Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.

Moving To Indonesia From New Zealand

Relocating to Indonesia

Are you looking at moving to Indonesia? Made up of thousands of islands, Indonesia is a part of Southeast Asia. A place where you can experience beautiful beaches, fascinating ancient and colonial history and food as varied as the different islands and cultures found throughout Indonesia. In fact, Indonesia is one of the most diverse nations in the world with over 700 languages spoken. The people are known for how welcoming they are. Anywhere you walk, you may find someone smiling at you. Returning their smile is a simple way to show respect and connect with Indonesians. Newcomers who move to Indonesia often choose Jakarta as their home. The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is a business hub with a society that is alive and active, including a large expatriate community.

New Zealanders may face some challenges when moving to Indonesia, such as language, different business and cultural expectations, and a humid tropical climate. Learning basic Bahasa Indonesia is important for daily life. The concept of jam karet, or “rubber time”, describes the way time is viewed in Indonesia, embracing flexibility and elasticity. The Indonesian words for yesterday and tomorrow can be used interchangeably for those exact times but also for anytime within the past or future. The quality of time spent with someone is considered more important than sticking strictly to a schedule. Prepare yourself to go with the flow and when an exact time is needed, be sure to confirm it directly. There are many practical ways to overcome these challenges, along with valuable support from the local expat community. With a significantly lower cost of living, vibrant artistic and cultural traditions, friendly locals and expanding business opportunities, Indonesia is an enticing place to call home.

BNI Tower known as the Fountain Pen building in Shangrila Jakarta. Photo by Gints Gailis
BNI Tower known as the Fountain Pen building in Shangrila Jakarta. Photo by Gints Gailis

International Shipping To Indonesia

Crown Relocations NZ makes moving to Indonesia simple and stress-free with customised services to meet your relocation needs. We understand every part of international relocations, with over 55 years of experience in providing international shipping around the world, including to Indonesia.

Whether you have a houseful of furniture or just a few precious items, Crown offers flexible shipping options to suit your needs and budget, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Sole-use containers can be used for large items and households, while a shared container is a cost-effective option for smaller loads. We also offer air transport for priority items that need to arrive more quickly.

With Crown, you can leave all the paperwork to us. Our team handles all necessary clearances and entry documentation, assisting with Indonesia’s customs regulations and requirements. We make sure your move complies with all regulations.

Our comprehensive moving services include transit protection insurance, a free relocation checklist, as well as assistance with relocating vehicles and pets. With Crown, you can go knowing that every aspect of your move to Indonesia is managed with care and professionalism.

For an international moving quote, call our friendly team on: 0508 227 696 or complete our online form.

NZ to Indonesia Corporate Mobility Services

Imagine your team thriving in their new Indonesian home, embracing the culture and excelling in their roles. At Crown Relocations, we make this vision a reality. Whether moving permanently or on a temporary basis, our worldwide expertise ensures your team, and their families, have a seamless transfer to Indonesia. We oversee every part of your team’s move from beginning to end, ensuring a smooth transition each time. Our consulting services are tailored to your company’s unique needs, helping you build a strategy that not only moves your employees successfully but also supports them throughout their transition. Indonesia’s growing economy and business opportunities offer exciting possibilities for your team. Our Mobility Specialists provide comprehensive support, from navigating immigration requirements to offering settling-in and orientation services. Our settling-in services go beyond the basics. We help your employees and their families connect with their new home through a variety of ways according to their needs. This can include language learning, house hunting, exploring local services, and even career support for partners, ensuring everyone can feel at home. Contact our World Mobility specialists to find out more: call us on: 0800 243 578, or (+64) 9 415 7300. Alternatively email: [email protected] or complete our contact form.

Mount Bromo with the sun low in the sky. Photo by Melvin Tan
Mount Bromo with the sun low in the sky. Photo by Melvin Tan

Moving to Indonesia FAQs:

Yes, New Zealanders can move to Indonesia. There are some requirements you need to consider when deciding to relocate to Indonesia when you are applying for a visa. New Zealand citizens who wish to reside in Indonesia have several options for obtaining a permit such as the Limited Stay Permit, Permanent Stay Permit, Investor or Business Owner, or the Student Visa. Finding the best visa or permit to suit your needs is an important step when looking to move to Indonesia. Crown can help you navigate Indonesia’s immigration system when relocating from New Zealand, making the whole process simpler for you.

