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How to Register Your Mobile Phone IMEI Number in Indonesia (Update 2024)

On April 18, 2020, Indonesia implemented a new regulation to restrict circulation of black-market mobile phones and consequently, mobile phones purchased abroad may stop working with SIM cards from Indonesian mobile phone carriers.

Mobile Phone IMEI Registration in Indonesia

In this article, we show step by step on how to register the IMEI of your mobile phone to be able to use it in Indonesia.

Can I still use my mobile phone in Indonesia without registering the IMEI?

The answer is yes, tourists who are going to stay less than 3 months in Indonesia, will be able to acquire a SIM card called Telkomsel PraBayar or Telkomsel Tourist Card, which will work for 3 months and the same company of the telephone company will be able to register the IMEI of your phone

It is important to take into account that these cards must be bought/registered in the official stores of the mobile phone operator that you can find at the airport or in the city, and not in street stalls (because they often will not know how to register it correctly and you will end up acquiring a card that does not work). To register, you need your passport and your mobile phone.

The prices of these cards are around Rs 200,000 / 300,000 depending on the number of gigabytes of data you have. The registration is valid for 90 days, but the data will only be valid for 30 days, if the data runs out you can buy more without any problem.

What should I do to use my mobile phone in Indonesia if I plan to stay more than 3 months in the country?

For all those who are going to stay more than three months in Indonesia and want to continue using the phone (purchased abroad) with an Indonesian SIM card, they must register the IMEI at the Customs office in Jakarta or Bali.

Information to Register the IMEI of a Mobile Phone in Indonesia

To register the IMEI in Indonesia, you must carry out the registration procedures before you leave the airport and during the 24 hours following your arrival in Indonesia. Things to consider before registering:

• IMEI registration of mobile phone and tablets values less than 500 USD will be free of charge.
• Only 2 phones or tablets per person will be allowed.
• IMEI registration of mobile phone values greater than 500 USD will have a cost of 40% of the remaining value after being discounted of 500 USD. For example: If a mobile phone costs 900 USD, you will have to pay 40% of 400 USD (900 minus 500 USD) and that is, about 160 USD for Customs to register your mobile phone.
• For all those who have KITAS (residence permit) and an Indonesian tax number ID (NPWP) they would have to pay 30% instead of 40%.

Steps to Follow to Register IMEI of Your Mobile Phone in Indonesia

1- Fill out a form that you will find on this Indonesian Customs website.

There, you will be asked for personal data of the phone owner, details of the flight of arrival in the country, NPWP number (for residents), technical data and price of the phones as well as invoice of the phone purchase if any. Once everything is registered and sent, you will get an image of a QR code (save it on your mobile phone) and you will also receive an email with the same.

2- Now you must go in person to the Customs office (CUSTOMS – BEA CUKAI)

In Jakarta, the office is located in the International Departures Terminal (T3), on the second floor behind the zone 1 counters, at the end of the hall on the left. Keep in mind that there are usually queues, so if you have to take a flight, leave enough time. (I only had 9 people in front of me, and I took almost an hour between my wait and the process, plus another 20 minutes to get to Terminal 2 by shuttle bus for my flight to Bali.)

In Bali, the office is located just in front of the Customs X-Ray area, before leaving the airport.

3- When it is your turn, you must go to the window and they will ask you to show:

• Mobile phone
• QR Code Image
• Boarding pass of the flight with which you arrived in the country – Do not throw it away when you arrive in Indonesia!
• Phone purchase invoice if any

Then, they will do all the registration and you will receive a confirmation via email. (It usually takes about two or three hours to activate.)

Watch this short explanatory video made by Customs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Phone Restrictions in Indonesia

I bought my phone in indonesia, will i have any problems.

No, if you have purchased your phone in Indonesia, you will have your IMEI already active and you will be able to use it without problems. Really, this is a solution to not have to pay the fees of a very expensive phone, being able to use a cheap phone bought in Indonesia to install the most common applications in the country such as; GoJek, Grab, and share internet using Wifi Hotspot to your other phone.

I bought my phone abroad, but I lived in Indonesia and used it in the country before March 2020, will I have to register it?

Not necessary by principles, because it should have been activated only at the time, but you must verify it on this website.

How do I know if my mobile phone is already registered in Indonesia?

If you live in Indonesia since before March 2020, you should have received an SMS saying that your phone has been registered, you can also verify this by putting the IMEI of your phone on this website.

Where can I see the IMEI on my mobile phone?

• ANDROID: Simply enter *#06# in the phone dialer app, and you’ll automatically be shown your device’s IMEI number on the screen.
• IPHONE: Go to General Settings > About. Find the serial number. You may need to scroll down to find the IMEI/MEID and ICCID.

Can I use my foreign phone with a foreign SIM card in Indonesia?

You may still be able to use your foreign SIM card, but note that roaming price for calls or data may be quite high.

Can I use my phone with only WIFI without having to register the IMEI?

Yes, you can continue to connect to different free or paid Wifi of hotels and restaurants.

My phone is second-hand/old, how do I consider its value when registering IMEI?

If your phone has recently been purchased second-hand and you still keep the invoice, you must show the invoice so that Customs can consider depending on the value of the invoice.

If you do not have the invoice, the Customs staff will look at the approximate price on the Internet that is in second-hand markets of the model of your phone and charge you based on that price. They will ask you for data such as storage capacity, RAM size, screen size, etc.

Can I register my phone IMEI anywhere other than Bali or Jakarta?

In theory and as I was told in Jakarta, yes you can. It should be possible to do it in any Indonesian Customs office, but the reality is that there are cases of many Customs offices that “do not want” to know about the subject, and tell you that you should have done it in Jakarta or Bali. So my advice is that if you have time, do it in Bali or Jakarta when your entry into the country.

What is an IMEI number?

IMEI number is a unique code used to identify a particular device through the input of a SIM card. It consists of 15 digits number and is assigned to each phone anywhere in the world. There are many use of IMEI number and one of which is to allow the police or network operator to block the device in case of stolen, and may sometimes allow you to locate the phone.

