Expat News

Social Expat News

Business

At Coinfest Asia Week Bali, Fasset Reaffirms Its Commitment to a Safe, Regulated Digital Asset Platform Bali, 22 August 2025 – Fasset, the Dubai-based digital asset trading platform, remains the only company currently authorised to conduct cryptocurrency trading in both Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. On Friday, 22 August 2025, Fasset hosted an exclusive […]

On Monday, 7 July 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of import tariffs on 14 countries, including Indonesia, declaring that Indonesian products would face a tariff rate of 32%. According to Mr Trump, these tariffs were scheduled to come into effect on 1 August 2025. “The tariff imposed for Indonesia is 32%, which […]

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed the imposition of a 32% import tariff on all Indonesian products entering the US market, with the new rate coming into effect on 1 August 2025. The announcement was made through a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Monday, 7 July (US time), […]

As inflation bites and market uncertainty persists, more investors are turning to gold—a long-standing safe haven asset, to preserve wealth and hedge against volatility. But while gold has a reputation for stability, many still perceive it as requiring high upfront capital and complex logistics. Despite that, the perception is slowly changing along with the banking […]

Modern society is always captivated by the latest in technology. Recently, the World App, part of the Worldcoin ecosystem, gained widespread attention across social media platforms and began appearing in public areas throughout Jakarta and nearby regions. The app sparked national conversation after Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the Ministry of Communications and Digital […]

Write For Us

Have experiences you want to share? Then get in contact with the Social Expat team!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Enter your email to receive daily round-up of most hottest news

Advertise With Us

Looking for a comprehensive way to advertise to expatriates?

Travel

Bali has long been a favourite destination for international visitors who are drawn not only to its beaches, temples, and tropical lifestyle but also to its distinctive fashion scene. For many tourists, a trip to the island is not complete without exploring a Bali clothing store or boutique to find garments that embody both comfort […]

Exploring Indonesia by Bus: A Growing Trend Among Foreign Tourists Foreign tourists are increasingly choosing to travel by bus in Indonesia. This trend has become more visible in recent years as visitors look for authentic ways to explore destinations beyond major cities. Several factors support this shift, including improved comfort offered by intercity bus services, […]

One Day Trip Ubud: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine in Bali’s Cultural Heart Beyond a single day’s itinerary, Ubud remains known for its varied attractions. The area offers natural beauty in its rice fields and valleys, a cultural centre through galleries and dance performances, and traditional villages such as Penglipuran and Tenganan that preserve older ways […]

Mawun Beach, located in the Tumpak area of Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, has been named the best beach in Indonesia by international visitors. The recognition came from Travel and Leisure, with travel journalist and designer Kathryn Romeyn sharing her personal pick after a decade of living in Indonesia. “Picture electric turquoise water so […]

Solo Travel in Bali: The Complete Travel Guide for Independent Travellers Travelling alone offers freedom, flexibility, and a unique sense of adventure. Solo travel in Bali, Indonesia’s most visited island, is not only popular but also considered one of the best options for solo travellers, including women travelling alone. With its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, […]

Exclusive Promotions

Food & Drink

A visiting Muslim tourist in Bali recently drew attention online after sharing his search for halal food on social media. In a video uploaded by @cyclenolimit, the traveller is seen approaching a traditional food stall selling Balinese specialities. “I want to eat halal food in Bali,” he wrote in the video caption, before pointing at […]

Eating by Hand: The Art of Eating Without Cutlery in Indonesian Culture In many parts of Indonesia, eating with your hands is not only common but is also a respected cultural tradition. Despite the presence of spoons, forks, chopsticks, and other modern utensils, many Indonesians still prefer to use their hands when dining. This practice […]

When Jakarta’s heat calls for something indulgent yet refreshing, Osteria Gia answers with sunshine on a plate. This August and September, the much-loved Italian restaurant at Plaza Indonesia is serving up something special: a limited-time seasonal menu titled “Italian Summer Feast”, and it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds. Tapping into the soul of […]

A group of British Royal Navy soldiers recently found themselves in a new kind of challenge, taking on the bold flavours of nasi kapau, a traditional West Sumatran dish, during a visit to a Padang restaurant in Jakarta. The moment, shared by content creator Laurence Benson, captured the soldiers’ enthusiastic (and occasionally fiery) reactions to […]

The Blok M area in South Jakarta is widely known as “Little Tokyo” for its strong Japanese cultural influence and wide selection of Japanese restaurants. Authentic Japanese Restaurant Blok M: Little Tokyo Neighbourhood This neighbourhood has become a go-to destination for those in search of authentic Japanese cuisine in Indonesia. From ramen and sushi to yakitori and […]

