Relocating to Indonesia is an exciting opportunity, but the first few weeks can also feel overwhelming for many expat families. The combination of a new environment, unfamiliar systems, and the immediate need to establish daily routines can create pressure for everyone involved.
For the accompanying spouse, there is often an expectation to quickly set up the household and create a sense of normalcy for the family. For the working professional, the transition into a new business culture can present subtle but important challenges that are not always immediately obvious. Children, too, are adjusting — often entering a new school environment and finding their place within an international community.
While each family member experiences the transition differently, they all share one common need: to get off to a strong and confident start.
The suggestions below are designed to help you do exactly that. Whether you are planning a familiarization trip (often referred to as a ‘look-see’) before your move, or you have just arrived in Jakarta, these practical steps will help you settle in more efficiently and begin building your new life with clarity and confidence.
Familiarization Trip
A familiarization trip provides expats intending to reside in Indonesia the opportunity to explore alternatives for housing and schooling as well as to better acquaint themselves with the living conditions, lifestyle and the availability of local services and goods. With the knowledge gained from this trip, future residents can return home and be better prepared to plan the move before they actually start packing.
1. Housing Orientation and Neighborhood Selection
Arrange an orientation in Jakarta so that you can explore various neighborhoods and housing options. Sit down with a real estate agent or an orientation guide and look at a map of Jakarta noting the location of the working spouse’s office, the school/s your children are most likely to attend, and the neighborhoods with good proximity to these as well as recreation, shopping and community events venues.
Ask the agent to share local knowledge such as where the nearest mosque is located as the times and volume of the call to prayer may disturb you. Ask if they are aware of flooding in the area or on access roads to the area as well as if there is major construction planned or underway as this will severely affect traffic.
Based on your proximity criteria, drive through neighborhoods that you may be interested in living in as well as those generally favored by expats to get a feel for the surroundings. View a few houses in your preferred neighborhoods so you can see the type of housing that is available within your budget.
You will be faced with the constant headache of heavy traffic during your stay in Jakarta. Take a test drive to see how long it takes to travel from prospective neighborhoods to the office, school/s and leisure activity venues. Today, many expats also use apps such as Google Maps or Waze to simulate commute times at different hours of the day.
Test the commute during peak rush hours in the morning and evening. Your family members will be making these journeys daily, so check traffic patterns out carefully before deciding which neighborhood to live in.
Housing Considerations
The decision where to live in Jakarta will be influenced by several factors:
Affordability – Your company will provide you with a budget for housing. The budget will quickly narrow down the standard of rental property and location. Most property owners require lump sum rental payments of one to three years in advance. It is still common for landlords to request one year or more of rent paid in advance, although some newer apartment developments may offer more flexible payment terms.
Ensure that your company is prepared to pay this lump sum for you, if housing is a part of your compensation package.
Rental accommodation can be fully or partially furnished or unfurnished. Ask your company if there is an allowance for purchasing furniture or renting furniture and household necessities. In recent years, many expats have opted for serviced apartments or newer high-rise developments, particularly in central Jakarta, due to convenience, facilities, and shorter commute times.
2. Schools
There are numerous international schools in Jakarta and most other major cities – enough choice for most parents. Be aware, however, that international school tuition is very expensive. Tuition fees, development fees, and capital levies can be significant, so early planning and confirmation of school allowances with your employer is essential.
Check to see that there is space available for your child. Most schools will require that you make an appointment in advance, as walk-in visits are generally not accepted. Contact the schools prior to your arrival so that the admissions staff can be prepared for your visit during your look-see trip.
Bring along your children’s curriculum (current and future) and report cards so that you may be able to discuss appropriate grade placement with school staff. Ask about school bus service and commute times to the various residential areas you are considering living in as this will affect your choice of housing.
Most international schools will require a formal application which will involve an application fee. The main expenses are the tuition fees and the school development bond. These expenses are high; negotiate with your sponsoring company so they will fully cover these costs. It is important to apply as soon as you have confirmed your relocation to ensure your child will be allotted a seat.
