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Living in Indonesia as an expatriate can be both exciting and eye opening. The country offers a unique mix of rich culture friendly people and a relaxed tropical lifestyle.
From busy city life to quieter island living daily experiences in Indonesia may feel very different from what you are used to.
In this article, Odysee Education shares helpful information and insights for expatriates who are planning to live in Indonesia, let’s check this out!
Read also: How to Land an English Teaching Job in Indonesia for Foreigners?
What is an expat in Indonesia?
An expat in Indonesia is a foreign national who lives in the country for a certain period of time, usually for work, study, business, or personal reasons.
Expats may stay short term or long term and often come from different countries with diverse backgrounds.
In Indonesia, expats commonly work in industries such as education, technology, hospitality, mining, and international companies.
Expats are required to have the appropriate visa and permits, and many adapt to local culture while maintaining aspects of their home country lifestyle.
Is Indonesia a good place for expats?
Yes, Indonesia can be a great place for expats, but whether it’s the right fit depends on your priorities and expectations.
Many expats enjoy Indonesia for its warm climate, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, friendly people, and relatively low cost of living.
Cities like Jakarta and Bali offer international communities, modern amenities, and a variety of work and lifestyle opportunities.
At the same time, living in Indonesia means adapting to local ways of life. Some expats find challenges in areas such as language barriers, bureaucracy, traffic, and public services that differ from what they’re used to. But for many, these are part of the adventure and growth that comes with living abroad.
Overall, Indonesia offers a unique and rewarding experience for expats who are open to new cultures and flexible ways of living.
How many expats are in Indonesia?
We found that the latest available data on the number of expatriates in Indonesia, from 2020, shows there were approximately 355.51 thousand expatriates living in the country.
Most of them came from East and Southeast Asian countries such as China, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.
However, based on a survey by Yucan Wang, there is a growing trend of digital nomads, particularly in Bali.
Many of them come from neighboring countries like Australia and New Zealand.
Interestingly enough, Europeans such as Germans, French, and British are also increasingly choosing Indonesia as a place to live and work remotely.
Though, expatriates in Indonesia usually work in specific sectors that allow or require foreign expertise.
Many are employed in industries such as education, technology, manufacturing, hospitality, energy, and multinational corporations. Some work as teachers, consultants, managers, or technical specialists, while others run businesses or work remotely as digital nomads.
Their roles often involve skill transfer, management, or knowledge sharing with local teams, in line with Indonesia’s employment regulations for foreign workers.
Read also: Themes of Character Development Projects in Pancasila Education and Example Activities
What is the salary of expat in Indonesia?
The salary for expats in Indonesia varies widely depending on the type of job, industry, experience level, and city. Expats with specialized skills and senior roles are usually paid significantly more than the local average.
Here are our approximate ranges:
1. Executive Roles
Executive expatriates typically hold senior leadership positions such as directors, country managers, or regional heads in multinational companies.
Their responsibilities often include strategic decision making, business expansion, and overseeing large teams or operations.
Because of their high level of responsibility and expertise, compensation is usually attractive and often comes with a full expatriate package.
2. Skilled Professional or Managers
This group includes experienced professionals working in areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, IT, project management, and operations.
Expats in these roles are usually hired for their technical skills, international experience, or ability to manage teams and transfer knowledge to local staff.
Salaries are competitive compared to local standards and may include benefits such as health insurance, housing support, or performance incentives, depending on the employer.
3. Experienced Engineers or Senior Technical Roles
Expatriates in engineering or senior technical positions often work in industries such as energy, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure, and mining.
These roles require specialized skills, certifications, or extensive experience that may not be widely available locally.
As a result, salaries are generally higher and may also include hardship allowances, project-based bonuses, and additional insurance coverage, especially for work in remote areas.
4. Teaching Roles
Teaching expatriates usually work in international schools, private institutions, or universities.
International school teachers with recognized teaching qualifications and experience tend to earn higher salaries and receive benefits such as housing allowance, health insurance, and flight tickets.
Tips to Live in Indonesia
Here are essential tips to help you live comfortably and confidently in Indonesia.
1. Choose the Right City to Live In
Each city in Indonesia offers a different lifestyle. You should consider it based on your preference.
Jakarta is ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced urban environment with plenty of job opportunities.
Bali attracts digital nomads and expats seeking a relaxed island lifestyle. Bandung and Yogyakarta are popular for their cooler climate, creative communities, and student-friendly atmosphere.
2. Understands Visa and Legal Requirements
Indonesia has several visa options, including tourist visas, social visas, work permits (KITAS), and long-term stay permits (KITAP).
Make sure you understand which visa suits your situation and always comply with immigration regulations.
3. Adapt to Local Culture and Etiquette
Indonesian culture values politeness, respect, and harmony. Using simple greetings, smiling, and showing patience will help you build positive relationships.
Dress modestly in public places, especially in religious or rural areas. Avoid confrontation, and always speak calmly and respectfully.
4. Use Local Apps and Services
Using local apps can make daily life much easier. Ride-hailing and delivery apps like Gojek and Grab help you commute, order food, and send packages.
Marketplaces like Shopee and Tokopedia allow you to shop conveniently online.
Digital wallets such as GoPay, OVO, and DANA are widely accepted and simplify cashless payments.
5. Build Social Network
Making friends with both locals and fellow expats will help you adapt faster. Join community events, language exchange meetups, coworking spaces, or social media groups.
Indonesians are generally friendly and welcoming, so don’t hesitate to start conversations and participate in local activities.
6. Plan for Banking and Payments
Opening a local bank account will help you manage daily expenses more easily. Some banks offer expat-friendly services, and digital banking apps are widely used.
Cash is still important, especially in small towns, but most urban areas accept QR payments and e-wallets.
7. Prepare for the Climates
Indonesia has a tropical climate with high humidity and two main seasons: dry and rainy. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and hydration are essential.
During the rainy season, be prepared for heavy rainfall and occasional flooding in certain areas.
8. Choose the Right Housing Types
You can choose between apartments, houses, guesthouses (kost), or serviced residences.
Apartments are common in big cities, while houses and villas are popular in suburban and island areas.
Always check the contract terms, furnishing details, internet availability, and security before renting.
9. Learn How To Use Transportation
Motorcycles are the most popular mode of transportation due to heavy traffic. Many expats use ride-hailing apps instead of driving.
Public transport like MRT, LRT, and TransJakarta buses are reliable in Jakarta, while other cities mainly depend on ride-hailing services and private vehicles.
10. Indonesians Appreciate Humble and Respectful People
Being humble, polite, and respectful will earn you trust and friendship. Indonesians highly value kindness, patience, and good manners. Showing appreciation for local traditions and being open-minded will help you integrate more smoothly into society.
Odysee Education is an education development platform dedicated to advancing the quality of education in Indonesia through innovative school management systems, professional teacher placement, and international teaching programs.
Odysee works closely with schools, teachers, and education stakeholders to build a more effective, inclusive, and future-ready learning ecosystem across the country.
Ready to start your teaching journey in Indonesia? Register on our website today or contact us directly to explore exciting teaching opportunities with Odysee Education.
