Samarinda Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Staying Connected

Obtain local SIM cards for affordable data packages. Telkomsel offers extensive coverage.

SIM & Internet

Local SIMs: Telkomsel (best coverage), Indosat Ooredoo, XL Axiata.
Registration: Passport is needed for all new SIM card purchases.
Wi-Fi Access: Available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants, malls.
Airalo eSIM: Instant data for seamless travel.

Communication Tools

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. English proficiency is limited outside major tourist-facing businesses.

Language & Translation

Bahasa Indonesia: Official language; local dialects also spoken.
English: Limited proficiency among the main population.
Rosetta Stone: Language learning platform for Indonesian.
Solis Wi-Fi: Portable device for constant connectivity.

Phrases for Travelers

Essential Greetings

Hello: Halo (Hah-loh)
Good morning: Selamat pagi (Se-la-mat pah-gee)
Thank you: Terima kasih (Te-ree-mah kah-see)

Basic requests and questions for smooth interactions.

Useful Phrases

How much?: Berapa harganya? (Be-rah-pah har-gah-nyah?)
I don't understand: Saya tidak mengerti (Sah-yah tee-dak meng-er-tee)
Can you help me?: Bisa bantu saya? (Bee-sah bahn-too sah-yah?)

Navigation & Essentials

Directional & Basic Needs

Where is...?: Di mana...? (Dee mah-nah...?)
Water: Air (Ah-eer)
Food: Makanan (Mah-kah-nahn)
Yes: Ya (Yah)

Requests & Responses

Please (request): Tolong (Toh-long)
Please (offer): Silakan (See-lah-kahn)
No: Tidak (Tee-dak)
Excuse me: Permisi (Per-mee-see)

Postal Services:

Kantor Pos (Post Office) for letters and parcels. Domestic mail is reliable. International mail could require longer.

Navigating Daily Services

Offices & Banks

Monday to Friday, 8/9 AM to 4 PM.

Shops & Malls

Typically daily, 10 AM to 10 PM.

Local Markets

Hours vary; some early, some all day, or as night markets (Pasar Malam).

Banking & ATMs

Banks function weekdays. ATMs are widely available 24/7.

Financial Access

Bank Hours: Monday-Friday, 8/9 AM to 3/4 PM.
ATM Locations: Widely available at banks, convenience stores, malls.
Card Networks: Supports Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus.

Airport Services

Consider pre-booking airport services for smoother travel.

Traveler Perks

Priority Pass: Access to independent airport lounges.
Compensair: Assistance for flight delay/cancellation compensation.
Travel planning: Factor in potential delays, especially during peak seasons.

Holidays & Closures

Public Holidays

Islamic Holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha cause closures and heavy travel.
National Holidays: Independence Day (Aug 17), Christmas, New Year, etc.
Planning: Schedule activities accordingly to avoid disruptions.

Seasonal Adjustments

Smaller Businesses: May close for a few days to a week during major holidays.
Major Establishments: Malls and hotels typically operate with adjusted hours.
Travel Impact: Expect heavy domestic travel during peak vacation times.

Holiday Planning:

Check the national holiday calendar before your trip. Book accommodations and transport well in advance during peak holiday seasons.

Local Etiquette & Norms

Greeting & Attire

Modest clothing is generally recommended, especially at places of worship.

Respectful Practices

Handshakes: Common, for Muslims, light touch then hand to heart.
Respectful Titles: Use "Pak" (Mr.) or "Bu" (Ms./Mrs.) before names.
Modest Attire: Avoid overly revealing clothing in public.

Dining & Tipping

If eating without utensils, use your right hand. Tipping is not customary.

Dining Practices

Right Hand: Use for eating or passing food, not the left.
Tipping: Not expected, but a small tip is appreciated for good service.
Elders First: Wait for elders or hosts to begin eating.

Photography & Privacy

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals or in private settings.

Photo Etiquette

Permission: Ask before photographing individuals, children, or in private settings.
Religious Sites: Be respectful, avoid flash during prayer times.
Prohibited Areas: Observe signage for restricted photography zones.

Taboos & Sensitivities

Avoid certain actions considered disrespectful in Indonesian culture.

Cultural Avoidances

Touching Head: Never touch anyone's head; it is sacred.
Pointing: Use your thumb or open hand, not index finger.
Public Affection: Avoid overt displays, especially for unmarried couples.

Important Cultural Norms

Sensitive Interactions

Left Hand: Don't use for giving, receiving, or eating.
Religious Practices: Avoid loud behavior near mosques during prayer.
Criticism: Avoid criticizing local culture, government, or religion.

Social Considerations

Gender: Interactions are generally conservative.
LGBTQ+: Limited rights, low social acceptance; exercise discretion.
Discretion: Maintain discretion in public, especially regarding personal relationships.

General Courtesy:

Removing shoes before entering homes or mosques. Bargain respectfully in markets. Embrace interactions as friendly encounters.

Accessibility & Support

Samarinda’s infrastructure has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

Infrastructure is generally not built with extensive accessibility in mind.

Infrastructure Reality

Limited Accessibility: Uneven or non-existent sidewalks.
Ramps & Elevators: Rare outside new malls and modern hotels.
Older Sites: Present significant challenges for wheelchair users.

Accessible Attractions

Major modern buildings may have some accessible pathways.

Attraction Access

Islamic Center Mosque: Possibly has accessible pathways.
Up-to-date Malls: Generally offer better accessibility.
Traditional Villages: Major challenges for minimal mobility.

Transportation & Services

Public transport options are generally not accessible. Ride-sharing cars are the best option.

Transport for Mobility

Public Transport: Angkot, Ojek, riverboats are not accessible.
Ride-Sharing Cars: Gojek Car/GrabCar or hired cars are best, may need assistance.
No Particular Vehicles: Transport not specifically equipped for accessibility.

Impairment Support

Specialized services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Support Limitations

Visual Impairments: Not many specialized services.
Hearing Impairments: Limited specialized services.
Signage: Mainly in Bahasa Indonesia, limited Braille or audio guidance.

Resources & Organizations

No Specific Organizations:No local organizations specifically focus on reachable byurism for international visitors.

Accommodation Contact:Travelers with needs contact their hotel in advance to discuss requirements and help.

Specialized Tour Operators:Seek out operators who can arrange specific support or discuss limitations.

Direct Contact:Direct contact with facilities is important for specific needs.

Advance Planning:Contact well in advance for best support.

Personalized Assistance:Plans for boarding/alighting transport.

Prior Planning:

For tourists with specific needs, contact accommodations and tour operators well in advance to discuss requirements and potential assistance. Direct contact with facilities is important.

Samarinda Travel Tips