Jakarta, Indonesia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/29/25
Personal Experiences from Jakarta, Indonesia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes, this was our first post together.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
We are from Virginia. The quickest flights took over 23 hours...with time zone changes; and layovers. It has been a smoother and shorter route through Doha when going to the East Coast. The longest layover was waiting for a domestic flight frome regional airport.
3. What years did you live here?
2024-2026.
4. How long have you lived here?
We have been in Jakarta since spring 2024 and will be here until summer 2026.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
There are compounds, apartment buildings, and stand alone homes throughout the city. We are in a stand alone home. It is a two story home with four bedroom and 4.5 bathrooms with a pool on the premises. Any repairs are quickly attended to by the GSO and the homeowner. Commute to the Embassy in Central Jakarta from South Jakarta is about 30 minutes in the morning; however, evening commutes can take 30 minutes-1.5 hours depending on the rain and time of commute.
Usually leaving after 4pm will result in a much no longer commute time due to amount of traffic. Some who live farther south have longer commutes. During Ramadan commutes can extend into hours. Most of the apartments are closer to the embassy with shorter commute times. In order to be closer to schools, families with high schoolers tend to live in the South; those with elementary kids tend to live in center or South as well. The embassy has shuttles to all housing locations; prices for the shuttle are reasonably priced. Traffic is a thing in Jakarta; if you plan your living area accordingly.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Pork products are limited here due to Jakarta being a predominately Muslim country. Cheese and other dairy products are pricey, different than what were had in the US and not easy to find. Baking products, e.g., vanilla extract and the bread flour found here are different than in the US.
These are items we sent over and can be obtained through the commissary.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are easily found in the grocery stores and local community markets and are usually not costly. Beef, chicken, fish and lamb are easily found and decent quality in the grocery stores.
Dining out is less expensive than in the US and there are so many choices, especially international cuisine choices with a wide variety of experiences.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We definitely would have sent more toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, hair products, lotions, sunscreen, and soaps); anti-static dryer sheets and laundry detergent; paper products; pet supplies (flea and tick supplies); sauces (steak, barbecue; salad dressing; marinating sauces/mixes and if you have a favorite grilling spice). Stamps for letters, etc., if you are mailing to the US...you can not purchase stamps in the mailroom.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything is deliverable!! GoJek and Grab tend to be the more popular delivery apps. The city seems to run on apps...many places are cashless. Western, Indonesian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Italian and even American fast food is available.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We have not had any trouble with insects or any other pest. Our yard is sprayed weekly for mosquitos.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We send and receive mail through the Embassy.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many families have a driver, nanny and household helper..depending on the family size. Most families do have a household helper (pembantu)...there are contracts between the staff and the employing family. Salary for the helper usually around $350-375 month...depending on duties assigned...cleaning, shopping, and cooking.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, we are very comfortable here. We use Bluebird taxis to move around the city. We live in an area with sidewalks but there are areas where the sidewalk is not usable; however, pollution is a big problem here and limits outside activities within Jakarta. The air is clearer the day after rain, but is short lived. On Sunday mornings many of the larger streets close for the morning to allow for biking, walking, running and other outdoor activities.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is an American Club here in Jakarta and they have recently completed renovations. There are local gyms, pilates and yoga studios and their prices are comparable to the US especially for personal training and pilates/yoga classes.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs: we have used them without issue, but we try to use the cashier and ATM at the Embassy when possible. Credit cards are accepted, but have a back up with one of apps for QRIS in case the credit card machine is not working.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few. I know of a Catholic and non-denominational churches.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Bahasa is very helpful, but you can get by with English and Google translate.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
May depend on the disability. Sidewalks would be problematic.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, there are many methods of transportation, including all of the above. We tend to use Bluebird taxis and Grab taxis and have found them to be reliable, affordable and dependable.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Buy a vehicle here if you need one, but you can get by without having your own.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Usually just a couple hours once installation is scheduled.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We have have our American plans (T-Mobil and ATT) T-Mobile has been much better living abroad with allowing additional data while here. We do have a local SIM card because their times when having a local number is helpful, but not required.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
We adopted a local cat. Yes, vet services come directly to us and much less expensive than in the US. Animals did need to be quarantined on arrival, many of the Indonesian are not canine fans...but they tend to be very accommodating for cats.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
EFMs can only work at the embassy. There are some that remote positions. There are many volunteer opportunities.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Schools, orphanages and other charities.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Indonesians tend not to show much skin and are covered; however, there are some foreigners who do and Indonesians do not seem to mind. Formal dress is needed for certain events.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Remain attentive of one's surroundings and use good judgement. There are protests that can be large depending on the event. If we are aware, we will avoid these areas.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air pollution and food safety are our concerns. Medical care is widely available in Jakarta and the Embassy Health Unit will also help with referrals to finding a specialist.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air quality is bad more often than not. Jakarta is hot and dry or hot and wet. After rains, the air quality is usually better. For us it limits outdoor exercising like running.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Stay aware and often restaurants will ask about food allergies.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
None that I am aware of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Seasons hot/wet and hot/dry.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our children attend Jakarta Intercultural School. Classes seem to transfer without issue, likewise, they accepted course work from previous schools.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Not Sure. Our children participate in school activities only.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Approximately 200 or more...morale is ok...there have been many changes since the beginning of 2025. Overall, everyone tries to be optimistic.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
There are many malls with varying attractions within the mall...including water parks, aquarium, kid mania, carnival, and many more. There are small communities that share similar interest like tennis; biking; book clubs. The American Club does a great job of advertising weekly events and they have events for all ages.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes it is good for all. Plenty of kid friendly activities as well as a very popular nightlife.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Almost everyone is nice, but I do not know about developing and maintaining friendships with locals. It is easy to make friends within the Expat community. Not sure if there are any groups that would be uncomfortable.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Beaches can be littered but you can find nice areas within resorts. Visit more well know places like Bali, Boroburdor, Sumatra and Gili Islands but you can also feel safe to discover your own. There are many activities you can do hiking, diving, snorkeling, surfing, shopping, and visiting UNESCO sites. Flights can be easy to get and reasonably priced.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are so many different expat groups that are quick to share experiences and they also advertise scheduled excursions that are planned.
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
In abundance lots of crafts.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Everything can be delivered relatively quick and inexpensive. If you enjoy services like massages, manicure and pedicures... they usually cost massage 1 hour is $15; manicures $8 and pedicures $15.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Make sure to get out of Jakarta at least one weekend a month, even for the day. Blue skies and fresh are wonderful.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes!
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
heavy coats.
4. But don't forget your:
sunscreen, swimsuit, and a small to medium-sized grill.
