Batam Island Minefield Guide! 5 Wallet-Draining Traps to Avoid!

Emergency! My friend got fined 5 million IDR (≈¥2300) for wearing bikini while shopping in Batam! Indonesian police specifically target Chinese tourists⚠️ New regulations DOUBLE fines! Save this post now! 【Taboo 1: 🚫 Riding motorbikes without license + wrong-way driving】 Riding without Indonesian license/driving on right side will be fined! No license: 5M IDR (≈¥2300)! Wrong-way: 3M IDR + vehicle impound! Tip👉 Prepare international driver's permit (with IDP mark) + check rental plate compliance 【Taboo 2: 🚫 Carrying e-cigs + excess cash】 Bringing vape devices/unreported cash over 100M IDR (≈¥46,000) gets fined E-cigs destroyed + max 200M IDR fine! Excess cash confiscated + investigation! Tip👉 Declare excess cash via BCF3.3 form (on customs website), meds need original packaging + English prescription Just don't bring vapes - not worth it~ 【Taboo 3: 🚫 Public drinking + nude sunbathing】 Drinking outside bar zones/leaving beach area Public drinking: 10M IDR fine! Nudity: 5M IDR + deportation! Tip👉 Only drink at "Licensed Bar" spots, wear sarong over swimwear 【Taboo 4: 🚫 Littering + stepping on coral】 Trash throwing/snorkeling while standing damages coral Littering: 2M IDR fine! Coral damage: 100M IDR (≈¥46,000)! Tip👉 Carry portable ashtray, wear buoyancy vest when snorkeling 【Taboo 5: 🚫 Illegal drone flights + military zone photos】 Unregistered drones/photographing port facilities Equipment confiscated + minimum 100M IDR fine! Military photos may cause detention! Tip👉 Apply flight code via SISKOMUD website 14 days in advance 💣 Cultural taboos Head-touching taboo: Muslims consider heads sacred - touching kids' heads angers parents! Ramadan daytime eating: No public eating/drinking during Islamic Ramadan (Mar 1-30, 2025) Temple attire: Wear long sleeves/pants + women need headscarves (rentable at entrance)