Meet The Enterpreneur

At Coinfest Asia Week Bali, Fasset Reaffirms Its Commitment to a Safe, Regulated Digital Asset Platform Bali, 22 August 2025 – Fasset, the Dubai-based digital asset trading platform, remains the only company currently authorised to conduct cryptocurrency trading in both Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. On Friday, 22 August 2025, Fasset hosted an exclusive […]

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on the Indonesian government to launch a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into alleged human rights violations during a wave of violent demonstrations in August 2025. OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani expressed concern about the escalating violence in protests across multiple cities. […]

The series of demonstrations against the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, which began on Monday (25 August 2025) and escalated on Thursday (28 August), has not only drawn concern domestically but also captured international attention. With protesters injured, arrested, and even losing their lives, the unrest has sparked a wave of […]

Bali has long been a favourite destination for international visitors who are drawn not only to its beaches, temples, and tropical lifestyle but also to its distinctive fashion scene. For many tourists, a trip to the island is not complete without exploring a Bali clothing store or boutique to find garments that embody both comfort […]

A visiting Muslim tourist in Bali recently drew attention online after sharing his search for halal food on social media. In a video uploaded by @cyclenolimit, the traveller is seen approaching a traditional food stall selling Balinese specialities. “I want to eat halal food in Bali,” he wrote in the video caption, before pointing at […]

Exclusive Promotions

Health & Wellness

Recommendations for the Best Bali Meditation Retreats Meditation in Bali, Indonesia, has long been popular thanks to the island’s natural beauty, serene landscapes, and deeply spiritual atmosphere. For visitors seeking wellness, inner peace, or a structured retreat programme, Bali offers a wide choice of retreat centres, spas, jungle sanctuaries, and silent retreats. These centres cater […]

Living in paradise comes with its own unique set of considerations, and if you’re planning to call Bali home, whether temporarily or permanently, securing proper health insurance should be at the top of your priority list. The Island of the Gods offers incredible experiences, but medical emergencies don’t pause for tropical sunsets. Understanding your health […]

Indonesia draws expats with its high quality of life, growing business opportunities, and low cost of living. Whether you’re a professional working in Jakarta’s financial district or a family seeking new experiences in Bali, the country offers compelling advantages for international residents. However, one critical aspect requires attention: Understanding how to access quality healthcare when […]

14 July 2025 – There are few places around Jakarta that live up to the promise of peace. In a compound of cities driven by motion and noise, stillness is rare. On the last weekend of 12–13 July, the Social Expat team was introduced to an excellent selection of experiences rooted in serenity, tranquillity, and […]

Indonesia is home to a rich tradition of natural healing practices that have been passed down through generations. Rooted in local wisdom and shaped by centuries of cultural heritage, Indonesian traditional medicine employs an array of natural ingredients, ranging from medicinal plants to kitchen spices, to address a wide variety of health concerns. This long-standing […]

Hotel & Restaurant Reviews

14 July 2025 – There are few places around Jakarta that live up to the promise of peace. In a compound of cities driven by motion and noise, stillness is rare. On the last weekend of 12–13 July, the Social Expat team was introduced to an excellent selection of experiences rooted in serenity, tranquillity, and […]

Plataran Bromo, GH Universal Bandung, and Resinda Hotel Karawang Highlighted in 2025 Travellers’ Choice Awards Three Indonesian hotels have been recognised among the world’s most family-friendly accommodations in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2025, announced in April. Each hotel, located in a different region of Java, offers a distinct experience for family holidays during the […]

The Blok M area in South Jakarta is widely known as “Little Tokyo” for its strong Japanese cultural influence and wide selection of Japanese restaurants. Authentic Japanese Restaurant Blok M: Little Tokyo Neighbourhood This neighbourhood has become a go-to destination for those in search of authentic Japanese cuisine in Indonesia. From ramen and sushi to yakitori and […]

Jakarta , July 2025 – Tucked away in the leafy corner of Menteng, Naaga Bar has always been more than just a place to drink. Last Friday, Naaga bar elevated its philosophy once again, hosting an intimate and immersive launch event for its latest collection: “Every Sip Tells a Story.” It was a perfect rendition […]

Sunday, 29 June 2025 | Semaja, Menteng, Jakarta Jakarta’s food scene is no stranger to innovation, but few experiences blend nostalgia, creativity, and heart as seamlessly as what we experienced at the Indonesian Sunday Brunch by Semaja x Kayu Manis, last Sunday, 29 June 2025. The moment stepped into Semaja’s warm and inviting space, we […]