Practical informations
Here you will find all informations needed before your arrival in Sumatra such visa, currency, internet or customs and traditions.
Practical informations
Visa
Since may 2022 you need Visa on Arrival (VOA) to enter Indonesia.
The validity is 30 days, extendable for 30 more days.
The cost is 35€ or 30$ and you can get it at the airport (the visa need to be paid in cash in euros, dollars or Indonesia rupiah, except in Bali where you can pay by credit card).
You can also get an E-visa (electronic visa) 30 days extendable or 60 days (1 500 000 IDR or 90€) throught this website.
You can’t get this visa from the Indonesian embassy in your country anymore, only on arrival.
Covid19 rules/formality
Passport: You must have a valid passport that remains so for at least 6 months after your return date, and it should be in good condition (not torn or damaged).
Covid-19: As of June 9, 2023, there is no longer a requirement for Covid-19 vaccination proof to enter Indonesia. Following Decree SE N1, Indonesia has decided to lift all Covid-related restrictions. No more vaccines, masks, or the need to download the “Satu Sehat” application.
Nevertheless, we advise you to continue practicing social distancing and to regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Health: No vaccines are mandatory. The vaccines recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are DTP, typhoid, Hepatitis A and B. Antimalarial treatment is recommended for stays in jungles or remote areas.
Insurance
Health insurance covering hospitalization cost is recommended to enter Indonesia.
We offer “Cap explorer” insurance, with our partner Chapka insurance.
You can choose the formula that best fits your travel:
- Explorer multirisk
- Explorer cancellation
- Explorer assistance only
- Explorer supplementary bank card
You have maximum 48h after the payment or the down payment to subscribe (except formula “assistance only).
Click HERE to get your quote and see the options that best fits your trip.
Currency
Currency is Indonesian rupiah. 1 euros = around 14 000 rupiah (XE Currency converter)
We easily can find ATM in Sumatra as well as money changer in touristic places.
Don’t forget to change your dollars or euros in rupiahs, many places only accept rupiah. You will also get better rate if you pay in rupiah.
Internet
You can be online almost everywhere in Indonesia. Many internet cafe and most of the hotels/guest house provide wifi.
You can also buy a local SIM card (SIMPATI/TELKOMSEL is good for Sumatra).
Many guest house/hotels are reachable by Whatsapp.
Customs and traditions
Indonesia has 6 recognized religions : Islam (around 85%), Christian (around 10%) (Protestantism and Catholicism), Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.
Since november 2017, Indonesia officially recognises native faiths, such as animism. That’s a good news for all the tribes in Indonesia.
Sumatran people are mostly Muslim. Islam is moderate.
In order to respect local beliefs, specially in remoted villages, we suggest our female travelers to wearing appropriated clothes, not too short skirt or hotpants, no tank top and low neckline.
To swim, expect in very touristic places, better to do not swim with bikini. Indonesian people never swim in bikini, they keep their clothes on.
For couples, do not show up in public places. Indonesian people are very shy and their privacy stay at home.
If you enter a mosque, keep in mind to always cover up your shoulders.
Greetings in Indonesia is » salam », with right hand.
If someone invites you to his home, please put your shoes off before enter the house.
If someone invites you to eat, do not start eating before your host starts first. You can try eating with your hands but never use your left hands. The left hand is impure for Muslim. Always use your right hand.
Try to keep calm in every situation. Indonesian people dont get angry but try to solve a problem by speaking. Getting angry will not help you to get out from the situation, but at the contrary, it will make all more complicated.
Dont give money to children, better bring clothes or school supplies. Shoes are also greatly prized.
Indonesian people are smiling and welcoming, and they like to ask many private questions. Don’t feel offended, its their way to break the ice and start a conversation. Its not incursive, but rather kind.
And dont forget to smile.
What to bring?
- Small first aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Rain jacket or rainwear
- Sunglasses/cap or hat
- Mosquito repellent
- Flip-flops/sandals and walking shoes
- Water bottle (to reduce plastic bottle consumption)
- Canvas bag for shopping/markets (to reduce plastic bag usage)
Samba Lado is a local tour operator located in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia, created by Anne and Adrian in 2016.
We organize personalized private tours in Sumatra.
Book your private tour
North Sumatra13 July 2018 - 15 h 14 min
Kerinci Valley18 July 2018 - 17 h 42 min
Mentawai18 July 2018 - 17 h 54 min
West Sumatra18 July 2018 - 17 h 32 min