🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Surabaya, Indonesia, my home for several months. This vibrant city, often overlooked by travelers flocking to Bali or Jakarta, has a unique charm that makes it an attractive destination for remote workers. Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, boasts a rich cultural heritage, delicious food scene, and a relatively low cost of living. With a Nomad Score of 66/100 and a Safety Index of 63.67/100, Surabaya is an excellent choice for digital nomads seeking a balance between affordability, safety, and quality of life.
Surabaya’s city vibe is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern elements. From the historic Arab Quarter to the trendy shopping malls, there’s always something to explore. The city’s laid-back atmosphere, coupled with its relatively small expat community, makes it easy to connect with locals and fellow digital nomads. As a Surabaya digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s warm and welcoming nature makes it an ideal place to settle in and focus on your work.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood in Surabaya, digital nomads have several options to consider. Here are three areas that I highly recommend:
- Kembang Jepun: This charming neighborhood is located in the heart of Surabaya, within walking distance to many restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kembang Jepun can range from IDR 2,500,000 (approximately $180 USD) to IDR 4,000,000 (approximately $280 USD) per month.
- Gubeng: Gubeng is a popular area among expats and digital nomads, offering a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury apartments. The neighborhood is also home to several coworking spaces and cafes, making it an ideal spot for remote workers. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gubeng can range from IDR 3,000,000 (approximately $210 USD) to IDR 6,000,000 (approximately $420 USD) per month.
- Tunjungan: Located in the city center, Tunjungan is a bustling neighborhood with a mix of old and new buildings. The area is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tunjungan can range from IDR 2,000,000 (approximately $140 USD) to IDR 4,500,000 (approximately $310 USD) per month.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Surabaya is relatively low compared to other major cities in Indonesia. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a digital nomad:
- Rent: IDR 2,500,000 - IDR 4,000,000 (approximately $180 - $280 USD) per month for a one-bedroom apartment
- Food: IDR 10,000 - IDR 50,000 (approximately $0.70 - $3.50 USD) for a meal at a local warung or restaurant
- Transportation: IDR 5,000 - IDR 10,000 (approximately $0.35 - $0.70 USD) for a ride on public transportation or a taxi
- Coworking space: IDR 500,000 - IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $35 - $70 USD) per month for a hot desk or private office
Overall, the cost of living in Surabaya is around IDR 10,000,000 - IDR 20,000,000 (approximately $700 - $1,400 USD) per month for a digital nomad, depending on their lifestyle and preferences.
Internet & Coworking
Surabaya has a relatively fast internet speed of 48 Mbps, making it suitable for remote work. There are several coworking spaces and cafes throughout the city that offer reliable internet and a productive work environment. Some popular options include:
- CoHive: A modern coworking space with high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, and a community of like-minded professionals. Prices start from IDR 500,000 (approximately $35 USD) per month for a hot desk.
- Kolasi: A trendy cafe with fast internet, delicious coffee, and a cozy atmosphere. Prices start from IDR 10,000 (approximately $0.70 USD) for a cup of coffee.
- The Works: A coworking space with a focus on community and collaboration. Prices start from IDR 1,000,000 (approximately $70 USD) per month for a private office.
Surabaya has a growing digital nomad community, with several meetups and events organized throughout the year. Some popular groups and events include:
- Surabaya Digital Nomads: A Facebook group with over 1,000 members, where digital nomads can connect, share tips, and attend meetups.
- Nomad Surabaya: A meetup group that organizes regular events, such as coworking sessions, networking nights, and cultural tours.
- Surabaya Expats: A community group for expats and digital nomads, with a focus on socializing, cultural events, and community service.
Culture & Lifestyle
Surabaya is a city with a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its history as a major trading port. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural festivals, showcasing its diverse art, music, and cuisine. As a digital nomad, you can experience the local culture by:
- Trying local food: Surabaya is famous for its delicious cuisine, including dishes like rawon, gudeg, and lontong. Be sure to try some of the local street food, such as nasi goreng or sate.
- Attending cultural events: Surabaya hosts many cultural festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Surabaya Festival, the Java Jazz Festival, and the Surabaya Marathon.
- Learning Indonesian: Take the opportunity to learn some basic Indonesian phrases, such as “hello” (halo), “thank you” (terima kasih), and “excuse me” (tolong).
The dating scene in Surabaya is relatively conservative, with a strong emphasis on traditional values. However, as a digital nomad, you can connect with like-minded individuals through online communities or social events. The nightlife in Surabaya is vibrant, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
As a digital nomad, you can enter Indonesia on a tourist visa, which is valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. However, if you plan to stay in Indonesia for an extended period, you may need to apply for a social visa or a retirement visa. Unfortunately, Indonesia does not currently offer a digital nomad visa.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads in Surabaya:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a local provider, such as Telkomsel or Indosat, for around IDR 50,000 (approximately $3.50 USD). Data packages start from IDR 10,000 (approximately $0.70 USD) per day.
- Transportation: Surabaya has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and taxis. You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van.
- Safety: Surabaya is generally a safe city, but as with any major city, take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and use reputable taxi services.
- Weather: Surabaya has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The dry season runs from May to September, while the wet season runs from October to April.