Call us today on 0508 227 696 and find out how we can help you be well prepared to move to Indonesia.

Relocating from New Zealand to Indonesia can be expensive. Shipping costs, finding accommodation, and living costs in a new country all add up. However, living in Indonesia is definitely more affordable compared to New Zealand. The overall cost of living can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and preferences, but Indonesia is often seen as a more affordable option compared to many Western countries. Crown is best placed to help you enjoy a stress-free move at a reasonable cost. As well as providing packing and relocation services, we offer additional services such as moving insurance, international vehicle transport and pet relocations.
Let us take care of your international move to Indonesia. Give our friendly team a call on 0508 227 696 or obtain a free quote online.

Moving to Indonesia is an exciting adventure with many things to look forward to, including warmer weather all year round, a more relaxed pace of life, and friendly local and expat communities. However there are some things to take into consideration before moving so you can be prepared. With the tropical climate, it’s important to have vaccinations up to date before moving. While English is spoken in business circles, it is useful to have some basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases for use in everyday life, making it easier to communicate with locals. Being aware of cultural differences prior to moving, such as jam karet in which time is viewed in a more flexible manner than in New Zealand, is crucial for adjusting more easily into Indonesian culture. Being involved in local events and community groups can also help in settling well.

Our team at Crown are experts in providing seamless relocation services, assisting with both moving and settling into Indonesia. Call us on 0508 227 696 or fill in our free quote online to find out more.

Crown Relocations has a variety of international shipping options that can be tailored to meet your budget and relocation needs. Whether you’re shipping a few items, or a full household, we provide sole-use and shared containers, as well as air transport for urgent deliveries. With more than 55 years of experience, we guarantee a reliable and simple relocation experience, helping you every step of the way.

Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.

What do I need to know about moving to Indonesia?

Best places to live in Indonesia

Indonesia has five main islands, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is in Java, and is a good place for foreigners looking for long term residence. Jakarta has a local expat community for New Zealanders, including a New Zealand School, which may be beneficial for those looking for familiarity. However, the air pollution within Jakarta can pose as a deal-breaker for many. Bali is also a well-known destination choice and is the main centre of tourism for Indonesia. Finding an international community in Bali would be easy due to the island’s large expat network, social events, and welcoming atmosphere that connects people from all over the world. Bali provides all the amenities for a luxurious life. For a more traditional and minimal lifestyle, Yogyakarta (known as ‘Jogia’ locally) is one of Indonesia’s oldest cities and a major educational hub with a community focused way of life. Sumba Island, largely untouched by tourism, is another option when looking for an area enriched with thriving culture and tradition.

Housing

Due to rapid urbanisation, there is a housing shortage in major cities, where the demand far exceeds the available housing supply. The government has been working to address this through housing projects and public housing initiatives, though the shortage remains an issue. There are many housing options depending on the lifestyle that is desired, such as serviced apartments, townhouses, co-living houses, and housing estates. Expats looking to live in a major city, such as Jakarta, often choose to live in an apartment. Most expats choose to rent as there are restrictions on directly owning land in Indonesia. At Crown, we can help you find accommodation before moving to Indonesia, making your relocation easier.

Healthcare

Indonesia’s diverse geography, high population density, and urban-rural divide present unique public health challenges. Public hospitals are frequently crowded as this is where the majority from various economic levels go to access healthcare because of the government healthcare coverage. Expats are not covered by the government healthcare system. Having private healthcare insurance while living in Indonesia is necessary. When relocating to Indonesia, either for work or retirement, newcomers are required to have health insurance in order to obtain a visa. Employers will occasionally provide medical insurance coverage and it is essential to ensure it is adequate for you and your family.

Education

Children in Indonesia are required to complete 12 years of education, covering primary school, junior high school and senior high school. Public schools in Indonesia use Bahasa Indonesia as their main language when teaching. However there are plenty of Indonesian international schools that teach in English. New Zealanders who relocate to Indonesia, especially Jakarta, have easy access to schools that will suit their needs. Jakarta has a New Zealand School which goes from early years up to the last year of highschool. NZSJ implements the New Zealand curriculum into their study process. Bali also has plenty of international schools with easy access to international communities. As expected, private school fees can get quite high when compared to the fees of public schools available.

