Do You Tip in Indonesia?

Do you tip in Indonesia?

Tipping in Indonesia is not a strong local tradition, but it has become increasingly common and appreciated in tourist areas such as Bali. Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge, often around 10 percent, to the bill, so check for this before adding more; where included, extra tipping is optional. Where no service charge applies, leaving a small tip of around 5 to 10 percent for good restaurant service is welcomed. Small tips for hotel staff, drivers, spa therapists, and guides are appreciated given the low local wages. Tipping in cash, in rupiah, is best. So while not obligatory, modest tipping is a kind and increasingly expected gesture in Indonesia's tourist areas.

What currency is used in Indonesia?

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian rupiah, abbreviated IDR, and amounts are large, running into thousands and millions, so you deal with big numbers. Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in tourist areas like Bali, but Indonesia is largely cash-based, especially for markets, small warungs, taxis, and tips, so carry plenty of rupiah in smaller notes. ATMs are available in towns and tourist areas. When paying by card, choose to be charged in rupiah rather than your home currency, and use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Keep cash on hand for everyday purchases, as many small vendors and rural areas do not accept cards in Indonesia.

What power plugs are used in Indonesia?

Indonesia uses type C and type F electrical plugs, the round-pin styles common in continental Europe, and the supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz. Travelers from countries with different sockets, such as the US or UK, will need a plug adapter to fit Indonesian outlets. Because Indonesia runs on 230 volts, also confirm your devices are dual voltage, marked around 100 to 240 volts on the charger, which most modern electronics are, or bring a voltage converter for any single-voltage appliance to avoid damage. A universal adapter plus dual-voltage chargers will keep your electronics working, whether you are in Bali, Jakarta, or elsewhere in Indonesia.

Can you drink the tap water in Indonesia?

The tap water in Indonesia, including Bali, is not safe for tourists to drink, so you should rely on bottled or properly treated water throughout your trip. Tap water commonly carries bacteria and parasites that cause stomach illness in visitors, the source of the well-known Bali belly. Drink sealed bottled water, check the seal, and use it for brushing your teeth to be cautious. Avoid ice unless you are confident it was made from purified water, though reputable tourist establishments often use safe ice, and be careful with raw foods and salads washed in tap water. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere. Relying on bottled or filtered water is essential to avoid illness in Indonesia.