Dos and Don´t Indonesian

Dos and Don´t

Indonesian Etiquette Guide.

FAQs Culture Environment Pitfalls

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Indonesian Etiquette

Going abroad is full of amazing experiences, full and new perspetives. Too make your experiences colorful, you should consider some common pitfalls. What has a positive meaning in your environment, can have a opposite meaning in anohter culture and society.

  • Bargain
    • Some businesses dislike to bargain as restaurants and hotels. The prices are displayed and are fix.
    • The most shops have no fix prices and your barging skills are required.
  • Tips
    • Tipping is obligatory in Indonesia as service is not included in all prices.
    • Leave a tip of 10-20% from the bill.
    • Keep in mind, the average income from Indonesian are low and the tip makes a big part of the salary.
  • Alcohol levels
    • If you drive, remember that the permitted alcohol.
  • Woman
    • Indonesia is a Muslim society and male-oriented, but most female visitors experience very few hassles with men.
    • Blond-haired, blue-eyed women may be hassled more often than dark women.
    • It is helpful if you dress modestly.
  • Gifts
    • It is impolite to refuse a gift.
    • Gifts are not opened in the giver's presence except at a ceremony.
  • Entertainment
    • Indonesians usually arrive thirty minutes after the stated time.
  • Dinning
    • Do not reject hospitality, as it will be viewed as a personal rejection.
    • Never refuse food or drink, but never finish either completely.
    • The host is always the last to sit and eat.
    • Men are generally served first.
    • Wait to be invited to eat or drink.
  • Body
    • The head is where the spirit resides and is considered sacred.
    • Do not touch a person’s head.
    • Keep both feet on the floor when sitting.
    • Do not cross your legs, especially not with an ankle over the knee.

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