Joining the growing number of expats living in Indonesia? There are a few things that’ll help you settle in quicker and make the most of your time here.
Because let’s be honest here. Traffic jams, language barriers, and a whole new way of doing business might throw you off, especially in the big cities.
So, learning how to get around, where to live, and how to connect with people will help you settle in faster than you think.
4 Tips for Expats in Indonesia
Let’s look at some essential tips to make you start enjoying your new home in Indonesia, in no time.
1. Learn Some Basic Bahasa Indonesia
As the wise man says, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Learning basic Indonesian isn’t mandatory though, but it will help you get by assuming you live outside of big cities like Bali or Jakarta.
Indonesians are friendly, and they will appreciate it more when you make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words.
A simple “terima kasih” (thank you), “permisi” (excuse me), or “selamat pagi” (good morning) will help you greatly.
2. Find the Right Place to Live Near Work
With the traffic being as crazy as it is, you don’t want to spend literally hours commuting every day, especially for expats in Jakarta. So, look for a place that’s either within walking distance or a short drive from your office.
Popular areas for expats in Indonesia like Kemang in Jakarta offer a good mix of housing and amenities, but it’s more important that you prioritize convenience over anything else.
You’ll want to avoid being stuck in traffic for ages on your way to and from work, unless you work remotely.
Do some research online, check out local expat groups, and visit the areas in person if you can before making a decision.
3. Understand Local Business Etiquette
Doing business in Indonesia you need to know that the people value politeness and harmony. Most like to take their time and make sure everyone’s on the same page.
It’s also super important to show respect to those in higher positions or older, as hierarchy plays a big role here.
A bit of polite small talk before jumping into business is also a good idea, as it helps build good relationships.
4. Make New Friends and Enjoy Your Expat Life
Many expats in Indonesia feel lonely during their first rodeo, and that’s okay because you will get used to the new environment eventually.
Luckily, Indonesians are super welcoming and open, so it’s easy to start building connections. Join local expat groups on Facebook or check out events happening in your area.
Coworking spaces and cafes are also great spots to meet other expats and locals. So, don’t be afraid to say hi and strike up a conversation when you’re there.
So, make the effort to get involved, and before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by a great group of friends, making your expat life that much more enjoyable.
Final Thought
Yes, the relocating part might feel overwhelming at first, but this might also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
Once you get the hang of the language, traffic, and business culture, things will start to feel a lot easier.
Make an effort to meet new people, explore the cities, and embrace the unique opportunities that come your way.
And don’t forget! if you’re living in Jakarta and need some healthy, hassle-free meals, Mealfit got you covered. We deliver fresh, nutritious food with Australian quality standards. So, you can focus on enjoying your new life without worrying about what’s for breakfast or dinner.
Need an office lunch delivery? We can help you with that too.