Top Travel Tips to Jakarta, an alluring city

Indonesians follow customs and practices that visitors to the nation should be aware of. It is considered important to remove all kinds of footwear when entering mosques, temples and sometimes, certain commercial establishments. When travelling around town skirts and shorts should always fall below the knee and it is considered proper to eat solely with the right hand. In this somewhat conservative country it is believed that public shows of affection should be avoided. You should also avoid losing your temper, even when you believe you have due reason to do so. It also considered rude to point with your finger.

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. You will find that banks are the place of choice in which to change money; often hotels charge somewhat inaccurate exchange rates. Credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. ATM charges can be somewhat high. In informal markets and other lower-end businesses you must usually pay for your purchases in cash. Tipping does not have to be lavish in Jakarta, although you will be expected to round up a taxi bill and provide a tip at a restaurant which does not include service charges.

As Jakarta is a vast city you may often need to use public transportation services. The monorail network extends to the more frequented and popular parts of the city, and there is also a comprehensive bus network which reaches many parts of the city. Visitors can also use the local motor rickshaws and taxis which will take you to your choice of destination. At the international airport you will find contact desks for limousines as well as standard taxis. You will also be able to use the shuttle buses which will take you from the airport to some destinations in downtown Jakarta.

As Jakarta is located in the tropics you will find that the climate remains warm throughout the year, with little seasonal deviation. The local monsoon extends from the months of October through February bringing wet weather. The weather is warmest from June to September, and you will find more moderate weather from March to June. The average temperatures typically range from 26 to 30 C whilst humidity usually averages approximately 80%. For well-informed visitors desiring holiday accommodation Jakarta an excellent choice would be the accommodations of Somerset Countrywoods Residences, which offers comfortable rooms and courteous hospitality.

If you are on a limited budget there is no reason to worry as you can obtain delicious food for very reasonable prices in Jakarta. The local street foods are worth sampling, and you can obtain snacks, noodles and soups for minimal expense. You should also try out the inexpensive foods on offer at local marketplaces. Naturally no visit to Jakarta would be complete without trying out Indonesia's national dish, nasi goreng which is fried rice accompanied with fried eggs. Many other enticing foods and drinks may be enjoyed at local eateries and restaurants