Everybody who is visiting Indonesia now should be aware of strict Indonesian customs regulations. Explicitely, it is prohibited to bring cell phones (hand phones) and radio equipment into Indonesia. The respective regulations may date back to a time when such equipment was less common. Nevertheless, the prohibition of such items is clearly printed on the customs declaration form which one has to fill in when one enters Indonesia.

Furthermore, anybody who brings in equipment in the value of more than 250 US dollars should definitely declare such items on the form.

Visitors to Indonesia should be aware that Indonesia has some of the strictest laws in the world. Half a gram of marihuana can easily earn 5 years in prison. Furthermore, the Indonesian police routinely subjects people in entertainment venues, but also at hotels (even 5-star hotels), to urine analysis tests to detect drug use. A positive result can mean months in a court, and after that, months in prison, even if the drug consumption dates back to a time when a person wasn't even in Indonesia.

But laws are not just strict for drug-related offences. Not declaring items on customs forms is a crime, not just in Indonesia. Customs regulations may be stricter, and legal penalties more severe, but that is a risk one takes when travelling to the country. That regulations are overly strict is no excuse for breaking the law.

As a foreigner, do not try to bribe Indonesian customs officials! Please see the image of the customs declaration form for further details.

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Indonesian customs declaration form (Click on the photo to view the actual size)