Batam At A Glance

CURRENCY – Batam uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Money changers are available at Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal and major malls for your convenience.

CONSULATE – For assistance from the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Batam, please click here.

WATER – Tap water is not safe for drinking. Please drink bottled or boiled water throughout your stay. Bottled water is widely available at stores, hotels, and restaurants.

POWER SUPPLY – Batam uses 220V / 50Hz electricity with two or three-pin plug configurations — the same as most of Southeast Asia.

FRIDAYS – On Fridays, you may notice locals dressed in traditional Indonesian batik. This is a wonderful cultural tradition.

GETTING AROUND – We recommend car charter (great for families and group trips), Blue Bird Taxis (reliable and metered), or Gojek (pick-up point just outside Shu Guo Yin Xiang Hot Pot) to get around Batam. When booking rides with other cab services, make sure to negotiate the price before getting in. Grab cars can drop off passengers but cannot pick up at Harbourbay Downtown.

Free Shuttle to K Square Mall runs between Harbour Bay Downtown and K Square Mall. Pick-up points are at Swiss-Belhotel, Zest Hotel, and Marriott Hotel. The bus is air-conditioned and family-friendly. Please reserve your seat with the hotel front desk in advance. *Shuttle bus is not available on Wednesdays.

HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY – Major hotels and malls are generally wheelchair-accessible. Please note that some areas of the island may still lack ramps or lifts.

HANG NADIM AIRPORT – The airport is about 20 km from Harbour Bay Downtown, approximately a 27-minute drive.

INTERNET CONNECTIVITY – Wi-Fi is available at most major hotels, shopping malls, and Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal.

LANGUAGE – Indonesian and Chinese are the main languages spoken in Batam.

SIM Cards – Local SIM cards are available at booths just outside the arrival hall of Harbour Bay Ferry Terminal.

PRAYER ROOM – Prayer rooms are available at most shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants.

RELIGION – Batam is a diverse and harmonious community. Islam is the majority faith, with Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and other religions also practised.

SMOKING & ALCOHOL – Smoking and alcohol are generally permitted. 

TIPPING – Tipping is not required, but always warmly appreciated by locals.

TIME ZONE – Batam is on Western Indonesian Time (GMT+7), one hour behind Singapore. Please remember to adjust your watch upon arrival.

WEATHER – Batam has a warm tropical climate year-round, averaging around 29°C. Please pack an umbrella, especially if visiting in October or November, the rainiest months.

Singapore Public Holidays