students.
June 20, 2011 at 8:49 am
Hello everyone,
I am looking to find work in Bali or Indonesia as an expat from Australia.
qualified in Business & Marketing experience in Management, Business, Marketing, Sales, Finance and more in large organizations. Great references.
Any suggestions best places to secure employment there?
August 14, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Adit – have you been able to find out about the cost of living for a family to live comfortably? We are considering a job offer for my husband and would like to know what a good salary is there. Particularly interested in how much rent of a faimily house would be and what the major expense items are.
Any other thoughts / suggestions would be welcome!
Thanks so much for your help
September 15, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Anabelle or Adit
We are in a similar situation, my husband has a job offer in bali and would greatly appreciate info about the cost of living for a family to live comfortably and what a good salary is there.
Thankyou
October 10, 2011 at 9:41 am
hi,
i am exploring a job opportunity in jakarta at a senior management level.
i want to understand a few things that will help me make a decision:
1. what would be the average cost of living in jakarta? the accommodation and car will be provided by the company.
2. what is the tax structure there?
3. what is the overall life there, work, comfort etc.
appreciate any information. thanks.
December 9, 2011 at 2:33 am
how about working in Surabaya ?
how much salary can i expect for middle level programmer ?
January 5, 2012 at 6:11 am
hello everyone, i was just wondering if 1000 USD basic salary offer would be enough if i’ll move to jakarta particularly in kelapa gading, I’m trying to look for a one-room affordable apartment (somewhat like a condotel) but reading the comments,gave me second thoughts if 1000 USD would be enough, though the company will also provide my meal and transpop allowance.
March 10, 2012 at 1:33 am
All,
Living in Big Cities in Indonesia for a family with two kids in International school ( British , American or else) will cost you around 6 to 10 K a month. So if you think 1 or 2 K is enough….Is Definitely NOT. The big chunk will goes to Apartment/Housing with 3 Bed Room will cost u USD 2000 or more, then Kid Education around 1K/month/kid, plus some luxuries.
Jakarta is not the only Option, but Bandung Surabaya, Bali, Medan, or other big cities have many expats who work and lives there
April 17, 2012 at 12:28 pm
For expats bringing their kids along, it’s best to send your kids to international schools such as JIS, (offers AP and IB) or ACS-STB is a great alternative. Also, schools like Britsh Intl School or a cheaper alternative would be Sekolah Pelita Harapan. Beware though, these schools are not cheap, ranging from 20000$ – 30000$US or even more.
The upper east side of Jakarta is the South, ironically. Beware of “kosts” as they might be dodgy and unsafe.
My bet that 1000$us will probably get you the minumum of a good condohotel, food is cheap if you eat in the foodcourt. But jakarta fine dining is recommended once in a while
May 2, 2012 at 9:37 am
Hi Happy, IMHO, 1000 US$ is fairly enough as a basic salary for you to live in Kelapa Gading, but to have an apartment, you should receive a little bit more to twice three times of that price, if you’re asking for ‘just to be save’ mode. Hence, you can live with your 1000 US$ + allowance.