Is Indonesia Actually Cheap? A No-BS Guide to Budget vs. Reality

Introduction

If you spend any time on travel forums or Instagram, you’ll hear the same thing about Indonesia: “It’s so cheap!” Budget travelers swear they lived like royalty on $20 a day, digital nomads brag about their $300-a-month villas, and influencers make it seem like paradise is practically free. But is that really true?

Well, yes and no.

Indonesia can be ridiculously cheap—if you’re eating local food, staying in basic homestays, and avoiding tourist hotspots. But the moment you step into Bali’s café culture, hop between islands, or book a tour to see Komodo dragons, your “budget trip” starts looking a lot more expensive. And that’s before you factor in hidden costs like foreigner pricing, inflated transport fees, and the never-ending list of “mandatory donations.”

I’ve traveled across Indonesia—from Jakarta’s chaos to Bali’s overpriced beach clubs, from Sumatra’s jungles to the untouched islands of Raja Ampat—and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:

👉 Indonesia is only cheap if you know how to avoid the traps.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the real costs, the biggest tourist rip-offs, and how to actually travel Indonesia on a budget without getting scammed. No sugarcoating, no influencer fairytales—just the hard truth about what you’ll really spend.

Breaking Down the Real Costs: How Much Do You Actually Need?

Indonesia is often marketed as a budget traveler’s paradise, but that depends entirely on where you go, how you travel, and how much of a “bule” (foreigner) tax you end up paying. You can get by on $20 a day in some areas, but in others, you’ll burn through that before lunchtime.

Here’s a realistic daily budget breakdown, based on how you actually travel:

Daily Budget Expectations (Per Person, in USD)

Now, let’s break down each category.

Accommodation: Cheap If You Avoid the Tourist Hotspots

• Backpacker budget ($5–15/night): You’ll find cheap guesthouses (losmen) and hostels almost everywhere in Indonesia—except the most touristy areas of Bali. In places like Java or Sumatra, $10 gets you a private room with a fan. In Bali? Good luck finding anything decent under $15 unless you want a mattress on the floor with a colony of ants.
• Mid-range ($25–60/night): Boutique hotels and Airbnb villas are easy to find, especially in Bali and Lombok. The problem? Many Airbnb villas in Bali charge hidden cleaning fees that add an extra $20–30 per stay.
• Luxury ($100+/night): If you want a private infinity pool and a floating breakfast in Ubud, get ready to pay. Some “luxury” resorts advertise $100 rates, but once you add service charges, taxes, and a mandatory deposit, you’re looking at $150+.

💡 Money-saving tip: Outside of Bali’s overpriced areas (Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak), accommodations are dirt cheap. Want the best value? Look for guesthouses in Yogyakarta, northern Bali (Lovina, Amed), or Flores.

Food: Indonesia’s Dual-Priced Dining Scene

• Local warungs (street food stalls): This is where you eat for $1–3 per meal. Dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie ayam (chicken noodles) are filling and dirt cheap. If locals are eating there, you’re in the right place.
• Tourist restaurants & Western cafés: If you sit down at a Bali café and order avocado toast, expect to pay $8–15, plus an added 21% tax and service charge at most mid-range restaurants.
• Fine dining: High-end restaurants in Jakarta and Bali can easily cost $50+ per person, especially for imported food and wine. Speaking of alcohol…

Alcohol: The Hidden Budget Killer

Alcohol is weirdly expensive in Indonesia. A basic Bintang beer costs $3–5 at a bar (double what locals pay), and imported liquor is heavily taxed. A cocktail in a Bali beach club? $10–15, plus tax. If you’re a drinker, your budget will die fast.

💡 Money-saving tip: Stick to local beer or buy duty-free alcohol before you arrive. If you’re heading to Gili Trawangan, local “arak” (palm liquor) is dirt cheap—but drink at your own risk.

Transport: Cheap Locally, But Expensive Between Islands

• Scooter rentals: The cheapest way to get around is renting a scooter for $3–7 per day. Just watch out for rental scams—some places charge crazy fees for “scratches” you didn’t cause.
• Grab/Gojek (ride-hailing apps): Dirt cheap in cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta—$1–3 for most trips. But in Bali, locals have fought to ban them in some areas, forcing you into overpriced taxis.
• Taxis (the worst scam in Indonesia): Blue Bird taxis (the only legit ones) are fine, but airport taxis and private drivers in Bali will try to rob you. Always use Grab/Gojek when possible.
• Inter-island transport (the budget killer): If you want to visit multiple islands, get ready to spend. Domestic flights start at $50 but can easily hit $150+ if booked last-minute. Boats to places like Komodo or Raja Ampat cost hundreds of dollars for multi-day trips.

