Home to the largest volcanic lake in the world, Medan offers you many exciting opportunities as a tourist destination. You can feast on durians in wooden sheds and walk on riverbanks bustling with the local Indonesian life.
It is the perfect place for reconnecting with nature. You can witness the fading Dutch-colonial facades. And the best part is that the city is right at the cusp of modernity. You can enjoy nature, but also spend time in malls and bars. You’ll see street food vendors sitting right beside modern cafes and pubs.
Read this detailed guide until the end to find out about the must-visits, precautions, and information on travel medical insurance.
Medan Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Your domestic medical insurance will not cover your health expenses in Medan. Medical bills can pile up in no time. Paying them with no support can leave a huge dent in your bank account. Hence, we recommend that you get travel medical insurance to cover your medical expenses during your stay in Medan.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Medan?
Indonesia no longer requires international visitors to purchase travel medical insurance that can provide coverage for COVID-19. However, it is highly recommended that you still buy coverage. There are many other risks beyond COVID-19, and travel medical insurance can provide you with comprehensive coverage new medical conditions that arise while traveling abroad.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Medan?
You are at risk of malaria, dengue, COVID-19, Japanese encephalitis, and zika virus in Indonesia. Diarrheal diseases are very common. Rabies is also prevalent in animals. Due to these risks, ensuring access to good medical facilities is very important.
The standard of local medical care is poor in Medan. Some medical tests cannot be done reliably, hence, you might have to get tested multiple times and increase your expenses. Good medical care in the city is very expensive.
Travel medical insurance can help you receive quality treatment during your time in Indonesia, without worrying about an unpredictable bill.
Things To Do for Travelers in Medan
With its diverse opportunities, Medan has something of appeal for everyone. Here is a list of places we advise you to visit to experience the diversity that Medan offers
Visit the Istana Maimun
Visit this historically significant estate, and marvel at its intrinsic design. There are 30 rooms and multiple function halls for you to explore. The architecture is influenced by Malay cultural heritage and Indian architecture. The furniture is from western countries like Spain and Italy. You should definitely not miss out on this unique blend of East and West.
Have a meal at Sibolang Durian
Your vacation will remain incomplete until you try the infamous durian. The world’s smelliest fruit awaits you at this open-air eating establishment. Open 24/7, you’ll find picnic tables filled with locals scooping out the flesh of this gooey local treat. Join them in the fun.
Marvel at Mesjid Raya Al Mashun
Visit Medan’s most famous and most beautiful mosque. Look carefully at the walls and the floors, you’ll find Italian marble. Notice the stained glass, the emerald green tiles, and the dark elegant domes that top the mosque.
Non-Muslims can tour the mosque outside of prayer hours. Make sure to dress modestly. Women should cover their heads.
Have dinner at Merdeka Walk
If you’re looking for good local cuisine, Merdeka Walk is as good as it gets. The promenade is lined with different restaurants and stalls selling a wide variety of food in the center of the city. You can sit and eat with the locals.
Spend a few hours in the Museum of North Sumatra
Four kilometers southeast of the city center, this striking traditional building houses collections ranging from early North Sumatran civilizations and the Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic periods to the Dutch colonial era.
Check out the ancient weaponry, textiles, and sculptures, and extravagantly carved wooden dragon coffins from Nias.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Medan
Petty thefts are possible
Petty thefts can happen in Medan. Scammers may work in pairs. Don’t wear flashy jewelry, or display your money or credit card. Beware of people who are trying to distract you, as they might attempt to steal from you. Do not leave your belongings unattended.
Be on a lookout for scams
You can be scammed in Medan in many ways. The most common form is overpricing. Westerners are immediately regarded as tourists. If you are white, vendors might try to charge you even 10 times the actual amount. Be prepared to haggle.
Fraud with the cost of a taxi ride is possible. Make sure the driver turns on the taximeter. If he doesn’t have a taximeter, do not get on the taxi until you fix a rate.
Women’s safety
Solo female travelers can be at risk in Medan. If you are traveling alone, take increased security measures. Do not go out alone after dark. Do not take deserted routes, always travel through main and well-lit routes. If a stranger or new acquaintance offers you food or drink, politely decline. They might try to drug you.
Do not take drugs
Indonesia has a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. If you consume or try to sell drugs, you can get arrested. There can be random raids of nightclubs and even private parties. The law does not differentiate between substance types or amounts.
Driving and road safety
You cannot drive in Indonesia without an International Driving Permit issued in Indonesia. Traffic discipline is poor. We recommend that you hire a car with a driver. Wear a helmet if you’re riding a motorbike or moped.
Before You Travel to Medan - Do This
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Carry mosquito repellent.
- Learn some basic Medanese phrases to communicate.
- Buy travel medical insurance.