Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and has long been one of the country’s most important trading ports. Located on the northeastern coast of Java, the city serves as the commercial gateway to eastern Indonesia and has historically played a key role in shipping, manufacturing, and regional trade. Today Surabaya remains one of Indonesia’s major business centers, with a metropolitan population estimated at just over 3 million people.
For expatriates relocating to Indonesia, Surabaya offers a somewhat different experience from Jakarta. Although it is still a large and busy city, many expatriates find that it feels more manageable, with somewhat lighter traffic and a smaller, more tightly connected expatriate community. The lifestyle can be comfortable, particularly for families, with access to good international schools, modern shopping centers, and reputable medical facilities.
Juanda International Airport (SUB), which serves Surabaya, is located approximately 20–27 km from the central city. Travel time to most residential areas typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The airport handles both domestic and international flights and serves as an important transportation hub for eastern Indonesia.
Expat Organizations
Surabaya has a smaller expatriate community than Jakarta but remains an important regional hub for multinational companies involved in shipping, manufacturing, logistics, and energy. As a result, there are several organizations and informal networks where expatriates can meet and socialize.
Surabaya Expat Football Club
This long-standing group meets regularly for football and social gatherings. They play weekly and welcome newcomers. The group is made up of members from many nationalities and provides a relaxed way for newly arrived expatriates to meet others in the community.
Netherlands Business Support Office (NBSO)
Netherlands Business Support Office
Gedung Bursa Efek Indonesia
Jl. Tais Nasution No. 21, 8th Floor Suite 8B
Surabaya 60271, Indonesia
Tel: +62 31 6001 0615
The NBSO supports Dutch companies operating or exploring opportunities in East Java and other parts of eastern Indonesia.
Online Expat Communities
In addition to formal organizations, many expatriates connect through online communities, particularly on Facebook.
Surabaya Expats (Facebook Group)
A large and active Facebook community where expatriates and internationally minded locals share advice about housing, schools, medical services, and daily life in Surabaya.
Surabaya Expats – Jobs, Job Posting & Volunteer Work (Facebook Group)
A related Facebook group focusing on employment opportunities, volunteer activities, and community networking.
These online communities are often one of the first resources new arrivals use to ask questions and connect with other expatriates.
Housing
Many expatriates working in Surabaya live in residential areas in the western and southern parts of the city where newer housing developments, international schools, and shopping centers are located.
Popular expatriate residential areas include Citraland, Pakuwon Indah, Darmo, and Graha Family. These neighborhoods are particularly attractive for families because they are located relatively close to several international schools, making daily school transportation easier for children. The areas typically offer gated housing communities, wider streets, and homes designed with larger living spaces and gardens.
Housing options range from standalone houses in residential compounds to serviced apartments. Some expatriates initially choose serviced apartments while they become familiar with the city and search for a long-term rental property.
Two serviced apartment options frequently chosen by expatriates include Ascott Waterplace Surabaya, located in the western part of the city near Pakuwon Mall and several international schools, and Oakwood Hotel & Residence Surabaya, situated in the southern part of the city. Both properties offer furnished apartments, hotel-style services, and facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, and restaurants, making them a comfortable option for short-term stays or for newcomers during their first months in the city.
Many expatriate families also employ live-in household staff, and homes are often designed with a small separate staff room or service area. This arrangement is common in Indonesia and can be particularly helpful for families with children or busy work schedules.
Rental prices vary widely depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. As the property market changes frequently, prospective tenants should verify current prices and availability before making commitments.
Transportation and Getting Around Surabaya
Surabaya is a large city and most expatriates rely on private transportation for their daily activities. Unlike some major international cities, Surabaya does not have a strong or extensive public transportation system that expatriates commonly use for commuting. While buses and smaller local transport vans known as angkot operate throughout the city, they are generally not widely used by expatriates.
Because of this, many expatriates rely on taxis or personal cars to get around the city. Families who are living in Surabaya for an extended period often employ a driver, particularly if they have children attending international schools or if their work requires frequent travel across the city.
One of the most commonly used taxi companies is Bluebird Taxi, which is known throughout Indonesia for its reliability and the use of metered fares. Bluebird taxis can be hailed on the street, found at taxi stands in major hotels and shopping malls, or ordered through the MyBluebird mobile application, which allows users to request a taxi directly from their smartphone.
Ride-hailing applications such as Grab and Gojek are widely available and are often used for convenience or short-distance trips. However, not all multinational companies are comfortable with employees regularly using motorcycle taxis or ride-hailing services, as some employers consider this form of transportation to carry additional safety risks. As a result, many companies prefer their expatriate staff to use a company driver, private car, or established taxi services.
Surabaya is connected to other parts of Java by toll roads and rail networks. Trains run regularly between Surabaya and cities such as Malang, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta, providing a comfortable travel option for longer journeys.
Recreation and Leisure
Although Surabaya is primarily a commercial city, there are still many opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Shopping malls play an important role in everyday social life. Many contain restaurants, cafés, cinemas, gyms, and family entertainment venues.
Popular malls include Pakuwon Mall, Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxy Mall, and Grand City Mall. These large shopping complexes are often where expatriates meet friends, dine out, or spend time with family.