Main source of this article: Ministry of Economy, General Directorate of Customs, Regulation Indonesia. Number: SE-12/BC/2020

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Cheater. my phone is less than USD500, and yet I still have to register and pay for for it. I mere Rp1 mil worth of phone, I need to pay Rp91,000 to register the imei. I bought sim telkomsel prabayar, but it doesn’t work until I register the imei.

This is worse trip I have to another country. It is as if you tried to force people to BUY phone in your country. which is very expensive compares to other countries.

Hi. If i staying in Bali only for 20 days;

1. Do i need to register my IMEI? 2. Do i need to pay tax (Over $500 value) eventhough i stayed below 20 days

Hi Nimasha, dont need, you can buy a tourist sim card that will be activated for 30 days. Have a nice trip!

hi, if i went to indonesia 3 months ago. i asked 1 of indonesia provider (XL) to unlock my phone. can i unlock again my phone by using telkomsel tourist card?

Hi Aries, you should not have problems using another provider if your IMEI mobile is already registered in the Government system. Thanks!

It’s just another way for the government to scam foreigners, VAT in any other country is around 20%, in indonesia where all people clamp a hp in their hand 24/7 they still consider it a luxury to be taxed 40%. But the worst part of it is that it is politicians or high placed people that evade tax, not the foreigners, they pay maximum price for everything already, my way usually gives me a sign to stay away when she wants to buy something, even when she buys me something to avoid scamming. Oh, and i didn’t see any mentioning of paying an admission ticket, half a million or 35 US$ just to get into the country with a Visa on Arrival.

Frank, the Indonesian Visa on Arrival has always been priced at 35 USD or 35 EUR! At least during the last 8 years!

Before COVID tourists were exempt of paying for a VoA if they entered through certain airports or seaports. This visa exemption was cancelled during COVID and not reinstalled so far.

A lot of countries charge tourists and businessmen for entering the country. Indonesia now it’s no exception. In Europe, we are just not used to visa and entry payments. Please don’t complain about a fee that is probably around 1% of your total travel costs.

Hi, Thanks for the useful information regarding registration of IMEI. I would like to add that the 5 day-rule of getting 500 USD discount, was ONLY VALID during COVID TIME when people had to stay in quarantine. At the moment you have to register your IEMI directly at the airport of arrival in Indonesia. Many times this is Jakarta. If you register your devices there you get a discount of 500 USD, otherwise you’ll lose this benefit. The registration has to be done on any old or new phone you’re bringing in if you want to use an Indonesian SIM card. Personally I hadn’t understood this rule and was in the conviction it only regarded newly bought phones, but NOPE, it’s for your own personal old, second-hand phone as well! Maybe it’s possibile to change this information on your blog?

Registration can be done online but you have to check with a government office in the place there you are staying which link they are using. After that I was very quickly contacted via WhatsApp and in one hour the whole registration was done. After I paid of course the amount. It’s though a lengthy process to fill in the online form because they want a lot of information and a lot of pictures of you, you holding your passport, your phone, your phone and passport and so on. My advice: do it straight at the airport in Jakarta!

Hi Selma, thanks a lot for all the information. We already updated the post. Safe travels!

I want to register my mobile phone near kuningan area Please help me where can I visit to register

Hi Sadhana, If you need to visit the customs office, there are two options you can consider. The first one is located inside the airport itself, and the second one is at an official government building dedicated to customs services. To find the nearest one, you can simply search for “customs office” on Google Maps and check which location is closer to you. I hope this helps.

apakah cara ini bisa berhasil untuk IMEI ?

Iya berhasil 🙂

I registered my phone today on arrival at Ngurah Rai International airport in Denpasar, Bali. You can enter the required information on the same form as the Customs Declaration. It’s a bit tedious to type in a 15 digit IMEI number, especially if you’re using your phone to fill the registration form. It’s certainly easier to do it from home, shortly before flying to Indonesia. The officer at the Customs Office (Bea & Cukai) was very friendly and helpful. He explained the purpose of registration like this: – If you stay on short term (holidays) you can buy a tourist SIM card that is valid for 90 days for phone calls but only 30 days for Internet.

– You can use one passport only twice to register a tourist SIM card! So, if you often spend your holidays in Indonesia this might be a problem.

– If you register your phone you can use whatever Indonesian SIM card you want to use. The phone is registered forever, no need to register again on your next visit. If you change your phone often this will not help you.

Btw, I didn’t pay anything because my Xiaomi’s original price was less than 500 USD! 😉

Hello Alex, Thanks for sharing your experience registering your phone upon arrival in Bali. Your advice about doing it from home before your trip is very helpful.

It’s great to hear that the officer at the Customs Office was friendly and helpful, and it’s essential to understand the purpose of this registration. Your explanation about the limitations and benefits of registration is also very informative for fellow travelers.

Thanks for sharing your insights and helping other travelers navigate this process!

Additional information on current SIM card pricing: The tourist SIM cards are heavily promoted at the airport. Currently, they charge 250.000 IDR (approx. 16 EUR) for a 18 GB data plan. You can get up to 120 GB for 500k or a bit more. All these tourist SIM cards offer data for max 30 days.

The five day grace period is over. I landed on the 18 Jan but was in a rush so I went back on 21 Jan when I had a free day. The customs officers told me I had to pay tax on the full 600 USD price instead of the 100 USD price (above 500 USD). They said it MUST be done before leaving the airport now.

I had the receipt for the phone and my KITAS so it was less than it otherwise would have been though! Good Luck Everyone!

Hi, appreciate the information. I’ve already updated the post after verifying with Customs Officers. Safe travels!

Good luck 🙂

Thanks for sharing this information! I recently moved to Indonesia and was having trouble using my mobile phone here. I didn’t know that I needed to register the IMEI, but now I know how to do it. Will definitely follow these steps and see if it helps me use my phone here more smoothly.

