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Mountain view in Indonesia

An expat’s guide to Indonesia

Indonesia is a lower-middle-income tropical country with a population of over 250 million people. It is predominantly Muslim (mainly Sunni) but has six official state religions. A vibrant and diverse country, Indonesia fuses a wide range of cultural influences from neighbours and visitors.  Living and working there allows you to go beneath the surface of tourist life to experience its rich heritage on a truly horizon-expanding adventure.

There are many things, however, that the potential newcomer needs to think about before planning to move. Health care is a particular consideration when venturing from your home nation, as are concerns about job markets, housing, climate, and cultural differences.

Business colleagues shaking hands Business colleagues shaking hands

Finding work in a new country

How easy is it to relocate to Indonesia to live and work? Find out how to go about finding a job and skills that are in demand. 

Tips to help you find work in Indonesia

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Work visas, permits and paying your taxes

Get the details on the visa and work permit situation, as well as how to register with the tax office. Discover what to expect before you make the move. 

Here’s what you’ll want to know about working in Indonesia before moving

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Building business relationships

Learn how to conduct business and navigate cultural expectations within Indonesia. This will help you smoothly integrate into working life in the country.

Here’s what you should know about business etiquette in Indonesia

Various kind of vegetables Various kind of vegetables

Making Indonesia your home

If you’re relocating to Indonesia for work, chances are you’ll be living in one of the region’s major cities, such as Jakarta. Learn more about the neighbourhoods, schools and where expats like to settle. 

Here are some popular areas to live in Indonesia

Son with mother at poolside Son with mother at poolside

Indonesia's culture and climate

With its humid, hot climate, conservative, tolerant and mainly Muslim population, there is a lot to learn and love about living in Indonesia. 

Learn more about living in Indonesia

Understanding the cost of living

Do you know how much you can expect to pay for a meal out, for electricity and utilities, for public transport, or for educating your children in Indonesia? Find out here. 

Learn more about the cost of living in Indonesia

Jakarta downtown skyline Jakarta downtown skyline

Finding the right accommodation

If it’s up to you to find a suitable home in Indonesia, as opposed having accommodation arranged for you by your employer, find out what to expect and the best way to go about it.

Find out more about housing in Indonesia

Calculator and Indonesian currency Calculator and Indonesian currency

Top money saving tips

What’s the cost of living like in the country? How do you go about haggling in this bargaining centric culture? Learn more about living in Indonesia. 

Check out these suggestions for saving money in Indonesia

Muslim woman working with computer Muslim woman working with computer

Health insurance for Indonesia

Find out about the standards of health care in the country, how to access care in an emergency and the level of private medical insurance that is widely recommended.

Learn more about health care in Indonesia

Mom and a baby near a pool in Indonesia Mom and a baby near a pool in Indonesia

Health risks and vaccinations 

From rare diseases to everyday illnesses, such as influenza, make sure your knowledge and vaccinations are up-to-date to protect your and your family while living in Indonesia. 

Find out about health concerns in Indonesia and how you can protect yourself

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