Weather
Located in the tropical zone, Jakarta’s climate is hot and humid. The average temperatures range from 26ºCelcius at night and early morning to up to 30ºCelcius at noon. April to October is usually dry season in Jakarta, while November to March is wet season. However, even during dry season, one can expect occasional rains

Electricity
Outlets and voltage (220 volts). Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Indonesia. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Indonesia is 50 Hz.

Video System
In Indonesia, the PAL-system is used for television broadcasts. This system is not compatible with the NTSC systems used in Europe and in many other countries. If you purchase a video cassette in Indonesia, ensure it is recorded in the appropriate system for your video playback machine.

Language & ethnic groups
Like the rest of Indonesia, the people of Jakarta speak the official language Bahasa Indonesia. However, Bahasa Indonesia in this city is heavily influenced by the dialect of Jakarta’s previously dominant ethnic group, Betawi. With rapid urbanization process in the city, the Betawi people have been pushed to Jakarta’s suburban areas. Current population of Jakarta consists of various ethnic groups from different parts of Indonesia, including Chinese, Arab and Indian descents in commercial areas.

Metric Measures
Indonesia follows the international metric system. Temperatures, rainfall measures, distance, weights, velocity are expressed in metric units. Distance is measured in kilometers.

Population
City of Jakarta about 8,500,000 people

Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are accepted, but visitors are always advised to check with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24 hour access are available in many convenient locations.

Tipping
Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with group tours to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. If meals are included in the price, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15 per cent. Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 per cent.

Food and Beverages
An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural flavor of Jakarta. Alcoholic beverages in bottles are sold in special stores. However, alcoholic beverages including beer and wine may be purchased in restaurants, hotel lounges, taverns, and nightclubs, which can be recognized by the sign "Licensed Premises". Minors are not admitted into bars.

Newspapers
English daily: The Jakarta Post, The Indonesian Observer; Chinese daily: Harian Indonesia; some Indonesian dailies Kompas, Suara Pembaruan, Media Indonesia and Bisnis Indonesia.

Baggage Handling
Porter service is available at the Jakarta International Airport. Most properties with group tour business provide baggage handling services on arrival and departure. Rates and policies vary and should be confirmed with the supplier.

Transportation
Taxis in Indonesia are cheap and plentiful, and thankfully air conditioned, making them the best way to get around, especially in the cities. Make sure the driver knows where you're going before getting in, and make sure he uses the meter. If he refuse, just get another taxi, they're usually not hard to find.

Radio
Change of Jakarta FM Radio Frequency and its surroundings start August 1, 2004.

TV
TVRI is one of national television station, which in holding the broadcasting nationally, the board members of TVRI operationaly including TV Director, TVRI Foundation, Center Jakarta TVRI, Broadcast in Village, TVRI Production Station, Production Station Around the city, TVRI Transmition Sector and TVRI Transmition itself. It broadcasted from 05.00 am to 03.00 pm also 09.00 pm until finish. There is also some private sector television station, for example is RCTI, SCTV, TPI, Anteve, Indosiar, Metro TV, Trans TV, Lativi, TV 7, Global TV, Jak TV, Ochannel, Spacetoon.