Surabaya, Indonesia Report of what it's like to live there - 05/19/12
Personal Experiences from Surabaya, Indonesia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No.
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?
D.C. - Surabya to Singapore (2.5 hours), Singapore to Tokyo (7 hours), Tokyo to D.C. ( 12 hours) - 22 hours total.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Houses are nice especially the ones near the new consulate.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It all depends on where you go. If you shop at Papaya, be prepared to spend money. If you go to the wet markets then you will save money.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
You can find what you need here, but western items are very expensive.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonalds, Starbucks, Wendy's, Pizza Hut, KFC for fast food.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Mosquitoes are a huge issue here as there is always some puddle of water. Definitely recommend DEET. Rats are common as well.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We went through the consulate so no issues.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We paid about $150 - $200 for domestic help a month. We also had a driver whom we paid about the same, so overall it wasn't over $400 a month. Honestly, this is something that really bothered me. Many expats spend a lot of time trying to find the best deal for their help, but we didn't look at it that way. These people are so poor, and it just didn't feel right to try to get them to work for us for cheaper rates.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are gyms available that are well equipped and very pricey.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We never had a problem with our credit card and using ATMs. Just be aware of the foreign transaction fee you may be charged by your credit card company.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, super mall.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You definitely need to learn Bahasa Indonesian. The local dialect is javanese, but all Indonesians speak Bahasa Indonesian.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Someone with disabilities would have a difficult time in Surabaya as facilities are not equipped with accessible entrances. Sidewalks are non-existent.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, taxis are safe. We used Blue Bird.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
We bought a vehicle there. Very expensive, but when we sold it we received pretty much what we paid for it. No worries about carjackings.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it is available but I'm not sure how much it cost.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We had local cell phones, very cheap.
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?
Yes.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Available yes, but not of good quality.
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?
Nope.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Modest.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
We felt very safe in Surabaya. I do not remember there ever being any crime against a westerner. The Indonesians are not aggressive people.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is available but a bit sketchy. If you have a serious issue, you should fly to Singapore or Jakarta.
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 not that great, muggy, lots of congestion.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather is always about 90' F and it's either rainy season or it's not. The rainy season can last for 6 months.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Surabaya International School (SIS). We did not have school-aged children at the time but we heard great things about the school. There is also a European school (SES) that is smaller but well reviewed.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is a great preschool right at SIS that has also received rave reviews and is very affordable.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, affiliated with the international schools.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Not very big. Sometimes it could feel suffocating because you saw the same people all of the time. Getting away every once in a while is a good idea.
2. Morale among expats:
Depends on who you ask. Families and couples seem to do better than singles.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Expat gatherings are very common. There are movie theatres with limited English movies showing, but they are there. Shopping at the various malls.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There are many get togethers with friends and other people with kids. There is a small international community here and you get to know everyone well. I suspect singles have a difficult time as there isn't much of a night life.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Nope.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
There is definitely tension between the Chinese and Indonesians.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Bali is a 30 minute flight away. We probably went to Bali over ten times in the 2 years we were there.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
If you get invited to an Indonesian wedding, definitely go! They are beautiful and interesting.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Batik and beautiful furniture.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The Indonesians are humble and warm people. They seemed fascinated by Westerners and spent a lot of time staring at us whenever we went out.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you don't go to Bali every weekend.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, it was a good experience for our family.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
coat.
3. But don't forget your:
patience. Indonesians are non-confrontational people and will lie to you to save face -- which can be an issue.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Surabaya is a safe city, but there is not much to do and you have to create your own fun.
