In addition, there are over 250 recognised languages spoken by as many distinct ethnic groups. Many local languages are further divided by special forms of address depending on social status, and all languages are spoken in a variety of local dialects. English is the most widely used foreign language for business and tourism, and many people in the more remote areas have a basic command of English. The older generation still speak Dutch as a second language. Animist beliefs are held in remote areas.
Many hotel lobbies have public phones which take credit cards and phone cards.
Roaming agreements exist. Coverage may be limited to main towns and cities. Airmail to Western Europe takes up to ten days. There are several English-language newspapers in Jakarta and on the other islands, notably The Indonesia Times, Indonesian Observer, Bali Post and Jakarta Post. From time to time these change.