Moving To Indonesia From The UK

Moving to Indonesia

If you’re moving to Indonesia Britannia can help you through each stage of the process. Whether you’re moving to one of the big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya or Bandung, or a more rural location our expert knowledge and expertise will meet your needs and requirements.

	Importing Personal Effects to Indonesia Shipments of used household and personal effects may be imported duty free to Indonesia, subject to certain restrictions. The shipper will need a 12 month visa, original residence permit and work permit. Single consignees must obtain a statement to these effects from the embassy in Jakarta. Arrival of the effects must be within 6 months of the date of residence permit, and only two shipments (one by sea/one by air) are allowed. Returning Indonesian residents require documentation from the Embassy at origin, and must have spent a minimum of three years abroad. Your local Britannia Member will provide you with detailed customs regulations.
	Indonesia Customs Prohibitions and Restrictions In general, it is in your interest not to import the following items: Firearms & ammunition Inflammable goods & substances Plants & plant material Foodstuffs, perishables or otherwise Narcotics and dangerous goods Offensive materials Alcohol & tobacco
	Transit Times to Indonesia Both sole use and crated consignments usually take an average of 6 – 7 weeks.
	Protecting Your Items for Transport to Indonesia All groupage consignments will be barcoded before they are loaded into the shipping container. This will ensure that no items are left at origin.
	Moving to Indonesia with Pets Britannia can recommend a specialised shipper of animals to assist you in sending your family pet(s) from home to home. They will coordinate all documentation and necessary veterinary procedures. Find out more about pet transport.
	Importing Motor Vehicles To Indonesia No motor vehicles may be imported to Indonesia except by diplomats.
	Indonesia Currency Transfer When you are making international payments for individuals you can benefit from IFX expertise in seeking the best possible rate, whether you are sending or receiving foreign currency. IFX can help to protect you from exchange rate fluctuations and save you time and money on international payments. IFX offers: International Payments Regular Overseas Transfers Prepaid Currency Card Forward Contracts More info on the IFX website.

Moving to Indonesia with Britannia

Your Move to Indonesia – Britannia has a network of removers who will assist you with moving to Indonesia. We can also provide computer tracking and bar coding to ensure a safe and reliable removal service. Your goods can be transported to Indonesia by sea, or by air.

Packing & Delivery – Our trained packers can pack and wrap all your items to ensure that they are transported safely. If you choose a full door to door service, Britannia will deliver the goods to your new home. We will then unpack your goods and furniture, and will remove all used packing materials from the site.

Additional Removal Services – Britannia can provide a variety of additional services when moving to Indonesia. We are authorised to provide a comprehensive insurance, can arrange storage prior to delivery, and can also take care of your pet transport.

If you are interested in our removal services to Indonesia, you can request a removals quote, and read more about our international removals, and additional moving services, such as money transfer.

Living in Indonesia

Indonesia is a vibrant and diverse country that offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern amenities. With over 17,000 islands, it is the world’s largest archipelago, providing a variety of landscapes to explore, from bustling cities to tranquil beaches and lush rainforests. Over 238 million people live in Indonesia making it the world’s fourth most populated country. Whether you settle in the cosmopolitan capital of Jakarta, the cultural hub of Yogyakarta, or the laid-back paradise of Bali, each region has its own distinct charm.

Indonesia’s cultural diversity is one of its defining features. With over 300 ethnic groups and hundreds of spoken languages, the country is a melting pot of traditions and customs. Festivals, markets, and ceremonies are integral parts of daily life, and give newcomers plenty of opportunities to engage with the local community. The national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity), reflects the harmonious coexistence of Indonesia’s many cultures and religions.

Indonesian food is influenced by Chinese, European, Middle Eastern and Indian cooking styles. Rice is the main staple food in the country and is often served with side dishes of meat, fish and vegetables.

Indonesia has a tropical climate, which means warm weather year-round. There are two main seasons: the dry season (April to October) and the wet season (November to March). While the climate supports a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, it’s important to be prepared for occasional flooding during the rainy season, particularly in low-lying areas.

Adapting to life in Indonesia may come with a few challenges, such as navigating the language barrier or adjusting to local infrastructure and bureaucracy. However, the warmth and hospitality of the Indonesian people make it easier for expats to feel welcome. Learning some basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases can go a long way in helping you integrate and enjoy all that this fascinating country has to offer.

Indonesian Visas

Indonesia has relatively strict laws about issuing long term working visas that will allow an individual to stay in the country for considerable amount of time. Working visas are issued to individuals in senior professional positions who are employed by Indonesia firms. However, the Indonesian authorities will only issues working visas for such positions if there is not an Indonesian citizen that can fill the role.

Working in Indonesia

Indonesia offers a variety of employment opportunities for UK expats, particularly in industries such as education, tourism, natural resources, and international business. Teaching English remains one of the most popular roles, and there is a high demand for native English-speaking teachers in international schools, universities, and language centres. Expats with expertise in fields such as oil and gas, mining, engineering, and IT may also find opportunities, as these industries play a significant role in Indonesia’s economy.

In addition, Indonesia has a growing start-up scene and expanding digital economy which has created opportunities in areas like e-commerce, digital marketing, and software development. Hospitality and tourism are also thriving industries, especially in popular destinations like Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, where there are many luxury resorts and tour operators looking for skilled professionals.

The working culture in Indonesia reflects a mix of traditional and modern influences. Relationships and hierarchy play a significant role in the workplace, and there is a strong emphasis on respect for seniority and authority. It’s key to build trust and establish personal connections in the workplace, so networking with colleagues and business partners is highly valued. Teamwork is important, but decisions are often made by senior leaders, which reflects Indonesia’s top-down approach.

Communication in the workplace tends to be indirect, as Indonesians often prefer to avoid confrontation or causing embarrassment. This emphasis on maintaining harmony means that patience and diplomacy are important traits for expats navigating the professional environment.

Cost of Living in Indonesia

Living costs in Indonesia are much lower than they are in many Western countries. In most towns and cities you will find that local food from local restaurants and shops is often much cheaper than imported Western food. So, by experiencing the local culture you can make your money go much further.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Indonesia is nearly 60% lower than in the UK, not including rent. Rent alone is 74% lower in Indonesia than in the UK. Salaries reflect this difference, with the average monthly salary in Indonesia being 89% lower than in the UK. However, salaries for expats will vary depending on your role and industry, and many expats in Indonesia enjoy a high quality of life.

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Indonesia below. Prices are shown in Indonesian rupiah (Rp) and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Interesting facts about Indonesia

• Indonesia is incredibly diverse, with over 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 spoken languages.
• Around 85% of Indonesia’s population is Muslim and the remaining 15% are Christian.
• Indonesia is made up of 17,508 islands, and about 6,000 of these islands are inhabited by people.
• Java, one of Indonesia’s main islands, is home to over 145 million people, making it the most densely populated island in the world.
• Badminton and football are the two most popular sports in Indonesia.
• Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world – it’s part of the Coral Triangle, which has the highest diversity of marine species globally, and its rainforests are home to species like orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and rhinoceroses.
• The capital, Jakarta, is one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world due to over-extraction of groundwater and rising sea levels. Plans are underway to relocate the capital to Nusantara, in East Kalimantan on Borneo island.

Choose Britannia for Your Indonesia Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to Indonesia and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a removals quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.