TravellerHints! 
Indonesia Special Advice See More info at
- In heavily concentrated tourist locations such as Bali and Lombok, be aware of the potential risks of crime. Also, be on the lookout for drink-spiking. If you are heading out to a bar or club, be sure to stay close to a friend or group of friends and it may be wiser to drink your own alcohol beforehand and only order bottled drinks while you are out.
- Scams and credit card/ATM fraud have been reported. Try to handle these matters at a legitimate bank or inside machine, where scammers will be less likely to alter machines. Try to plan ahead and limit the amount of times you withdraw money.
- Unfortunately, there have heightened reports of violent crime in Bali, including muggings in the Kuta area. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you happen to be alone (not recommended) or at night. See more info at:
- Taxi drivers generally do not expect tips, so you must negotiate a price beforehand. It is wise to get a fare estimate from a local or someone that understands a reasonable price. This is the same for Bali.
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Natural disasters do occur and are sometimes happen unknowingly without warning. These could include volcanic eruption, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and potential warnings.
Indonesia Special Advice: Restrictions
A surat jalan (travel permit) is required for visits to the interior of Papua. After landing in Sentani, you can hire a car at the airport to go directly to the police station in Jayapura (a 45-minute drive) or find an alternative means of travel to reach where travel permits are processed.
Make sure to have on hand 2–4 passport-sized photos (depending on the number of places you plan to visit), photocopies of your passport and your embarkation card (expatriate residents need a copy of their kitas (resident card) instead of the embarkation card).
When applying for the surat jalan, be certain to list all of the places you plan to visit in the interior; for example, Baliem Valley, Asmat or Wasur. You will need to make photocopies for each location you plan to visit, because police checkpoints often ask for it, even in non-restricted areas.
Permits are also required to enter all national parks. In some parks there is an officer on the premises, but in other locations permits must be obtained prior to arrival. Check locally for regulations before visiting any national park.