Good luck and have a good time in Indonesia!

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Indonesia SIM Cards: Updated Prices and Where to Buy

Traveling to Indonesia can be an amazing cultural experience. With over 17,000 islands, it is the largest archipelago in the world and offers incredible diversity. From the bustling capital city of Jakarta to the gorgeous beaches of Bali, you’ll find limitless sights to explore.

When visiting a new country, having connectivity is crucial. Being able to access maps, translation apps, and ride shares can make your travels much smoother. Getting an Indonesia SIM card for your phone is the best way to stay connected affordably across the islands.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a tourist SIM card in Indonesia

Table of Contents

I. should i buy a new indonesia sim card for my trip.

For most travelers, getting an Indonesia SIM card is highly recommended. It will provide you with affordable data and calling rates compared to using your home SIM card abroad. Some key benefits include:

• Avoid Roaming Fees: Using your regular SIM card from back home can rack up extremely high roaming charges, especially for data usage. A local SIM helps you avoid these expensive fees.
• Access Google Maps and Transport Apps: Having mobile data and GPS enabled on your phone is extremely useful for navigating, locating attractions, finding restaurants and hailing rides from services like Grab.
• Pocket Wifi: You can use the SIM card’s data to create a WiFi hotspot and connect multiple devices like laptops or tablets when wireless internet is not available.
• Local Phone Number: Having an Indonesian number is useful for arranging local meetups, restaurant reservations or contacting your hotel/AirBnB.
• Cheap Calling Rates: Indonesia SIM cards have cheap rates for local calls. International calls are also reasonably priced.
• Prepaid Control: Top up as you need so you only pay for what you use. It’s easier to stick to a budget.

The main downside is that you will have to swap SIM cards which takes a few minutes. But the benefits easily outweigh this small inconvenience. For a short trip under a week, you may be fine using roaming. But for longer stays, a local SIM is a travel essential in Indonesia.

II. Indonesia SIM Card Types – Which One is the Best for Tourists?

When purchasing an Indonesia SIM card, you’ll have to choose what type of SIM plan you need:

Regular SIM Card

This is the standard physical nano, micro or regular sized SIM that goes into your unlocked phone. It contains the mobile network access. The major carriers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo offer tourist SIMs in different data packages.

An embedded digital SIM that is programmable and allows you to activate mobile plans without having to insert a plastic card. eSIMs are not yet common in Indonesia. Currently, only Telkomsel offers tourist eSIMs targeted at international travelers.

For most travelers, a regular physical prepaid Indonesian SIM card is the best option. They are easy to purchase at the airport or convenience stores, inexpensive and come with sufficient data allotments. eSIMs offer the convenience of digital activation but have fewer package options currently.

III. How Much Data is Enough for a Prepaid Tourist SIM Card for Indonesia?

For moderate internet usage, 5-10GB of data for a 7-14 day Indonesia trip is recommended. This is enough for Google Maps, some social media, messaging, emails and web browsing. With a prepaid SIM, you can top-up more data if needed. Here are some typical data usages to estimate how much you may require:

• Google Maps (1 hour/day): 300MB
• Social Media (occasional usage): 30-50MB/day
• Messaging on WhatsApp: 5MB/day
• Emails & Light Web Browsing: 100MB/day

Streaming video or music will consume data quickly – up to 2GB/hour for HD video. For heavier usage, opt for 15-25GB valid for 30 days. Most Indonesia SIMs have an unlimited data option with speeds reduced after the allotted 4G data is used up. This prevents bill shock while still providing connectivity.

IV. How Much Does a Indonesia SIM Card Cost?

SIM card prices in Indonesia are very affordable. You can get started with data, calling and texts for as low as IDR 100,000 (USD $7). Here are typical costs:

If you’re looking for the biggest data bang for your buck, the clear winner is Smartfren’s 100GB Quota plan. For just 100K IDR, you get a massive 100GB of data to use over 30 days. That’s insane value!

In second place is the Telkomsel Tourist Card. At 150K IDR you get 25GB which is plenty for a short vacation in Indonesia. Best of all, you can order it online before your trip. No hassle SIM hunting when you arrive.

Coming in third are the high-tier Freedom Combos from IM3. They offer 25GB or more starting around 60K IDR. With daily quotas, rollover data and call minutes included, these provide reliable connectivity for a month without breaking the bank.

For daily use, consider Smartfren’s 1GB Daily Unlimited plan. At under 50K IDR for two weeks, you get refilled 1GB daily plus unlimited use after. Perfect if you’re always on your phone.

And finally, XL’s Quota M pack gives you 6GB for 42K IDR which isn’t too shabby. But the validity is only 30 days, so it’s best as a backup option or if you’re not a heavy user.

V. Indonesia eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards

Travellers to Indonesia will be pleased to hear that getting mobile data is now simpler than ever thanks to eSIM technology. eSIMs allow you to activate a data plan directly on your device without the hassle of a physical SIM card.

Here are some key advantages of using an Indonesia eSIM card:

• No SIM swapping: Activate an eSIM remotely on your phone without having to physically insert a card. This saves time and hassle.
• Multi SIM capability: Have separate plans for Indonesia travel while retaining your regular number on the physical SIM.
• Flexibility: You can switch data plans or carriers easily with an eSIM by installing a new mobile plan remotely.

One great option for purchasing an eSIM for Indonesia is indonesiaesim.com by GIGAGO . Their straightforward website allows you to easily browse reasonably priced plans starting at just a few dollars for short trips. Plans range from 3-30 days so you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your stay.

Once you’ve selected a plan, all you need to do is complete a swift online order. The friendly team at indonesiaesim.com will then promptly send your activation details by email. No waiting around or solving puzzles required!

So whether exploring Bali or relaxing in Lombok, an eSIM from indonesiaesim.com provides an hassle-free means of staying connected online while abroad. The simple setup means more time to enjoy yourself – now that’s what I call a real vacation!

