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…
• RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
• Emergency numbers112 General emergency · 110 police · 118 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
• Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
• Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
• AirportSRG Ahmad Yani International Airport (Close to the city centre; TransSemarang Koridor V and a night airport bus serve it, plus fixed-zone taxis.).
• Getting aroundTransSemarang BRT buses (Koridor I–V) cover the centre and the airport with raised shelters…

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 (≈ US$1–3)
• Street or quick mealNoodle or rice meal at a warungRp20,000–50,000 (≈ US$2–4)
• BeerBeer in a barAlcohol is limited in many places; checkRp40,000–80,000 (≈ US$3–5)
• Taxi, about 5 kmTaxi, about 3 mi5 km taxi or ride-hailing car3.1 mi taxi or ride-hailing carRp25,000–60,000 (≈ US$2–4)
• Metro or bus rideTransSemarang bus ticketRp4,000 (≈ under US$1)
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum or temple entryRp3,000–30,000 (≈ US$1–2)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personRp120,000 (≈ US$8)
• Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp600,000 (≈ US$40)
• High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp1,200,000 (≈ US$75)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp400,000 (≈ US$25) · Mid Rp800,000 (≈ US$50) · High Rp1,800,000 (≈ US$110)

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 →

TransSemarang BRT buses (Koridor I–V) cover the centre and the airport with raised shelters; tickets are cheap and transfers are allowed if you keep the ticket. Angkot minibuses fill the gaps but need basic Indonesian. Grab and GoJek are the easy option for short hops. Taxis are metered — insist on the meter. Walking is only pleasant inside Kota Lama; elsewhere pavements are slippery when wet and crossings are ignored by traffic.

Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.

This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Semarang. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.

• officialSemarang city government
• officialTransSemarang
• officialAhmad Yani International Airport
• secondaryWikivoyage: Semarang, revision 5330183 (CC BY-SA 4.0)