Batam, Indonesia 🇮🇩
#1807
1.103081, 104.038369
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Batam is a free trade zone in Indonesia located near Singapore. It is known for its vibrant economy and nearby island resorts. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.2 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 20 Mbps (varies by provider) |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 15,000 IDR. Major banks include BCA, Mandiri, and BNI. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat - prepaid SIM cards available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Accepted payment types include cash and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Variety of options from hotels to serviced apartments. Popular areas include Nagoya and Batam Centre. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb and local rental agencies. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as The Breeze Beachfront Lagoon Hotel |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | HUB 68 - centrally located with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kedai Kopi Dan Roti Bakar 88 - offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups organized by tech communities on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Batam International Community Facebook group for meetups and local events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gojek and Grab are popular ride-hailing apps in Batam. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals available for around IDR 70,000 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Nongsa Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Garuda Indonesia offers flights from Batam to other Indonesian cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Singapore Airlines operates flights to and from Singapore. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Several main roads leading to industrial zones and ferry terminals. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Batam Center Ferry Terminal for international ferry services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transportation is mainly through buses and taxis; no transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services available to Singapore and Johor, Malaysia. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Batam Medical Centre - offers various medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bali Wellness and Retreat offers yoga sessions and holistic treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First in Nagoya Hill Mall is well-equipped and offers membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services widely available; Batam Laundry offers good service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GoFood (via Gojek) is very popular for food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Roti Bakar (toasted bread) and Seafood dishes are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Nasi Goreng (fried rice) can be found vegetarian-friendly at many local eateries. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | D'Crepes – known for their sweet crepes and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Traditional markets like Pasar Penuin offer budget-friendly food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Tokopedia and Bukalapak are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh offers grocery delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nagoya area offers a vibrant nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery options are limited; local beer brands like Bintang are popular. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some western restaurants offer wine selection, but not many dedicated wine bars. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food available at many night markets; try Soto Batam. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options available; try sushi and Korean BBQ. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Batam City Contemporary Art Museum showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Vihara Buddhi Bakti is an important historical site for the local Chinese community. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya is a must-visit for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Batam Cultural Festival attracts many locals and tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nagoya is known for its shopping and dining, showcasing local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theaters host performances and cultural shows periodically. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Visit Pasar Induk for a traditional market experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various cafes and bars, particularly in Nagoya. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some neighborhood areas have murals reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available specializing in Indonesian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Batam Art Gallery features works by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Town area features well-preserved historical structures. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Chinese heritage is prominent in Batam's culture and architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bintan Island's beaches are a short ferry ride away for relaxation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bintan Natural Park is accessible by ferry, known for its nature trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths available along the waterfront and in parks like Taman Kota. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The coastline offers beautiful views, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mangrove forests near Batam are spots for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas permit bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | TNT and JNE offer express parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various shops in Nagoya offer tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often host table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Private language classes available in Indonesian and English. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Batam Central Library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various venues host cultural classes, workshops, and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming communities meet at cafes around Nagoya. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Nearby resorts on Bintan Island have casinos. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 18,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = IDR 720,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 15,000,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = IDR 600,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 16,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IDR 990,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 13,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IDR 780,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 14,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IDR 1,120,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 11,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IDR 880,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividends subject to 15% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 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, Indonesia has strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 10% for property purchases. |