Surabaya Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Surabaya.
Healthcare System
Surabaya has a two-tier healthcare system with public hospitals (rumah sakit umum) and private hospitals. Private hospitals offer significantly better facilities, English-speaking staff, and international standards of care, making them the preferred choice for foreign travelers.
Hospitals
Top hospitals for tourists include Siloam Hospitals Surabaya (Jl. Raya Gubeng), Premier Hospital Surabaya (Jl. Nginden Intan Barat), and Mitra Keluarga Hospital Surabaya. These facilities have 24-hour emergency departments, English-speaking staff, and can handle most medical situations. Many accept international insurance with direct billing.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apotek) are widely available throughout Surabaya, including 24-hour locations in major hospitals and shopping centers. Guardian, Kimia Farma, and Century are reliable chains. Many common medications are available over-the-counter, but bring prescriptions for controlled substances. Counterfeit medications can be an issue, so use reputable pharmacies.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended. Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important as serious conditions may require transfer to Singapore or Jakarta. Most private hospitals require payment guarantees or upfront payment before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a copy of your passport and insurance details at all times
- Private hospitals may require substantial deposits for treatment; keep credit cards or cash available
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Use insect repellent to prevent dengue fever, especially during rainy season
- Consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis before travel
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft of unattended belongings occur in crowded areas. Thieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists.
Thieves on motorcycles may grab bags, phones, or jewelry from pedestrians or other motorcyclists, sometimes causing injuries.
Surabaya has chaotic traffic with aggressive driving, numerous motorcycles, and inconsistent traffic law enforcement. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A can result from contaminated food or water. Street food hygiene varies considerably.
Surabaya's hot, humid tropical climate can cause heat-related illness, especially for those unaccustomed to the conditions.
Mosquito-borne dengue fever is endemic in Surabaya, with cases year-round but peaks during rainy season (November-March).
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial taxi drivers refuse to use meters, quote inflated prices, or use rigged meters that run fast. Some drivers take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
Currency exchangers use sleight of hand, quick counting, or distractions to short-change customers. Some offer attractive rates but deduct high 'fees' afterward.
Unlicensed individuals approach tourists offering cheap tours but provide poor service, take you to overpriced shops for commissions, or demand additional unexpected fees.
Criminals install card skimmers and hidden cameras on ATMs to steal card information and PINs, then clone cards for fraudulent withdrawals.
Shops near tourist areas or those targeting foreigners charge significantly inflated prices, sometimes 3-5 times the local price.
Overly friendly locals befriend tourists, then lead them to shops, restaurants, or services where they receive commissions, resulting in overcharging.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Personal Security
- Keep photocopies of passport and important documents separate from originals
- Use hotel safes for valuables, passports, and excess cash
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in poorly lit areas
- Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs; use machines inside banks during daytime
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency contacts and hotel address written in Indonesian
Transportation Safety
- Use official Blue Bird taxis or app-based services (Grab, Gojek) rather than unmarked taxis
- Always wear seatbelts in cars and helmets on motorcycles
- Avoid renting motorcycles unless you're an experienced rider familiar with chaotic traffic
- Be extremely careful crossing streets; traffic rarely yields to pedestrians
- Keep car doors locked and windows up in traffic to prevent snatch theft
- Avoid traveling by motorcycle taxi (ojek) late at night
- Negotiate and confirm fares before starting any journey without a meter
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled or boiled water; avoid ice unless you're certain it's from purified water
- Apply mosquito repellent regularly, especially during dawn and dusk
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Ensure food is thoroughly cooked; avoid raw or undercooked items
- Bring anti-diarrheal medication and basic first aid supplies
- Stay current on vaccinations including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine immunizations
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop fever, as dengue is common
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious sites (cover shoulders and knees)
- Remove shoes before entering homes, mosques, and some shops
- Use your right hand for eating, giving, and receiving (left hand is considered unclean)
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious contexts
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are considered inappropriate
- Don't point with your index finger; use your thumb or whole hand instead
- Learn basic Indonesian phrases; locals appreciate the effort
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and cards in hotel safe
- Use anti-theft bags or money belts for important items
- Keep large bills separate from small bills to avoid displaying wealth
- Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocking
- Carry small denominations for markets and small vendors
- Exchange currency at banks or authorized changers, not on the street
- Be discreet when handling money in public
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data access
- Download offline maps of Surabaya before arrival
- Save important numbers in your phone (hotel, embassy, emergency services)
- Use translation apps to overcome language barriers
- Keep your hotel's business card to show taxi drivers
- Have key phrases written in Indonesian for emergencies
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Surabaya safe and welcoming, though some extra precautions are advisable. Indonesian culture is relatively conservative, and foreign women may receive unwanted attention or curious stares, though this is rarely threatening. Solo female travelers are not uncommon, and many women travel safely throughout the city. However, cultural sensitivity regarding dress and behavior will help avoid unwanted attention and show respect for local customs.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, especially outside tourist areas and when visiting religious sites
- Avoid walking alone late at night; use reputable transportation services
- Consider staying in accommodations in well-populated, tourist-friendly areas
- Be firm but polite when declining unwanted attention; Indonesian men generally respect clear boundaries
- Use women-only train carriages (kereta khusus wanita) during rush hours if using commuter trains
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and ride-hailing vehicles
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers and reduce solo vulnerability
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible for emergencies
- Be cautious about accepting invitations from strangers, even if they seem friendly
- Avoid deserted areas, beaches, and parks when alone
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter unwanted advances
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia (except in Aceh province), but same-sex relationships are not legally recognized. There are no specific anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Public attitudes are generally conservative due to religious and cultural norms.
- Exercise discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in public
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues before arrival
- Be aware that some hotels may question or refuse same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ communities through trusted online platforms for advice
- Be cautious about using LGBTQ+ dating apps, as entrapment and blackmail can occur
- Dress and behave conservatively to avoid drawing attention
- Don't assume that international chain hotels will be LGBTQ+-friendly; confirm policies
- Be prepared for questions about marital status or traveling companions
- Consider Bali or Jakarta as more LGBTQ+-friendly alternatives if this is a priority
- Understand that local laws and social attitudes may differ significantly from your home country
- Keep emergency contacts for your embassy or consulate readily available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Surabaya and Indonesia. Medical emergencies can be extremely expensive, especially if treatment at private hospitals or medical evacuation is required. The cost of emergency medical evacuation to Singapore or another regional medical hub can exceed $100,000. Additionally, insurance protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, theft, and other travel disruptions. Indonesia's healthcare system requires upfront payment, making comprehensive insurance coverage critical.
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