What it's like for an American to live in Jakarta?
My husband (an Indonesian) and I have been contemplating going to Indonesia to live. What it's like to live there, and what job opportunities are open to an expat? Actually I'd also like to know what the actual lifestyle and culture is. How do they treat you as a 'buleh'? What are the prejudices toward you? How do indonesian muslims regard you? How safe is it? What do you do for fun? What are the malls like? Can you drive there?
Other - Asia Pacific - 4 Answers
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1 :
u will live like kings and queens find an internatonal or shipping company for greater $$
2 :
Live very well indeed. Multinational companies are best bet.
3 :
hi....i answered some of your question in other section..... job opportunities, you can try international school, or go to US embassy, they have all the list of American company that has office in Jakarta Good luck
4 :
you would love living in Indonesia in general. i didnt quite like living in Jakarta as i was so stressed with the crazy traffic and the crimes. but Jakarta is a great city apart. finding a job as a bule would be easy for you if its relating to English teaching, there are many opportunities for that. Also for oil companies as there are plenty American oil companies there. Most of Indonesians have high respect to anyone not just toward bule. Some would definately find you different, kids would be excited to call you, some would be "scared" as your appeal is differ to Indonesians of course :) but you would love Indonesians no need to worry. Prejudices would be thick I guess...but mostly on economy. Indonesians tend to think bules are rich people, so they might try to sell you things, and it can get annoying sometimes. Try to also learn a few things of the daily culture like do not give things using your left hand, eating with your left hand (unless you are left handed), pointing things with your foot (consider rude), etc but in Jakarta, its really a big city where people tend not to rely on culture much no more, so again no need to worry I will never say Jakarta is safe. was there, worked there, lived there, didnt like it much. watch out for pickpockets, robbers, etc Lots things to do to have fun, going to restaurants/bars, malls, plenty concerts, sea world (well yeah there is sea world in US too hehe), TMII (Miniature of Indonesia), Fantasy World (Dufan), plenty more Malls are excellent! yes you can if you have international driving license. the driver seat is on the right side tho, just get use to it, my husband got used to it. i wouldnt dare driving in Jakarta tho. driving snail and just crazy traffic. my husband didnt like driving in Jakarta as well, but outside Jakarta? like in other cities in Indonesia? he just loves driving around ^_^ and yes, compare to other countries esp to American, living cost is definately cheap in Indonesia the Moslems are great people. nothing to worry about. see for yourself. hmmm now I wonder when my husband and I will visit Indonesia again..... well Have Fun! ^_^
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