Apr 24 2025
Indonesia is perfect for business travelers. The main reason is that its economy is thriving and is home to 300+ diverse ethnicities. This mix makes it a unique and dynamic market, but it also means that doing business there can be complex. That’s why it’s important to prepare well before negotiating, as cultural differences can strongly influence how deals are made.
For an even better journey, you should also know how to travel around and stay connected. So, let’s check out the tips we’ve prepared.
The Indonesian culture combines many traditional and modern values. However, its foundation relies on hierarchy, respect, and relationships.
The key to successful partnerships is personal relationships. That’s why your meeting will probably start with a small talk, when you need to share a rapport before the actual business discussion. The main reason is that Indonesians prefer to seal the deal with someone they know and trust.
Moreover, make sure you always address your partners by using their last name and title. This will give them a sense that you respect their hierarchy. To show them you’re also professional and polite, you should exchange business cards, for example, with both hands and a slight bow.
Additionally, you need to know that Indonesians value indirect communication. So, you should avoid direct criticism or any disagreement. As a result, you’ll demonstrate a strong understanding of cultural nuances and the desire to maintain harmony.
Indonesian business etiquette plays a vital role in negotiations and partnerships. That said, you should first greet the host with a loose handshake. Remember: Indonesians don’t like physical touch, so avoid such contact.
Speaking of, make sure you use your right hand. This applies to greetings, receiving something, and even eating.
Now, on to the next point. Indonesians practice offering you coffee or tea during business meetings. However, you shouldn’t initiate it until the host invites you to. With this, you’ll show respect. Moreover, complementing the food and expressing gratitude is always a plus in your partners’ eyes.
The dress code for meetings is usually formal. To show prepared, you can wear the traditional batik shirt if you’re a man, or wear a blouse. If you’re a woman, go with a skirt or a dress. As you need to respect Muslim norms in Indonesia, avoid wearing revealing clothes.
However, the weather in Indonesia can be pretty hot. Still, you can only remove your jacket during meetings if your host is less formally dressed. Ultimately, try not to show the soles of your shoes while you’re sitting.
Indonesia has a relatively great transportation network. Getting a taxi is one way to go to your meeting. However, drivers often don’t know much English, meaning you need to manage your time so you’re not late. Punctuality is crucial for Indonesians.
Additional transport solutions are:
Indonesia supports numerous mobile and internet services. Still, the connectivity depends on your region. Fortunately, an eSIM for Indonesia can help you with this issue. They support local network carriers, enabling you to stay connected even on arrival. As a result, you’ll easily have internet access to find your meeting venue or contact your business partners.
In addition, eSIMs are embedded in your device. Thanks to the simple installation, you won’t need to lose time searching for local SIM cards, which are also more expensive. This significantly saves time. Ultimately, eSIMs have various data plans, helping you avoid roaming charges.
If you are looking to find the best eSIM for your trip, make sure you do your research properly. Read comparisons, reviews and customer experiences before you subscribe to a service.
You must understand Indonesia’s business culture and etiquette to enhance your business trip. Thus, focus on respect, hierarchy, and personal relationships. Luckily, the extensive transportation network and connectivity solutions will only help you make the most of your trip.
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