💡 Money-saving tip: Stick to one region instead of island-hopping. Overland travel (buses, trains) is super cheap—flying everywhere isn’t.

Activities & Tours: Where Your Budget Disappears

• Hiking & nature (cheap to moderate): Most waterfalls and hikes cost $1–5, but in Bali, many places have foreigner pricing (a local pays $1, you pay $5+). Some areas try to charge “camera fees” if you have a GoPro.
• Diving & snorkeling (moderate to expensive): Bali diving starts around $30–50 per dive, while Komodo and Raja Ampat are $100+ per day.
• Komodo National Park (a total rip-off now): Entrance fees have skyrocketed to $100+ per person, plus boat tour costs. And spoiler: The dragons just sit there.

💡 Money-saving tip: Skip overpriced tourist attractions and do DIY hikes and snorkeling. For the best free experiences, head to Sumatra (jungle treks) or Lombok (beaches with no fees).

The Hidden Costs That Wreck Your Budget

1. Visa fees – Most travelers get a 30-day visa on arrival ($35), but extending it costs another $50+.
2. Foreigner pricing – Many places charge tourists 5x more than locals. If there's no listed price, assume you're getting overcharged.
3. Scams & "donations" – Locals sometimes demand “donations” at temples or hiking trails. Some are legit, others are just hustlers.
4. ATM fees – Withdrawing cash costs $5 per transaction, and many ATMs have low limits ($100 max per withdrawal).

So, Is Indonesia Actually Cheap?

👉 Yes—if you eat local, avoid tourist hotspots, and stay put in one region.
👉 No—if you island-hop, drink alcohol, or fall for tourist pricing.

Indonesia can be cheap, but only if you know where your money is going.

What’s Actually Cheap vs. Overpriced?

Indonesia operates on a dual pricing system—one for locals, one for tourists. Some things are ridiculously cheap, but the moment you step into a tourist zone, prices start creeping up. I’ve had meals for less than a dollar in a backstreet warung, then stupidly paid $10 for a coffee in Canggu.

I’ve rented a scooter for $5 a day, only to get quoted $30 for a short taxi ride from Bali’s airport. If you don’t know what things should cost, you’ll get overcharged constantly. Here’s what’s actually worth your money and what’s just a tourist trap in disguise.

What’s Actually Cheap in Indonesia

Eating in Indonesia can be insanely cheap—if you stay away from tourist-friendly restaurants.

Food

• A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie ayam (chicken noodles) costs $1–3 in a warung (local eatery).
• A full meal with rice, vegetables, and meat? $2–5.
• Fresh tropical fruit like mangoes, pineapples, and bananas are pennies on the dollar compared to Western prices.

I learned this the hard way. My first morning in Ubud, I made the classic tourist mistake—I went to a stylish café, ordered a smoothie bowl and a latte, and paid $12 for what was basically blended fruit in a fancy wooden bowl.

The next day, I ate at a tiny local warung down the road. A full plate of rice, vegetables, and chicken cost me $2, and it was 10 times better. If a place has neon signs and decorative plants, you’re paying extra for the vibe, not the food.

💡 How to avoid overpriced food:

• If the place has an English-only menu with no listed prices, leave.
• If locals are eating there, you’ve found a budget-friendly spot.
• Ask for "nasi campur"—you get a mix of different dishes for cheap.

Transport

Renting a scooter is one of the best deals in Indonesia—but only if you don’t get scammed.

• Scooter rentals cost $3–7 per day (even less if you rent for a month).
• Grab/Gojek rides in cities are ridiculously cheap—as low as $1 for a short ride.

But there are two major catches. First, many scooter rental shops will scam you with “damage fees.” I’ve seen tourists charged $50 for a scratch that was already there.

Always take photos and videos of the bike before riding off. Second, in places like Bali, taxi mafias have fought hard to block Grab and Gojek, forcing tourists into overpriced rides.

