The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a good source of health information for travelers.

A good source of health information for travelers is the Center for Disease Control (CDC). You can visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov. Please be advised that high-standard medical care is not available in the more remote areas of Indonesia. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit buses and boats, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Some sightseeing stops do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your med­ical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. When on vacation, it is always wise to watch what you eat and drink, but please do not drink tap water while traveling in Indonesia. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water. Additional bottled water can be purchased throughout your trip.

Indonesia’s currency unit is the Rupiah (RP), divided into 100 sen. The currency code for Rupiahs is IDR, and the currency symbol is Rp. It is available in the following denominations: Banknotes: IDR1000, IDR2000, IDR5000, IDR10000, IDR20000, IDR50000, and IDR100000. Coins in circulation include IDR1000, IDR500, IDR200, IDR100, and IDR50. No more than 100,000,000 Indonesian rupia (approx. $7,000 USD) can be brought into or taken out of Indonesia at one time. Major credit cards can be used for transactions in hotels and larger shops frequented by tourists. The exchange rate is constantly fluctuating, but it can be found to be approximately 1 USD = 14,000 IDR. For the most updated exchange rate, please check http://www.xe.com.

The standard electrical voltage in Indonesia is 127/230 volts, 50 hertz. Bringing an adaptor is a good idea if you plan to use electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) during your trip.

Indonesian cuisine varies vastly by region because it comprises approximately 6,000 populated islands with its own cultural and foreign influences. Indonesian cuisine is relatively diverse, and many regional cuisines exist based on these different influences. Indonesian meals are commonly eaten with a spoon and a fork. However, eating with one’s hands is common in some other areas.

Indonesia’s staple food is rice. The Indonesian expression “makan nasi” (meaning “to take a meal”), when translated, means “to eat rice.” Rice dishes are usually supplemented with meat and vegetables and complemented with sauces and pastes. Many curries, traditionally combined with coconut milk, produce a rich flavor and creamy texture. Chilies are used in varying amounts throughout the country, and you can enjoy your food either hot or less spicy on request. Influences are many and varied, from early Indian and Arab traders to the later contributions of the Chinese and Dutch.

The official language in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. However, there are numerous other languages in local use (such as Javanese). A few people speak Dutch from Indonesia’s colonial days, and the substantial resident Chinese community speaks various Chinese dialects. English is widely used in tourist areas such as hotels, airports, and major restaurants, although please extend your patience as this is not their primary language.