Moving from Australia to Indonesia
Whether it’s a professional posting to Jakarta, a lifestyle shift to Bali, or a new chapter in Yogyakarta or Surabaya, Australians continue to choose Indonesia as a destination for work, family life, or personal reinvention. The close proximity and long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries make the move appealing, but like any international transition, it requires preparation.
That said, relocating internationally involves planning across several areas, from paperwork to shipping and cultural integration. This guide outlines what Australians need to know and how working with a trusted moving company can make the process smoother.
Why Australians Are Moving to Indonesia
Australia and Indonesia enjoy geographic closeness, strong business and diplomatic connections, and growing people-to-people exchange, particularly in areas like education, mining, tech, and tourism.
Common motivations for moving include:
- Executive assignments with multinational firms
- Remote work from Bali’s expat hubs
- Lifestyle migration or retirement
- NGO, diplomatic, or educational postings
- Family reunification
The combination of affordability, warmth, and location makes Indonesia a desirable destination for Australians seeking a different pace without being far from home.
Visa and Immigration Requirements
Australians entering Indonesia need the correct visa category for their intended length and purpose of stay.
Common Visa Options
- KITAS (Temporary Stay Permit): For foreign workers and dependents
- Work Visa: Sponsored by an Indonesian employer
- Retirement Visa: Available for those 55+ with income/savings requirements
- Investor Visa (KITAS/Investor): For those investing in a local company
- Dependent or Spouse Visa: For accompanying family members
- Tourist/Visit Visa: For short stays or business meetings (limited stay)
Processing typically involves sponsorship from a local entity and coordination with immigration offices. For longer-term relocation, a KITAS is essential.
Asian Tigers works closely with licensed advisors to help simplify paperwork, timelines, and compliance. Learn how we support this process through our visa and immigration services.
Shipping, Storage, and Logistics from Australia
Relocating to Indonesia from Australia involves sea or air freight, depending on the size and urgency of your shipment. Customs procedures in Indonesia can be strict, especially for used household goods.
What to Expect
- Packing and export handling in Australia
- Sea freight (most common) with typical transit times of 3–6 weeks
- Air freight for high-priority items
- Customs clearance in Indonesia, which often requires original documentation and a valid visa
- Delivery and unpacking in-country
- Secure storage at origin or destination for transitional periods
Asian Tigers manages end-to-end logistics with trained movers, customs know-how, and reliable tracking. If you’re relocating ahead of your shipment, our storage solutions help bridge the gap.
Cost of Living: Indonesia vs Australia
Indonesia’s cost of living is significantly lower than Australia’s, especially outside Jakarta. However, expats in larger cities or resort areas may find prices closer to Western norms for certain goods and services.
Monthly Budget Estimates (AUD)
Expense Category | Jakarta (AUD) | Sydney (AUD) |
Rent (2BR apartment) | $600–$1,500 | $2,500–$4,000 |
Groceries | $300–$600 | $800–$1,000 |
Transportation | $50–$150 (Grab, fuel) | $150–$250 (public + fuel) |
Domestic help | $200–$400/month | Rare / High cost |
Dining out | $5–$25 casual meals | $20–$40 casual meals |
Exchange rate: ~IDR 10,000 = AUD 1 (approx.)
Living in Indonesia allows for a comfortable lifestyle at a lower cost, particularly when relocation includes a housing or transport allowance.
Housing and Neighborhoods
Most expats choose to rent furnished homes or apartments, especially in Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya. Leases typically run for 12 months and require 1–2 months’ deposit.
Popular Areas by City
City | Neighborhoods |
Jakarta | Kemang, Menteng, SCBD, Pondok Indah |
Bali | Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Seminyak |
Surabaya | Darmo, Citraland, Graha Family |
Yogyakarta | Prawirotaman, Sinduadi |
Need help navigating local listings, brokers, and lease negotiations? Asian Tigers offers home search support to match your needs, location, and move-in timeline.
Education System for Expat Families
International schooling is the preferred choice for Australians relocating with children. Curricula include IB, Australian, British, and American systems.
Leading International Schools
- Jakarta: Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), AIS Indonesia, British School Jakarta
- Bali: Green School, Australian Independent School, Dyatmika
- Surabaya: Surabaya Intercultural School
- Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta Independent School
School fees vary widely but are typically lower than Australian international school costs. Many employers include education in relocation packages. Asian Tigers helps families compare options and timelines through our school search services.
Cultural Fit and Lifestyle Tips
Indonesia is diverse, vibrant, and community-oriented, with over 700 local languages, though Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. Religion and tradition shape daily life, and understanding local norms is essential for respectful integration.
Tips for Australians Settling In
- Learning basic Bahasa Indonesia will make daily life easier
- Dress modestly, especially outside major cities or in religious areas
- Expect slower bureaucratic processes and differing concepts of time
- Local services are friendly and personal, but things may take longer
- Build relationships: face-to-face connections matter in daily life and work
Social life is active among expats, and weekend travel within the archipelago is a major perk of life in Indonesia.
Starting Your New Chapter in Indonesia
Relocating from Australia to Indonesia opens the door to adventure, opportunity, and a more relaxed way of life. With the right planning, cultural understanding, and logistics partner, you can make the move successfully, and enjoy everything Indonesia has to offer.
Asian Tigers is a trusted moving company across Asia-Pacific, with extensive experience managing Australia-Indonesia relocation. Our trained movers handle packing, transport, customs, delivery, and storage, so your transition is handled with care.
Relocating from Australia to Indonesia? Ask Cindy, our AI assistant, for tailored advice.
Getting ready to move to Indonesia? Let Asian Tigers support your journey with expert packing, secure shipping, and local settling-in services. Contact us to start planning today.
Let’s get moving.
