Banks: 08:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday; some larger banks are open from 08:00 to 12:00, Saturday 
Post Offices: 08:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; 08:00 to 13:00, Saturday 
Shops: 09:00/10:00 to 20:00, daily

In most parts of West Java, visitors don’t experience any major problems with crime. People tend to be nice and helpful, but there’s always the chance of something unexpected happening. It’s a good idea to check with front desk staff at your hotel to find out if there are particular spots to avoid.

At various tourist attractions there are ‘Beware of Thieves’ signs which you are advised to take seriously. Purses and wallets should be kept well protected, and valuables are best kept in a hotel safe. Pickpockets and purse snatchers are prevalent in congested areas.

Ethnic tensions are a reality here, as are political uncertainties. Keeping abreast of current conditions through your embassy’s website can be a good idea.

It is also important to note that revealing clothing is not considered proper public dress. Not only is this contrary to local customs, it also can provoke unwanted attention and jeopardise a woman’s safety. Women are expected to keep their arms covered and to dress modestly. Head coverings are not required

220V, 50Hz; European-style plugs featuring two circular pins, or British-style plugs with two flat blades and a ground.

Malaria is a risk in many parts of the country, and consulting with your doctor about anti-malarials is recommended. Inoculations against cholera, Japanese encephalitis and typhoid should also be considered.Reasonably good medical care is available in West Java, particularly in urban areas. Outside major communities, however, facilities are poor or non-existent.It’s important to have adequate travel insurance that covers any medical emergency that may arise.

Emergency services: 110.

The country’s official language is Bahasa Indonesia, which is closely related to the Malay language and is written in Roman script. English is spoken in all tourist destinations and is the predominant spoken and written foreign language. Dutch is still understood by older people and in the larger cities.

The Indonesian rupiah (IDR)is circulated in banknotes of the following denominations: 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 100 rupiah. US dollar-denominated travellers’ cheques are readily accepted at hotels and for most purchases in commercial centres. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in tourist and urban areas.

Indonesia imposes no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, but restricts the movement of rupiah to five million. Gifts of a total value not exceeding US$100 may be brought into the country duty-free. In addition, the following goods may be imported without incurring duty, with amounts depending on the visitor’s length of stay: up to two litres of alcohol and 200 to 600 cigarettes, or the equivalent in cigars or loose tobacco, for stays of one to three weeks.

Indonesians are generally very polite and tolerant of foreigners and their customs. Handshaking is the normal greeting for men and women on introduction and is most always accompanied with a smile. It is important that you refrain from losing your temper in public, as this is highly frowned on in Indonesian culture.

The country has a large Muslim population, and it is very helpful to understand and show respect for local beliefs. This is particularly important during the fasting month of Ramadan, when the faithful refrain from eating from sunrise to sunset and meals are not served in public restaurants during daylight hours.

All visitors to Indonesia must show a passport that is valid for at least six months and may be required to show a ticket for onward travel. National of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US among other countries may enter Indonesia for tourism purposes for stays of no longer than two months without a visa. Nationals of countries with no on-arrival visa agreement with Indonesia must apply for a visa in advance of their intended travel from an Indonesian embassy in their home country.