Groups
The American Women’s Association of Indonesia is a vibrant organisation that connects women through a supportive network of fellow expatriates, cultural integration activities, charity work, and plenty of fun. The group welcomes newcomers of every nationality.
The American Club is also a quiet haven for families to relax and escape the bustle of Jakarta. The world-class tennis facilities are a highlight, and include three floodlit courts for members.
The Australia and New Zealand Association (ANZA) Jakarta is another organisation. It was established in 1970 for expatriate Australians and New Zealanders. It's a friendly, inclusive association and welcomes members from all over the world who are living in Indonesia.
Websites
Expat.or.id is an expat-focused website. It's full of practical information for expats planning to move to or already living in Indonesia and includes more than 1,000 articles on different topics.
WhatsNewJakarta.com includes an events calendar, tips, guide, and recommendations about living in Jakarta for the growing expat population.
Meetup allows members to find and join groups based on a common interest, such as politics, books, games, movies, health, pets, careers, or hobbies.
Clothing
It may seem obvious to some, but clothes in Asia tend to cater to Asian consumers. It can be difficult to find larger-sized clothing. Even large international chains like Mango and Zara often only ever have clothes that go up to size 12. Shoes and underwear in larger sizes can be especially challenging to find in Indonesia, so be sure to have enough clothing to get by if you have specific requirements.
The cost of living
The cost of living in Jakarta can come as a surprise to many people. Despite being a developing country, many items you take for granted can be very expensive relative to Western countries. Any imported products will consistently be more expensive than at home, and some items are frustratingly unavailable for weeks or months on end.
Buying from local stores, known as ‘warungs’, is the most affordable way to eat. Local markets will have a larger range, and they're a great place to buy fresh produce.
Western-style supermarkets are the most expensive places to purchase food. Many locals shop at Hero and also stock a range of imported products. Sogo Food Hall, Ranch Market, and Carrefour all cater to Western tastes and have several items geared at foreigners.
Many who move to Jakarta take advantage of affordable domestic help to provide assistance around the house. Large properties can be difficult to maintain and expats often find that the relatively cheap cost of hiring local help is worth the expense.
