A lot has changed since we published our guide to moving to Indonesia from Australia back in 2022. This 2025 update covers everything you need to know about visas, logistics, planning, packing, and customs for your move to Indonesia.
Moving to Indonesia from Australia: What to Expect in 2025
With the world’s third-largest population, moving from Australia to Indonesia can be a culture shock – especially if you’re coming from a regional area. However, Indonesia is known for its fantastic hospitality. You’ll be surrounded by friendly and welcoming people from all walks of life. Add in an unbelievable cuisine, bustling nightlife, and an affordable lifestyle, and moving overseas becomes an enticing prospect.
There is so much to explore in a country composed of over 13,500 islands. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about a move to Indonesia, from cultural differences to visas and employment.
Why Australians Move to Indonesia
The Digital Nomad Generation
“Digital nomad” used to be a term reserved for a select few freelancers or social media influencers. But many companies are open to workers logging on remotely, making that move abroad less risky. Indonesia’s proximity and similar time zone are helpful for Aussies working remotely.
Cost of Living
According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Jakarta is over 50% lower than in Perth. Denpasar, Bali’s largest city, is even more affordable.
However, some things can be surprisingly costly:
- Imported goods.
- International schools.
- Healthcare at international-standard facilities.
Local salaries are also much lower on average. So it’s worth planning a budget and researching your destination before you relocate, especially if you’re taking a job with a local company.
Exciting Opportunities
While it’s hard to put an exact figure on the number of Aussies living in Indonesia, some sources estimate that 2,000 to 4,500 of us move to the country each year. Most head for the sun-soaked island of Bali or the buzzy metropolis of Jakarta, while others venture to up-and-coming cities like:
- Yogyakarta: A cultural and educational hub, known for its universities, temples, and arts scene.
- Surabaya: Indonesia’s second-largest city, a busy port with growing business opportunities.
- Lombok: A quieter alternative to Bali, with pristine beaches and a growing expat community.
- Semarang: A mid-sized city on Java’s north coast, balancing modern infrastructure with rich history.
Visas and Legal Basics
Australia and Indonesia have a long shared history. This means that it’s often easier for Australian passport holders to get a visa. Your options include:
Short Stays
- eVOA: Valid for 30 days, can be extended once for another 30 days.
- C-type Visitor Visa: 60 days, can be extended twice to a maximum of 180 days.
Remote Work
- Remote Worker (“Digital Nomad”) Visa E33G: Stay up to 1 year. You must work for employers or clients outside Indonesia and earn at least US$60,000 (~$93,500) annually.
Longer stays
- KITAS: For work, family reunion, or retirement.
- KITAP: Permanent stay option for eligible long-term KITAS holders.
- Second Home Visa: For applicants who meet set financial requirements and want a long-term base.
Practical Visa Tips
- Some visa extensions must be done in person at a local immigration office. Plan travel around this.
- Apply through the official portal evisa.imigrasi.go.id or use a licensed agent.
- Avoid unverified third-party websites.
- Rules can change, so check the latest guidance before you apply.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
🌦️ Indonesia’s tropical climate is hot and humid. Soft furnishings like mattresses, rugs, and certain woods are prone to mould. Consider donating these or storing them in a climate-controlled environment.
🔌Household appliances from Australia generally work since the voltage is the same (230V/50Hz). However, Indonesia uses Type C and F plugs, so you’ll need quality adapters and surge protectors for sensitive electronics.
🍲 Many everyday items like furniture and kitchenware are affordable in Indonesia. If you’re not sure whether to bring or store, do some online window shopping to gauge local prices.
Shipping to Indonesia from Australia: How it Works
You can move belongings either by sea freight or air freight. Most shipments arrive through the ports of Jakarta (Tanjung Priok) or Surabaya (Tanjung Perak), with onward delivery available to Bali and other destinations.
Transit times from Australia to Indonesia vary. Port-to-port sea freight typically takes 10 to 21 days, but you should allow extra time for customs clearance and delivery.
Not Taking a Full Container?
KEYS offers both full container loads (FCL) and shared or “less-than-full” container loads (LCL), as well as air freight for urgent shipments.
With door-to-door coordination through accredited international partners, your move is managed from start to finish.
Customs and Quarantine
Under Indonesia’s 2025 regulations, duty-free import of used household goods is available to those entering on visas such as KITAS or KITAP. Timing is important – goods must generally arrive within a set period of your visa start date.
Excluded or restricted items include:
🍾 Alcohol.
🚗 Vehicles.
🆕 Large quantities of new goods.
💲 Commercial stock intended for sale.
Duties and taxes may apply to other items. KEYS and our Indonesian partners will help you with all customs declarations, inspections, and compliance. Together, we’ll ensure your inventory is compliant and your belongings clear quarantine smoothly.
How KEYS Makes Moving to Indonesia From Australia Easier
KEYS The Moving Solution is the trusted international relocation partner in Perth, with over 30 years of experience under our belts. We make moving to Indonesia from Australia stress-free:
- Personal move consultant: Your single point of contact throughout the process.
- Tailored relocation plan: From inventory management to customs paperwork.
- Packing and crating: Export-grade packing, fragile-item care, and custom crating.
- Insurance guidance: Accredited consultants explain your cover options clearly.
- Local team: We’re independent, and proudly WA-owned and operated.
- Global partnerships: Accredited with AFRA, FIDI, IAM, Harmony, and AMG.
Specialist International Moving Services
If you’re planning to relocate permanently, you might have read online about the difficulty some people face when moving pets or vehicles. Rest assured that KEYS has proven solutions to take the stress out of your move.
- Pets: Indonesia requires strict permits and quarantine. We can connect you with trusted specialists to handle the quarantine process and deliver your furry family members safely.
- Vehicles: Although we have access to hundreds of vehicle containers, we know that importing cars into Indonesia involves high duties and complex regulations. If you choose to purchase locally instead, we’ll store your vehicle securely until you return.
Storage Before or After Your Move
We offer short- and long-term storage options in Perth and Kalgoorlie. Our storage facilities are secure, climate-controlled, and accessible, giving you flexibility if you’re not ready to ship everything at once. We can even send your belongings after you arrive, giving you time to settle in.
Read more: Exploring Storage Solutions for Your International Relocation.
Mini-Checklist: Moving to Indonesia From Australia
Moving to Indonesia is similar to any international relocation. That means you should start thinking about your inventory, budget, and packing plans at least three months before your move.
- 3 to 6 months out: Choose your visa path; consult KEYS; decide what to ship, store, or sell.
- 8 to 10 weeks out: Arrange inventory and quotes; finalise packing plan; make pet or vehicle relocation decisions.
- 4 to 6 weeks out: Prepare documents for customs; take out insurance; confirm temporary housing on arrival.
1 to 2 weeks out: Complete final packing; disconnect utilities; prepare Bali levy payment if landing there.
You can find a more detailed checklist in our International Moving Guide. Your KEYS move manager will also work with you to plan specific details around your inventory and timeline.
Ready to Plan Your International Move?
KEYS is the trusted international removalist in Perth, providing efficient and cost-effective solutions to any destination worldwide. Our dedicated transport options and a global alliance of 500+ partners companies make your move stress-free.
Contact KEYS The Moving Solution to speak with our Indonesia relocation specialists, or request a quote online.
