Surabaya East Java, Indonesia Travel Guide
Timely preparation for your Surabaya trip puts everything in order before departure. This chronological timeline aids task management.
A phased approach to your preparations ensures nothing is missed.
Verify your passport valid for at least 6 months past your intended departure date from Indonesia. This is a strict rule.
Research Indonesia's visa conditions for your nationality. If a visa is needed (e.g., e-Visa B211A) or if you aim for a Visa on Arrival (e-VoA option), begin the application early.
Consult a healthcare professional or travel clinic for recommended vaccinations and any preventative medications (e.g., anti-malarials if visiting high-risk areas outside Surabaya).
Book flights from abroad to Juanda International Airport (SUB). Early booking often secures better pricing.
Reserve main accommodations in Surabaya and any significant tours, especially multi-day excursions like Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater.
Inform your financial institutions about your travel plans to avoid security holds or issues with international transactions.
Reconfirm all flight, hotel, and tour bookings. Create physical and digital copies of all essential documents (passport, visa, flight tickets, insurance policy) and store them separately.
Download all essential apps (Gojek, Grab, Google Maps offline maps, Google Translate offline language pack, KAI Access, Traveloka). Acquire any needed socket adapters and converters.
Check the weather forecast for Surabaya and any day trip destinations for your travel dates. If you already possess Indonesian e-money cards, top them up.
Securing certain arrangements beforehand streamlines your journey.
Create a folder (digital and physical) for each of your travel confirmations. This quickly accesses information for flights, hotels, and tours without haste.
Your initial hours in Surabaya matter for a smooth commencement. This checklist directs you through the first steps upon arrival, from immigration to reaching your lodging.
Pass through border control. If eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA), purchase it first at the designated counter, then present your passport and VoA receipt to the officer.
Collect checked luggage from baggage claim. Clear Customs; ensure your Indonesian Customs Declaration (e-CD) form is completed online before arrival.
Purchase a local SIM card (Telkomsel, XL Axiata, or Indosat Ooredoo) at the airport. Staff will assist with registration. Exchange a small amount of currency or use an ATM for immediate cash.
Previously at your accommodation, take time to orient yourself. Use a map or navigation mobile app to understand your location relative to landmarks, transport hubs, and nearby amenities.
Take a short walk around your immediate neighborhood to become familiar with the surroundings, locate mini-marts, and observe local life.
Exchange only a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs. Purchase bottled water immediately upon leaving the airport; tap water is not safe to consume.
Ride-hailing apps (Gojek/Grab) and official airport taxis are popular and convenient choices.
Before leaving the airport, verify your local SIM card is activated and mobile data functions. This allows immediate use of navigation and ride-hailing apps.
Before proceeding to the airport, organize your passport and boarding pass. Keep them in an easily accessible but secure location to streamline check-in and security processes.