VI. Where to Buy a Indonesia SIM Card?

It’s quite easy to purchase a prepaid Indonesia SIM card. Here are some recommended spots to buy your nano or micro-SIM:

Airport SIM Card Kiosks and Shops

After you pass through immigration, you’ll find convenient SIM card sellers at stands or shops at the Jakarta and Bali airport arrival halls. For example, TRE is an official Telkomsel reseller at multiple airports.

Get the inside scoop on  Buying a SIM card at Indonesia Airports: The Definitive Guide

SIM Card Retail Stores

Walk-in to retailer outlets of major providers like Telkomsel (Halo), XL Axiata (Xplor) and Indosat Ooredoo (IM3 Ooredoo). Bring your passport as registration is required.

Convenience Store Chains

Major chains like Circle K, Indomaret and Alfamart will have SIM cards for sale along with top-up vouchers. This is the most convenient option.

Online Orders

A few retailers like TripMate allow you to order Indonesia eSIM or physical SIMs for airport pickup or delivery in Bali/Jakarta.

To get started, buy an Indonesia starter SIM pack. Top ups can be done later through the carrier’s app or at convenience stores. Avoid street vendors selling SIMs as these may be fraudulent. Purchase from authorized sellers for network reliability and security.

VII. How to Use Indonesia SIM

Here’s a simple guide to using your new Indonesian SIM card:

• Unlock Phone: Ensure your smartphone is unlocked for use with foreign SIMs. Contact your home carrier to arrange this if needed.
• Insert SIM: Turn off your phone, insert the nano or micro-SIM into the tray after removing any existing SIM.
• Setup: Power on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to setup your new phone number and data plan. Enter your personal info when prompted.
• Install Carrier App: Download the mobile app for your provider like MyTelkomsel to manage your account or do top-ups.
• Activate Data/Calling: either via the app or through USSD codes, enable your data pack and international calling if needed. Dial *888# to check balance.
• Setup APN: For data to work, enter APN settings – name: Telkomsel, APN: internet
• Top-Up: When data runs low, recharge easily via the provider app, ATMs, convenience stores or retailers.

With these simple steps, you’ll be connected instantly through your Indonesia SIM!

VIII. Best Mobile Operators for Indonesia SIM Cards

There are a number of telecom providers that offer prepaid Indonesia SIMs for tourists. Here are the top networks:

Telkomsel – Best Overall Coverage

As Indonesia’s largest mobile operator, Telkomsel has the widest 4G LTE coverage on over 90% of inhabited islands. Their ‘simPATI’ and ‘Halo’ prepaid plans come with data packs ideal for travelers. With good speeds and reliability, they are a top choice for a Indonesia SIM card.

XL Axiata – Value Plans

XL has the second best connectivity in Indonesia covering all major and 80% of smaller islands. Their ‘Xplor’ prepaid plans provide affordable data rates, local calling and SMS. A good option if you want to save money.

Indosat Ooredoo – Good Urban Areas

This major provider has excellent coverage in populated cities and tourist areas in Java, Bali, Sumatra and Sulawesi. But they lag in eastern Indonesia. Their ‘IM3 Ooredoo’ tourist SIM packs work well for urban travel.

Smartfren – Best 4G-Only

Smartfren has a younger network as a 4G/LTE-only provider. They offer speeds up to 200Mbps in big cities like Jakarta, acceptable elsewhere. But their data-only plans are not ideal for local calls/texts.

When choosing, go with Telkomsel or XL Axiata for the widest coverage and network reliability if you plan to explore beyond main hubs. For city travel, all major providers will suffice. Avoid smaller networks with patchy services.

IX. Tips for Saving Data for Indonesia SIM Card

To reduce data consumption from your Indonesia SIM and avoid costly overages, here are some useful tips:

• Disable auto-app updates: Stop apps updating in the background needlessly burning through your data. Do updates manually over WiFi.
• Limit streaming: Streaming video and music will demolish data quickly. Avoid or use the lowest quality setting. Download content offline when on WiFi.
• Use Public WiFi: Connect for free at hotels, cafes and airports to use data-hungry apps instead of mobile data. But avoid banking or sensitive transactions on public networks.
• Monitor usage: Check your remaining data balance and usage within your provider app to identify any heavy usage.
• Auto photo uploads off: Disable background auto uploads of photos/videos to the cloud which consume large amounts of data.
• Offline maps: Download offline maps and directions on Google Maps to avoid using live mobile data when navigating.
• Messenger compression: Enable data compression in chat apps settings to minimize usage.

With some diligence, you can easily make 5-10GB last for the duration of your Indonesia trip. Enjoy the islands without worrying about network access!

Do I need to show ID to buy a Indonesia SIM card?

Yes, you need to present your passport as registration and identity verification is required when purchasing an Indonesian SIM.

Can I get a prepaid SIM at Bali/Jakarta airport on arrival?

Yes, there are SIM card desks and stores located right in the arrival halls of the international airports in Bali and Jakarta, making it easy to get connected upon landing.

Are data speeds fast on Indonesia SIM cards?

Yes, 4G speeds on major provider networks like Telkomsel average 20-50Mbps, fast enough for most daily usage. In congested areas speeds may reduce slightly.

How long is a Indonesia tourist SIM card valid for?

Prepaid SIMs aimed at travelers are valid for a set number of days, typically 30 days from activation. You can extend validity by doing a recharge.

Can I make international calls with my Indonesian SIM?

Yes, Indonesian SIMs allow international calls by default. Calling rates are reasonable at around IDR 2000-3000 per minute. Ensure you have calling credits.

XI. Final Words

A local Indonesia SIM card is essential for staying conveniently connected at affordable rates during your travels across the archipelago. With this guide, you are now equipped to choose the right plan and provider based on your needs, data usage, trip duration and locations.

Happy and hassle-free travels in Indonesia! Stay in touch efficiently with the right SIM card along the way.

