Job Discussion Forums

extradross · Joined: 23 Apr 2010 Posts: 81

As an investment for a year or two, or more-a house is a much better deal in my opinion than apartments generally. Places like Laguna,[in pluit] where you're looking at anything between 14-20 mill for the year, depending on it's degree of furnishings are the exception. The fact is that many of the apartment buildings in the mid range and above aren't rented to individuals at all. They are provided by the employer. Maybe this helps explain the extortionate rental rates. As an example, next to Citos are the 'Emerald Apartments'-the complex contains a small gym/sauna and a smallish swimming pool. The apartments are 'moderately' furnished, certainly not executive or deluxe. These units of one or two bedrooms are rented out for 7-8 mill a month! But who lives there? 75-80% Korean company employees-the rented accomodation is part of their 'package' as it were-along with education for their kids.

midwest-magpie · Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Indiana

midwest-magpie · Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Indiana

Update:

I found out which school I will be at - La Piazza in Kelapa Gading. Anyone have any familiarity with this?

Goal to arrive: mid-end January.

Housing: According to my info packet, once I choose a place to stay, I sign a 1yr rental contract, which is then deducted monthly from my pay.

Packing: Right - apart from deodorant and baking powder, still trying to work that out....

phis · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 250

Baking powder can be bought in any of the big supermarkets here. Don't burden yourself with that.

Re: your query on banking... there's not much to choose between any of the banks here, unless you have huge amounts of money to deposit/transfer. If Wall Street is going to help open an account with BCA then go with that. They will have a special arrangement with BCA so that as a newbie you won't have any of the usual problems opening an account. This was done for me when I first arrived here and all I had to do in the end was sign a multitude of papers... none of which I understood because they were all written in Indonesian!! Anyway, you can always change banks later if you want. I have been with BCA, but personally I prefer Mandiri; followed by BII... but that is just a personal preference, based on the fact the personnel in my local branch of Mandiri excel in customer service/relations, etc.

Don't ask the 'why?' of the used banknote issue (who the hell knows).... Just make sure any notes you bring with you to change into local currency are in pristine condition (no ripped crumpled notes, etc.).

benbobaggins · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 60 Location: Jakarta

markustm · Joined: 15 Mar 2010 Posts: 95

I think you like the area, it is a bit superficial and unlike most of Indonesia but live able if you like trolling malls.

Personally Kelapa Gading is a nice area for Jakarta, but suburban, dull and unreal considering it could exist anywhere in the world.

One tip, I heard you can rent studio apartments in the area for around 1.5 to 2 jt a month, which exclude regular bills like water and electricity.

I am quite shocked to hear that in the States, salaries can be on par with Indonesia, considering the USA was at one time an economic superpower.

Good luck in Indonesia, you enjoy it, and try and explore places outside Jakarta, as from Kelapa Gading you can discover Bogor, Bandung and Centeal Java quite easily, and transportation like Cipanganti is available in the area.

aku_tonpa · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 63

You could also try the apartments at Wisma Gading Permai. I believe the rent is in the region of 18 million a year. it wouild take 10 minutes to get to Wall Street (traffic pemitting).

travelNteach · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Posts: 222

Wisma Gading Permai has a free shuttle to and from Mall Kelapa Gading which is connected to La Piazza. it is the oldest apartment building and cheapest in kelapa gading. recently they have tried to spruce up the lobbies. the common play ground and swimming pool area are good for meeting people. also the food court in the front parking lot at night is great for good tasting, reasonably priced meals. however, rents are significently more than 18 million, especially for furnished units. and the furniture is ususally 1 year old mis-matched junk that looks like it was left by other tenants that hated it so much they didnt want to bring it to their new homes. u also have to factor in management charges that are based on the m2 of your apt (4-600,000/month) as well as electricity, water, cable tv, and phone if there is one. depending on how often you run the AC, this will be 350-600,000 for water and electric, 110,000 cable tv (bargain) and phone has a monthly miminum charge and is billed per minute of usage.

mediterania is a challange to get to and fro as there isnt any public transportation, except the motorcycle taxi, called ojeks. also not many places to eat there. they have the most types of apartments available (4) with the cheapest being 35 m2 for minautre 2 bedroom units. unfurnished they are going for 15 million and more. furnished units are at least 5-10 million more depending on the unit and the quality of the furnishings. again u have management and utility charges.

moi is indeed the most expensive with smaller units going for 15-18 unfurnished and over 20 furnished. the 45m2 units are 22-25 empty and 33-45 furnished including air conditioners. plus management and utilities. u could take a publc mini-van to and from work.

houses start at 25 and up unfurnished, even in the kampung sections.

there are some kosts, but not many. most are on the lower scale of livability but there are a few as markustm has suggested but these are usually full.

securing housing has always been the most challenging issue for me living in indonesia. it is so disorganized and time consuming. perhaps u can as the DOS at WSI to give u info on the housing that previous teacher had and u might be able to take over the lease.

lots of choices, but will take some patience and legwork.