Medan is the largest city in North Sumatra, and the third largest city in the country with a population of approximately 2.45 million (2023).
Medan sits at the heart of North Sumatra’s expat community, with a well-established international school, reliable private hospitals, and a lively dining and social scene shaped by the city’s remarkable ethnic and cultural diversity — Batak, Javanese, Minangkabau, Chinese, and Indian communities have all left their mark on daily life here. The city has undergone significant infrastructure changes in recent years, most notably the opening of Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) in 2013 to replace the old Polonia airport, and the introduction of the Airport Railink connecting the city centre to the new terminal. New expats should also be aware that Grab and Gojek ride-hailing apps are the most practical and reliable way to get around the city day to day. During the dry season haze period — typically July through October — air quality can deteriorate significantly due to forest and peatland fires across Sumatra. Families with young children or respiratory sensitivities should monitor AQI readings via apps such as IQAir and keep N95 masks readily available during these months.
Housing
There are some high-rise apartment buildings in Medan, but most expats live in houses in major housing complexes. The housing areas that are popular with expats include: Setia Budi, Bumi Asri, and Cemara Asri complexes.
The majority of expatriates in Medan live in either the Taman Setia Budi (Tasbi) area or in one of the complexes near the former Polonia airport site, which has since been redeveloped as a mixed commercial and residential district. Royal Sumatra is another popular complex with large houses and scenic green areas. Citra Garden is also a well-run complex. Both have good access to Medan Independent School.
Schooling
Medan Independent School
Jl. Jamin Ginting Km. 10 / Jl. Tali Air No. 5 Medan 20141 North Sumatra
Tel. +62 (61) 836-1816, +62 (61) 836-6175, +62 (821) 68414813
Email [email protected] Website www.mismedan.org
Enrollment: Under 100 Students Levels: Preschool through to Senior High
Located in a beautifully scenic campus outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, MIS was originally founded in 1969 to provide a holistic education to the children of the US and UK Consulates. In a green, peaceful, and stimulating environment, students are challenged through high academic standards and also learn to build strong character. The MIS student profile is central to all teaching and learning, and students learn on a daily basis to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective individuals with the constant support and guidance of highly qualified and experienced teachers, all of whom are qualified to teach in their home countries. The majority of teachers also hold Master’s degrees in their fields and have an average of over ten years’ experience each. Class sizes are kept small to ensure every child gets the focused attention they deserve, and the school has fewer than one hundred students in total from Preschool to Senior High.
With a full-size football field, swimming pool, and gym, students also have access to excellent sporting and health facilities. These facilities are also open to parents, families, and friends on weekends when MIS becomes a hub for the local and international community. The library — Medan’s largest collection of English language books — is second to none, and classrooms are fully equipped with up-to-date resources. Transportation is available from various locations around Medan. Medan Independent School (formerly Medan International School) is Medan’s only WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accredited school and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and the Diploma Program (DP). MIS is also the only school in Medan to be a member of the East Asian Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS).
Contact the school on +62 (61) 836-1816 to schedule a visit and see Medan’s international school for yourself.
Singapore Intercultural School (SIS Medan)
Jl. Abdullah Lubis, Medan Sumatera Utara 20153
Tel. (+62 61) 414 3308 / 49
Website: www.sisschools.org/sis-medan
SIS Medan also operates a second campus at:
Jl. Letjen Jamin Ginting Km. 8.5, Medan
Tel. (+62 61) 836 2880
SIS Medan is part of the Singapore Intercultural School network established in 1996 and offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum alongside the Singapore curriculum from Preschool through to Junior College level. Both campuses serve the international and local community and provide an alternative to MIS for families relocating to Medan.
Dining Out — Places to Eat
Restaurant listings in Medan change frequently and all details below have been independently verified as of the time of this update. Readers are advised to confirm current opening hours and locations directly or via Google Maps before visiting. For detailed and up-to-date food reviews in Medan, www.makanmana.net is a reliable local resource.
