Are you wondering how safe is Indonesia for travel ? For the past 9 years living in IndonesiaI have been always feeling comfortable wherever I went. However, I experienced some uncomfortable situations in Jakarta. I experienced bag snatching. In this article, I will provide some various aspects of safety in Indonesia, highlighting concerns, precautions, and offering valuable insights to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip.
Find here the latest update about the covid situation in Indonesia.
One of the key aspects of ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip to Indonesia is to familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs. Indonesians are known for their warm hospitality, but it’s essential to respect their traditions and behave appropriately. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings and thank you, can go a long way in establishing a positive connection with the locals.
Is Indonesia safe for travel?
Though Indonesia is quite safe overall, there are a few safety risks you might want to be aware of. Bag snatching is a very common in Indonesia, especially in public and crowded places like bus, train stations and airports. Stay always aware about your surrounding. When you take the public transportation keep your belongings in your arm. Make sure your phone and your wallet in the front pocket of your pants. Have always a copy of your important document and send it over your loves ones, to secure them.The most common scams in Indonesia are credit card-related. Make sure you withdraw your money from banks that has a security inside.
Bali is perhaps one of the safest places in Indonesia and one of the most popular places in the world to travel. Violent crime, scams and theft are the most common form of crime in Bali but are relatively low. You can easily party in Bali, however you need to be careful, the risk of alcohol poisoning is more common in Bali than the other part of Indonesia. Never leave food or drinks, some people have died after consuming drinks contaminated with methanol. (you can find Here the travel guide for Bali.)
4 main safety Tips in Indonesia
- Keep your belongings close to you wherever you go.
- Don’t hold or make calls while you are walking around the cities: motorbike thieves can easily snatch your phone or your bag. So, do not hold your phone on the street-side.
- Use legit ATM – watch your back when you’re withdrawing money.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Use hotel safes to store your passport, extra cash, and other important documents. Carry only the necessary amount of money and keep an eye on your belongings in public places.
- Blend In: Dress modestly and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying flashy gadgets, as this can attract unwanted attention.
- Avoid Unauthorized Guides and Services: Use licensed tour guides and reputable agencies for excursions and activities.
- Stay Connected: Have emergency contact numbers handy and inform a trusted person about your travel plans.
- Don’t do drugs (obviously) – Indonesia has one of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world.
- Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts. Avoid poorly lit areas, especially at night.
So, How safe is Indonesia ?
Indonesia is a pretty safe country, even if you’re a female solo traveler. keep in mind to be cautious. Located on the the Pacific Ring of Fire, exposed to risks of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. Indonesia is mostly a non violent country, you should be extra cautious about pickpocketing and petty theft especially if you are in Jakarta.
In conclusion, Indonesia is definitely a safe place to travel, book your ticket and go visit this amazing archipelago, keep in mind to be cautious. Enjoy your trip and God bless you!