Indonesia Other Essentials
Electricity
Voltage
127/230 V* *Conversion to 230 V in progress; complete in principal cities
Frequency
50Hz
Plug
Three types of plug can be used, a round pin attachment plug, a "Schuko" plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts or a rectangular blade plug.
Local Traditions
There are a number of pointers to bear in mind when travelling in Indonesia and these will be recognised as being common in other parts of Asia too.
Always use your right hand while eating or giving and receiving objects. Do not point at places, objects or persons with the right forefinger. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage for the purpose.
Always remove your shoes before entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors to cover there heads before entering the place of worship. You should also remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. As it is a common practice to offer drinks to guests, if offered it is polite to accept.
It is usually permitted to take photographs at places of worship however you should always ask permission beforehand.
As over 85% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, drinking alcohol is not a common practice.
The concept of ‘face’ is important in east Asia as is the need to maintain harmony, travellers should avoid causing situations that could cause embarrassment, such as riduicule, shouting or offering blame in public.
