Territory capital · Indonesia
Banda Aceh
Give Banda Aceh 2 nights: one for the tsunami sites and the Grand Mosque, one for Ulee Lheue and a Sabang ferry. Skip it if you want beaches only.
Banda Aceh is the capital of Aceh province at the northern tip of Sumatra, and the city closest to the 26 December 2004 tsunami. It is a conservative, mostly Muslim city where alcohol is not sold and coffee houses do the work of bars. Two nights covers the mosque, the museum and the tsunami memorials; a third night buys you a Sabang run or a west-coast beach day at Lhoknga.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- IDR
- Best months
- Jun–Aug (driest)
- avoid Nov–Dec (wettest); Ramadan for daytime eating
- Airport
- BTJ
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Banda Aceh112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Banda Aceh, 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
- SafetyBanda Aceh is calm and the 2005 peace deal has held; the real issues are heat, traffic on a scooter, and Sharia rules on dress and alcohol.
Show all 12 answers
- 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.
- AirportBTJ Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the centre; airport taxi to town is a fixed fare, buses 2A and 5 also run in.).BTJ Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) east of the centre; airport taxi to town is a fixed fare, buses 2A and 5 also run in.).
- Getting aroundBecak (motorbike taxis) and labi-labi minibuses cover the centre; agree the fare before you get in.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a rumoh kuphiRp10,000–25,000
- Street or quick mealNasi gurih breakfastRp15,000–30,000
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekRp100,000–200,000
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or site entryRp5,000–50,000 (check)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personRp120,000
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp500,000
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomRp900,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget Rp350,000 · Mid Rp700,000 · High Rp1,500,000
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 →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BTJ Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the centre; airport taxi to town is a fixed fare, buses 2A and 5 also run in.)BTJ Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) east of the centre; airport taxi to town is a fixed fare, buses 2A and 5 also run in.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Mar
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Dec. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C) low), wettest Nov (16 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Banda Aceh: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Feb
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Becak (motorbike taxis) and labi-labi minibuses cover the centre; agree the fare before you get in. Renting a scooter by the day is the easiest way to reach Lhoknga and the outlying tsunami sites. Airport taxis run on a fixed fare from the counter inside arrivals.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lhoknga
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Scooter or becak west along the coast road
Beach and the Cut Nyak Dhien house at Lampisang; the coast here was the worst-hit area in 2004.
Sabang (Pulau Weh)
overnightDoor to door: 2–3 h
Speed boat or Ro-Ro ferry from Ulee Lheue
Diving and snorkelling island; go for at least two nights, not a day return.
Takengon
overnightDoor to door: 6–8 h
Road via Bireuen into the Gayo highlands
Cool lake town; a long drive, so sleep there.
Ketambe
overnightDoor to door: 10 h+
Road south through the Gayo highlands
Gunung Leuser jungle trekking; a multi-day trip, not a day out.
Lhokseumawe
cautionDoor to door: 4–5 h
Bus or car east along the coastal highway
Mostly a transport stop on the way to Medan.
Kutacane
overnightDoor to door: 10 h+
Road south-east via the highlands
Route to Medan via Takengon takes about 20 h in total.
Tapak Tuan
overnightDoor to door: 8–10 h
Road down the west coast
South Aceh coast; only worth it with a spare night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre near the Grand Mosque
Walkable to the mosque, Pasar Atjeh and the museum; best for a short stay with no scooter.
Jl Teuku Umar / Blang Padang
Hotels, food and the Kerkhof cemetery within a few minutes' walk; the practical mid-range base.
Ulee Lheue
Near the ferry port for Sabang; choose this only if you have an early boat.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- Rp350,000–600,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- Rp600,000–1,200,000 excl. bed
- High
- Rp1,200,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × Rp500,000 | Rp1,000,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × Rp700,000 | Rp2,800,000 |
| Airport taxi to the centre, one way1 × Rp100,000 · check | Rp100,000 |
| Scooter rental, one day2 × Rp100,000 · check | Rp200,000 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × Rp150,000 | Rp300,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | Rp440,000 |
| Trip total≈ Rp1,210,000 per person per day, bed included | Rp4,840,000≈ US$300 |
2026 estimate in rupiah; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a rumoh kuphi | Rp10,000–25,000 |
| Nasi gurih breakfast | Rp15,000–30,000 |
| Plate of Acehnese food (mie aceh, curry) | Rp25,000–60,000 |
| Becak ride in the centreAgree the fare first. | Rp10,000–50,000 |
| Museum or site entry | Rp5,000–50,000 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | Rp100,000–200,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Alcohol is not sold in Aceh; do not plan on bars.
- Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees — especially at the Grand Mosque, where non-Muslims stay in the plaza.
- Some tsunami sites are informal and unmarked; ask locally rather than trusting an old map pin.
- Friday midday closes many shops and offices for prayers.
- Sharia rules apply in Aceh; check current local guidance before you go.
Emergency numbers
- General emergency
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Ambulance
- 118
- Fire
- 113
Pocket card
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Banda AcehBanda Aceh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tolong antar ke alamat iniTo this address, please
Emergency
- General emergency112
- Police110
- Ambulance118
- Fire113
Embassy
Most countries have embassies in Jakarta; the US and several others keep a consulate in Medan. Check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre, taxi: fixed fare, about Rp100,000 (check)
- Becak, centre to Grand Mosque: Rp10,000–50,000, agree first
- Ulee Lheue → Sabang, speed boat: about 1 h; fare check at the port
Say or show
- Selamat pagi — Good morning (suh-LAH-mat PAH-ghee)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see)
- Berapa harganya? — How much is it? (buh-RAH-pah har-GAH-nyah)
- Di mana toilet? — Where is the toilet? (dee MAH-nah TOY-let)
- Saya tidak makan babi — I don't eat pork (SAH-yah TEE-dak MAH-kan BAH-bee)
- Tolong antar ke alamat ini — Please take me to this address (TOH-long AN-tar kuh ah-LAH-mat EE-nee)
Alcohol is not sold in Aceh. Dress modestly and ask before photographing people at memorial sites.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Banda Aceh. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug (driest) · avoid Nov–Dec (wettest); Ramadan for daytime eating · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for BTJ: fixed airport-taxi fare, bus 2A/5 fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Grand Mosque and Pasar Atjeh, museum and Kerkhof, Blang Padang, Ulee Lheue.
- Tsunami-site page with verified locations for the Lampulo boat, the floating generator ship and Apung 1.
- Eat pages with coffee-house hours and nasi gurih breakfast spots.