Golf is also popular among expatriates, and several golf courses are located within or near the city.
Weekend trips are common, particularly to destinations outside the city such as Mount Bromo, Malang, and Batu, which offer cooler climates and scenic mountain landscapes.
Utilities
Surabaya has relatively reliable infrastructure compared to many other cities in Indonesia. Electricity supply is generally stable, and most expatriate housing compounds include backup generators.
Internet connectivity has improved significantly in recent years. Fiber internet services are available in many residential areas, and mobile data coverage is widely available throughout the city.
Shopping
Surabaya offers excellent shopping facilities with both traditional markets and modern malls.
Large supermarkets and hypermarkets are widely available and stock imported goods, although imported products tend to be more expensive than locally produced items.
Several supermarkets in the city cater particularly well to expatriate shoppers. Ranch Market, which has locations in areas such as Galaxy Mall and Graha Family, carries a wide selection of imported groceries, fresh produce, meats, and specialty items that many expatriates are accustomed to purchasing.
Farmers Market is another supermarket frequently used by expatriates. Located in several major shopping centers such as Tunjungan Plaza, Pakuwon Mall, and Galaxy Mall, Farmers Market carries a wide selection of imported groceries, fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and Western pantry items.
Another popular supermarket among residents is Hokky Supermarket, a Surabaya-based chain known for its wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and Asian grocery items. Hokky also carries many imported ingredients and specialty foods.
Papaya Fresh Gallery is particularly popular with the Japanese community and other expatriates looking for Japanese ingredients and specialty foods. The supermarket is known for its very fresh produce, imported Japanese groceries, ready-to-eat meals, and an excellent bakery section. In Surabaya, Papaya Fresh Gallery has three locations: Darmo Permai, Margorejo, and Pakuwon City.
Because imported foods and specialty products are typically more expensive in Indonesia, many expatriates find that they can economize by using more locally produced ingredients and brands for everyday cooking.
Online grocery and retail shopping has also become increasingly common. The HappyFresh application allows residents to order groceries from participating supermarkets through their smartphone, with a personal shopper selecting items and delivering them directly to the home.
For general online shopping, many residents also use large Indonesian e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and Tokopedia, which allow shoppers to purchase items from sellers throughout the country and have them shipped quickly to Surabaya.
Fresh produce and household goods can also be purchased at traditional markets throughout the city, which often offer very competitive prices.
Medical Care
Surabaya has several reputable hospitals that are commonly used by expatriates.
Hospitals frequently used include:
- Siloam Hospitals Surabaya
- Dr. Soetomo General Hospital
- Rumah Sakit Darmo
- Mitra Keluarga Hospital
- RKZ (St. Vincentius Catholic Hospital)
For highly specialized procedures, some expatriates choose to travel to Singapore.
Schools
Surabaya offers a number of educational options for expatriate families, including international schools and national curriculum schools with international programs.
Surabaya Intercultural School (SIS)
Surabaya Intercultural School is one of the best-known international schools in the city and serves students from many different nationalities.
Other schools considered by expatriate families include:
- Singapore National Academy (SNA)
- SpinS International School
- Bambini Childcare and Preschool
Parents relocating to Surabaya should research curriculum options carefully and confirm admissions details directly with the schools.
Cost of Living and Daily Life
The cost of living in Surabaya is generally lower than in Jakarta, although housing and international school fees can still represent a significant expense for expatriate families.
Everyday services such as household help, drivers, and childcare are relatively affordable compared with many Western countries. As a result, many expatriates enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Dining out, domestic travel, and entertainment are also reasonably priced, particularly when using local restaurants and services.
Dining Out
Dining out is a central part of social life in Surabaya. Many gatherings take place in restaurants located inside hotels or shopping malls.
The city offers a wide variety of dining options ranging from Indonesian cuisine to Japanese, Chinese, Western, and Middle Eastern restaurants.
Sightseeing
Although Surabaya is primarily a commercial and industrial center rather than a traditional tourist destination, there are several interesting places worth visiting that provide insight into the city’s history and culture.
One of the most well-known attractions is the House of Sampoerna, a beautifully preserved colonial building that now functions as a museum and cultural site. The museum tells the story of Indonesia’s clove cigarette industry and the Sampoerna family business.
Another popular destination is the Surabaya Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Indonesia. While it is smaller than many modern zoos found in other countries, it remains a pleasant place for families to spend a few hours walking through shaded areas and observing animals.
The Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) commemorates the Battle of Surabaya in November 1945, a key moment in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Surabaya is often referred to as the City of Heroes because of this historic battle.
Another well-known landmark is the Suramadu Bridge, which connects Surabaya to the island of Madura and stretches over five kilometers across the Madura Strait.
FAQ: Living in Surabaya as an Expat
Is Surabaya a good city for expatriates?
Yes. Surabaya offers a comfortable lifestyle with less congestion than Jakarta while still providing modern amenities.
How far is Juanda Airport from the city center?
About 20–27 km, with travel times typically between 30 and 60 minutes.
Do most expatriates hire drivers?
Many families do, particularly those with children attending school.
What are common weekend trips from Surabaya?
Mount Bromo, Malang, and Batu.