💡 How to avoid transport scams:

• Use Grab/Gojek whenever possible—they’re 5x cheaper than taxis.
• If you must take a taxi, Blue Bird is the only honest company.

Budget Guesthouses & Homestays

If you avoid Bali’s main tourist zones, accommodation is still incredibly cheap.

• In Yogyakarta or Sumatra, $10 gets you a clean private room in a guesthouse.
• Even in Bali, if you go north (Lovina, Amed), you can still find $15–20 guesthouses.

But in Ubud and Canggu, even basic guesthouses cost $30+ a night. Digital nomads and influencers have driven prices up, making long-term stays much pricier. If you’re on a budget, avoid the trendy areas and look for family-run homestays.

💡 Money-saving tip: Skip hotels and look for locally-run homestays. They’re cheaper, more authentic, and often include breakfast.

Free (or Almost Free) Nature Experiences

Some of Indonesia’s best experiences don’t cost a thing.

• The best beaches in Lombok, Sumatra, or Flores are completely free.
• Waterfalls and hikes usually cost $1–5, unless you’re in Bali, where everything has an entrance fee.

The catch? Many Bali attractions now have unofficial “foreigner fees.” I once hiked toward a waterfall in Ubud when a local suddenly popped out of the bushes, demanding a "mandatory donation" of $3 just to continue. It was clearly a made-up fee, but most tourists don’t argue over a few dollars.

💡 How to find free nature spots:

• In Bali, go north to Munduk—many waterfalls are still free or cheap.
• Avoid national parks with “foreigner pricing”—some charge tourists 5x more than locals.

What’s Overpriced and Probably Not Worth It

Western Cafés & Restaurants

Bali’s café culture is designed for tourists, not budget travelers.

• Smoothie bowl in Ubud? $10.
• Avocado toast in Canggu? $12.
• Brunch for two? $25+.

Some places even charge 21% extra in tax and service fees, making your already expensive meal even worse. The truth is, you’re not paying for the food—you’re paying for the Instagram aesthetic.

Komodo Island Tours (A Total Rip-Off Now)

Komodo used to be affordable. Now, it’s ridiculously expensive.

• Entrance fees have skyrocketed to $100 per person.
• Multi-day boat tours now cost $300+ for the cheapest option.
• Komodo dragons? Cool, but most of them just lie there.

💡 Better alternative: Skip Komodo and visit Flores or Raja Ampat instead—better landscapes, fewer tourists, and no overpriced fees.

Bali’s Tourist Traps (Swings, “Secret” Beaches, Etc.)

If something in Bali seems like it was designed for Instagram, it’s probably overpriced.

• Bali Swing Parks: Want a jungle swing photo? That’ll be $20+.
• "Secret Beaches": If a place is called "secret" but has an entrance fee, it’s not a secret anymore.

💡 Better alternative: Go to northern Bali (Munduk, Lovina) where the experiences are real and still free.

Private Drivers & Airport Taxis (A Guaranteed Rip-Off)

If you land at Bali’s airport and take a taxi, you’re almost guaranteed to be overcharged.

• A ride to Ubud should cost $10–15, but they’ll try to charge $40+.
• Many drivers refuse to use meters and just throw out inflated prices.

💡 How to avoid getting ripped off:

• Walk outside the airport to order Grab/Gojek—inside, taxis have a monopoly.
• Pre-arrange a ride through your guesthouse instead of haggling with airport drivers.

If you want to travel Indonesia on a budget, spend on experiences that are actually worth it and avoid the inflated tourist pricing. Eat at warungs, rent a scooter, and stay in locally-run guesthouses.

Skip overpriced Bali cafés, tourist trap attractions, and last-minute flights. Indonesia can still be cheap—but only if you know what things should actually cost.

Common Tourist Traps & Hidden Costs

Indonesia is cheap—until it’s not. What most travelers don’t realize is that a lot of the real costs aren’t obvious upfront. Hidden fees, inflated foreigner prices, and straight-up scams can drain your budget fast if you’re not paying attention.

Over the years, I’ve learned that if something in Indonesia seems cheap at first, there’s often a catch. Here are the most common ways tourists get overcharged.

1. The “Foreigner Tax” (Yes, You’re Paying More Than Locals)

Indonesia has an unspoken pricing system: one price for locals, another—much higher—for tourists. You’ll see this everywhere, from entrance fees at attractions to street vendors quoting ridiculous prices.

