Communication in: Medan

Local SIM Cards

Telkomsel offers broad coverage. XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo are other trusted providers.

Acquisition & Use

Purchase at Kualanamu Airport or official stores.
SIM card registration with passport is mandatory.
Affordable with various data packages. Explore Airalo eSIMs for digital convenience.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and generally dependable in hotels, cafes, and malls.

Mobile Data Coverage

Free Wi-Fi in many establishments.
Good mobile data coverage in Medan and major towns.
Spotty coverage in very remote or mountainous areas. Consider a portable device from Solis Wi-Fi.

Language and Translation

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language. English proficiency varies.

Helpful Resources

Basic Indonesian phrases assist daily interactions.
Download Google Translate's offline pack. Learn more with Rosetta Stone.
A physical phrasebook proves valuable.

Important Phrases

Basic Indonesian phrases for common situations.

With Pronunciation

Hello: Halo
Thank you: Terima kasih (tre-mah ka-sih)
How much?: Berapa harganya? (be-ra-pah har-ga-nya)

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Kualanamu Airport provides various amenities.
Airport lounge access for frequent travelers is possible.
Explore Priority Pass for lounge access.
Relax before your flight.

Flight Compensation

Flight delays or cancellations sometimes occur.
Denied boarding situations also arise.
Services exist to help secure compensation.
Find compensation assistance with Compensair.

Business Hours and Schedules

Awareness of typical operating hours and holiday impacts helps in trip planning.

Banks

Generally open from Monday to Friday, 08:00 AM or 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM or 04:00 PM. Some may open on Saturdays for limited hours.

Shopping & Stores

Shopping Malls: Typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Supermarkets often 07:00 AM-10:00 PM. Convenience stores frequently 24 hours.

Restaurants & Markets

Restaurants: Generally open 09:00 AM/10:00 AM to 10:00 PM/11:00 PM. Street food stalls often operate much later. Traditional markets open early.

Religious & Public Holidays

Indonesia observes numerous public holidays. These can affect business operations and transportation.

Dates & Impact

Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) marks the end of Ramadan.
Many businesses close during Eid al-Fitr.
Transportation networks are heavily impacted by family travel.

Holiday Travel Advice

Plan well in advance if you travel during major holidays.

Important Notes

Transportation can be crowded and more expensive.
Some shops and restaurants might close.
Prices for accommodation may increase.

Etiquette Essentials

Greeting Customs

A light handshake is common.
Men typically shake hands with men, women with women.
For the opposite sex, a polite nod and smile are often preferred.

Appropriate Attire

Modest clothing is appreciated, especially outside modern venues.
Shoulders and knees must be covered at religious sites.
Women bring a scarf for mosques.

Cash Guidance

Carry small denominations of cash. Many local businesses prefer cash and may not have change for large bills.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not customary in local eateries or warungs. Upscale restaurants may include a service charge.

Practices

Always use your right hand for eating or receiving items.
The left hand is generally considered unclean.
A small tip is welcome for good service in hotels or for guides/drivers.

Photography & Taboos

General photography is fine, but some topics are sensitive.

Guidance

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Avoid touching someone's head; do not point with feet.
Keep public displays of affection to a minimum.

Religious Site Etiquette

Enter holy places with reverence.

Guidelines

Remove shoes before entering mosques and temples.
Women cover heads, shoulders, and knees in mosques.
Maintain quiet during prayer or services.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Insights

Indonesian society is generally conservative.

Considerations

Modesty in dress and behavior is suggested for female travelers.
Public displays of affection for LGBTQ+ individuals may not be widely accepted.
Exercise discretion.

Important Topics to Navigate

Sensitive Discussions

Be mindful and respectful when discussing sensitive political topics.
Approach religious subjects with care.
Do not point with your feet or show soles of feet.

Photography Restrictions

Be discreet in religious sites.
Avoid using flash unless permitted.
Some attractions have specific photography rules.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure Challenges

Medan's infrastructure presents challenges for mobility needs.
Sidewalks are often uneven, crowded, or non-existent.
Ramps and elevators are rare outside new malls and luxury hotels.

Accessible Transportation

Public transport (angkots, becaks) are not accessible.
Ride-sharing apps (Grab/Gojek) vehicles are not specifically adapted.
Hiring a private car with a driver is the most flexible option.

Sustainable Choices

Carry a reusable water bottle. Fill it with filtered or purchased water to lessen plastic waste, a significant environmental issue in Indonesia.

Communication in Medan