Moving to Indonesia

"Planning to move to Indonesia can be a complicated process. It is essential for expats to gain a basic understanding of the country's culture and customs, and be aware of any visa requirements and regulations. Expats should research the languages spoken in Indonesia, as well as the cost of living in their desired location. It is also important to secure adequate health insurance coverage to provide protection from any potential medical expenses. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with local laws and regulations to ensure that they remain compliant," said one expat in Indonesia.

"Actual move: 1) Know how far & how much will the company be providing. If private, then Expat Relocation Company is the best company. They also do the maintenance and the middle man between the landlord and you. Less hassle from your part. They always get their job done. The owners are expats and they make sure service is always satisfactory. Choosing a neighborhood: 1) The very first thing is to know whether the area is high enough not to get flooded. 2) Know your neighborhood. Like if it's mostly local, know the history. Finding a home: 1) Expat Relocation Company is the best deal ever. Less headache and less hassle," remarked one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

"Finding a place to live in Indonesia depends largely on your budget and preferences. Consider if you prefer to rent or buy a property and in what type of city or area you would like to live in. Research the options available for rental or purchase in various regions - for example, property rental websites, real estate agencies and newspapers. Due to the large population in Jakarta, there are many housing options available in the capital city. Consider if you would like to live in a city centre or outskirts and narrow down your search accordingly. Alternatively, if you have a specific area in mind, contact local estate agents and ask for advice. If you need assistance in viewing properties, you can find a property viewing service online," explained one expat living in Indonesia.

"The company has a Family Liason Officer that assisted us along with 2 respresentatives from Expat Relocation. All of them assisted us from finding a home, leased furnitures, picked fabric (from curtains to sofas) and decorate," said one expat in Jakarta.

"Most of Expat families particularly with children have larger house and swimming pool has to be included. If no house is available with swimming pool, they family mostly end-up in a compound with various expat lives from different companies. For couples with no children, they mostly stay in a serviced apartment," remarked one expat in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"Expat homes and apartments in Indonesia are typically comfortable, furnished with modern amenities, and often include a balcony with a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Most expats enjoy living in Indonesia as the country provides a tropical climate and a slower pace of life. With a vibrant culture, great food, and friendly people, expats often find themselves well integrated into their local communities. Expat apartments usually come equipped with air-conditioning, high-speed internet, and plenty of space to enjoy entertaining and family life. Expats may choose to live in luxury apartments with private pools, outdoor patios and outdoor gardens or opt for more modest apartments. Additionally, expats can also find townhouses or villas that offer a greater sense of privacy," said one expat in Indonesia.

"Right now, we've just continued the leased from the previous family but the ball park would be $1,000/month with 3 security guards on 8 hours rotation provided by the company. $1,000-2,000/month is the average cost of leasing a house. Apartment, I don't know," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"The average cost of housing in Indonesia varies depending on the location. Generally speaking, most basic housing in Indonesian cities can be found for a reasonable price, although prices can be higher in more populated or desirable areas. Additionally, the cost of renting an apartment or house in Indonesia is typically lower than that of purchasing a property," said one expat in Indonesia.

"Buying a home in Indonesia could be a good investment and provide both financial security and a sense of stability. Renting may be a better option for those who do not plan to stay in Indonesia for a long period of time, as it is less expensive and does not involve the commitment of a long-term mortgage. Additionally, renting may allow for more flexibility if you decide to move within the country or need to move out of the country. Consider your needs and circumstances before deciding to buy or rent a home in Indonesia," remarked one expat who made the move to Indonesia.

"When moving to Indonesia, prepare to pack clothes appropriate to the climate of the area you are moving to. Be sure to also pack items such as sunscreen and insect repellant to protect yourself from the sun and insect-borne illnesses. Additionally, important documents such as your passport and visas should be packed in an easily accessible place. Other items such as toiletries, a flashlight, and first-aid supplies should be brought along as well. Electronics such as laptops, phones, and chargers are also essential items to pack before your move. Furthermore, items for entertainment and for making meals such as books, board games, cookware, and utensils are important to include in your move," said one expat in Indonesia.

"I have only 1 wish that I've brought along with me which is sufficient supply of medicine that my family are use of taking. As for, wishing that I had left behind are as follows: 1) Personal items that all of our friends gave us. 2) Furnitures that we bought and treasured for so many years. 3) Books that I've been holding on for so many years," remarked one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

"I do not require my household help to cook much during Ramadan since they are fasting. Near the end of Ramadan this month, I had made a new recipe and my helper was in the kitchen drying dishes. She was asking questions about the recipe, when I evidently had brain-fade and said, "Here, taste it and let me know what you think." She just laughed and said, "Mem, it Ramadan!"," explained one expat living in Duri/Simpang Padong, Riau, Sumatra, Indonesia.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural etiquette when visiting a foreign country such as Indonesia. It is important to be respectful of the local customs and remain open-minded to their traditions. It is best to avoid any public displays of affection, such as kissing, hugging, or hand-holding. Refrain from making negative remarks about the country or its culture, as this can be perceived as rude and insulting. Refrain from wearing revealing clothing, as it can be seen as disrespectful. It is also important to remove one’s shoes when entering religious sites like mosques or temples and to avoid eating with one's left hand. Lastly, it is also important to be mindful of the fact that Indonesians tend to use last names to indicate respect," said one expat in Indonesia.

"Indonesia offers expats a unique cultural experience which is quite different from other countries. Its tropical climate and natural beauty, as well as its vibrant cities and traditional villages, make it an attractive destination for anyone wanting to relocate. The cost of living is relatively low, making it a great place to live on a budget. Additionally, there are plenty of job opportunities in the country, ranging from IT to education. Finally, Indonesia has a friendly population that is welcoming to expats," said one expat living in Indonesia.

"Healthcare services in Indonesia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Indonesia often use the public healthcare system for basic medical needs, but they may opt for private healthcare for more specialized treatments," said one expat living in Indonesia.

"It's very important to have health insurance and if you're on an international scheme, then have the documents on the ready to give proof. If you don't have healthcare insurance, be prepared to pay a pretty penny when sorting health bills," offered one expat living in Bali.

"Indonesia has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as private medical facilities. The public health system provides basic medical care, while private facilities offer more specialized services. Indonesia also has a number of medical universities and research centers, which provide advanced medical training and research opportunities. In addition, there are a number of international hospitals and clinics in the country, offering quality medical care to both locals and foreigners," replied one expat when asked about moving to Indonesia.