Sometimes, it’s official policy; other times, it’s just locals taking advantage of the fact that most tourists don’t know any better.

• Many temples and national parks have separate entrance fees for locals and foreigners. A local pays $1, you pay $10.
• Market vendors almost always start with an inflated price. If you don’t bargain, you’re overpaying.
• Some taxi drivers refuse to use the meter and quote made-up fares instead.

I once visited Borobudur, the famous Buddhist temple in Java. Locals were paying less than $5 for entry. My ticket? $25. The same thing happened at Prambanan, another temple nearby. I get that tourists bring in money, but a 500% markup is ridiculous.

💡 How to avoid getting ripped off:

• Haggle at markets. Vendors expect it. If you accept the first price, you’re probably paying double.
• Check online for official entrance fees before arriving at a tourist site. If someone tries to charge more, question it.
• Always ask taxi drivers to use the meter. If they refuse, walk away and use Grab or Gojek instead.

2. The Fake “Donation” Scam

Some tourist sites, especially waterfalls and hiking trails, have locals stationed at the entrance demanding a “donation.” In some cases, this is an official fee. In others, it’s just a guy who showed up with a plastic chair and decided to start charging tourists.

I once hiked to a waterfall in Ubud, only to be stopped by a guy collecting money. He didn’t have a uniform, there was no sign—just a handwritten cardboard note saying “Donation: $3.” I asked where the money was going. He just smiled and repeated, "Donation, donation." At that point, I knew I was paying a random dude for the privilege of continuing my walk.

💡 How to avoid this:

• If the fee seems suspicious, ask to see an official ticket.
• Check online—if locals report that a place is usually free, the “donation” is probably fake.
• Be polite, but firm. Sometimes just hesitating and questioning the fee makes them back off.

3. Airport & Transport Scams (Your First Rip-Off Happens the Moment You Land)

If you’re flying into Bali, your first introduction to Indonesian scams will likely be at the airport. As soon as you step out, drivers will swarm you, offering “cheap” rides. In reality, they’re quoting double or triple the actual price.

• A ride from Ngurah Rai Airport (Bali) to Ubud should cost around $10–15. Expect to be quoted $30–40.
• Many drivers will tell you Grab and Gojek are “not allowed” in certain areas—this is often a lie.

I once saw a couple get scammed badly at Bali’s airport. They were quoted $40 for a 30-minute ride to Seminyak. When they hesitated, the driver “generously” lowered it to $30, acting like he was doing them a favor. A local later told me they could’ve booked a Grab for $8.

💡 How to avoid transport scams:

• Walk outside the airport zone before booking a ride on Grab/Gojek. The further you walk, the fewer scammers.
• Pre-arrange a pickup with your hotel if you’re unsure about local transport.
• If taking a regular taxi, insist on using the meter. If they refuse, get out.

4. Overpriced & Mandatory “Tour Packages”

There’s a huge industry in Indonesia built around forcing tourists into overpriced packages for things they could easily do on their own. Some attractions, like Komodo Island or Mount Bromo, are difficult to access without a tour—but others? You’re just being tricked into paying more.

• Some boat trips to Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands try to sell tourists “special” packages, but the local ferry is much cheaper.
• Popular hikes, like Mount Batur in Bali, often come with a mandatory guide fee—even though the trail is clear and easy to follow.
• Many diving/snorkeling trips charge “foreigner rates” that are much higher than what locals pay.

I once booked a boat trip to Komodo. The “budget” tour was still $300+, and I assumed it was the cheapest option. Later, I met some locals who told me about a much cheaper way to visit the area—by taking a local ferry to Labuan Bajo and hiring a small boat for a fraction of the cost. The problem? Those options aren’t advertised to tourists, so you won’t hear about them unless you ask around.

💡 How to avoid overpaying for tours:

• Check if there’s a DIY option. Some places have local transport alternatives that are much cheaper.
• Ask locals what they pay. If a tour operator is charging foreigners way more, try negotiating.
• Book directly at the source. If you book through a hotel or travel agency, they usually add a commission fee.

5. Hidden Taxes & Service Fees at Restaurants

Many mid-range and high-end restaurants in Indonesia don’t include tax and service charges in their menu prices.

• Most restaurants add an extra 10% government tax.
• Many also include a service charge of 5–11%.
• Some high-end places charge as much as 21% extra on top of your bill.

