WI-FI

In recent years, the availability and speed of broadband connections in Indonesia have improved dramatically, since the introduction of 4G and fibre optics. WiFi is easily available in hotels and cafes, and typical connection speed for WiFi  512kbps – 2mbps some providers can offer higher speeds.

Mobile Internet

If you want a SIM Card for your phone, you can get one directly at the airport when you arrive (it’s a Telkomsel booth and will cost about 250,000 Rupiah (around 25 US Dollar) for the SIM Card plus 10 GB LTE). If you are willing to wait, you can also get one in town for around 100,000 Rupiah (10 US Dollar) for up to 35 GB. The best-known carriers are Indosat, Telkomsel (SimPATI) and XL Axiata.

MiFi

Living in Indonesia as a Digital Nomad

Space is at a premium in Jakarta so expect to pay a lot more if wanting a house with a garden in an expat area. Most people opt to live in apartments. Expats can be expected to pay up to two years cash in advance for rental property so they should choose wisely and do their research. If choosing to live in an expat area be prepared to pay a lot more than if living amongst the indigenous population. In major Indonesian cities, traffic can be horrific so, ideally, expats should try to live somewhere that is as close to work as possible.

Taxis are abundant and ridiculously cheap compared to the West, and if tipping well the driver will wait for passengers while they do their shopping. It is very uncommon for expats to drive in Jakarta and most people employ a driver. A good driver is worth it as they have knowledge of all the side streets to make traveling around more bearable. Having a driver in the West would be considered a luxury; in Indonesia, it is a part of life for most people with a stable income. However, in Bali, it’s a different story. The so-called taxi mafia is taking care of prices to be pretty high, especially when compared to Uber prices. Unfortunately, those apps are prohibited and in case you do choose to call an Uber / Grab / GoJek, you risk having your driver beaten up by taxi drivers. So, my recommendation is to get the number of one (or more) driver, which you call directly when you need to go somewhere special. But you should definitely get a scooter to be independent and travel wherever you wish on your own.

Eating out is very cheap if alcohol is not included. Shopping for local fresh products in the markets and warungs – local restaurants with a kind of buffet – is fun and there are great bargains to be found. If buying locally and skipping the supermarkets, one can live very cheaply and healthy.

Coworking Spaces

Hubud– Hubud is Bali’s first coworking space, located in the beautiful Ubud in the uplands of Bali. Globally renowned for yoga, holistic healing, organic food and stunning scenery. The coworking space is well-known for its strong sense of community, and collaborative environment.

Outpost– Outpost is a collaborative, productive community. Our coworking/coliving facilities and services are uniquely-tailored for individuals and groups seeking to immerse themselves in developing a new concept or grow existing ideas.

Blog Posts About Indonesia