Is it offensive if I accidentally use my left hand?

Most Indonesians understand that foreigners are learning and will be forgiving of honest mistakes. Simply apologize ('Maaf') and switch to your right hand. The key is showing you're trying to respect their customs.

Can I wear shorts and tank tops in Indonesia?

In beach areas like Bali's coast or Gili Islands, casual beach wear is fine. But cover up when visiting religious sites, traditional villages, or more conservative areas like Aceh. Carry a sarong or light pants for quick coverage.

How much should I donate at temples?

Small donations of 5,000-20,000 IDR ($0.35-1.40) are appropriate and appreciated. The amount matters less than the gesture. Some temples have suggested donation boxes with recommended amounts posted.

What if someone invites me to their home?

Accept graciously if possible - it's a great honor. Remove shoes at the entrance, bring a small gift (fruit or sweets work well), and wait to be seated. They may insist you eat first as their guest.

How to Respect Local Customs in Indonesia

Show respect in Indonesia by dressing modestly (especially in religious sites), using your right hand for greetings and exchanges, removing shoes before entering homes and mosques, and learning basic Bahasa Indonesia phrases. Always ask permission before photographing people and avoid public displays of affection.

Master the greeting basics. Use 'Selamat pagi' (good morning), 'Selamat siang' (good afternoon), or 'Selamat malam' (good evening). Shake hands gently with the right hand only. For Muslims, wait for them to extend their hand first, especially between opposite genders.
Dress appropriately for the setting. Wear long pants and cover shoulders when visiting mosques, temples, or traditional villages. In Bali's Hindu temples, you'll need a sarong and sash (usually provided). Beach towns are more relaxed, but cover up when leaving beach areas.
Follow shoe etiquette religiously. Remove shoes before entering homes, mosques, temples, and some shops. Look for shoe racks at entrances as your cue. In traditional homes, place shoes neatly pointing away from the entrance.
Use proper hand gestures. Always use your right hand for eating, giving money, or handing items to others. Keep your left hand out of sight during meals. Point with your whole hand, never a single finger, and never point at people.
Respect religious practices. Don't walk in front of people praying. Turn off flash photography in temples. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours out of respect for fasting Muslims.
Practice photo courtesy. Always ask 'Boleh foto?' (May I take a photo?) before photographing locals. Many are happy to pose, but some may decline. Never photograph people at prayer or during religious ceremonies without explicit permission.

Is it offensive if I accidentally use my left hand?: Most Indonesians understand that foreigners are learning and will be forgiving of honest mistakes. Simply apologize ('Maaf') and switch to your right hand. The key is showing you're trying to respect their customs.
Can I wear shorts and tank tops in Indonesia?: In beach areas like Bali's coast or Gili Islands, casual beach wear is fine. But cover up when visiting religious sites, traditional villages, or more conservative areas like Aceh. Carry a sarong or light pants for quick coverage.
How much should I donate at temples?: Small donations of 5,000-20,000 IDR ($0.35-1.40) are appropriate and appreciated. The amount matters less than the gesture. Some temples have suggested donation boxes with recommended amounts posted.
What if someone invites me to their home?: Accept graciously if possible - it's a great honor. Remove shoes at the entrance, bring a small gift (fruit or sweets work well), and wait to be seated. They may insist you eat first as their guest.