AN EXPAT’S GUIDE TO MOVING TO JAKARTA 2025

Moving to Jakarta, Indonesia’s bustling capital, is an exciting adventure filled with vibrant culture, modern comforts, and dynamic opportunities. Known as “The Big Durian” — a city both loved and loathed by many — Jakarta has a personality of its own: fast-paced, colorful, and constantly changing.

With a population exceeding 11 million and the Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area home to over 30 million, newcomers will quickly find themselves immersed in a lively urban jungle. The city’s massive traffic jams, sharp contrasts between luxury and poverty, and tropical humidity can be challenging. Yet its energy, friendliness, and opportunities make it one of Southeast Asia’s most memorable cities to live in.

Expat’s Guide to Moving to Jakarta (2025 Edition) / Follow WhatsNewJakarta's Instagram & More Jakarta Expat Guide

Why Expats Choose Jakarta

Jakarta is Indonesia’s commercial, financial, and cultural hub, hosting embassies, international schools, global companies, and a large expat community.

👉 Modern amenities — world-class malls, luxury apartments, restaurants, international hospitals.

👉 Strong job market — many expats work in energy, finance, manufacturing, hospitality, education, and digital sectors.

👉 Lower living costs compared to major Western and Asian capitals.

👉 Warm and welcoming local culture.

👉 Easy access to weekend getaways (Bali, Bandung, Lombok, Thousand Islands).

👉 Despite its traffic and flood issues, Jakarta remains one of Southeast Asia’s most strategic and opportunity-rich capitals for expatriates.

READ THINGS TO DO IN JAKARTA GUIDE 

The People & Culture

Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, but also one of the most culturally diverse — with more than 300 ethnic groups. Jakarta mirrors this diversity in its people, cuisine, and festivals.

👉 Locals are generally warm, friendly, and helpful.

👉 The city blends influences from Chinese, Javanese, Sundanese, Malay, Arab, Indian, and Western cultures.

👉 English is spoken widely in business and hospitality, but learning basic Bahasa Indonesia helps greatly.

👉 Major celebrations include Ramadan, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Independence Day, and Cap Go Meh.

🤝 Tip: A smile and a simple “Terima kasih” (thank you) go a long way.

Housing & Neighborhoods (2025 Update)

Jakarta’s housing scene offers everything from luxury serviced apartments to affordable local homes. Choosing the right neighborhood is crucial due to traffic congestion.

🔸 Popular Expat Areas:

👉 Kemang – Trendy expat hotspot, leafy streets, cafes, international schools.

👉 Senopati & SCBD – Central, modern, close to offices and nightlife.

👉 Kuningan & Setiabudi – Convenient for business professionals.

👉 Menteng – Historic area with embassies, upscale houses.

👉 Kelapa Gading & Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) – North Jakarta areas with family-friendly amenities.

👉 BSD & Alam Sutera – Suburban feel, modern housing complexes.

💰 2025 Rental Trends:

👉 Average rent (CBD areas): IDR 400,000–480,000 per sqm/month.

👉 Serviced apartments (1–2 bedrooms): USD 1,500–3,500/month.

👉 Houses in suburban areas: starting from USD 1,000/month, depending on size and location.

🏃 Tip: Live close to work or your children’s school to save hours daily in traffic.

Read Best Serviced Apartments in Jakarta

Cost of Living in 2025

The cost of living in Jakarta depends heavily on your lifestyle. Bigger homes or elite neighborhoods cost more to maintain, while shopping at Western-style supermarkets or hiring domestic help can quickly increase monthly expenses.

It’s wise to work with a trusted agent to find safe, suitable housing and negotiate terms. Be ready to pay a security deposit, several months’ rent upfront, and budget for utilities, maintenance, and internet.

✅ Hiring domestic helpers (live-in or part-time) is common and affordable.
✅ Western-style products and imported goods are pricier than local alternatives.

Your lifestyle drives your monthly budget in Jakarta:

Expat Networks Communities

Expats in Jakarta may search for ways to network and meet other expats in the city, as well as connect with local communities. There are various networking groups and events for expats in Jakarta, such as business groups, social clubs, and volunteer organizations. Additionally, social media platforms and online forums can be useful for connecting with other expats and finding information on events and activities in Jakarta. Joining local clubs and organizations can also help expats connect with the local community and learn more about Indonesian culture.

Expat Communities You Could Join in Jakarta &  Also Upcoming Jakarta Expat Events 

Lifestyle & Things To Do in Jakarta

Jakarta never sleeps. It’s a city of mega malls, culinary diversity, and a vibrant nightlife. Being home to more than 100 world-class shopping malls, it has become a prime and frequent activity for citizens to visit them. Not only do the malls provide an escape from the city’s heat and traffic, malls are deemed as a lifestyle center, where you can do anything and everything to keep you busy all day – from enjoying international cuisines, watching a movie, shopping in designer stores and local boutiques, getting a massage, grooming sessions at the salon, grocery shopping and so much more. These sprawling megamalls are indeed a shopper’s paradise with a limitless range of high-end to affordable shops, which follows the latest trends. You are sure to have a productive and eventful day spending it at the mall.