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How To Register IMEI Phone In Indonesia

On April 18, 2020, the new phone registration rules came into effect. The Indonesian government has made it mandatory to register IMEI. Let’s figure out what IMEI is, why register it, and who exactly needs to do it?

What IMEI Is?

Why register imei, who needs to register imei, tourist registration.

• IMEI Registration For Long Stay
• How To Check Your IMEI?

PLEASE NOTE (!) The article is for informational purposes only . Our agency does not help with this process. Thank you for your understanding.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number used to identify mobile equipment, including phones. IMEI serves as the device’s serial number and is transmitted over the air when authorizing on the network. Additionally, IMEI is used for tracking devices and blocking stolen or illegally imported phones at the level of the mobile network operator, which prevents the device from being used in that network in the future, but does not prevent its use in other networks.

Registering a phone’s IMEI means registering the phone itself, not the SIM card. This is how Indonesia fights against the illegal import of mobile devices. All devices that enter the country legally already have registration. This method of combating illegal phones is not unique to Indonesia. Therefore, phones without registration stop working after a certain period of time (90 days in Indonesia, different times in other countries) – in the sense that they stop registering on the network of Indonesian mobile operators.

If you plan to visit Bali, Indonesia just for vacation, then registering your phone is not necessary, you can use the tourist registration (see below). For those who come for a long time and, accordingly, plan to use a local SIM card for a long time, it is better to register IMEI for your phone.

Tourist registration Registration IMEI for a long stay

In case your stay in Indonesia is less than 90 days, you can register your phone FOR FREE at any official office of a mobile operator. To register, you just need to come to the office in person with your passport and the phone. The tax in that case does not need to be paid.

A “tourist” registration is valid for 3 months and at the moment is permitted to be extended without any additional fees for another 3 months at the same office where you had initially registered your phone.

There are a lot of mobile phone shops that would register phones for free when you purchase a SIM card or an Internet package from them.

Hot Line Custom Service Ngurah Rai WhatsApp   +62 811 3993 500 (eng)

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OFFICES XL Office in Kuta Office in Ginyar Office in Denpasar

OFFICES SMARTFREN Office in Kuta Office in Denpasar Office in Singardja

OFFICES IDNOSAT Office in Kuta Office in Denpasar Office in Ginyar

Registration of IMEI phone for a long stay

If you are planning to stay in Indonesia for over 90 days and wish to use a local SIM card, you will have to register your phone (if it is not already in the database ). You can do so at the airport of Jakarta or directly in Bali.

• The IMEI registration for the phones that are worth less than $500 is free of charge (ONLY IN ARRIVAL DAY).
• Also, the amount of tax to be paid for foreigners is 40% of the cost of the phone*, exceeding the rate of $500 if you register the phone in arrival day.  For example, if your phone costs $800 the 40% will be charged from $300, therefore the tax amount would be $120. 
• For Kitas holders who have a tax number (NPWP) the tax amount will be 30% of the cost of the phone exceeding the rate of $500.

If you did not get a chance to register your phone in the day of arrival, the tax will be charged from the full cost of the device.

*No one really finds much fault in the cost of the phone, so it can be understated, but within reasonable limits of course.

Also, please keep in mind that you must register your phone within 90 days from the date of your arrival in Indonesia.

If you are planning to stay in Indonesia for over 90 days and wish to use a local SIM card, you will have to register your phone (if it is not already in the database). You can do so at the airport of Jakarta or directly in Bali.

IMEI REGISTRATION PROCESS

Remember to register your phone in advance on the Agency for Taxes and Duties website.   You are allowed to register 2 devices for each person, although keep in mind that if their overall cost exceeds $500 you will have to pay tax.

Once having completed the registration, you will receive a page with a QR code. Print it out or save the code as a screenshot, as this QR code will be required at the customs in order to register the phone.

IMPORTANT! Only registering a phone on the website of the Agency for Taxes and Duties will not be enough to get IMEI

How to register a phone in Jakarta

You may find the IMEI registration office in Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport, in the departure hall (Ground Floor). Look out for a Customs Office.

A customs officer can ask a number of questions, for example, ask about the cost of your phone, date of purchase, etc.

Be sure that you have enough time to register your phone because there may be a queue.

How to register a phone in Bali

In Denpasar, the IMEI registration tent is located after the baggage claim belt before exiting the arrivals’ hall.

Also, you can register your phone in Bali at the Office of Taxes and Duties , but remember that in this case the tax already will be charged from the full cost of the device. In order to do this, you have to provide a ticket to Indonesia or your boarding pass and a QR code you received when registering your phone on the website .

HOW TO CHECK YOUR IMEI

• It doesn’t matter what phone you have – it could be an iPhone, Samsung, or Xiaomi. If you dial *#06# on the phone keypad, your phone’s IMEI number will appear. On some phones, you may need to press the call button for the code to work.
• You can also find your IMEI number by going to your phone’s settings. On an iPhone, you can find it by going to Settings > General > About. On Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi phones, go to Settings > About Phone.

If you’re not sure whether your device is registered, you can check it on a website www.beacukai.go.id/cek-imei.html . Enter the IMEI number in the window, and you’ll get a response in Indonesian, which can be translated using Google Translate.

*If you have purchased your smartphone from an authorized dealer in Indonesia and activated it here, your phone will automatically get registered. Likewise, if you had imported your phone into the country and activated it for the first time in Indonesia before April 18, 2020, in that case, its IMEI number should already be in the database, therefore, you do not need to register it and pay ta x.

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Indonesia SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 25, 2024 | Asia , Indonesia , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Indonesia soon? Make sure to know what to expect when purchasing an Indonesia SIM card .

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Indonesia in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Indonesia.

If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a cab, or translate Indonesian – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Indonesia.

Best SIM Cards In Indonesia

If you’re traveling in Indonesia, we recommend using a SIM card from Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Smartfren, or Airalo.

I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Asia, you might want to pick an option that offers coverage in other Asian countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Indonesia For Tourists

You can buy an Indonesia prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase an Asia prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s look at the mobile data plans offered in Indonesia by Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Smartfren.

