Job Discussion Forums

[eihpos]

Hi,

I am considering a position with WSI in Jakarta and have a few very preliminary queries!

I've lived in Asian countries before so I have a bit of experience but also a few preconceptions! How does Jakarta compare to say, Shanghai or HCMC, in terms of food, travel, traffic, safety, things to do etc.?
I'm travelling alone as usual (sigh...!) Is there a good expat community and is it easy to make friends? Are locals friendly?
Apartment hunting has always stressed me out and I much prefer when it is provided, but Wall Street only help out. I've heard that your have to pay rent for a year in advance, which sounds like alot! Is it easy to find reasonably priced, single accommodation? Do people advertise for housemates? Any experiences of house hunting would also be great.

Thanks!

[princesss]

Obviously it depends on which part of the city you want to live in. Wall Street Kelapa Gading might be a good option in many respects if you are considering WSI and worrying about money. Kelapa Gading has many apartment blocks and they are much cheaper than those in the city. You can get a decent place for around Rp30 million ($3500) a year with all mod cons. Maybe a little less if you want a very basic set up. A similar place in the centre of town would probably cost closer to Rp 60 million, so your costs would double there (unless you share of course.)

There are many reasonable apartment blocks close to WS Kelapa Gading, so finding somewhere suitable should be easy. KG has malls and heaps of restaurants and a small expat community. The city centre is about 45 minutes away (depending greatly on traffic.) Traffic is light in Kelapa Gading but generally horrendous. I thought it was bad 4 years ago when I was last here but it's worse now.