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Looking for Expats in Medan?

  • Connect with fellow expats in Medan

  • Join exciting events and groups for expats

  • Get information in our expat guides

  • Exchange tips about expat life in Indonesia

  • Henrik Olsen

    I was amazed how many other members in Jakarta share the same interests as me. And some of them come from Norway, too !

Living in Medan

Medan is the third largest city in Indonesia, after Jakarta and Surabaya. The city is the capital of the Sumatra province, and is colloquially known as ‘the Paris of Sumatra’. The metropolitan area of Medan had an estimated population of more than 4.3 million people in January 2014. The city is renowned for its varied and interesting history and expats living in Medan will be able to enjoy many unique architectural finds. One such site is the Catholic Temple devoted to Our Lady of Good Health. The building is a fusion of temple and church architecture, and is recognized as one of Asia’s most important pilgrimage sites. Expats in Medan will find many examples of interesting historical buildings to explore. Medan was initially colonized by the Dutch, who are responsible for much of the city’s architecture. A key example of their legacy on the city is the iconic Tirtanadi Water Tower, which was built in 1908 and is still used today. You can discuss the ins and outs of moving to another country with expatriates living all around the world on the InterNations online community.

Join Our Exciting Events in Medan

Attend our monthly events and activities for Medan expatriates to get to know like-minded expatriates in real life.

Mar 29, 2024, 3:00 PM
2 attendees
We will have sushi time to strengthen our ties with our friends and to develop the routine meeting culture in order to exchange ideas about next destinations.
Mar 29, 2024, 4:00 PM
10 attendees
Enjoy delicious meyhane mezzes and food together with friends @ a cozy Nişantaşı Meyhane. Pay what you eat or drink only.
Mar 29, 2024, 11:00 AM
22 attendees
Ladies and Gentlemen please join us for our October Event at the famous "Gracie Kellys Irish Pub". The very best Irish Pub in Bali. Meet your friends and you are very welcome to bring guests, but plea
Mar 31, 2024, 3:00 PM
44 attendees
Join us for a walk around Moscow Boulevard ring. Lets flow into the spring together in a good mood and positive energy. Meeting point is near metro station Kropotkinskaya (exit 1) see photo. We may h

Want to see all the upcoming events in Medan?

Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Medan

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    From New Zealand, living in Jakarta
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Meet other expats like you in Medan

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Moving to Medan

The city has a very diverse population, reflecting its colonial past. The blossoming business sector in the country has attracted expats from around the world, who are moving to Medan to live and work in their thousands. Many people have relocated to Medan from around Asia, and in particular from China. Expatriates moving to Medan will encounter a huge range of languages spoken throughout the city, including English which is largely used as a business language. Any expatriate considering moving to Medan can find much more information about living and working abroad in InterNations’ Expat Magazine which covers are range of topics, from expat finance to culture shock. Or you can simply use our platform to socialize and network with fellow expats living in Medan and across the world and pose any questions you might have on our forums.

Working in Medan

Medan is considered to be an economic and commercial hub of the northern part of Indonesia. In the last decade, the business sector in Medan has grown significantly – with a number of technology, telecommunications, financial and marketing companies establishing in the city. Retail and education are also large employment sectors for those living in Medan, and the city’s complex infrastructure and transport system also provide a significant amount of employment in the area. The tourist industry in the city is not large, but is developing, particularly as the number of business travelers coming to and working in Medan and its surrounding area increases. More unique employers include the large crocodile farm located just outside the city center, which houses over 2,000 crocodiles and acts as an educational tourist attraction.

  • Henrik Olsen

    I was amazed how many other members in Jakarta share the same interests as me. And some of them come from Norway, too !

  • Megan Turner

    It's a really helpful site: Via InterNations, we found an international playgroup for our kids (6 and 8 years old) here in Jakarta.

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