Telkomsel Tourist SIM Card

Telkomsel offers a prepaid tourist plan:

• 25 GB data, one month for IDR 150,000 ($9.66)

XL Axiata Tourist SIM Card

XL Axiata has two different prepaid plans available:

• 15 GB data, 30 days for IDR 41,736 ($2.69)
• 20 GB data, 30 days for IDR 88,946 ($5.73)

As you can see, it is a cheaper option than Telkomsel.

Smarfren Tourist SIM Card

Smartfren offers several SIM-only plans for tourists:

• 6 GB, 30 days, IDR 30,000 ($1.93)
• 12 GB, 30 days, IDR 45,000 ($2.90)
• 30 GB, 30 days, IDR 70,000 ($4.83)
• 45 GB, 30 days, IDR 100,000 ($6.44)
• 60 GB, 30 days, IDR 125,000 ($8.05)

Overall, we think Smartfren is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any mobile carrier would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy An Indonesia Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Prepaid Asia-Pacific SIM Card works in more than 17 countries and gives you unlimited data for 14 days. Indonesia is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid Asian SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer two data plans in Indonesia:

• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

Browse your options on SimOptions

Bikago Mobile offers physical SIM cards and eSIMs in Indonesia.

You’ll get access to the Telkomsel network (the best network in Indonesia and Bali), and you can top up online.

Their data plans are the most affordable ones.

You can pick between 7,15, and 30 days for some data plans.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Bikago Mobile :

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $4.99
• 3GB, valid for 7/15/30 days, starting at $9.50
• 5GB, valid for 15/30 days, starting at $15.50
• 7GB, valid for 15/30 days, starting at $19.99
• 10GB, valid for 15/30 days, starting at $23.75
• 20GB, valid for 15/30 days, starting at $44.99
• 30GB, valid for 30 days for $66.99
• 50GB, valid for 30 days for $109.99

You’ll have three options to get your SIM card: collect it at the airport, the Bikago shop, or deliver it by courier.

The two first options are free, but you’ll have to pay extra to get it by courier.

Go to Bikago Mobile

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Indonesia or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for Asia.

How To Buy An eSIM For Indonesia

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone.

If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s one of the best options to get data in Indonesia.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo , one of the best eSIM apps .

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Indonesia.

Airalo eSIM Indonesia

If you want to buy an eSIM for Indonesia, you could purchase one on Airalo .

This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Asia and Indonesia.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine. Read more about Airalo eSIM .

Here are the options available :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5.50
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $8
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $11
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $16.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.75
• I20 GB, valid for 30 days for $40

Here’s an overview of the options available for Asia :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Asialink and offer coverage in 14 countries, including Indonesia.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 124 countries, including Indonesia.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 60 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip.

In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Bikago Mobile eSIM Indonesia

Bikago Mobile offers eSIMs in Indonesia.

You’ll get access to the Telkomsel network (which is the best network in Indonesia and Bali), and you’ll be able to top up online.

Their eSIM plans are the most affordable ones.

You can choose between 7,15, and 30 days.

If you have any issues, you’ll also have the option to convert to a physical SIM card.

Holafly eSIM Indonesia

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Holafly offers unlimited data plans in Indonesia.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Indonesia:

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139

Go to Holafly

Nomad eSIM Indonesia

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider in Indonesia.

Here’s an overview of the plans available for Indonesia:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $12
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $16
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $23
• 15GB, valid for 30 days for $35

Nomad also offers the following unlimited plans:

• Unlimited data, valid for 1 day for $7
• Unlimited data, valid for 3 days for $15
• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $20
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $25
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $30

Nomad also has APAC , an eSIM plan for Asia. This plan offers coverage in Indonesia.

Here’s an overview:

• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $50
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $69

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On Indonesia SIM Cards

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia or even an eSIM for your travels in Indonesia is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Asia without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase an Asia plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Indonesia if you wish to have data upon your arrival.

This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

However, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Are you heading to Indonesia soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Pros and cons of living in Bali
• Best places to live in Indonesia
• How many days in Bali
• Timor-Leste SIM cards

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Indonesian SIM Card, Guide to Buy, Register & Top Up

• Last updated: Apr 25, 2024

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Staying connected is an important thing when traveling in Indonesia. Buying an Indonesian SIM Card should become an option. It’s no longer enough to rely on the hotel’s WiFi only. Especially since people can’t wait too long to post something on Instagram right away.

Social media aside. Having a reliable internet connection is also helpful to take advantage of the growing Indonesian online service. The transportation apps such as Uber-like Grab and Gojek. It will provide great help getting around the big cities, like Jakarta , Yogyakarta , and Bali .

How the Indonesian SIM Card Works

It might take some time to understand how it works in the telecommunication business in Indonesia. There are loads of providers offering a plethora of mobile products. Government regulation can be confusing too as 2018 marks several changes when it comes to SIM card registration.

Most Indonesian use prepaid SIM cards. Customers buy a certain amount of balance called “pulsa”. Which later can be used to call, send SMS, and browse the internet. Users can also use the balance to buy packages. A package can be a data package, a call package, and a text package. There are also packages with a combination of all three.

Indonesian SIM Card for Tourist, Price & Coverage

Buying a prepaid SIM card is very cheap in Indonesia. An empty Indonesian SIM card without any credits or data packages usually costs as cheap as Rp10.000. Many kiosks sell SIM cards with a pre-loaded data package. Prices vary depending on how much GB of data customers will get.

But in general, it’s super cheap by western standards. Tourists can get an Indonesian SIM card with 10GB of data for less than Rp100.000. Coverage has been improving significantly in the past few years. Customers in big cities can enjoy the fast 4G LTE network. For the rest of the country, unless it’s a remote place, there’s always almost at least 3G coverage.

Top 3 Indonesian SIM Card Providers To Choose

Telkomsel, the biggest mobile operator in Indonesia has the best coverage, especially in the outer islands. Telkomsel is a safe bet for tourists planning to go to remote destinations.

