Digital Nomad Life in Jakarta, Indonesia

"Travel, Java Lava mt hiking club, BIS PTA, Cub scouts (either British First Kemang or American scouts) and the various artist groups," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Jakarta.

"Expats in Jakarta often join clubs and activities such as golf, tennis, running, and yoga. Expats can also join language exchange groups, book clubs, and other social activities. Additionally, many expats attend networking events, such as those hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce, to meet other expats and locals. Expats can also meet people by attending events at local bars, restaurants, and cafes, or by joining online forums and social media groups," explained one person living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"Living in Jakarta as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, with a diverse range of cultures and cuisines. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the city, from its bustling nightlife to its many cultural attractions. The cost of living in Jakarta is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The city is well-connected, with excellent public transport and a wide range of accommodation options. Expats and digital nomads can also benefit from the city's excellent healthcare system and its many international schools. Overall, Jakarta is a great place to live and work for expats and digital nomads," said one person in Jakarta.

"The local's lives revolve around work, getting to work and family affairs, photography and facebook but beyond that I can't comment. Expat lives revolve around work and family too of course but the family bit comes and goes. Many seem to let the nanny's take over and participate in a lot of Golf or women's organizations, and football/rugby. For us we travel, throw house parties, and participate in school activities," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Jakarta.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Jakarta is to use online resources such as rental websites and classifieds. You can also search for local real estate agents who specialize in the area. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Jakarta for recommendations. Finally, you can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and magazines," remarked one member in Jakarta.

"We moved into staff housing already selected and under contract before we'd arrived," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"Before retiring in Jakarta, expats should research the cost of living and the availability of healthcare services. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language. Additionally, expats should consider the safety of the area and the availability of transportation. It is also important to research the visa requirements and the process for obtaining a retirement visa. Finally, expats should consider the availability of leisure activities and the potential for making friends in the area," explained one expat living in Jakarta, Indonesia.

"Don't worry too much. It's pretty easy life here but will require patience a plenty. Traffic is horrible! But I get lots of reading done in my Mitsurbishi Grandis. Good staff are very important and should be rewarded with your trust and better than average pay if you find good ones. We love ours. Finally, as usual, a little bit of the local language goes a long long ways. Vocabulary is the key here b/c the rest of the language is easy," said one person in Jakarta.

"No matter how bad things are for the Indonesians, they always manage a smile. They are friendly & kind. Indonesia is wealthy in art & culture & history," said one expat in Jakarta.

"Expats in Jakarta appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Indonesian and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of flavors from all over the world. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Furthermore, the city's nightlife is a great way to meet new people and explore the city's culture. Finally, expats appreciate the city's rich history and the many cultural attractions that can be found throughout Jakarta," remarked one member in Jakarta.

"Expats in Jakarta often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the traffic in Jakarta can be overwhelming, as the roads are often congested and chaotic. Furthermore, the hot and humid climate can be difficult to adjust to, especially for those coming from cooler climates. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those in other countries," said one expat in Jakarta.

"You cannot get angry & shout at someone in Indonesia, they will close down totally. To "lose face" is the worst thing for an Indonesian, therefore they won't own up to not knowing something & shouting at them makes it worse. People are afraid to say "no". Rather than say they can't or don't know something, they will say yes & then blunder through what ever they are doing. i.e. my husband is mentoring at work & has to ask 50 questions before he realizes his Indonesian colleague doesn't know what he's talking about. Or, tell a taxi driver the address you want to go to & he doesn't know where it is but drives in the wrong direction, so you have to direct him all the way," remarked one member in Jakarta.

"If you plan to stay in Jakarta for a while, you will need to obtain a valid visa. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a Temporary Stay Permit (ITAS) or a Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP). You will also need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport, and other documents, such as a letter of invitation from a local sponsor. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of financial resources, such as a bank statement, and proof of health insurance," said one expat who made the move to Jakarta.

"I asked for a "berak" necklace...instead of Perak (silver). I'd actually asked for a "shit" necklace. Amazing what mess you make with a B instead of a P!!," said one expat in Jakarta.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Jakarta. It is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be respectful of religious beliefs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid pointing with your index finger as this is considered rude. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public as this may be seen as disrespectful," remarked one member in Jakarta.

"Healthcare services in Jakarta, consist of a mix of public and private facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The public healthcare system is operated by the government and provides basic medical services to the population at a low cost. However, public hospitals and clinics in Jakarta often face challenges such as overcrowding, long waiting times, and limited resources. On the other hand, private healthcare facilities in Jakarta offer a higher standard of care, with modern equipment and well-trained medical professionals. These facilities cater to both local and expatriate populations and are often preferred by those who can afford the higher fees. Private hospitals and clinics in Jakarta provide a wide range of services, including general practice, specialist consultations, dental care, and emergency services. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Jakarta also has numerous pharmacies where patients can purchase prescription and over-the-counter medications. Some pharmacies offer 24-hour services, while others may have limited operating hours. Overall, healthcare services in Jakarta are accessible and cater to various needs and budgets. However, the quality of care can vary significantly between public and private facilities, with the latter generally offering a higher standard of care. It is essential for individuals seeking medical treatment in Jakarta to research and choose the most suitable healthcare provider based on their needs and financial capabilities," said a member in Jakarta.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Jakarta, often like the low cost of living, which allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without spending too much. They also appreciate the vibrant and diverse culture, with a mix of traditional and modern influences. The local people are generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy for expats to make friends and feel at home. The food scene in Jakarta is also a highlight, with a wide variety of delicious local and international cuisines available at affordable prices. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may dislike the heavy traffic and congestion in Jakarta, which can make getting around the city a challenge. The public transportation system is not as developed as in some other major cities, so many people rely on private vehicles or ride-hailing services. The air quality in Jakarta can also be poor at times, due to pollution from vehicles and industrial activities. Additionally, the city is prone to flooding during the rainy season, which can cause disruptions and inconvenience. Another challenge for expats and digital nomads in Jakarta is the language barrier, as not everyone speaks English, and learning the local language, Bahasa Indonesia, can be difficult for some. The bureaucracy and red tape involved in obtaining visas and work permits can also be frustrating and time-consuming. Finally, some expats may find it challenging to adapt to the cultural differences and local customs, particularly in areas such as social etiquette and business practices," explained one digital nomad living in Jakarta, Indonesia.