TRAVEL TIPS

Good manners are very important to Indonesia people, and since you will be treated as an honored guest in this country, it is only right to repay that courtesy by showing respect for the traditions and culture. never touch somebody,s head unless you become a very close friend, don't touch people with your left hand and don't stretch out your feet to the direction of a nearby person. when you are traveling around if something goes wrong, you will have to accept that there is no such thing as a "disaster". maintain your sense of humor.Relax and let your self roll with the punches ratther than getting up set .The Indonesian mentality hardly ever shows anger so this will not be understood unless something really heavy is happening.Also refusals should be made by claiming to be presently satisfied and leaving a later option open.Always asking if an intrested action allowed will assure you the appreciation of the people involved and generally permission granted.

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The traffic in LOMBOK is ruled by common sense. give way to everything in front of you, no matter if this is a vahicle you intend to overtake which suddenly turns into you lane or somebody pulling out from a side road. also give way to anything bigger than you-bikes especially are in a very weak position. Expect  the unexpected - animals crossing, processions crowding the road or invisible holes covered by water. Using the vehicles' horn in Indonesia  is a precaution and not meant in a offensives manner. Use it to let people know you're there, you're about to overtake, if they look like they're going to stray into your path, or if there is any confusing situation developing in front of your. Don't get angry if other road user don't drive the way your're used to in your own country, or if they don't appear to use way common sense at all. It is a waste of time getting upset, the other person will have no idea what you're  angry about.

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Citizens of the following countries receive a free 30 day visa-on arrival:

Brunei, Chili, Hong kong, Maco, Malaysia, Morocco, Peru, philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Citizens of the following countries pay U$$25 (cash) for a 30 day visa-on-arrival

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Maldives, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, The USA, the UAE and the UK. Nationals of countries not listed above must get a visa from an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before arrival, or they will be turned away at the airport.

please not these visas-on-arrival are non-extendable, so if 30 days is not enough, you should get a tourist visa from an Indonesian Embassy or Consulate before you arrive. these are valid for 60 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay and have several empty pages, be prepared to show a ticket out of the country.

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Communication

The Indonesian language which is spoken nationally is very easy to learn. Even a few words will be rewarded by much excitement. although English is widely spoken i the tourism industry, keep your conversation simple, don't cause confusion by conversing too quickly in your own local slang or in a complicated manner, avoid misunderstandings by speaking slowly, simply and clearly.

Tipping

Tipping is relatively new in Lombok. Most large hotels and restaurants will automatically add a service charge of between 5 & 10 percent to your bill, which is quite sufficient. Smaller restaurants generally don’t add anything extra but considering  that the waiter’s wage may well is less than $1.00 a day – a tip of 5 – 10 percent is very much appreciated.  

Phone Home

All telephone numbers listed herein are local numbers. To reach any number in Lombok dial: International access code + 62 + 370 + local numbers). Wherein ‘62’ is Indonesian Country code and ‘370’ is the area code for Lombok. Be advised most Lombok telephone numbers are 6 digits. 

Telecommunication capabilities have improved greatly over the last few years but patience is the keyword when trying to dial overseas from Indonesia-especially during office hours . Better hotels offer International Direct Dialing (IDD) and Home Country Direct (HDC) services. Overseas call can also be made at state–run telephone known as a Wartel (warung telephone). 

Need to get online? Lombok has many cyber cafes-especially in Senggigi. If you plan to be on Lombok for a while and need to get online to check your yahoo! Email you can use the local telephone company. Access telephone number is 080 989 999 ( no area code) . User name: telkomnet@instan, password telkom. AOL has a local access number on Bali. From Lombok dial 0361 – 289 -652 but if you need global net in your bag of AOL connection options ( no problem with newwr version). 

Businnes Hours

 Lombok’s laid back pace of life can frustrate the avid shopper. Most shops in the major tourist area have fairly regular hours from 10 am till 8 pm, six days a week – sometimes  shop is closed just because it is slow that day! Restaurants start serving from 7.30 pm or so until 10 pm.Government offices and banks operate from 8 am till 3 pm on Monday to Thursday, Friday from 8 am to 12 pm. 

Bargaining 

Difficult for many first timers but once if you get the hang of it you will never pay retail again, bargaining is normal in Lombok’s art market,  trinket and T-shirt shops. But don’t get cheesy.Nothing is more irritating nowadays than watching a well – club tourist trying to squeeze the last one thousand rupiah ( about 10 cent US). Out of shop keepers. Just remember how much it cost to get to Lombok,  so what is the value in not taking home that beautiful earthenware pots? Negotiate a good price and take home a good story. 

Outward Bound

On the way out of the hotel,  keep  a little extra money handy. All tourist leaving Indonesia from Mataram international airport are required to pay an airport tax 100.000 rupiah. That said be advised that it is against the law.  Departure from Domestic travel is tax 20.000 rupiah. Though most of the time this has already been incuded in the ticket price-but everyone and awhile you are surprised. 

Useful Information 

Lombok is following the tremendous development of Bali. The island of god and thousand temples though as slower pace. Transportation has improved: new hotel accommodation open every month and whole range  is now operate from trekking trips to five star luxury, price in US Dollar, telephone code for Lombok is 0370, while we try to ensure all the information is accurate and up to date. 

Money Changing

There are plenty of money changers and the banks in Mataram or Cakranegara, in ampenan on the road to Senggigi, and the gilis.

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