Western Restaurants
- Healy Mac’s — Centre Point Business Park, Blok M15-16, Jln. Timor, Medan. Instagram: @healy_macs. Medan’s first authentic Irish bar and restaurant, known for generous portions, pork-forward menu, and a lively atmosphere. Popular with the expat community for weekend gatherings.
- O’Flaherty’s Irish Restaurant and Pub — Jl. Padang Golf, Medan. Instagram: @oflahertys_medan. A Medan institution since 2002, offering European pub favourites including baby back ribs, tenderloin steak, and grilled pork chop. Long a favourite Friday night haunt for Caucasian expats.
- Medan Club Bar and Restaurant — Jl. R.A. Kartini No. 36, Medan. One of the oldest social venues in the city with a history dating back to 1879, offering affordable drinks and food in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Trattoria — Tijili Square, 1st Floor, Medan. Instagram: @trattoria_medan. Good Italian food in a comfortable setting, a long-running favourite among the city’s international community. Note that the restaurant has relocated from its original location near the Indian Consulate to Tijili Square.
- Harbour9 Dining Bar and Wine Lounge — Forum Nine Building, Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 9, Medan. Tel. 061-4520481. Instagram: @harbour9. A fine dining concept restaurant with bar and wine lounge, offering indoor and outdoor seating. Open Sunday through Thursday 11am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11am to 2am.
- Bel Mondo Cafe — Multiple locations including Sun Plaza and Centre Point Mall. Instagram: @belmondocafe. An established Medan dining favourite since 2000, specialising in noodles and US beef steak. Also available on GoFood for delivery.
- Prime Steak House — JW Marriott Hotel Medan. An upscale steakhouse offering a selection of steaks, seafood and wines. Reservations recommended.
Japanese Food
- Sushi Tei — Sun Plaza, Jl. KH Zainul Arifin, Medan. Tel. +62 61 4515236. A reliable Japanese dining option popular with expats and local professionals.
- Jade Restaurant — JW Marriott Hotel Medan. A well-regarded Chinese restaurant serving Cantonese cuisine and offering one of Medan’s finest selections of premium Chinese teas.
Indian Food
- Cahaya Baru Indian Food — Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro No. 12/16, Medan. Tel. 061-4530962 / +62 811 606 0962. Instagram: @cahayabaru_indianfood. Open daily 10am to 8pm. Specialising in authentic South Indian cuisine, Cahaya Baru is one of Medan’s longest-standing and most respected Indian restaurants.
Chinese and Seafood
- Jurung Jumbo Seafood Restaurant — Jl. Putri Hijau No. 8ABCD, Kesawan, Medan. Tel. (061) 4525760 / 4525653. WhatsApp: 081220276813. Instagram: @jurungjumbo. Open 11am to 8pm. Operating since 1974, this is one of Medan’s most established seafood restaurants. No pork, no lard.
- Nelayan Restaurant — Jl. Gudang No. 39, Medan. Instagram: @nelayanrestaurant. A Medan institution now with multiple branches across the city, specialising in dimsum, suki, and Chinese seafood cuisine. Operating since 1995. Check the website restoran-nelayan.id for branch locations and hours.
Thai Food
- Sawasdee Thai Seafood Restaurant — Jl. Multatuli Raya No. 36-37, Blok FF, Medan. Tel. (061) 4570268 / +62 852 7021 8979. Instagram: @sawasdeethaimedan. Open 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 9:30pm. Considered the first and finest Thai restaurant in Medan, with an extensive seafood-focused menu.
Indonesian Food
- Warisan Tempoe Doeloe — Jl. Abdullah Lubis No. 48/75, Medan. Tel. 061-4153133. Instagram: @warisantempodoeloe. A charming restaurant and gallery set among antique wooden furniture, serving traditional Indonesian cuisine in a distinctive heritage atmosphere.
- Desa Desa Resto — Jl. Setiabudi No. 190/12, Medan. Instagram: @desadesa_restomedan. A unique village-themed restaurant with architecture inspired by traditional Indonesian house styles from across the archipelago. Menu covers Indonesian, Balinese, seafood, and Western dishes, prepared without artificial flavouring. Open daily from 11am.
