FAQ'S                                   PRACTICAL AND VARIOUS

 

 

  • Should I buy Indonesian Rupiah’s in advance?

No, please don’t do that. The Indonesian Rupiah abroad (except maybe some ASEAN countries) has a poor rate.

 

  • Are there atm’s on Flores?

Yes there are. The most atm's are in Maumere and Ende. But also in smaller towns like Larantuka, Bajawa, Mbay, Riung, Borong, Ruteng and Labuan Bajo are atm’s. The most common banks are:

-BNI

-BRI

-Mandiri

 

  • Can I pay in US dollars or euro’s in hotels and restaurants?

Generally not, except maybe in some big hotels and restaurants in Labuan Bajo.

 

  • Can I pay with creditcard in hotels and restaurants?

Generally not, except maybe some big hotels and restaurants in Labuan Bajo.

 

  • Is Wifi available all over the island?

In most hotels on Flores and bigger restaurants in Labuan Bajo WiFi may be available but the connection is not always good and fails every now and then.

 

  • Should I buy a local simcard?

If you want to stay connected to the internet this is a good idea.
There are tourist simcards (preferably Simpati of Telkomsel) available valid for 90 days and sold in official Telkomsel stores. Normal simcards probably don't work as you handphone needs to be registered. You can top up with credits or data (Rp 100.000 should be enough for a stay in Indonesia up to one month). Simcards are available anywhere but registration is needed in a Grapari customer point https://www.telkomsel.com/en/find-us

 

  • Is Ramadan a problem to travel to Flores?

Ramadan (the fasting month of muslims) on Flores is not the same like in the western part of Indonesia. Most restaurants are open and you won’t come across any feel of inconvenience while traveling. Ramadan in 2023 is from 22 March to 20 April followed by Idul Fitri and holidays.

 

  • What should I wear on Flores?

There are no real restrictions and in particular in Labuan Bajo, Bajawa and Moni residents are used to western people in short pants and tanktops. However, Flores is still a religious island with both muslims and catholics, so keep it properly.