Indonesia Travel Insurance Plans

In this article:

• Indonesia Travel Insurance Plans
• Indonesia Travel Tips and Safety Information
• Other Indonesia FAQs

A travel insurance plan isn’t a requirement for entry to Indonesia, but having a comprehensive travel insurance plan is still important, especially when traveling internationally. Depending on where you are going within Indonesia, medical care may not be up to Western standards. A Travel Guard travel insurance plan can help provide coverage for certain medical expenses and assistance with determining if you’re receiving appropriate medical care and helping to arrange transportation if better care is needed.

Travel Guard has comprehensive travel insurance plans for travelers heading to Indonesia. One reason Indonesia is such a popular destination is travel to and within the country is generally inexpensive.  Our Preferred Plan might be a great option for you since it includes popular coverages such as Trip Interruption, Trip Cancellation and Baggage Delay as well as coverages unique to Travel Guard like Trip Saver and Travel Inconvenience Benefits. You can customize your travel insurance plan with optional upgrades like the Adventure Sports Bundle, which removes certain exclusions in your travel insurance plan for activities popular in Indonesia like scuba diving (between 25 and 50 meters). Whichever travel insurance plan is right for you, all of them include our 24/7 emergency travel assistance so you have help when you need it. 

Typically, a travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total cost of your trip. There are several factors that come into play when pricing your plan, which may include the product you select and the number of travelers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much a travel insurance plan costs.

To help ensure visitors to Indonesia are as safe and informed as possible, Travel Guard compiled some popular questions asked by tourists traveling the country. 

Indonesia is an archipelago that comprises more than 17,000 islands and is the largest country in Southeast Asia in terms of geographic area. Because of this, travel risks in the country are as diverse as its many ecosystems. In terms of security, serious risks including terrorism, kidnapping, separatist activity, civil unrest and ethnic tensions are concerns in some locations, including parts of Indonesian Papua and certain areas of Sumatra, Java, Borneo (Kalimantan) and Sulawesi islands. When planning a trip, individuals should consult official government travel advisories for the most updated information on security issues and areas to avoid.

In general, risks of terrorism are elevated in Indonesia, including in tourist destinations. Potential targets include tourist attractions, hotels, public places and transportation hubs. Visitors should exercise vigilance in crowded locations and during religious holidays.

Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft of unattended items, is common in popular tourist areas, on public transportation and in crowded locations. Violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault, is also a concern. Travelers should stay aware at all times, avoid wearing valuables or other displays of wealth and should keep personal items and important travel documents secure. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark, and book taxis through a licensed service instead of hailing a cab on the street. Individuals should also take precautions against food and drink spiking. Women who are traveling solo may face increased risks of harassment.

Credit and debit card fraud is prevalent. Be cautious when using cards and only use ATMs in secure locations. Travelers should also guard against common tourist scams by booking transportation, tours and other services through reputable providers. It is best to politely refuse any unsolicited offers of transportation, guide services or goods. 

Demonstrations occur in Indonesia, and some protests have the potential to be large and disruptive. Protests may also lead to violent clashes between participants and security forces. Travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place to minimize risks of transportation delays and collateral harm.

Various public transportation services, including buses, trains and ferries are available in Indonesia. In addition to petty crime concerns, these services may be crowded, unreliable and unsafe. Overcharging and, in some cases, assault, may occur when using unlicensed taxis. Travelers should only book transportation services through trusted providers. Road conditions vary, especially during inclement weather, and traffic is chaotic. Visitors should only travel during daylight hours and should avoid self-driving.

Cultural considerations vary by location, but in general, travelers should dress conservatively when traveling outside of resort areas, especially if visiting religious sites. Additional cultural considerations should be made during major Muslim holidays, such as Ramadan. In Bali, only essential services such as emergency response and hospitals are permitted to operate during Balinese New Year (Nyepi). Flights, transportation services, restaurants and shops are unavailable, and individuals are required to remain indoors.

Travelers should always carry identification and should avoid illegal drugs, as Indonesian law imposes severe penalties for drug offenses. Travelers should note that Aceh province is governed by Sharia law, and individuals face strict punishments for alcohol, gambling, same-sex activity and extramarital sex.

Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic activity pose significant risks in Indonesia. Flooding can disrupt travel during the rainy season. Visitors are advised to monitor local warning services and reports when traveling, abide by any exclusion zones around volcanos and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities during emergencies. Individuals should also consider any personal health concerns associated with volcanic activity.

In addition to air quality concerns during volcanic eruptions, health risks include contaminated food and water, insect-borne illnesses, animal bites and alcoholic beverages contaminated with methanol.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah (IRD). Travelers can exchange currency before their departure at most U.S. banks or at a currency kiosk in the airport. Most major cities, like Bali, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian and Canggu, will have currency exchange options at local banks, ATMs and currency exchange storefronts. Just be sure to check the currency exchange rate in advance to help ensure you’re getting a fair price. Debit and credit cards are commonly used especially in major cities, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. If you’re traveling in more rural areas, we recommend carrying some cash in case you visit a small or local market where cards may not be accepted. 

The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian. In popular tourist destinations like Bali, English is more common. But throughout the rest of Indonesia, English speakers are not common so it’s a good idea to learn common sayings and phrases before your trip and to download a translator that works offline for best practice. 

A passport is required for entry to Indonesia and the type of Visa needed (if any) varies by a few key factors. U.S. citizens traveling to Indonesia for less than 30 days and who meet the necessary requirements can apply for a Visa-on-Arrival. Requirements for Visa-on-Arrival include an ordinary (non-emergency) passport and traveling for a permissible reason. Common travel reasons and activities allowed under the Visa-on-Arrival include both tourism and business meetings. Review the U.S. Department of State website for a full list of Visa-on-Arrival requirements and permissible activities as well as requirements for travelers planning to be in Indonesia longer than 30 days or traveling for non-Visa-on-Arrival activities.

For the latest information regarding visas and passports for Indonesia travel, please visit the State Department’s Indonesia country information page.

The U.S. Embassy in Indonesia is in Jakarta. Visit the official U.S. Embassy government website for a list of up-to-date phone numbers and addresses.

The weather in Indonesia is hot and humid year-round with temperatures ranging from 72° F and 90° F. While there aren’t traditional seasons in Indonesia, the country does experience a rainy season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. 

The best time to visit Indonesia will depend on what you’re hoping to experience and the budget you have set for your vacation. Typically, the most popular time of year is during the country’s dry season from May to September, though prices and crowding may be higher during this time. For travelers looking to surf the world-class waves of Indonesia, consider a visit during the shoulder season (April to June) when there will be fewer people crowding the waves. Indonesia is beautiful year-round so you can’t go wrong when planning your visit. 

The dial code for Indonesia is +62, which is used to call landlines and mobile phones in the country. Remember to use the exit code of +11 when placing international calls from the U.S. and include the area code of the city or town you’re calling. Remember when calling internationally, landlines are typically more affordable than connecting to a cell phone so be sure to contact your phone provider for cost estimates and to let them know of your travel plans to best avoid unwanted interruption during your trip. 

Since Indonesia uses both a different voltage and outlet type than the U.S. you will need a power transformer and an outlet adaptor to use your electronics on your trip. We recommended a universal adaptor that can be used on other trips in the future. 

Bali is a beautiful island paradise that draws many tourists to Indonesia with its waterfront activities, resorts and beautiful beaches. Other popular locations include Ubud and its monkey forest, the country’s capital city of Jakarta and Canggu. 

While there are no required vaccinations for entry to Indonesia, it’s crucial to check with your physician to ensure you’re up to date on your routine vaccinations and inquire about preventable disease vaccinations for your trip. For an official, up-to-date vaccination list visit the official CDC website. 

Since island hopping is popular when visiting Indonesia, boat and ferry are common forms of transportation. For on-land travel, public transportation such as buses, minibuses and trains are common along with taxis or car rentals, depending on how much you want to explore the island you’re visiting.

Travel Guard offers comprehensive and customizable travel insurance plans for travelers visiting Indonesia. With excellent coverage and specialized emergency travel assistance representatives ready to help you at any time, Travel Guard is there for you. Compare our popular plans and find the best one for you!

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