Surakarta Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide
Staying connected in Solo is simple with local SIM cards and widely available Wi-Fi. Telkomsel holds the best coverage. XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo also deliver good services. Purchase at airports, official provider stores, and corner shops. Passport registration is a must. ESIM options from providers such as Airalo also bring convenience.
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the national language; Javanese is common locally. Basic English is understood in tourist hotels and large restaurants. It is less common with street vendors or in more local areas.
Memorize these to smooth interactions.
These phrases prove beneficial in various situations.
A small vocabulary of Indonesian phrases greatly smooths local interactions and shows respect. Do think about an esim for convenience before arrival.
Local operating hours and holidays influence services in Solo.
Banks generally operate Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 3-4 PM. ATMs are widespread at banks, in malls, and at convenience stores. Main financial institutions include BCA, Mandiri, BRI, and BNI.
Shopping Malls typically open daily, from 10 AM to 10 PM. Traditional Markets operate early morning (4-5 AM) until the afternoon (4-5 PM). Some food stalls within markets remain open late.
Restaurant hours differ widely, from early breakfast service to late dinner, with some establishments staying open until 10 PM or midnight.
Eid al-Fitr (Idul Fitri) is a major Islamic holiday, leading to business closures for a few days to a week. Transportation also becomes heavily booked at this time. Christmas and New Year are public holidays with potential reduced hours.
Airport lounges are accessible with a Priority Pass membership. For issues with your flight, Compensair assists in claiming compensation.
Confirm specific business hours for attractions or eateries, especially around major holidays like Eid al-Fitr, to avoid inconvenience.
Your conduct as a guest matters.
Greeting customs: Shake hands gently. Use "Assalamualaikum" (a common Islamic greeting) or "Selamat Pagi/Siang/Sore/Malam" (Hello/Afternoon/Evening/Night). A slight bow or nod also shows respect. Modest dress is notably important at religious sites and in conservative areas.
The head is sacred; do not touch someone'the top of. Feet are unclean; do not point your feet at people or religious objects. Use your right hand for eating, giving, or receiving items. Minimize public displays of affection. Generally avoid sensitive discussions on politics or religion. Bargain politely.
Tipping is not customary but appreciated for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill or a small gratuity for guides/drivers is a gesture of thanks. Eating with your right hand is the norm, especially at local warungs.
Indonesia is largely conservative. Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not advisable. Dress modestly, especially for female travelers, to avoid unwanted attention. Discretion receives strong recommendation.
Careful planning and direct communication with service providers are central when traveling with mobility challenges in Solo due to limited infrastructure. Contact local disability organizations like Persatuan Penyandang Disabilitas Indonesia (PPDI) for specific advice.
Effective communication goes beyond language; it contains gestures and cultural cues.
A slight nod typically signifies agreement or acknowledgment. Eye contact is for the most part acceptable but can sometimes be less direct in more traditional settings. A relaxed posture communicates openness.
When asking for directions, be polite and patient. Locals are often eager to assist, even if there is a language barrier. Pointing with your thumb is more polite than an index finger.
Solo residents are known for their warmth. When someone invites you for a meal or drink, a polite acceptance or grateful decline, perhaps with a small gift if appropriate, is well-received.
Generally acceptable to photograph public places. Always get consent before taking pictures of people, especially children, or in private settings. Some religious sites may prohibit photography or flash photography.
Learning basic Indonesian phrases and being mindful of body language greatly enriches your local interactions and fosters mutual respect.
