Indonesia · General / everyday

Is removing your shoes indoors polite in Indonesia?

Respectful and expectedHigh confidence

Explanation

In Indonesia, removing shoes before entering a home is a deeply ingrained sign of respect and cleanliness, rooted in both cultural and religious practices, particularly in Muslim-majority areas where prayer spaces are kept pure. It is also common in many traditional and modern households, though some public buildings or modern offices may allow shoes indoors.

Varies locally: In Bali, where Hindu customs prevail, shoe removal is also standard, especially when entering temples or family compounds.

Local Tip

Always look for a pile of shoes at the entrance or ask the host 'Saya lepas sepatu di sini?' (Should I remove my shoes here?) to be sure.

How it compares elsewhere

Japan

Shoe removal is nearly universal indoors, with specific slippers for different rooms.

United States

Shoe removal is optional and varies by household; many hosts do not expect it.

Thailand

Shoes are removed before entering homes and temples, but not typically in shops or offices.

AI-generated guidance — customs evolve and vary between people. Treat as a helpful starting point, not absolute rules.

Frequently asked

Is removing your shoes indoors polite in Indonesia?

Respectful and expected. In Indonesia, removing shoes before entering a home is a deeply ingrained sign of respect and cleanliness, rooted in both cultural and religious practices, particularly in Muslim-majority areas where prayer spaces are kept pure. It is also common in many traditional and modern households, though some public buildings or modern offices may allow shoes indoors.

What should I do instead in Indonesia?

Always look for a pile of shoes at the entrance or ask the host 'Saya lepas sepatu di sini?' (Should I remove my shoes here?) to be sure.

Does removing shoes indoors mean the same everywhere in Indonesia?

In Bali, where Hindu customs prevail, shoe removal is also standard, especially when entering temples or family compounds.

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More etiquette in Indonesia

Tipping in IndonesiaThumbs up in IndonesiaShowing soles of feet in IndonesiaEating with the left hand in IndonesiaPatting someone's head in IndonesiaDirect eye contact in Indonesia

“Removing shoes indoors” in other countries

Removing shoes indoors in JapanRemoving shoes indoors in ChinaRemoving shoes indoors in ThailandRemoving shoes indoors in IndiaRemoving shoes indoors in South KoreaRemoving shoes indoors in France

See the full Indonesia etiquette guide →