Surabaya, Indonesia Report of what it's like to live there - 08/12/09
Personal Experiences from Surabaya, Indonesia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
I had lived in Stockholm previously.
2. How long have you lived here?
Just over two years, March 07-May 09.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
From Washington travel time is about 30 hours. Normal routing goes Wash-Tokyo, Tokyo-Singapore with a significant layover, then the short flight from Singapore-Surabaya.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most expats live in gated communities with single-family homes and small yards, some live in luxury high-rise apartment buildings.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are available and cheap. Even American brand products like Oreos are half what they cost in the U.S.Fruit is really cheap, but good meat can be more of an issue. Available at more upscale markets, but maybe a little more than you would pay in the States. No problem obtaining typical toiletries.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Not much is neccessary. Favorite board games?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Almost everything for much less than in the U.S.An ice cream cone at MacDonald's is 15 cents!Other fast food items are probably half of U.S. costs or less. Indonesian food is also very tasty and even cheaper!
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lots of mosquitoes that get everywhere despite your best efforts to control them. Not to many other stinging insects, but ants can also be a problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Mail come for us through the consulate. Otherwise, mail would be a big issue. I don't think I ever saw a local stamp or post office. Not much of a functional mail service here that I can detect.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Readily available and pretty cheap. Salaries paid by expats are around $100/month for full-time help. Live-in help available as well.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, in major malls. No extended hours, though.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATMs are plentiful and easy in shopping malls, credit cards are readily accepted in most places, but you should probably stick to established retailers.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, some Christian services available in English, often at shopping malls.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Jakarta Post and Jakarta Globe english dailies, lots of American channels and BBC on cable.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You can get by without it, but like most places a little knowledge goes a long way. Indonesian is not terribly difficult as far as languages go.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Considerable. Little effort to accomodate wheelchairs, or even pedestrians, in many parts of the city. Even shopping malls might present problems.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains and buses not suitable for commuting. Taxis are safe, plentiful, and affordable. You can get most places in the central part of the city for about $2, and all the way accross town for $5.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Better to get a vehicle locally. Not as cheap as everything else would indicate. Driving is on the left side of the street, but chaotic. Most people hire a driver.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but not quite as high speed as America. Not bad, though. Can be kind of expensive. Most plans still charge by usage, and we paid over $100 a month sometimes.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Get a local one. Tons of retailers, convenient pre-pay service. Monthly plans also available.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
We got our pets there, but I think there is some quarantine required, but reasonable. Certainly not months or anything like that.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes, you can find decent vets. Not sure about kennels, but everyone has people that work and/or live in their house that can take care of pets while you are away.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
No.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
A little more relaxed than Washington D.C. Batik shirts work for almost any occasion for men. Women should keep local customs in mind and not reveal too much.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
It seemed moderate to me. I jogged outside and didn't get sick. Jakarta is much worse.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
I didn't get shots while I was there, only before I went. Standard tropical fare, I believe.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Petty crime like pickpocketing in shopping areas. Not the same high-profile target like Jakarta or Bali. Violent crime rate very low, and no history of terror attacks in Surabaya.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is adequate, not stellar. Serious things require a trip to Singapore. English speaking doctors are available.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It's always hot and humid, but not to extremes. Almost everyday has a high of around 90-95F, and it never dips below about 75F even at night.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Surabaya International School is quite good. Lots of extra curricular programs and challenging academics. Excellent facitilies including Olympic-sized swimming pool and climbing wall in the gymnasium. Also a theater and music room.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I believe they are willing to accomodate, but no personal experience.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
No personal experience, but the International School has a preschool that is quite pricy. Nannies can be hired for a song.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Only through the school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Hard to judge. Probably hundreds, certainly not thousands. Very few Americans, more Australians, a handful of Europeans, more Koreans and Japanese. Lots of Chinese.
2. Morale among expats:
Generally pretty good. We have it better than the average Indonesian, which makes it hard to complain.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Whatever you make of it. Tons of restaurants, many big, modern shopping malls, first rate movie theaters that charge about $2, some nightclubs, too. Not much in the way of fine arts/museums, however.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for families. Couples might feel a little constrained. Singles could be very hit or miss. Some singles love it, others get bored. You should never be lacking for company, but it may not the scene you are into.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Probably not, but I never heard of serious problems. Not much of a scene that I'm aware of.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I don't think so. There is a strong Muslim majority, but other religions are very well tolerated. Women occupy positions of status here. If you have Western features, you will get stared at and called out to, but it is good-natured.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Bali is close, you can visit volcanoes, Yogyakarta has some amazing old temples and other historical and cultural sites. Taman Safari animal park/zoo is great for kids. Youcan pet tiger and lion cubs!
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Lots of local arts and crafts, excellent custom made furniture, tailored suits and other clothing, 90-minute massage for about $8.Also lots of regional travel opportunities.
9. Can you save money?
Absolutely. This town is one of the greatest bargains ever.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
You bet!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
Mexican cuisine ingredients. No decent Mexican restaurants.
4. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Year of Living Dangerously, Max Havelaar
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Buru Quartet by Pramoedya.
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Buru Quartet by Pramoedya.
7. Do you have any other comments?
Surabaya -- It's much better and easier than Jakarta!