The first time this happened to me, I was in Bali at a trendy café. My meal was listed as $8. When the bill came, it was closer to $10. The “service charge” wasn’t optional—it was just added automatically. Multiply that over a few meals, and suddenly your budget isn’t looking so good.

💡 How to avoid this:

• Always check the fine print on menus. If it says “++,” that means tax and service will be added later.
• Eat at local warungs—they don’t charge extra fees.
• If service is already included in the bill, there’s no need to tip extra.

Indonesia seems cheap at first glance, but if you’re not careful, these hidden costs will destroy your budget. Tourists get overcharged constantly, whether it’s on entrance fees, taxis, or restaurants sneaking in extra charges.

If you travel smart—haggling, using ride apps, eating at local places, and avoiding unnecessary tours—you can keep costs down. But if you don’t pay attention, Indonesia can be far more expensive than you expect.

How to Travel Indonesia on a Budget (Without Feeling Broke)

Indonesia can be cheap—but only if you know how to avoid the traps. I’ve seen travelers blow through their budget in a week because they didn’t realize how much they were overspending.

Others stretch $20 a day and still manage to have an amazing experience. The difference? Knowing where to cut costs without sacrificing the quality of your trip. Here’s how to keep your spending low without feeling like you’re backpacking in survival mode.

1. Eat Local and Avoid Trendy Tourist Restaurants

The easiest way to waste money in Indonesia? Eating at Western-style cafés every day.

• A plate of nasi goreng (fried rice) costs $1–3 in a warung.
• A Western breakfast in Bali? $10+ for avocado toast and a coffee.
• Fresh local fruit? Dirt cheap at markets, overpriced in cafés.

One of my biggest mistakes in Bali was getting caught up in the café culture. On my first day, I spent $12 on a smoothie bowl and a latte. The next day, I walked into a warung and ate a full meal for $2. After that, I never looked back.

💡 Money-saving tips:

• Stick to warungs. If locals are eating there, you’re in the right place.
• Buy fruit from markets, not from cafés. A whole pineapple costs less than a single fruit juice in Canggu.
• Look for nasi campur stalls. You pick your own rice, vegetables, and protein, and it’s usually under $3.

2. Use Grab & Gojek, and Avoid Overpriced Taxis

Transportation is cheap in Indonesia—if you avoid taxis.

• A Grab or Gojek ride costs $1–3 for most short trips.
• Renting a scooter is $3–7 per day (or around $50 per month).
• A taxi from Bali’s airport? Expect to get quoted $30–40 for a ride that should cost $10–15.

I once took a Grab from Jakarta’s airport to my hotel for $7 while another tourist, who took a taxi from the same airport, paid $25 for the exact same trip. Lesson learned: always use ride-hailing apps.

💡 Money-saving tips:

• Download Grab and Gojek before you arrive. They’re lifesavers in cities.
• If you must take a taxi, insist on using the meter. If they refuse, walk away.
• Rent a scooter for short distances. Just be careful—accidents are common, and rental shops love to charge for “damage” that was already there.

3. Pick One Region Instead of Island-Hopping

Indonesia has over 17,000 islands, but getting between them isn’t cheap.

• Domestic flights start at $50–100, but last-minute tickets can cost double.
• Boat rides to places like the Gili Islands or Nusa Penida cost $20+ one way.
• Slow ferries are cheap, but they take forever and aren’t always reliable.

A friend of mine tried to see Java, Bali, Komodo, and Sumatra in one month. They ended up spending hundreds on flights and boats, and most of their time was wasted in transit. Meanwhile, I spent a month just in Bali and Lombok, spending a fraction of the cost while actually enjoying the trip.

💡 Money-saving tips:

• Stick to one region instead of rushing across multiple islands.
• Book flights in advance. Last-minute domestic flights are expensive.
• Use slow ferries when possible. They’re cheap, but be prepared for delays.

4. Stay in Guesthouses & Homestays Instead of Hotels

Accommodation in Indonesia can be cheap—unless you book like a tourist.

• A guesthouse in Yogyakarta or Sumatra costs $10–15 per night.
• In Bali, you can still find $15–20 rooms in Amed, Lovina, or Sidemen.
• Airbnb villas in Canggu might look cheap at first, but hidden fees add up fast.