Telkomsel’s most popular SIM Card is called SimPATI. Their price is the most expensive compared to other operators. The starter pack cost Rp100.000 and is also available at Grapari, the official Telkomsel store.

Telkomsel Tourist SIM Card, Internet Package 

The prepaid internet package of 10 GB for 14 days is perfect for a short stay in Indonesia. Best value-for-money Telkomsel data packages range from Rp73,000 outside the airport. While in Bali Airport a Telkomsel SIM card with 7 GB cost Rp220,000. And in Soekarno Hatta Jakarta Airport for 18 GB cost Rp150,000 only.

See: Bali Airport Guide, Facilities, Public Transport To Downtown.

Indosat Oreedo Internet Data Price

Indosat is the second-largest mobile operator in Indonesia. Their most popular SIM card IM3 is cheaper than Telkomsel and the coverage is pretty good. Their LTE network is fast in big cities. Sometimes they also have good network strength in remote villages.

Best value-for-money IM3 Ooredo data packages:

Read: Bali Temple, Activities & Must Visit List.

XL Internet Package

XL mobile providers offer decent coverage. Although their 4G network is often faster than Telkomsel in some cities, XL struggle in remote places, and sometimes the signal is non-existing. XL’s price range is similar to Indosat’s. Tourists can pick this provider if planning to stay mainly in big cities.

Best value-for-money XL data packages ranges from Rp89,000 outside the airport. While in Bali International Airport, the XL SIM card with 8 GB cost Rp200,000.

See: Bali Beaches, Tips & Guide To Visit Top Beach Around The Island.

Where To Buy & Register Indonesian SIM Card

Some companies have official stores at airports. They usually offer tourist traveler packages instead of regular ones. Buying at airports is convenient if tourists don’t mind paying a more expensive price. However, avoid unofficial sellers at all costs. Selling tourists shady SIM cards is a common airport scam.

Going to kiosks is the most popular way to buy an Indonesian SIM Card here. These small shops are scattered all over the corner of Indonesian cities. They have plenty of options for Indonesian SIM cards and data packages. Prices are definitely cheaper than buying at airports.

Tourists can easily spot a kiosk by noticing a signboard. Usually located in front of the shop, with a list of data packages in GB and their respective prices. Getting an Indonesian SIM card here will require tourists to register.

Registration can be done at the kiosks when buying. After choosing which SIM card to buy. Hand the passport to the seller for registration purposes. Ask them to register it and the whole process takes only several minutes. Sometimes they even register it with their own ID to make it super fast.

See: Waterfall in Bali Worth Visiting, Tips & List. 

Checking Balance & Buy Credit

Nowadays it’s easy to check how much balance a SIM card has. Almost every major operator has an app to help customers track balance and data usage.

Tourists can download the app on App Store or Google Play Store. Telkomsel has MyTelkomsel app, Indosat has MyIM3, and XL has myXL.

Customers can also buy packages from these apps. To make everything more convenient, most apps have an option for an English menu. The “traditional” non-app way to check the balance and buy packages is by dialing *888# for Telkomsel’s SimPATI, *123# for XL, and *363# for Indosat’s IM3. However, the dial menu comes only in Bahasa Indonesia.

See: Top Must Visit Events & Festivals in Indonesia.

Top Up Credit

Buying credit for an Indonesian prepaid SIM card can be done in many ways. Apart from kiosks, popular minimarket chains such as Indomaret and Alfamart also sell phone credits. Denominations usually come in Rp10.000, 25.000, 50.000, and 100.000 values.

Prepare to pay Rp2.000 – Rp3.000 more in addition to the balance value, this is how sellers make a profit. After buying, make sure to get a notification message from the operator informing that credit has been successfully added.

IMEI Registration To Use Indonesian SIM Card

Following new regulations in Indonesia. In this case to control illegal mobile phones and electronic devices entering Indonesia without paying taxes. Tourists will have to register upon arrival to be able to use Indonesian SIM cards.

In brief, there is 2 option to register. The first one is to buy an Indonesian SIM card at the provider stall at the airport. Then provide identity detail such as name, passport number, and boarding pass. At this point, the provider will register the IMEI. The first option is suitable for short visit periods, a maximum of 90 days .

After that, the SIM card is ready to use. While to top up the credit, customers could easily purchase it at a convenience store. Meanwhile, for tourists that chose to buy SIM cards elsewhere besides at the airport. Make sure to ask the seller to help with the IMEI registration .

Following the registration, to see whether the phone Imei has been registered in the operator database. Telkomsel sim card users could dial *337# and then press 1. There will be text notifications from the provider confirming the IMEI is registered.

See: Bali Night Market & Culinary Spot.

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I have a question, I’m arriving about midnight in Jakarta Airport this weekend. I’d like to buy a sim there. The sim cards shops are open 24/7?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t open for 24 hours. Most SIM card providers have stalls in big shopping malls in Jakarta. It’s cheaper to purchase SIM cards outside the airport. Small minimarkets like Indomaret, and Alfamart also sells SIM card and internet credit. However, you might want to ask for assistance to activate the sim card.

You have to register your phone prior to arriving in Indonesia. I just found this out the hard way. I am blocked from phoning outside the country. I completed the IMEI form, now I have to go back to the airport and find a customs agent to complete the registration. Before entering the country you must also complete an electronic customs declaration form and get a 30 day visa. These are all new requirements after the country opened up from Covid

Hello I just landed in Jakarta on 22 Sept 2022. Kindly let me know what I need to do to get an Indonesian new phone SIM card? Many thanks.

You could purchase a SIM card in a minimarket like Indomaret or Alfamart. There are several providers to choose from. Another option is going to a small kiosk counter and purchasing it there. The seller will help with the registration thing.

