Hidupid – Moving to a different country is a big decision and should not be rushed. Here is a pocket-sized guide for expats to live in Indonesia.
Documentation
Bureaucracy in Indonesia is something that you should expect. All paperwork and necessary information you need should be complete to avoid unnecessary delays in the process. Also, you need a visa for that will allow you to work and reside in Indonesia. You may need the information on important dates, such as when you need to report to the regional immigration office and get a stay permit card or register at the local police headquarters.
Find The Right City
Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands and more regions. This means you have the privilege to choose which city or region is right for your you. Bali would be the most popular city for expats as it has a unique balance between thriving nature, traditional culture and flourishing modernity that attracts thousands of expats to live here and even more to visit annually.
Bali
Even within the islands, you still have great choices from a quintessential islands life with majestic surf breaks, and youthful boho feels; you may need to set up a home in Canggu. Seminyak is the best option if you prefer a more modern beach-side with lavish resorts and restaurants. If you are after artistic pursuits, Ubud offers you a serene, inspiring life in an authentic cultured village.
Jakarta
There is a love-hate relationship between this vibrant metropolis and Jakarta’s residents. Jakarta is a place for you if you cannot live without mega shopping malls, hip new restaurants, and big business centers. This is the country business and lifestyle hub with plenty of opportunities to network with other professionals in the city. Crazy and heavy traffic is inevitable, but there is always a fresh new bar and stores to stop by and shake that weariness off.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is a captivating place for academics, artists, and old souls. This is a city with its cultural heritage flourishing under new contemporary interpretations. You can find manifestations of rich Javanese culture everywhere from architecture to the customs, which inspire you to lead a creative and cultured life. This is Indonesia’s academic hub, due to the abundance of universities, libraries, and educational centers.
Bandung
Bandung is a city that offers a mountain-side lifestyle. With enough of the modern side to keep you excited, you can also feel the joy of natural feel. You can find sporadic coffee shops and creative stores lined up along the streets. This city is a great place to live a comfortable life surrounded by refreshing lush greenery, crisp breezes, and the mountainous landscape.
Surabaya
This city is the second most populous in Indonesia with a prominent economy in the eastern part of the country. It has everything a metropolis city has to offer, but still smaller in population compared to Jakarta. This city is located in a strategic position to manage business activities throughout Asia. Surabaya has a lot of opportunities for creative and ambitious business leaders and also caters for students with many educational institutions available.
Local Etiquette
Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, but this country is more diverse than that with more than 3000 ethnic groups. Once you decide which place you want to stay, you should be open-minded and absorb the surrounding culture to get the most out of your new city.
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