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The Fasting Month of Rahmadhan in Medan Indonesia

There are several things that visitors need to be aware during the fasting month of rahmadhan when traveling to Muslim countries such including Medan Indonesia.

Ramadan, the fasting month, is an event of great importance to the Indonesian and the world’s Muslim community. Being one of the five pillars of Islam, observance of the fasting month is the priority in the devout Muslim’s life during this month. Fasting involves a change in the daily routine of the Muslim faithful and represents an expression of their deep belief to God.

Many Indonesians feel that the month of Rahmadan gives them a chance to test and develop their inner, spiritual selves. The fasting regime is rigorous. No eating, drinking or smoking is allowed after the first prayer in the morning until the opening of the fast in the evening.

Prayer times change based on sunset and sunrise, so the exact time will be different every day. The morning prayer usually comes around 4.30 AM. Before this time, a Muslim family must wake up and consume the last food or drink that they will have for the next fourteen hours.

The opening of the fast, or Buka Puasa, occurs around 6.00 PM in the evening. At this time, all fasting Muslims will break the fast by drinking, eating and attending prayers. Expect restaurants to be more busy than usual especially those that are serving Indonesian or local food as many families may not cook for this fast breaking period.

During this time, you may noticed that some restaurants may be closed or are opening discretely with curtains covering up windows of restaurants during the fasting time. This is a sign of respect for those who are fasting.

You can see an example of a picture taken at www.MedanKu.com where restaurants have prepared curtains to cover up the windows including fast food chains for Rahmadhan.

Other ways visitors should do as a sign of respect are:

* Be discreet when consuming food. Do not to eat or drink in public areas except for restaurants.
* Be observant and do not offer food or drink during the fasting hours to those who are fasting.
* Be respectful and do not showcase your own food or drinks in public areas.
* Be empathetic and tolerant as you may find energy levels of those who are fasting to be low which may affect service levels and lower performance.

Medan maybe unknown to many international travelers. It is the third largest city in Indonesia and is famous for having the largest crater volcanic lake in the world known as Sumatra Lake Toba

For more information about Medan Hotels please visit www.MedanKu.com - The Pride of Medan Indonesia - Travel & Living website for travelers.

Other resources for your holiday vacations can be found at www.VacationSpotsIdeas.com

How much to tip in Medan

Before we get into tipping, you may want to know the value of your money in Medan Indonesia, no not just the exchange rates.

Minimum Wage in Medan
This is a guide to the value of money ( tipping ) in Medan. The standard minimum wage in Medan is roughly Rp980.000 a month which is around Rp38.000 (USD 4.00 ) a day. Some smaller shop and service industry even pays lower than minimum pay like Rp500.000 / month.So you can measure how much your tips are worth.

There are many times, tourists are the victims of extortion in Indonesia, hence, takes extra precaution. The amount of Rp 50.000 is a big sum as tips in Indonesia, hence do not fall into the trap.

Tipping at Restaurants & Hotels
Many restaurants and Hotels inn Medan have the standard 10% service charge plus tax directly charged to your bill. So technically, you are not required to give any extra.
Nevertheless, if you are feeling well served and generous, you may want to give extra tips to the waiters or waitresses.
There are no hard and fast rules on how much to tip in Medan compared to USA where 25% of your bill is expected.

For restaurants, the standard tipping is around Rp 5.000 to Rp 10.000. You may give more if you bring more guests. Rp20.000 should be a big tip.
Hotel porters and bellboys, probably the same aroung Rp5.000 to Rp10.000 depending on the amount of luggages you have for them to help you with.

Tour & Tour Guide
If you took a vacation package to Medan, you may be faced with Tour Guides: I would suggests Rp 50.000 each, for the driver and the guide ( for private tours ). This is based on the standard 3D2N tours. If you feel that you would like to show your appreciation, then really it’s up to each individual. If you are traveling on a group tour, then this should be optional.

Taxi Driver:
This is not expected. But sometimes due to the limited amount of change Indonesia such as the Rp100, Rp500 coins. You may just let them keep the change.

Airport:
Although it is clearly stated that the porter charges Rp 2.000 for each bag, many expect more of about Rp5.000 for each bag now (yes they will ask for more).
So be prepared. There was once, I was feeling generous and gave Rp20.000 for 3 bags and they still ask for more!
You will need the help of the porter if you have many luggages.

Remember, tipping in Kota Medan should be based on your own appreciation of service you received and your own financial ability. The amount stated here is just a general guide.

For the latest news and buzz on Medan Indonesia in Indonesia, please visit www.MedanTalk.com where you can find out more about Medan from the locals

You can also download special city guide and budget travel guide at MedanKu.com - The Pride of Medan Indonesia