I once booked a “cheap” Airbnb in Ubud for $30 a night—only to discover there was a $20 cleaning fee and a $10 service charge. That’s when I realized family-run guesthouses are always a better deal. They’re cheaper, include breakfast, and often have friendlier service.

💡 Money-saving tips:

• Skip hotels and look for locally-run homestays. They’re more authentic and budget-friendly.
• Avoid Airbnb’s hidden fees. The price you see isn’t always what you pay.
• Negotiate for long stays. Many guesthouses will give discounts if you stay a week or longer.

5. Avoid Overpriced Tours & Do It Yourself

Tour operators love to package basic activities into “exclusive” tours—and charge you way more than necessary.

• A hike up Mount Batur in Bali? Tour companies charge $30–50, but you can hike for free if you go early.
• A boat trip to Nusa Penida? Tour agencies charge $100+, but you can take a local ferry for $20 and explore on your own.
• A Komodo tour? Budget packages start at $300+, but locals can hire a private boat for much less.

I once paid $35 for a Mount Bromo sunrise tour in Java, only to find out later that locals just drive themselves up for a couple of dollars. Tour companies just package basic transport into “must-do” experiences, then charge tourists 10x the price.

💡 Money-saving tips:

• Research if a DIY option exists before booking a tour. Many places can be visited independently.
• Ask locals what they pay. If a tour price seems high, it probably is.
• Group up with other travelers to split private transport costs.

6. Be Smart About Money Exchange & ATM Fees

ATMs in Indonesia love to charge fees, and money changers often scam tourists with bad rates.

• Many ATMs charge $5 per withdrawal, with low limits ($100–150 max).
• Airport money changers offer horrible rates—never exchange all your cash there.
• Some money changers pull the classic "bait-and-switch" scam, where they count your money, distract you, then hand back less than they took.

I once exchanged money at a shady street-side booth in Bali. The rate seemed too good to be true—and it was. The guy counted my cash in front of me, then, in one slick motion, palmed a few bills and handed me less than I was owed. If I hadn’t counted again, I would’ve been short $20.

💡 Money-saving tips:

• Use ATMs inside banks, not random standalone machines. They’re safer and less likely to eat your card.
• Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut to withdraw money abroad. They have lower fees.
• Only exchange money at legit places. Avoid small, unbranded money changers.

Traveling Indonesia on a budget doesn’t mean being cheap—it means being smart. The difference between spending $20 a day and $50 a day isn’t about comfort—it’s about knowing where to cut costs.

If you avoid tourist pricing, eat local, and plan ahead, Indonesia is one of the best budget destinations in the world. But if you fall for scams, overpriced food, and unnecessary tours, you’ll be spending Western prices in a country that should be affordable.

Is Indonesia Actually Cheap? The Final Verdict

Indonesia has a reputation as a budget traveler’s dream, but the truth is more complicated. If you know how to avoid tourist pricing, eat local, and travel smart, you can get by on $20–40 per day. But if you follow the typical tourist path—Bali cafés, overpriced tours, island-hopping flights—you’ll spend way more than expected.

So, is Indonesia actually cheap? Yes, but only if you travel the right way.

When Indonesia is Cheap

• Eating at warungs and street food stalls: A full meal for $2–3.
• Staying in guesthouses and homestays: Private rooms for $10–20.
• Renting a scooter instead of using taxis: $3–7 per day instead of $30+ rides.
• Using public transport or slow ferries: A few dollars vs. expensive speedboats or flights.
• Skipping tours and doing things independently: Avoiding overpriced packages that charge 10x the actual cost.

When Indonesia is Expensive

• Eating at Western cafés every day: A smoothie bowl and coffee? $12+.
• Taking taxis instead of Grab/Gojek: Airport rides cost double or triple what they should.
• Island-hopping too much: Domestic flights are $50–150, and boat transfers add up fast.
• Falling for tourist traps: Bali swings, "secret" beaches, and Komodo tours cost way more than they’re worth.
• Not negotiating: If you don’t haggle at markets or for private transport, you’re paying double.

So, Should You Travel to Indonesia on a Budget?

If you’re a smart traveler who avoids overpriced tourist zones, Indonesia is one of the best budget destinations in the world. But if you go in expecting everything to be cheap, without knowing the hidden costs, you’ll be surprised at how fast your budget disappears.

Indonesia is cheap—but only if you make the right choices.