Roadside Stalls (warung)
- The streets around Jl. Semarang and Jl. Selat Panjang remain some of the best areas in Medan to experience authentic local street food at excellent value.
Special Regional Food Dishes from Medan
Medan has a distinctive culinary identity shaped by its mix of Batak, Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions. Local specialities worth seeking out include bika ambon and marquisa (both well represented on Jl. Mojopahit), asinan mangga, teri from Pasar Sambu, bolu gulung from Jl. Meranti, and durian — found everywhere during season. Meranti cake, jambu tenteng, markisa and terung belanda are also distinctly Medanese treats worth trying.
Medan is also rightly celebrated for its coffee culture. Sidikalang coffee from the highlands of North Sumatra is among the finest in Indonesia, and the city’s kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) tradition is one of its most distinctive pleasures for any newcomer. Exploring the older kopitiam streets around Kesawan is a rewarding experience for any expat settling into the city.
Nice Cafes to Hang Out
- Roemah Kopi Wak Noer — Jl. Uskup Agung No. 15, Medan. Tel. 061-4153320 / 0811 604 6927. Instagram: @waknoer. Open daily 8am to 10:30pm. A characterful heritage coffee house, a long-standing expat favourite and a great introduction to Medan’s distinctive coffee culture.
- Starbucks — Sun Plaza and at Cambridge City Square. Reliable for meeting colleagues or taking a work break in a familiar setting.
- For current, reliable restaurant reviews and an updated directory of Medan dining options, visit www.makanmana.net.
Recreation
Movie Theaters
Cinema XXI at Sun Plaza and Cinema XXI at Hermes Place Polonia (Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No. 45) are the primary cinema options for expats. Note that while Hermes Place Polonia mall has seen significant tenant departures in recent years and is no longer the active lifestyle mall it once was, its Cinema XXI continues to operate normally.
Natural Attractions and Day Trips
- Bukit Lawang — Approximately 90 km from Medan on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, Bukit Lawang is one of the finest places in the world to observe wild Sumatran orangutans. Responsible guided jungle treks are available through certified local guides, and the chance of encountering orangutans on a trek is high. The village has fully recovered from the 2003 flood and is a thriving ecotourism destination, making it an excellent day trip or overnight excursion from Medan. Follow ethical wildlife guidelines: maintain distance from the animals and do not interact with or feed them.
- Berastagi (Brastagi) — A highland town approximately 70 km south of Medan, Berastagi offers cooler temperatures, active volcanoes, traditional Batak villages, and fresh local produce markets. A popular weekend escape for Medan expats.
- Lake Toba and Samosir Island — One of the world’s great natural wonders and an essential experience for anyone living in North Sumatra. The drive from Medan to Parapat takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, followed by a one-hour ferry crossing to Samosir Island. North Sumatra received over 9 million visitors in 2024, with Lake Toba a headline draw. Tour packages, private drivers, and coach services are all readily available. Tuktuk on Samosir remains the most popular base for visitors.
- Sun Plaza Ice Skating — An indoor ice skating rink within Sun Plaza mall, popular with families.
- Pantai Cermin, Klang Putih and Gudang Garam Beach — Coastal day trip options within driving distance of the city. Verify current access and facilities locally before visiting.
Golf
Medan and its surrounds have a number of golf courses popular with the expat business community. Please verify current access, membership requirements and green fee arrangements directly with individual clubs, as these change regularly.
Health Clubs
Most of Medan’s international hotels offer gym and pool facilities, some of which are accessible to non-guests for a day-use fee. The JW Marriott Medan, Novotel Medan, and Grand Mercure Medan Angkasa (formerly Grand Angkasa) are all confirmed operating properties with fitness facilities. Enquire directly with individual hotels for current day-use rates and access policies.
Religious Services
Wesley Methodist Church
Jl. Sultan Agung No. 9, Medan Petisah, North Sumatra 20111
Tel. (+62-61) 455-4742
Email [email protected]
Website: www.wmcmedan.com
English services are held on Sundays at 8:30 am.
