Medan

Tipping

• Tipping is not always expected but is appreciated for good service
• Restaurants: A service charge (typically 5
• 10%) is often added to the bill; if not, you can round up or leave a small amount (5
• 10% of the bill)
• Taxis: Round up the fare or give a small extra amount
• Hotel staff (porters, housekeepers): A small tip (e
• g
• , 10,000
• 20,000 IDR) is appropriate
• Tour guides and drivers: 50,000
• 100,000 IDR per person per day, depending on the service quality

Money & Payments

• ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas; however, some rural areas may have limited access
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and large stores in cities, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and local markets
• It is advisable to bring some cash, especially for smaller purchases and outside major cities
• There is no official black market for cash, but informal money changers might offer slightly better rates at higher risk

Cultural Norms

• Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas
• Shoulders and knees should be covered
• Remove shoes before entering a mosque, temple, or someone's home
• Use your right hand when giving or receiving something, especially money, and when eating
• The left hand is considered unclean
• Do not point with your finger; instead, use your entire open hand or a thumb
• Do not touch someone's head, as it is considered sacred
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Bargaining is common in markets and small shops
• It is considered rude to show the soles of your feet to someone

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited in Indonesia. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are varying degrees of social acceptance and legal protections across different regions. Some local laws discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

• The legal drinking age is 21
• Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences and the death penalty for possession, trafficking, and consumption of even small amounts of illegal drugs

Special Laws

• Possession and use of e
• cigarettes are generally legal, but regulations can vary
• Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, especially in conservative areas
• Littering is a significant issue and can result in fines in some areas
• Some areas, particularly in Aceh province, follow Sharia law, which imposes stricter social and moral codes, including dress codes and alcohol restrictions