🛍 Shopping & Leisure: 20+ Best Shopping Malls in Jakarta

👉 100+ malls (Grand Indonesia, Pacific Place, Plaza Senayan, PIK Avenue).

👉 Cafes, spas, salons, cinemas, gyms, and co-working spaces everywhere.

🍽 Food Scene: Jakarta Food & Drink Guide

👉 High-end international restaurants, hip cafes, humble warungs, and night markets.

👉 A melting pot of flavors: Indonesian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Mediterranean, and more.

🌃 Nightlife: Jakarta Nightlife Guide

👉 Trendy bars and clubs in Senopati, SCBD, Thamrin, Kemang, and PIK.

👉 Rooftop lounges, karaoke, live music, speakeasies, and high-end cocktail bars.

👉 Popular Expat Bars spots: The St. Regis Bar, Cosmo Pony, Jaya Pub, Modernhaus, Eastern Promise.

As a multicultural city with a big appetite, Jakarta proudly presents a colossal variety of international and local cuisine. This means you can find a wide range of restaurants here: from high-end ones that serve first-class dishes to small humble eateries as well as street vendors that offer authentic local fare. On top of that, you will be hard-pressed to not find new hip and trendy restaurants or hangout spots sprouting every now and then. Some of the best ways to spend your days here are to check out the never-ending list of dining and drinking venues in Jakarta, which offers tantalizing dishes and refreshing beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Top Things to Do in Jakarta for a Short Visit

Jakarta is also incredibly well known for its entertainment after dark – from small pool bars and karaoke rooms, to live music venues, sports bars, and swanky high-end nightclubs, Jakarta offers the best of nightlife. Don’t be surprised as the nightlife scene in Jakarta is just as fabulous and up-to-date as those found in Europe, Australia and other parts of the world. Several neighborhoods that are popular for their hip and happening nightlife include Kemang, for both formal and informal scenes such as live music bands, pool, and sports bars and more, as well as Kuningan, Senayan, and Thamrin for some of the trendiest and high-class clubs Jakarta has to offer.

Transportation & Getting Around (2025)

Jakarta’s traffic jams are legendary, especially during rush hours (6–10 AM and 4–8 PM), so smart commuting is essential. Sidewalks aren’t always pedestrian-friendly, so most residents rely on public transport or ride-hailing apps.

🚇 Public Transportation

🚇  MRT & LRT Jakarta – Clean, modern, and expanding each year.

🚇  TransJakarta Bus – Reliable BRT network covering many key areas.

🚇  Commuter Line Railway – Ideal for traveling between Jakarta and surrounding suburbs.

🚖 Ride-Hailing & Taxis

🚖 Gojek and Grab are the fastest and most convenient options, offering motorbike and car rides at affordable prices.

🚖 Blue Bird Taxi remains a trusted and safe taxi service, with its own booking app.

🚘 Private Transport

Many expats lease cars or hire drivers, which can still be more affordable than in many major cities abroad. If you drive yourself, expect additional costs for fuel, parking, tolls, insurance, and a possible driver’s salary.

👉 Tip: For singles or couples in central areas, public transport and apps are usually more practical. Families or those living farther out often prefer having a car for daily convenience.

Driving yourself around is also recommended, however, there is always that risk of getting stuck in long hours of traffic, which is why having a driver is an incredible perk in Jakarta. This is not a viable option if you are not prepared to cover the costs that come with owning or renting a car such as petrol, parking expenses, road taxes, insurance, and a driver’s salary. But it is safe to say that this option is still fairly cheaper in Jakarta than in other parts of the world.

Fortunately, with the advancement of technology, there is another option: transportation apps such as Gojek and Grab. With these apps, it is extremely simple to book a ride with either a car or a bike (also known as Ojek). Many citizens use these apps as their go-to transport option because they are fast, easy to find and reasonably priced, even for long distances. Should there be an issue with your app or if you prefer to use cabs instead, Blue Bird and Express are among the trusted brands in the city? You can also download mobile apps for it.

In general, if you are living alone, using public transportation or transport apps would be a better and cheaper option, however, if you are with family or living on the outskirts of the city then it is more sensible to have a car.

Visas & Permits

The process for getting a work permit or visa in Indonesia is often an arduous task, especially since there are strict rules on employing foreigners due to the high rate of unemployment already present in the country so it is crucial to have a valid work permit or visa sorted in advance. You could either contact the nearest Indonesian Embassy or consulate directly or visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Indonesia to get more information on how to apply for a work permit and the various visa categories available.

