Semarang

The questions people ask first about Semarang, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
• SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
• Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
• TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
• SafetySemarang is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are traffic, slippery wet pavements…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee or tea in a caféRp15,000–35,000
• Street or quick mealNoodle or rice meal at a warungRp20,000–50,000
• BeerBeer in a barAlcohol is limited in many places; checkRp40,000–80,000
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi or ride-hailing car3.1 mi (5 km) taxi or ride-hailing carRp25,000–60,000
• Metro or bus rideTransSemarang bus ticketRp4,000
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or temple entryRp3,000–30,000
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personRp120,000
• Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp600,000
• High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp1,200,000

A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp400,000 · Mid Rp800,000 · High Rp1,800,000

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

SRG Ahmad Yani International Airport (Close to the city centre; TransSemarang Koridor V and a night airport bus serve it, plus fixed-zone taxis.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

Rp350,000–600,000 excl. bed

Mid

Rp600,000–1,200,000 excl. bed

High

Rp1,200,000+ excl. bed

• Coastal flooding (rob) during monthly high tides can close roads near Tanjung Emas port — check tide dates in the wet season.
• Pavements are tiled and very slippery in rain; crossing main roads is risky, use footbridges or a ride-hailing car.
• Some taxi drivers refuse the meter — take another car or use the app.
• Kota Lama is quiet after dark; don't count on it for dinner.
• Drink bottled water and be cautious with street ice if you have a sensitive stomach.