3. Community and Social Life
Business associations, community organizations and sports organizations are at the core of the expat lifestyle. Their activities fill free time and provide opportunities to build a social network and contribute to the local community.
You can make contact with many of these groups prior to your look-see trip or move, which allows you to have a network ready to join as soon as you arrive and begin establishing your new lifestyle.
Many groups now communicate primarily through WhatsApp groups, Facebook communities and online mailing lists rather than traditional notice boards. Attend meetings, special events or newcomers functions if they fit into your schedule; newcomers are always welcome.
4. Shopping and Cost of Living
Visit several malls to familiarize yourself with what can and cannot be obtained in Indonesia. Visit several supermarkets such as Hero, Sogo Food Hall, Ranch Market or Kem Chicks to see what foodstuffs are readily available and what they cost.
Today, many expats also rely on online grocery and shopping platforms such as Happy Fresh and Shopee for convenience.
This exercise will give you a better idea of cost of living and what items, if any, you may want to bring from your home country.
5. Medical Services
Visit major medical service providers to determine what services are available. International SOS remains a key provider for expatriates and welcomes clinic tours, which can give you a good sense of the level of service and professionalism of the staff.
In addition, hospital groups such as Siloam Hospitals and Pondok Indah Hospital Group are widely used by expats and offer international-standard facilities in Jakarta and other major cities.
Ask specific questions of clinic specialists if you have a particular medical condition that will need to be treated during your stay. Confirm that any medication you or your family members require can be easily obtained in Indonesia, and bring the generic names from home.
6. Learning Bahasa Indonesia
Buy a book or download some of the many language apps to start learning Bahasa Indonesia. In addition to books, there are now numerous mobile apps and online platforms that make learning the language more accessible than ever.
Learning Bahasa Indonesia will greatly ease communication challenges during your stay.
7. Transport and Mobility
Discuss with your employer whether they will be providing a vehicle and driver for you, or whether you will receive a lump sum transportation allowance. This will determine whether you need to lease a vehicle independently or rely on other transport options.
Most expats who use public transportation rely on taxis, as they are affordable and widely available throughout Jakarta. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek are also commonly used for convenience.
Having a driver who knows the city well can significantly ease your transition and help you settle in more quickly.
8. Pets
If you are concerned about your pet’s care and health during your stay in Indonesia, visit a full-service pet store and speak with professionals about transport and care.
Regulations for importing and exporting pets can change, so it is strongly recommended to verify current requirements with a professional pet transport specialist. Discuss both import and export procedures with your employer, as costs and quarantine requirements can be significant.
9. Learning from Others
Socialize with other expats and ask about their experiences. There are also many Facebook and WhatsApp groups where you can ask questions before your look-see trip or move.
While speaking with other expats can be helpful, it is important to recognize that their advice is based on personal experience and may not always be accurate or applicable to your situation. Similarly, local colleagues may provide guidance based on Indonesian perspectives that may not fully reflect the challenges faced by expatriates.
To gain a deeper and more reliable understanding of how to operate effectively in Indonesia, many expats find it valuable to work with a professional cultural coach who can bridge both perspectives and provide practical, experience-based guidance tailored to your situation. For more structured support, you may wish to explore resources such as www.understandingindonesia.com.
Conclusion
Don’t be that culture-shocked newcomer who can’t figure out where to start – follow these steps and you’ll soon Hit the Ground Running too!
FAQ
What should I do first when moving to Jakarta?
Start with housing, schooling, and understanding your daily commute, as these will have the biggest impact on your daily life.
Is Jakarta difficult for expats to adjust to?
It can be challenging at first due to traffic and cultural differences, but most expats adapt well with preparation and the right support.
Do I need to speak Bahasa Indonesia to live in Jakarta?
It is not essential, especially in expat environments, but learning basic Bahasa Indonesia will significantly improve your experience.
How do expats usually get around in Jakarta?
Most rely on a combination of company drivers, taxis, and ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek.