International Church Medan (IC Medan)
Tel. 0813.6295.9694
Website www.icmedan.com
Please refer to the IC Medan website for the current address and service schedule, as the church has relocated since this page was first published. English-language services are held on Sundays with multiple service times available; the website carries the most current details including any online service options.
Shopping
Shopping Centres
- Cambridge City Square (Cambridge Hotel, formerly Grand Swiss-Belhotel), Jalan S. Parman No. 217. One of Medan’s established lifestyle malls, home to a Brastagi Supermarket branch and various retail and dining outlets.
- Sun Plaza — Jl. KH Zainul Arifin, Medan. Medan’s premier shopping mall and a central meeting point for the expat community. Anchors and confirmed tenants include Sogo department store, Hypermart, Cinema XXI, Starbucks, Sushi Tei, Gramedia bookstore, H&M, and Uniqlo.
- Medan Mall, Plaza Medan Fair and Thamrin Plaza — Additional shopping options in the city. Please verify current anchor tenants locally as these have changed in recent years.
Supermarkets
- The Brastagi Supermarket group remains the go-to supermarket for most expats, with the main Medan location at Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 288 and additional branches at Cambridge City Square, Cemara Asri, and other locations around the city. Open daily; check www.brastagi.co.id for full branch listings and hours.
- Lotte Mart (formerly Makro), Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto Km. 7.8, Medan Sunggal. Tel. (061) 8470010. Open daily 7am to 10pm. A large wholesale-format supermarket and general merchandise store. No membership card required for entry under the current Lotte Mart operation.
- Mr. Ben’s — Jl. Muara Takus No. 70-72, Medan. WhatsApp: 0811-672-6868. Open Monday to Saturday 7:30am to 7:30pm. A small but exceptionally well-stocked importer of foreign groceries, dairy, frozen meats, condiments, and international food products. A long-standing expat favourite and worth the visit for anyone missing home comforts.
- Sogo — Sun Plaza. Confirmed operating, offering imported groceries and food products alongside its general retail range.
Specialty Shops
Chinese delicacies including bird’s nest, dried sea cucumber, dried scallops and related products are available at specialist Chinese provisions shops around the Jl. Semarang area. Please confirm individual shop locations locally.
Medical Care
Most expats in Medan use the city’s two main international-standard private hospitals. For serious or complex medical situations, the standard practice in the expat community is medical evacuation to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, and adequate evacuation cover should be a component of any international health insurance policy held by residents of North Sumatra.
- RS Siloam Dhirga Surya (most popular with expats) Jl. Imam Bonjol No. 6, Medan Petisah Tel. +62 61 8888 1900 Emergency / Ambulance: 1500 911 (24 hours) A Class B private hospital offering a broad range of specialist services including emergency, cardiac, neurological and surgical care. English-speaking staff available.
- RS Columbia Asia Jl. Listrik No. 2A, Medan Tel. +62 61 4566 368 Website: columbiaasia.co.id/rs-columbia-asia-medan Part of the established Columbia Asia hospital network, offering quality private care with English-speaking services.
- RS St. Elisabeth Jl. H. Misbah No. 7, Medan Tel. (061) 414-4737 (please verify current number)
- RSU Martha Friska Multatuli Jl. Multatuli, Komplek Taman Multatuli Indah No. 1, Medan Tel. (061) 4149666 (please verify current number)
- RS Mata SMEC (Sumatera Eye Center) Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda No. 278-280, Petisah Tengah, Medan Petisah Tel. 0804-1-227788 / WhatsApp: 0811-901-1234 A specialist eye hospital open to outpatients Monday to Saturday. Offers cataract, retina, glaucoma, and related specialist services.
Consular Offices / Cultural Centres
U.S. Consulate General Medan
Uni Plaza Building, 4th Floor (West Tower)
Jl. Jend. MT Haryono A-1,
Medan 20231
Tel. (62)(61) 455-9033
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm
The U.S. Consulate General in Medan provides American Citizen Services for all U.S. nationals in North Sumatra. Consular staff change periodically; check the official U.S. Embassy Indonesia website for current contact names and emergency procedures.
