Batam, Indonesia 🇮🇩
#1807
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Batam is an island city in Indonesia, part of the Riau Archipelago, located just 20 km from Singapore. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 1.3 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD is approximately 15,000 IDR, and banking services such as BCA and Mandiri are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advised to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, and uses Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include XL Axiata and Telkomsel, with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments and Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cashless payments through cards and mobile apps. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are available, with short-term stays starting from IDR 400,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as 'Batam Backpacker' offer dorms from IDR 100,000 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Nagoya is popular among tourists for shopping and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider areas near the waterfront such as Nagoya and Batu Ampar for better connectivity. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Co-Working Space Batam offers reliable internet and a community atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Starbucks in Nagoya Hill Mall is popular for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for monthly meetups such as 'Batam Digital Nomads'. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join expat community gatherings organized through Facebook and meetup groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gojek and Grab are the primary ride-hailing apps in Batam. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available for around IDR 75,000 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nongsa Beach is the closest popular beach, just 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Garuda Indonesia operates flights to nearby regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Singapore Airlines and Lion Air connect Batam with international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Batam has good access via the Batam - Barelang Bridge to other islands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; buses and taxis are the main forms of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses operate, but there are no formal transit passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Batam with Singapore and nearby islands. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | BRS Hospital is one of the reputable hospitals for expats. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Batam Center offers classes suitable for various skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First in Nagoya provides modern gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many local laundries offer services starting from IDR 30,000 per kilogram. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GoFood through Gojek is popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Kepiting Saus Padang' (Crab in Padang sauce) for a local delicacy. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like 'Pure Vegetarian' offer a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dessert House Café is known for its desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nagoya Food Market offers fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Tokopedia and Lazada are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and Dija are grocery delivery services available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nagoya features a vibrant nightlife with many bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Batam's local brews can be found at various pubs in the city. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Willy's Wine House in Nagoya offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food at 'Pujasera BCI' offers a range of local flavors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Sushi Tei' provide popular international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is a notable cultural landmark. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Batam History Museum showcases the island's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Batam Grand Mosque is an architectural highlight. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The new Batam Grand Mosque is a significant place of worship and attraction. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Batam has a vibrant annual Baraka Festival celebrating local arts and culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The 'Muka Kuning' area is known for its local culture and community. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | There are community theaters in Batam, though options are limited. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Traditional Market in Nagoya offers local goods and produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events are common in bars across Nagoya. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for murals in Batam Center, reflecting the local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | If you want to learn local cuisine, check out classes at 'Chef's Table Batam'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries often showcase Indonesian artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historical Pura Agung Jagatnatha provides insight into Balinese architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Batam has a mix of Malay and Chinese cultural influences reflecting its history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Putri Island is a beautiful nearby destination for day trips. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bintan Island National Park is accessible by ferry for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycle along the waterfront paths in Batam Center. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Nongsa to catch stunning views of the South China Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Sembulang Beach is known for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches such as Tanjung Pinggir allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | JNE and Tiki offer reliable domestic shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Batam Center has various shops for electronic device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be enjoyed at local sports clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer Indonesian classes tailored for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Batam Public Library has a quiet space for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community halls in neighborhoods often host events for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming cafes like 'GameZone Batam' offer a great venue for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Dana Batam is popular among visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 15,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = IDR 600,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 10,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = IDR 400,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 13,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IDR 780,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 9,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IDR 540,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 12,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IDR 960,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 8,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IDR 640,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 22%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% is the tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Currently based on global income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 30%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules exist governing foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically, a 5% tax is applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreigners can apply for a tax incentive if they meet specific criteria, making it appealing. |