Foreigners working or residing in Indonesia typically need:

👉 KITAS (Limited Stay Permit) for work, investment, family reunion, or retirement.

👉 KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) after long-term stay.

👉 Tourist & business visas are short-term and don’t allow work.

Application is usually done through a sponsoring company, agency, or employer.
For the latest updates, check Indonesian Immigration or consult a visa agent.

Schools in Jakarta (2025)

For expat families, Jakarta offers a wide range of international schools that follow globally recognized curricula such as IB, Cambridge, British, and Australian programs. These schools are known for their high-quality education, diverse student communities, and strong support systems for international families.

While tuition fees can be high, many parents value the well-rounded education and multicultural environment these schools provide.

Top international schools in Jakarta Listing

📌 Tip: Enroll early, as top schools often have waiting lists, and consider location carefully to minimize commuting time.

Healthcare & Insurance (2025)

Jakarta’s healthcare system is improving, but quality can vary by area. Most expats prefer private international-standard hospitals, which offer high-quality care and English-speaking doctors.

Top hospitals include: Siloam Hospitals, Mayapada Hospital, Brawijaya Women & Children Hospital, RS Pondok Indah, and SOS Medika Kuningan (a popular choice among expats).

While public hospitals exist, private care is more reliable — but can be expensive. It’s strongly recommended to have comprehensive international health insurance before arrival to cover medical costs and emergencies.

Useful Apps for Expats in Jakarta

🚗 Gojek / Grab – transport, food, delivery

🏢 Blue Bird – taxi

🍽 Traveloka / Chope / OpenTable – restaurant reservations

🏠 99.co / Rumah123 / Jendela360 – property search

🛍 Tokopedia / Shopee – e-commerce

📰 Whats New Indonesia – events, guides, lifestyle updates

Greetings

The official language of the nation is Bahasa Indonesia but English is also widely spoken. It is advisable for ex-pats to learn the basics of the language, as it will contribute to a much smoother adjustment. The most common way of greeting in Indonesia is a handshake, which is often accompanied by a slight bow of the head. Some people put their palm on their chest after the handshake as an additional sign of respect but it slightly differs from genders.

For women, a handshake is also commonly used but so is just a nod of acknowledgment instead. Between opposite genders, it is advisable to let the woman initiate the handshake. Sometimes women would rather nod or put their hands in a prayer position in front of their chest. The man would then return her gesture accordingly

10 Things You Should Know About Indonesian Culture

Safety:

In general, Jakarta is a safe place to live, however, like any large metropolitans in the world, you are recommended to be vigilant and take extra precautions for your safety. For example, do not wear flashy accessories, while walking on the road at nights or quiet areas, ensure to keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets, use transportation companies that are reputable and reliable. For women especially, it’s unwise to walk alone at night. While violent crime is pretty rare, petty ones including scams could be quite common here.

Bank for Expat in Indonesia

Living in Jakarta as an Expat (2025)

Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a bustling metropolis of over 10 million people and a true melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. This diversity makes it a fascinating place to live, work, and explore.

For expats, Jakarta offers plenty of opportunities — from thriving business prospects to rich cultural experiences and everyday adventures. The city hosts a large international community, with people from around the world living and working here. English is widely spoken in professional settings, but learning basic Bahasa Indonesia will help you integrate faster and connect more deeply with locals.

🏡 Living & Working in Jakarta

Housing options range from luxury high-rise apartments in central business districts to more affordable homes in suburban neighborhoods. The cost of living is generally lower than many major Asian cities, though upscale areas and imported goods can raise expenses.

Jakarta’s economy is dynamic, with multinational corporations, embassies, and growing startup ecosystems, making it attractive for professionals seeking career growth.

⚠️ Challenges to Consider

Life in Jakarta isn’t without its difficulties. The traffic congestion is notorious, air quality can be inconsistent, and seasonal flooding may disrupt daily routines. The city’s fast pace and humid climate can be overwhelming at first, but most expats adapt quickly with the right mindset and support network.

✨ Why Many Expats Stay

For those who embrace its chaotic charm, Jakarta rewards you with:

👉 A vibrant expat lifestyle and active international community.

👉 A truly multicultural environment with endless things to discover.

👉 Easy access to incredible travel destinations across Indonesia.

👉 A distinctive “only in Jakarta” rhythm of life that’s full of surprises.

🌺 Jakarta may be chaotic, but it’s never boring. For many expats, it becomes a second home — a place of opportunity, friendships, and unforgettable memories.

📩 Need help settling in?
👉 Contact: [email protected]
👉 Follow @whatsnewjakarta for the latest updates & expat events.

🛫 Related: Living in Bali: Expat Lifestyle Guide

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