Seeking wise surabaya expat knowledge

Suncream.
If you're white, you'll need suncream.
I don't believe white people get any special diseases or need special food but you'll need suncream.

PS. If you don't use suncream you won't be white any more so you can just ask about things expats need.

Hey James,

Welcome to Surabaya. Well first of all get yourself a scooter or at least bike since public transportation is awful and you can't just keep takeing taxi , is not cheap. If you wanna get to know other foreigners west part of the city would be the place because most live there.
Places to hang out and meet them ? Colors Pub, Ice club, Suthos ( kind of out doors mall or something ) , Matchbox, etc.. You can also get to know people in the cafes in Mall's, like Super  Mall mostly. Don't be shy to say hello to other people , everyone is friendly here and try be respectful to local people here especially girls, because we often misunderstand their attentions ( Not every girl here wants to marry " white " guy  or sleep with them )

Alright, alright, lets give the new guy a break. Though I giggled a bit about suncream being the answer. Didn't see that coming.
Anyway, welcome James. Surabaya is not that hard to adjust for foreign people (according to my foreigner friends too). The only thing most of my foreigner acquaintances find hard to adjust is the local food. Most of it are spicy, and the Surabaya traditional food mostly has an ingredient called 'petis', which, trust me, I don't think will suit your tongue. But I welcome you to challenge yourself.
Just like Mr (or Mrs?) Albanian wrote, most of the expats live in the west part of the city. There's a pub in Darmo called Lido, which is a more low-key place to hangout for expats, and it's connected to a restaurant too.
It's a good idea to make friends as much as you can here whether with fellow expats or locals, so that you can ask about prices and interesting go-to places. Here's my recommendation for you, you HAVE to visit House of Sampoerna, and you'll thank me later.
Hope my answers are useful. Have a good time in Surabaya!

mas fred wrote:

PS. If you don't use suncream you won't be white any more so you can just ask about things expats need.

But don't be surprise if whitening cream is more easier to find everywhere at nearest shops than suncream cos suncream is one of expat needs - regarding to the cashier

hahahaahahaha