Javanese are polite people and very welcome towards foreigners. Handshaking is customary for men and women but avoid using your left hand. Also, avoid using your left hand when giving or receiving anything, because it is considered impolite. When you are travelling by taxi, be sure to ask the taxi driver whether he is using meter or not. There are pickpockets in Yogya as in most cities in the world. At the T.I.O (Tourism Information Office), there are the Tourist Police who will assist you with any trouble you might find yourself in. Demonstrations are an almost daily occurrence. However, in Yogyakarta they are always peaceful. Even during the past political events in Indonesia, Yogyakarta has always been a safe place. The students demonstrate, and then return to their respective Universities after expressing their point of view. It is a well-known fact that in the light of recent political events over the past ten years, Yogyakarta has always been a safe place. The people of Yogya pride themselves in this fact. When you want to buy souvenirs at the street kiosks or vendors, be sure to bargain for the lowest price (half of it) since the seller will mark up the price twice. It is advisable that you understand a little bit of javanese or indonesian just to make it easy for you when bargaining for something. A little trick: Use english when you're asking price of souvenirs at Malioboro Street. Then, use javanese language ("Saget dinyang, mboten?") when you're asking for lower price. You'll see how they're surprised that you can speak javanese too :) I hope this little trick can help you to get a better price. Visit my homepage for complete information about recommeded hotels in Yogyakarta, interactive city map, tourism objects, handicrafts heaven, transportations, javanese survival language, etc. http://www.geocities.com/in_yogyakarta/

Yogyakarta is one of the most pleasant places to visit in Indinesia. Accomodation is cheap (use the Lonely Planet guide for good suggestions), and so is the food. Generally speaking people are friendly, although it was the only city in Indonesia in which someone actively tried to pick my pockets. Tons of cultural activities and great temples. Altogether a wonderful place to visit.