Money and banking

Indonesia’s official currency, the rupiah (IDR), is issued and regulated by Bank Indonesia, the nation’s central bank. The Indonesian rupiah comes in coins and banknotes of various denominations. Smaller denominations of coins and bank notes are rarely used, with higher denomination bank notes used more frequently. In today’s digital era, many Indonesians, particularly within urban areas, complete transactions electronically from various fintech platforms such as GoPay, QRIS, OVO or DANA. However it is recommended to take cash in smaller denominations when visiting markets and rural or non-tourist areas.

Transportation

Indonesia is an archipelago country with over 17,000 islands and has various types of transportation. Air transportation is one of the most important when connecting cities from different islands. Ferries are commonly used to deliver goods across the islands. Urban cities like Jakarta have trains to connect areas within the city. There are several types of rail transportation in Jakarta such as the commuter line, mass rail transportation and light rail transit. Commuter line is the cheapest among all rail transportation.

Major rail transportation covers a larger area between Jakarta and nearby cities. Many workers in Jakarta live in the surrounding cities, such as Depok, Bogor, Bekasi and Tangerang and use trains to commute each day. Intercity buses are becoming increasingly used to connect cities within an Island as well as inter-islands through the use of ferry crossings. Toll roads are used on all the expressways and only accept payment via cards. Autorickshaws are a popular mode of transportation but are thought to be the cause for traffic congestion. As a result, they have been banned from most parts of Jakarta.

Learning the Indonesian language

Indonesia is home to around 700 different languages. It was not until 1945 when Indonesia declared independence that Bahasa Indonesia became the one official language. As well as everyone knowing Bahasa Indonesia, many continue to use their local indigenous languages, such as Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese and Balinese. An appreciation for the development of the Indonesian language can go a long way when it comes to putting in the time and effort into learning it. Short stays in Indonesia do not specifically require knowledge of the language as there are many tourists who speak English. When moving to Indonesia to live, work or study, learning Bahasa Indonesian is valuable, as it will help you engage with a wider range of people, handle everyday tasks, and understand the culture more deeply.

Crown also offers Indonesian language learning as part of our additional services, supporting you in your move to Indonesia.

Networking in Indonesia

Indonesia has a thriving expat community. New Zealanders can find a community via social groups such as The Australia and New Zealand Association (ANZA). Finding others with similar interests and experiences is made easy with the countless community organisations available to explore. Engaging with these groups will help you feel more comfortable and natural when settling into your new community.

Horse & carts waiting for customers in Yogyakarta City. Photo by Farhan Abasjpg
Horse & carts waiting for customers in Yogyakarta City. Photo by Farhan Abasjpg

Indonesians make networking easier by naturally being very welcoming and friendly, and are thought of as some of the most friendly people in the world. This makes it an enjoyable experience to reach out to locals. Building connections with local Indonesians adds value to your time spent, embracing the culture and community that you wouldn’t otherwise experience when interacting with fellow expats.

Indonesia Three friends in Jogja Mangunan Aldino Hartan Putrah

Moving to Indonesia? Go knowing

Trust Us to make Your Journey to Indonesia simple

Indonesia is a culturally rich and rewarding country for relocating, with Jakarta being the most popular destination. Indonesia is affordable, welcoming and full of joy. The hot and humid climate may take some time to adjust to, but will not get in the way of your experience. Renowned for their friendly culture, making connections with locals will be beneficial when embracing Indonesia as your new home. To ease yourself into the community as a newcomer, there are many expat organisations to create friendships and share experiences. Take the time to immerse yourself into the rich history of Indonesia to build a deeper appreciation for your new home.

Ready to move? At Crown, we offer tailored services, from finding accommodation and local tips on your new home to full door-to-door relocation. We ensure a smooth and simple transition into your new life in Indonesia.

Go knowing that you can trust Crown to make your move simple and hassle-free. Call us on 0508 227 696, fill in our online quote request, or visit Crown Relocations NZ for more information.

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