Netherlands Honorary Consulate
Jalan Cakrawati No. 12, Desa Aur, Medan Maimun, Medan 20151
Tel. +62-61-414 6306 / 455 7078
Please note this is an Honorary Consulate. Full consular services for Dutch nationals are provided by the Netherlands Embassy in Jakarta.
Expats from countries without a consular presence in Medan should register with their nearest embassy in Jakarta. The U.S. Consulate in Medan handles American Citizen Services for the entire North Sumatra region.
Other Sites with Information on Medan
Medan, Sumatran and Indonesian News for Expats — Facebook page
Frequently Asked Questions about Expat Life in Medan
Is Medan safe for expats?
Medan is generally considered safe for expatriates who take standard urban precautions. As with any large Indonesian city, petty theft and heavy traffic are the most common practical concerns. Most expats in Medan report feeling comfortable and settled, particularly within established housing complexes such as Tasbi, Cemara Asri, and Citra Garden. Using Grab or Gojek ride-hailing apps rather than unmarked street taxis is strongly recommended for all journeys around the city.
What is the cost of living in Medan?
Medan is considerably more affordable than Jakarta or Bali for expatriates, particularly for housing and domestic staffing. A well-maintained house in a good expat housing complex can be rented at a fraction of equivalent Jakarta pricing. Local food, transport, and everyday expenses are low by international standards. The main significant costs for expat families are international school fees and imported groceries. Prices change regularly, so use these observations as orientation only and verify specific costs with community contacts on arrival.
Is there an international school in Medan?
Yes. Medan Independent School (MIS) is the city’s primary international school, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from Preschool through to Senior High and accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Singapore Intercultural School (SIS Medan) also operates in the city with two campuses, offering an alternative IB and Singapore-curriculum education for expat families.
What is the air quality like in Medan?
Air quality in Medan varies significantly by season. During the dry season haze period — typically July through October — smoke from forest and peatland fires across Sumatra can cause air quality to deteriorate to unhealthy or hazardous levels. During severe haze events, outdoor activity should be minimised, particularly for children, and quality N95 masks should be worn when going outside. The IQAir app provides real-time Medan AQI readings and is recommended for all expat families, especially those with young children or anyone with respiratory conditions. The haze is not present year-round and much of the year Medan’s air quality is perfectly acceptable.
How do I get from Kualanamu Airport into Medan city?
Kualanamu International Airport (KNO) replaced the old Polonia airport in July 2013 and is located approximately 39 km southeast of central Medan. The most convenient option for most travellers is the Airport Railink (Srilelawangsa service), which runs every 30 to 60 minutes between the airport and Medan City Station. The journey takes approximately 30 to 55 minutes depending on direction, and as of mid-2024 the fare is IDR 40,000 per journey. Grab and Gojek cars are also readily available from the airport for door-to-door service.
What are the best hospitals for expats in Medan?
The two hospitals most used by the expatriate community are RS Siloam Dhirga Surya (Jl. Imam Bonjol) and RS Columbia Asia (Jl. Listrik). Both offer English-speaking staff and a solid standard of private care for most conditions. For complex procedures, elective surgery, or serious emergencies, medical evacuation to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore is the standard approach in the expat community; ensure your international health insurance policy includes adequate evacuation cover before you arrive.
Can I use Grab and Gojek in Medan?
Yes. Both Grab and Gojek operate fully in Medan and are the most practical, safe, and transparent way to get around the city. Cars, motorbike taxis, and food delivery are all available through both apps. Payment can be made by cash, credit or debit card, or digital wallet. Both apps mask personal contact numbers for passenger privacy and offer live GPS tracking that can be shared with friends or family.
Our thanks to Bin Hee Jum for his help in researching and compiling the information for this page, and to Ines Lim and Gerald Donovan of Medan Independent School for their extensive updates.
We are always seeking additional information on the expatriate community in Medan. If you have information on community organisations, lifestyle, religious gatherings, or updated business listings, please share that information with us so that we can have it available for newcomers.
