Medan City Guide

Food is a highlight with dishes like Soto Medan, Mie Gomak, and Durian. There's a good mix of Chinese, Indian, Western, and Japanese options. Many places stay open late. Vegetarian and vegan options exist but are moderate.

Nightlife is modest with bars, lounges, karaoke, and a few nightclubs, mostly around hotels and malls.

Strong coffee culture with many specialty shops and access to local robusta and arabica beans.

Tipping is not required but appreciated, especially in mid to upscale restaurants where a service charge is added. Taxi tips are not expected but can be added via apps. Small tips for services like massage are common.

Local SIM cards are sold at the airport, shops, and telecom kiosks. Telkomsel has the best coverage, with XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo as alternatives. ID or passport registration is required.

Street cleanliness varies; main roads are cleaner than side streets and markets. Waste pickup is regular but recycling is limited.

Many Indomaret and Alfamart convenience stores are open 24/7. Some pharmacies operate all night. Night clinics exist but are limited. Late-night food options are common with street stalls and some restaurants.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Hypermart, and Lotte Mart sell international products but with limited variety. Traditional markets like Pasar Petisah offer fresh local produce and meats with common bargaining. Supermarkets usually open 9 AM to 10 PM daily.

Cards work in big stores and malls, but street vendors and small eateries mostly take cash. E-wallets like GoPay and OVO are popular, especially for ride-hailing and deliveries.

ATMs from BCA, Mandiri, BNI, and BRI are easy to find in malls, banks, and convenience stores. International fees may apply depending on your bank.

Medan has international schools like Medan Independent School and Singapore School Medan with English instruction. Contact schools directly for admission details.

The digital nomad scene is small with limited meetups and co-living. Mostly expat and freelancer groups exist.

Parks like Lapangan Merdeka and Taman Ahmad Yani offer shaded areas for walking and running.

Popular running spots include Lapangan Merdeka park. Safety is fair, but traffic requires caution.

Several modern gyms are found in malls and standalone locations. Some hotels offer gym facilities too.

Tennis courts are available at sports clubs, hotels, and private complexes.

Padel courts are rare but may be found in newer facilities.

There are yoga studios offering various classes and some have English-speaking instructors.

Medan has gyms offering Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, Pencak Silat, BJJ, Muay Thai, and Boxing.

No skiing due to tropical climate.

Limited water sports in Medan; some options exist near Lake Toba several hours away.

Surfing spots require long travel to islands like Nias or Mentawai. Not accessible near Medan.

Diving spots are far, around Pulau Weh, requiring flights and ferries.

Private hospitals like Columbia Asia and Stella Maris have English-speaking staff and better facilities than public ones. Pharmacies are common, with some open 24/7. Healthcare quality rates 6/10.

Tap water is unsafe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

There are playgrounds in parks and malls, kid-friendly cafés, and baby supply stores. Attractions include Medan Zoo and Rahmat Wildlife Museum.

LGBTQ+ acceptance is low due to conservative culture. Safe spaces are discreet and legal protections lacking.

Pet policies vary. Vets exist but dedicated pet parks are rare. Import rules are strict.