Living in Jakarta: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Jakarta.
Nicknamed "Big Durian" by locals, Jakarta is Indonesia's economic heart. As a dynamic megacity, the capital city can be quite advantageous for expatriates seeking new opportunities. It is the world's second most densely populated city, but it provides quality living to expatriates thanks to its perfect blend of culture, traditions and modernism. Living in Jakarta can thus be an enriching experience.
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Jakarta with general information to discover the destination.
Discovering Jakarta
The vibrant and fascinating capital of Indonesia is a place that leaves no one indifferent. ...
The local culture in Jakarta
Jakarta is a true melting pot with a rich and multifaceted culture, where beauty, respect ...
Making friends in Jakarta
Once you have settled in Jakarta, you will seek to make friends in order to adapt to your ...
Work
Dive into the Jakarta labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Jakarta.
Working in Jakarta
As Indonesia's major financial and commercial hub, the capital city has a wealth of ...
Jakarta's labour market
Jakarta, home to more than 9 million people, is a bustling city full of opportunities. ...
Jobs in Jakarta
Discover professional opportunities in Jakarta and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Jakarta. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Accommodation in Jakarta
The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is a dynamic city in many ways. Beyond its busy streets ...
Buying property in Jakarta
When planning a move abroad, housing is a priority issue. If you expect to be away for a ...
Find your ideal home in Jakarta
Explore real estate listings in Jakarta to buy or rent your next home.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Jakarta.
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Jakarta.
Getting around Jakarta
If Indonesia is notorious for its traffic jams, Jakarta, the largest city and capital of the archipelago, is by far the most congested place ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Jakarta.
Things to do in Jakarta alone, with friends or with family
Jakarta is never boring. The Indonesian capital has countless fun activities and unique places ...
Eating out in Jakarta
Being an international metropolitan city, Jakarta has a stunning and diversified ...
Things to do in Jakarta on weekdays
The Indonesian capital is a city that never sleeps. As a result, there is no shortage ...
Articles from the magazine
Fred in Jakarta: "I like the people here, especially their relaxed attitude"
Seven years have gone by since Fred, a British national, settled in Jakarta to be with his wife, an Indonesia national. They now have two children and Fred says to love the country and its people...
Cassandra: "Jakarta is easy to live"
Cassandra left Singapore, her home country, to live in Indonesia as her husband got a job opportunity in the country. They settled in Jakarta with their children...
Indonesia announces new strategies to attract qualified and wealthy expatriates
Indonesia is currently implementing new strategies to support the strong economic recovery observed in 2022. In addition to reforming its economy and encouraging innovation, the government is counting on wealthy and skilled foreigners. The health crisis has turned the organization of work upside down, and digital nomadism is at its peak. As a country that aims to become one of the top 5 largest economies by 2045, Indonesia is also luring wealthy investors.
Ken in Indonesia: "the people here are very friendly"
American journalist, Ken left the US in 2010 to travel the world. He lived in Costa Rica, Croatia and Sicily before settling in Batam, Indonesia.
Roy in Bali : "The Balinese are extremely overt, friendly and curious"
16 years have gone by since Roy, a US expat, settled in Bali. Enjoying his retirement years with his Balinese family, he also works as a fine art dealer and with NGOs. Meet Roy...
Luke in Jakarta: "Living here is a lot less stressful and more simple"
British expat, Luke settled in Indonesia in 2007. Teacher by profession, he is also a happy dad with a two years old son with whom he spends a lot of time.
Jakarta News
Hi, my name is Luke. I am from Frome, England and I am now living in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. I live in the south of the city and travel to west of it every day for work.
Small town to bustling city: Expat life in Surabaya
Wayne yearned for something bigger than the small-town life he had grown accustomed to, and decided to explore what lies beyond Canada's borders. His travels took him to Asia, where he ended up remaining, eventually settling in Surabaya, Indonesia. Here, he shares with Expat.com his thoughts about his expat journey and life in Indonesia.
