Serang Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Services

Indonesia has several mobile providers, including Telkomsel (widest coverage), Indosat Ooredoo, and XL Axiata.

SIM Card Acquisition

Purchase SIM cards at airports, official brand stores, and mini-marts.
A passport registration document is standard to activate the SIM card.
Consider an eSIM for easy international connectivity: Airalo
Rent a portable WiFi device for constant internet: Solis Wi-Fi

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in Serang. Most hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants supply free Wi-Fi for their customers.

Connectivity Details

Free Wi-Fi at most hotels and inns.
Many cafes and restaurants offer Wi-Fi access.
Mobile data coverage is generally good in urban areas.

Language Navigation

Language barriers can occur. The official language is Bahasa. While Sundanese is also spoken in Banten, Bahasa Indonesia is universally understood.

English Proficiency

English ability is limited outside major hotels or popular sights.
Learning a few basic Bahasa phrases comes recommended for everyday interactions.
Start your language learning journey prior to your trip: Rosetta Stone

Helpful Phrases

A few phrases can significantly improve your interactions.

Essential Greetings

Selamat pagi (Suh-lah-mat pah-gee) - Good morning (until 11 AM)
Selamat siang (Suh-lah-mat see-ahng) - Good afternoon (11 AM - 3 PM)
Selamat sore (Suh-lah-mat soh-ray) - Good late afternoon (3 PM - 6 PM)
Selamat malam (Suh-lah-mat mah-lahm) - Good night/night (after 6 PM)

More Phrases for Travelers

Common Utterances

Halo (Hah-loh) - Hello (informal)
Thank you (Teh-ree-mah kah-see) - Thank you
Tolong (Toh-long) - Please
Permisi (Per-mee-see) - Excuse me

Practical Questions

Ya (Yah) - Yes
Tidak (Tee-dak) - No
Berapa harganya? (Buh-rah-pah har-gah-nyah?) - How much is it?
Saya tidak mengerti (Sah-yah tee-dak mung-er-tee) - I don't understand

Language Tip

Download the Google Translate app and its offline Indonesian language pack before your trip. This facilitates quick translations even without an internet connection.

Business Hours & Schedules

Awareness of local operating hours aids planning activities.

Government Offices

Generally operate Monday-Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Banks & ATMs

Typically open Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM. ATMs are widely available, enabling easy cash withdrawals.

Shops & Malls

Usually open daily, from 10 AM to 9 PM or 10 PM. Varied hours for smaller shops.

Market & Dining Times

Traditional markets begin early, and restaurant hours vary greatly. Street food often extends late into the night.

Dining & Markets

Traditional Markets: Start around 5 AM, continue until late afternoon/early evening (5-6 PM).
Restaurants/Cafes: Hours vary widely, often 10 AM to 10 PM. Some street food operates later.
ATM Access: ATMs are widely available in malls, mini-marts, and bank branches.

Public Holidays

Religious and public holidays significantly alter services. Some holidays lead to widespread closings and travel congestion.

Major Closures

Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): Major Muslim holiday; many businesses close, transport heavily booked.
Other Muslim holidays: Eid al-Adha, Isra Mi'raj, Maulid Nabi may impact some services.
Christmas, New Year: Public holidays, potentially altered business schedules.

Additional Holiday Notes

National & Regional Holidays

Vesak, Nyepi: These are public holidays; Nyepi (Balinese New Year) affects national travel.
Independence Day (August 17th): A national holiday with celebrations, potentially altering local business hours.
Seasonal variations: Less common for closures, but confirm hours for specific attractions during major holidays.

Traveler Insights

Flight compensation for delays: Compensair
Airport lounge access: Priority Pass
Always confirm opening hours for certain attractions or businesses.

Holiday Travel Note

If your trip coincides with Eid al-Fitr, plan your transport and bookings well in advance. Internal migration in Indonesia reaches its peak during this period.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observing local etiquette makes for respectful interactions in Serang.

Greeting Customs

Polite greetings create positive interactions. Modest dress shows respect for local customs.

Formal Greetings

Women greeting men: wait for the man to offer his hand first.
"Salam": a light touch of hands followed by bringing the hand to the heart.
Use "Pak" (Mr.) and "Ibu" (Mrs./Ms.) as respectful titles.

Dress Standards

Appropriate attire demonstrates consideration in a predominantly Muslim area like Banten.

Modest Dressing

Women: cover shoulders and knees.
Men: respectful clothing.
Religious sites: women often need a headscarf to enter mosques.

Dining & Tipping

Dining practices differ from Western norms, with specific hand usage and informal tipping customs.

Dining Practices

Always use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items.
The left hand is considered unclean.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service (5-10%).

Photography & Privacy

Permission to take photos plus rules need sensitivity. Always ask permission before photographing people.

Sensitive Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in the countryside or at religious sites.
Be mindful of children and respect decisions to decline a photo.
Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid intrusive photography.

Cultural Sensitivities

Taboos to Avoid

Touching people'the leader ofs is considered disrespectful.
Refrain from pointing with your feet.
Public displays of affection should remain minimal.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Notes

Social interactions are typically modest.
Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not advised.
Respect local social norms, which are generally conservative.

Further Cultural Insights

Community Gatherings

Attending local events shows community spirit.
Eating together is a common practice.
Polite bargaining in markets is part of the cultural exchange.

Respect for Elders

A slight bow is a sign of respect.
Listen attentively when elders speak.
Consulting elders shows deference.

Cultural Respect

When meeting residents, a polite and open demeanor is beneficial. Learning a few Bahasa Indonesia phrases demonstrates respect and usually causes warmer interactions.

Accessibility Information

Amenities for travelers with mobility impairments is generally limited in Serang.

Mobility Challenges

Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, or non-existent, making independent navigation difficult for those using wheelchairs or other walking aids.

Infrastructure Gaps

Uneven sidewalks often make navigation difficult.
Ramps plus accessible bathrooms are rare outside of modern malls.
Some upscale hotels may have better facilities.

Accessible Transport

Few historical sites or natural attractions in Serang are fully accessible. Public transportation options like angkots are not equipped.

Travel Solutions

For travelers with mobility challenges, a car with a driver is the most practical option.
Consider joining specialized tour groups designed for travelers with disabilities.
Contact hotels and tour operators directly beforehand to confirm facilities.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited. Specialized services or infrastructure to assist these travelers are not widely available.

Support Limitations

Specialized services are not widely available.
Limited infrastructure to assist these travelers.
Careful itinerary planning is helpful.

Resources

Resources and organizations supplying accessibility information for Serang are few. Direct communication with service providers is the best approach.

Information Sources

General travel forums might offer broader advice for Indonesia.
Disability travel organizations have general advice for Indonesia.
Direct communication with service providers is the best approach.

Personalized Planning

If you have specific accessibility needs, schedule your journey carefully. Contact hotels and tour operators directly beforehand to confirm their facilities and services.

Serang Travel Tips