Fair prices in Индонезия — what things really cost

Cheap and the easiest way to explore, but only ride if you are licensed and experienced. Photograph the scooter for damage first, wear the helmet, and never hand over your passport as deposit.

The ride-hailing apps show a fixed fare upfront and are far cheaper than negotiating with a street taxi. Some tourist areas restrict pickups, so walk to a nearby main road if needed.

Hiring a driver for the day is great value for visiting several sights and splitting between a few people. Agree the route, hours and price in advance, and confirm fuel and entry fees are separate.

Tourist-area restaurants add a tax and service charge, often around fifteen to twenty percent, shown on the menu. Prices are still low, but check for the added percentages before ordering.

Small family-run warungs serve authentic Balinese and Indonesian dishes for a fraction of tourist-restaurant prices. Busy ones with local customers are your best and safest bet.

Local beer is cheap in shops and warungs but marked up heavily in beach clubs and fancy bars. Buy from a shop or a simple bar if you are watching costs.

Most temples charge a small entry fee that usually includes sarong hire. Carry small cash, as cards are rarely accepted, and be wary of anyone demanding extra 'donations' beyond the posted price.

A flat Rp3,500 (about Rp2,000 before 7am), tapped with a prepaid e-money card to board. A single fare regardless of distance within the network — the cheapest way across the city.

The fare scales by distance, roughly Rp3,000–14,000. Clean, air-conditioned, and the fastest way along the north-south Lebak Bulus–Bundaran HI corridor; pay by card or QR.

The motorbike option (GoRide/GrabBike) is cheapest and beats the traffic; a car is pricier but comfortable. Always let the app set the price — never negotiate a cash fare.

Rp45,000–120,000 at casual restaurants, food courts and Padang spots. Mall restaurants add about 10% tax plus a service charge, so check the bill.

Rp15,000–40,000 for a full plate at a warung or kaki lima. Point at what looks fresh and busy, and carry small notes.

Rp5,000–8,000 at Indomaret or Alfamart convenience stores — far cheaper than restaurants. Tap water is not drinkable, so stick to bottled.

A fixed fare of about Rp100,000 to Manggarai/BNI City beats surge-priced ride-hailing from the airport in traffic. Buy at the station kiosk or app.

The DAMRI public bus is the cheapest way out of Lombok International Airport, running to Mataram and Senggigi through the day. There is no direct bus to Kuta Lombok, so for the south coast you will need a taxi or a booked transfer. Buy the ticket at the marked airport counter.

Kuta is only about 30 minutes from the airport and an official metered or fixed-fare taxi is inexpensive. Use the official taxi desk inside arrivals or a ride-hailing app rather than a driver who approaches you, and agree the fare before setting off.

The public slow boat from Bangsal harbour to the Gilis costs only a dollar or so, with fares posted on an official board. Buy your ticket at the official ticket office, not from touts who intercept you outside, and ignore anyone claiming the public boat is full or cancelled.

A scooter is the cheapest and most flexible way to explore Lombok, hired by the day from guesthouses and shops. Photograph any existing scratches before you ride off, check the brakes and tyres, and always wear the helmet. An international driving permit is technically required.

Eating is cheap in Lombok, especially at local warungs serving Sasak food. A sit-down meal at a mid-range or tourist-facing restaurant costs more but is still good value; check whether tax and service are added, and tipping is appreciated rather than expected.

A plate of the island's signature grilled chicken with plecing kangkung and rice at a local warung is filling and very cheap. The famous places around Karang Taliwang near Mataram are the classic address; expect it to be genuinely spicy.

A standard two-day, one-night guided trek includes a licensed guide, porter, park fee, food and camping gear. Prices vary with group size and route, so compare a few reputable operators and be wary of very cheap deals that cut corners on safety and equipment.

The airport train links Yogyakarta International Airport with Tugu station in the city centre in around 40 minutes and is the fastest, cheapest way in. Buy at the counter or app; it runs to a fixed timetable, so check departures against your flight.

The state DAMRI coaches run from the airport to points around the city and are comfortable and cheap, though slower than the train and less frequent. Tell the counter your exact destination, as the routes can be confusing.

Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) fix the fare in advance and are far cheaper and clearer than a street taxi. A motorbike option is the cheapest of all for one person. Use them to avoid meter disputes entirely.

A becak (cycle pedicab) is a fun way to potter around the centre, but always agree the price before you climb in. Be wary of a driver offering a whole tour for a token fare, as this usually means detours to commission-paying souvenir shops.

Jogja is very affordable and a sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant costs little. Busy local warungs and gudeg specialists offer the best value; some venues add a service charge and tax to the bill.

A plate of the city's signature sweet jackfruit stew with rice, egg and chicken costs very little at a warung or night stall. Gudeg Yu Djum and the Wijilan gudeg street are the classic addresses; eat it fresh in the evening.

At an angkringan cart you pay per item for nasi kucing (small rice parcels), skewers and fritters, with tea or kopi joss on the side, for pocket change. Point at what you want and settle up at the end; it is one of the cheapest, most authentic meals in the city.