Surabaya, Indonesia 🇮🇩
#170
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Surabaya is the capital of East Java and one of Indonesia's major cities, known for its cultural diversity and vibrant economy. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3 million people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps, with good availability in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 IDR ≈ 0.000067 USD. Cash is widely used but international cards are accepted in major establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat; a prepaid SIM card can be acquired for around IDR 50,000. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include BCA, Mandiri, and local ATMs accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many places accept cards and mobile payments like OVO and GoPay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental sites are popular, prices range from IDR 300,000 to IDR 1,000,000/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like MBloc Space & Co and Kunjarakan offer beds for IDR 150,000 to IDR 300,000/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Gubeng and Tunjungan areas are popular with tourists for shopping and dining. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | West Surabaya offers coworking spaces and is close to cafes, making it ideal for digital nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | GoWork Surabaya offers a vibrant atmosphere for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Merbabu Cafe provides good WiFi and a quiet space for productivity. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are hosted by communities like Startup Grind and local tech hubs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Horizon Coffee often hosts expat gatherings and international events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gojek and Grab are popular for ride-hailing in Surabaya. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Online services such as Gojek provide scooter rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kuta Beach is approximately 2 hours from Surabaya. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Lion Air is a major airline operating regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Garuda Indonesia operates flights to major international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Toll roads provide quick access to various parts of East Java. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gubeng Station serves as the main railway hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Trans Surabaya offers bus services with single tickets costing around IDR 5,000. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Surabaya to major cities like Malang and Banyuwangi. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | RSUD Dr. Soetomo is the main government hospital in Surabaya, offering various healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Surabaya offers classes at various levels for expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Surabaya provides modern fitness facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services like Coin Laundry Surabaya are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GoFood and GrabFood are popular choices for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Rames, a traditional rice dish with various side dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Street, a popular spot offering plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | D'Story Cafe serves delicious cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Pasar Atum Mall offers a variety of local foods and shops. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Tokopedia and Bukalapak are popular shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh and GoMart provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tunjungan Plaza and the nearby streets are bustling nightlife areas. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brew House Surabaya offers a range of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Havana Bar offers an extensive wine menu. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets like Jembatan Merah are popular for local delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Western restaurants like The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf serve international fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | House of Sampoerna, a tobacco museum, is a significant site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Taman Prabuta offers cultural exhibits and art galleries. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Heroes Monument commemorates the city's role in Indonesia's independence. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Masjid Al-Akbar is a prominent mosque and cultural landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Surabaya Flower Festival takes place every April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Dukuhsumber is known for its cultural significance and heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kota Surabaya Theatre hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Tanjung Perak traditional market is a popular local shopping destination. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bubur Ayam Cirebon offers live music and entertainment. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and art installations can be found throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes offer insights into traditional Javanese cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Surabaya Art Space showcases contemporary Indonesian artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Old City Hall of Surabaya is a notable architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its vibrant multicultural history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Baluran National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Bromo is about 3 hours away and offers breathtaking views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Surabaya has various parks and waterfront paths ideal for walks and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Hills around Surabaya like Bukit Perahu provide great views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Surabaya Zoo features many native species and is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks allow for bonfires and gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | JNE and Tiki offer reliable local delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bandwidth has multiple locations for phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers in Surabaya have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Bahasa Indonesia classes are available at local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Surabaya City Library provides a quiet environment for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers host events and cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer’s Paradise offers gaming setups for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Senayan offers gaming experiences nearby. |
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 12,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IDR 720,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 8,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = IDR 480,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. IDR 10,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IDR 800,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. IDR 6,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = IDR 480,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are subjected to progressive rates up to 30%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Indonesia has strict regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Over 5% depending on the region and transaction type. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Indonesia offers various visa options for digital nomads, including tax incentives. |