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Moving to Indonesia from Singapore
Information About Taxes, Life, and Costs in Indonesia
Indonesia is an excellent place to move if you love nature, are interested in history, or want to learn about various religions and cultures. No matter your reason for moving to Indonesia learning about the culture work, cost of living, healthcare and more is essential. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to feel prepared for your big move abroad.
What can you find here?
Moving to Indonesia from Singapore: Freight Costs
The average cost of moving to Indonesia from Singapore is between S$ 1,832 and S$ 4,670.
| Size of Apartment | Sea Freight Cost | Air Freight Cost |
| 1 BD Apartment | S$ 1,832 – S$ 2,023 | S$ 3,489 – S$ 3,855 |
| 3 BD Apartment | S$ 2,817 – S$ 3,114 | N/A |
| 5 BD Apartment | S$ 4,228 – S$ 4,670 | N/A |
*The costs are estimates and can change depending on the season, distance, and weight of the shipment
To get the most accurate estimate, use our volume calculator and request up to five free moving quotes from professional moving companies.
Visa for Indonesia: Do You Need One?
If you plan on moving to Bali, Indonesia, or other cities for longer than 30 days, you need a visa. As a Singaporean, you must apply based on the purpose of your stay, such as work, family, or study.
Indonesia Visa Requirements:
- Passport (valid at least 6 months)
- Proof of income
- Coloured passport photo
- Proof of employment (if necessary)
Find all possible visa types on the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration website.
Overstaying your Indonesia visa can result in large fines and entry bans, so we advice that you comply with immigration regulations.
Taxes in Indonesia
Indonesia and Singapore have a Double Tax Avoidance Agreement, ensuring residents aren’t taxed twice. Tax rates in Indonesia depend on residency status:
- Non-residents (less than 183 days): Flat 20% tax on Indonesian income
- Residents (183+ days): Taxed on worldwide income
The income taxes in Indonesia for residents:
| Annual Income | Tax Rate |
| Up to SGD 5,310 | 5% |
| SGD 5,310 to SGD 22,124 | 15% |
| SGD 22,124 to SGD 44,248 | 25% |
| SGD 44,248 to SGD 442,478 | 30% |
| Above SGD 442,478 | 35% |
Banking in Indonesia: Best Bank in Indonesia for Expats
If you’re moving to Indonesia, opening a bank account is essential. Some of the best banks for expats include:
Culture in Indonesia: Society and Diversity
Indonesia’s culture and history are molded by over 300 ethnic groups and multiple religions, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. These religions shape some of the key cultural aspects:
- Hierarchy & Collectivism: Respect for elders and authority
- Community Values: Strong family ties
- Cultural Diversity: A mix of traditional and modern influences
Cost of Living in Indonesia vs. Singapore
The cost of living in Indonesia is significantly lower than in Singapore. On average the cost of living in around 64% lower.
| Product | Cost in Singapore | Cost in Indonesia |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6.38 | S$ 3.06 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 12.59 | S$ 4.8 |
| Potato (1kg) | S$ 3.07 | S$ 2.31 |
| Water (1,5L) | S$ 1.92 | S$ 0.62 |
| Bottle of wine | S$ 35.0 | S$ 29.66 |
| Monthly bus pass | S$ 120.0 | S$ 16.95 |
| 1 BD Apartment in city center | S$ 3,604.68 | S$ 581.19 |
*These are costs from October 2024, Source: Numbeo
Work in Indonesia: How to Get a Work Permit
Expats wanting to work in Indonesia must obtain a work permit (IMTA) sponsored by their employer. You will need to provide the following documents for the application:
- CV & Certificate of degree
- Copy of a passport
- Proof of residence (rental agreement)
You must also apply for a residence permit to be allowed to work legally:
- Temporary permit (KITAS): For shorter stays (up to 1 year)
- Permanent stay permit (KITAP): For longer stays
Business Culture in Indonesia
Compared to Singapore vs. Indonesia, Indonesian workplaces emphasize hierarchy, relationship-building, and indirect communication. This can make it difficult to adapt to the work environment for some expats.
The best sites to find work in Indonesia:
Healthcare in Indonesia: Quality and Costs
Access to healthcare in Indonesia varies between public and private facilities. Expats are advised to get private health insurance for better service quality since most private facilities also offer English-speaking staff and higher-quality treatments
- Public Insurance: 5% of salary (1% paid by employee, rest by employer)
- Private Insurance: Offers English-speaking doctors and better facilities
Facts About Education in Indonesia
- Bahasa Indonesia is the primary language
- Compulsory Education: 12 years (ages 6+)
- Islamic schools are increasing in number
- International & Private Schools offer English education
Overall the education level in Indonesia is not as high as in Singapore, but the private and international schools come closest to achieving this level.
Moving Companies: Singapore to Indonesia
Below you can find some of the best moving companies from Singapore to Indonesia, or you can look at all of our international moving companies and research yourself.
- Moovaz
- Alliance Movers
- Wee Care Mobility
Best Cities in Indonesia for Expats
- Bali – Moving to Bali is a great decision for expats. Bali is one of the most popular places in Indonesia offering beautiful beaches, a tropical climate, and lots of nature. The touristic environment also makes it easy for expats to feel at home.
- Jakarta – Moving to Jakarta is the best option for anyone seeking a city life. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and offers modern amenities, nightlife, and culture. The city also has a wide range of employment opportunities for internationals.
- Surabaya – The second largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya is a more affordable option for people looking for urban city life. The city offers many working opportunities, good quality education, entertainment, and cultural landmarks.
- Flores – The perfect option for nature-loving expats or families. The city offers great education opportunities with many international schools, its home to many national parks and beaches near islands.
- Semarang – The city offers education opportunities from international schools to universities. It’s also a good balance of historical and modern architecture, making it an interesting environment for expats. Semarang also has a well-developed public transportation system that makes it easy for expats to travel.
Get Ready for Moving to Indonesia
Now that we have reached the end of this article, we hope you feel ready to move to Indonesia. If you are left with any questions have a look at our FAQs below.
