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Communication

Communication

Indonesia

Local SIM Cards

Purchasing a local SIM card is a common way to stay connected.

Details

  • Major Providers: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo. Telkomsel has the widest coverage.
  • Purchase: Available at the airport or official stores. Passport registration is a government requirement.
  • Airalo eSIMs: An alternative for convenient digital SIM card activation before arrival.

Internet Access

Connectivity is generally reliable throughout the city.

Connectivity

  • Wi-Fi: Widely available and often free in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and malls.
  • Mobile Data: Fast 4G/LTE coverage in populated areas; 5G is expanding in major cities.
  • Solis Wi-Fi: A portable WiFi device for constant internet access.

Language

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, Javanese is also widely spoken.

Aids

  • English: Spoken by hotel staff and tour guides. Less common in local areas.
  • Translation Apps: Google Translate with offline Indonesian pack is recommended.
  • Rosetta Stone: Consider a language learning platform for deeper immersion.

Postal Services

For mail and packages, local and international options are available.

Details

  • Pos Indonesia: The national postal service has branches.
  • International Couriers: DHL, FedEx, UPS operate for faster international shipping.
  • International shipping via Pos Indonesia can be slow.

Important Phrases

Basics

  • Hello: Halo
  • Thank you: Terima kasih (te-ree-mah ka-sih)
  • Please: Tolong (to-long)
  • Excuse me / Sorry: Permisi (per-mee-see) / Maaf (ma-ahf)

Usage

  • Yes: Ya (yah)
  • No: Tidak (tee-dak)
  • How much?: Berapa harganya? (be-ra-pa har-ga-nya)
  • I don't understand: Saya tidak mengerti (sa-ya tee-dak men-ger-tee)

Embrace Local Culture

Learning a few local phrases makes a significant difference in interactions.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shopping

Generally open from 10:00 to 22:00 daily.

Banking

Banks typically open 08:00/09:00 to 15:00/16:00, Mon-Fri. ATMs are 24/7.

Food & Fun

Restaurants vary; attractions typically 08:00/09:00 to 17:00/18:00.

Banking Hours

Banks operate on standard weekday hours.

ATM Locations

  • ATMs are inside bank branches or shopping malls for security.
  • Look for locations with good lighting and surveillance.
  • Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.

Seasonal Information

General tourist attractions seldom have seasonal closures.

Holiday Impacts

  • Smaller businesses may reduce hours or close during major holidays.
  • Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) causes domestic travel surges and busy transportation.
  • Check the Indonesian government's official holiday calendar for specific dates.

Public Holidays

Muslim Observances

  • Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): Major holiday, businesses may close, domestic travel increases.
  • Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Haji): Another Muslim holiday with varying dates.
  • Dates vary yearly based on the Islamic calendar.

Other Dates

  • Christmas, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year.
  • Pancasila Day, Independence Day (August 17th).
  • Vesak, Ascension Day, and others.

Holiday Planning

Public holidays significantly impact transportation availability and business hours; plan accordingly.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greetings

Local greeting customs are welcoming and polite.

Interactions

  • Shake hands: A light handshake is common for men and women. For Muslims, a gentle touch followed by hand to heart shows respect.
  • Smile: A friendly smile is always appreciated and signals warmth.
  • "Assalamualaikum" is a common greeting among Muslims.

Dining Etiquette

Expectations

  • Use your right hand for eating and passing objects.
  • Refer to "Tipping culture and expectations" and "Dining customs and etiquette" for full details.
  • Tipping is less prevalent than in some Western countries.

Photography

Be respectful when taking photos.

Guidelines

  • Generally permissible to photograph landmarks and public spaces.
  • Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
  • At religious sites, be respectful and avoid photography during prayer times.

Cultural Taboos

Avoid sensitive actions or discussions.

Sensitivities

  • Head and Feet: Never touch someone's head. Avoid pointing with feet or showing soles of feet towards people or religious objects.
  • Left Hand: Avoid using the left hand for eating, passing objects, or shaking hands.
  • Public Displays of Affection: Keep minimal; society is conservative.

Social Sensitivities

Gender

  • Indonesian society maintains generally conservative social norms.
  • Women travelers are generally safe, dressing modestly and remaining aware is advisable.
  • Especially at night, awareness is beneficial.

Lgbtq+

  • Homosexuality is not illegal (except in Aceh), but not openly accepted.
  • Public displays of affection for same-sex couples are not recommended.
  • Exercise discretion and avoid drawing unwanted attention.

More Customs

Dress Code

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional communities.
  • Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
  • Women cover heads in mosques.

Sacred Spaces

  • Remove shoes before entering homes or mosques.
  • Be quiet and respectful, especially during prayer times.
  • Follow any specific rules or signs posted.

Friendly Interactions

Interacting respectfully with locals enriches your travel experience.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges or other accessibility needs should prepare for limitations.

Infrastructure

Accessibility infrastructure in Semarang is generally limited.

Navigation Challenges

  • Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, or obstructed by street vendors.
  • Ramps and accessible restrooms are not universal in older buildings or public spaces.
  • Newer hotels, shopping malls, and some public buildings may have better accessibility.

Accessible Sites

Some locations offer partial accessibility.

Select Options

  • Lawang Sewu: Some parts are accessible, but older sections may have stairs.
  • Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah: Relatively more accessible with ramps and wide areas.
  • Ride-hailing cars (GoCar/GrabCar) offer private, door-to-door transport.

Special Services

Limited specific services for visual or hearing impairments.

Aids

  • Very limited specific services or infrastructure.
  • Digital translation tools can assist with communication.
  • Other specialized services are rare.

Information

Finding accessibility data.

Search Aids

  • Formal organizations focused on accessible tourism are limited.
  • Research individual venue accessibility directly by contacting them.
  • Online travel communities or forums may offer anecdotal information.

General Advice

Preparation

  • Thorough research and advance planning are helpful for travelers with specific needs.

Support

  • Consider traveling with a companion for additional support and assistance.

Plan Ahead

While Semarang is developing, accessibility infrastructure is still progressing; thorough planning is advised.

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