Jakarta isn’t expensive. It may be pricier than other destinations in Java but it’s still relatively inexpensive. Assuming you’re staying just one full day in Jakarta and sharing mid-level accommodations with one other person, then a total budget of around IDR 375,000 should be enough. This takes into account your accommodations, transportation, admission fees, meals, drinks, and pocket wifi rental. Here’s a quick breakdown of expenses:
ACCOMMODATIONS
This is highly variable. It depends on hotel preference and how many people you’ll be traveling with. We rented a private room at Menteng House for a modest USD 32 a night. Expect to pay less if you stay in a dorm room.
MEALS
Food is cheap in Indonesia, especially street food. If you stick to local food, then expect to pay around IDR 60,000-80,000 per day on meals.
ENTRANCE FEES                                                                                                                                                 Entrance fees to the National Museum and National Monument amount to just IDR 25,000.
TRANSPORTATION
A stored value card for the Transjakarta Busway costs IDR 40,000, but you may not need it if you stay in Jakarta for just one day and keep to the Menteng/Merdeka Square areas. I suggest getting it only if you plan on spending time in Kota Tua. For reference, a ride from Merdeka Square to Kota Tua costs about IDR 22,000 with Grab Car and IDR 15,000 with Grab Bike.
POCKET WIFI RENTAL
If you’re sharing the cost with one other person, then you’ll each be paying at least USD 1.50 per day.
TOTAL
This comes out to about IDR 375,000 per person for the whole day. Ren and I are middle of the road travelers who enjoy good food and drink, so the recommended budget is a good baseline for travelers like us. Adjust accordingly based on your own travel habits.