Hi, I’m living in Bali and would like to know how to register my mobile number to keep it just in case if I don’t purchase credits after 90 days please. Thank you

To keep the mobile number active, and extend the validity is by top-up/adding credit. Otherwise, the mobile number will get into the grace period. And in the grace period, there is only a short period of time to reactivate it by visiting the provider’s office.

Once the mobile number passes the grace period, it can no longer be used or reactivated. The provider will recycle the number and resell it again.

Is there a way to register a SIM that will be valid for more than 90 days?

Adding credit, purchasing an internet package will automatically extend the validity of the SIM card.

I’m flying to indonesia for couple of days.how to register indonesia prepaid sim card and activate before I arrive in one or two day’s time?

If you have a new SIM Card, you can only register and activate it once you’re in Indonesia. SIM Card Provider will ask for data such as name, DOB, and passport number.

Hi, if I would like to continue to use the prepaid card with the Indonesian number when I return to my home country, how do I activate roaming with such cards? Thanks!

Hi Kedeb, If you use Simpati by Telkomsel, you can activate the roaming package through their app Mytelkomsel. Click “buy package”, then click roaming and choose roaming country destination and duration. The price starts from Rp150.000. It depends on the duration, country, and the data quota. Make sure your SIM Card has enough balance. For IM3 you can download their app MYIM3 and for XL, you can search MyXL in the Appstore/Playstore. And activate roaming packages through their app.

I want recharge mobile data of my Indonesia friend paying by my credit card. Friend lives in Jakarta.

Hello, You can download the provider apps. For instance, Telkomsel has Mytelkomsel app, it can be download in playstore and appstore. There is a lot of payment option to top up internet data and credit card is one of them. For telkomsel you can download mytelkomsel app on playstore or appstore.

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How to Call and Surf on your Smartphone in Indonesia

Getting Calls, Texts & Data on Your GSM Phone in Bali and the Rest of Indonesia

 Martin Puddy/Getty Images

Travelers jaunting through Indonesia don't need to leave their iPhones behind; the country is surprisingly well-connected to a wide-ranging GSM network.

You can even pick up cellphone signals in surprisingly out-of-the-way places like Banten Lama and the Komodo National Park; your Facebook friends and Instagram followers will be able to keep up with your adventures as you go.

Buying a local SIM card is a far better option than roaming in the network using your own phone plan. The latter can be ruinously expensive; the former is highly convenient and surprisingly cheap. For more details on using a prepaid SIM in the region, read this article on Cellphone Roaming in Southeast Asia .

If the GSM standard is something you're not familiar with, read this: How to Stay Connected While You Travel Overseas .

There are over a dozen local GSM providers in Indonesia, but Telkomsel strikes the ideal balance between low cost, good connection and widespread network. You guide has consistently used Telkomsel's prepaid SIM-card - the SIMpati; the card performs admirably around tourist destinations like Bali and Yogyakarta .

Buying the SIMPati Prepaid GSM Card and Topping Up

Use of a Telkomsel SIMpati Prepaid Card assumes you've entered Indonesia with your own GSM cellphone or smartphone. (Not all US phones are compatible with Southeast Asian GSM networks, mind you.)

Where to buy. You can buy a prepaid card immediately upon entering the country; kiosks at the arrival area of most Indonesian airports sell most brands of GSM prepaid cards. You can even buy SIM cards or additional call credits from small warung (streetside eateries) and convenience stores.

The SIM card comes (naturally) in a thick plastic card wrapped in a paper envelope; the SIM card can be detached from the rest of the card for use in your phone. SIM cards are scored so the chip can fit into any compatible cellphone, down to the micro-SIM slots on late-model iPhones.

Loading prepaid credits. When you buy a Telkomsel SIMpati prepaid SIM, buy additional call credits as well, which comes in a separate scratch-card. The more surfing you intend to do while in Indonesia, the more call credits you should plan to buy.

Instructions for reloading call credits are sadly, only in Bahasa Indonesia. You can ask the SIM card seller to load the call credits for you.

Once the call credits are loaded, you can use the phone to call and text to your heart's content. You can even call abroad; dial 01017 plus the overseas number to avail of a reduced rate (calling the U.S. costs IDR 360, or about 3 US cents a minute).

Surfing on the Internet with SIMpati. Even with the additional credits loaded in, your connection isn't quite ready to surf yet. You need to buy "flash", or blocks of usable data per megabyte, which will be deducted from your prepaid balance.

Using your existing credits as a balance, you can purchase “flash” by dialing *363# and sending as a service command on your GSM phone. This takes you through a menu that allows you to select the size of the “flash” you want to purchase; 5 gigabytes is plenty for two weeks' travel!

Rates can change without warning, and may vary even from location to location (they tend to be cheaper in Sumatra, Java and Bali, then progressively more expensive as you move east to Indonesia's outlying territories). For up-to-date information on tariffs, visit Telkomsel's official site .

Checking and Reloading Telkomsel SIMpati Call/Internet Credits

To check on how much prepaid credit you have left, Telkomsel provides two different numbers: one for call credits, the other for Internet (or "flash") credits.

Call credits: dial *888# and send as a service command on your GSM phone. This enables a pop-up window that shows you how much you've got left, in Indonesian rupiah.

To replenish your call credits, you have to buy cards at your nearest convenience store and top up by following the instructions; you can also ask the seller to load in the additional credits for you.

Internet credits: dial *889# and send as a service command on your GSM phone. This enables a pop-up window that shows you how many MB you've got left to use. To replenish this, see "Step 2" under the previous heading, "Surfing on the Internet with SIMpati".

The Lowdown on the SIMpati Prepaid SIM Card

Cheap international calls, strong phone and text coverage, and cheap and relatively swift Internet browsing make Telkomsel a prime choice for travelers in Bali and the rest of Indonesia.

Telkomsel is pretty well-established in Indonesia; in Bali, your guide could get a connection pretty much everywhere, with only occasional dead spots in remote areas or the open seas (those selfies of you climbing Anak Krakatau will have to wait till you get back to your hotel room). Your guide has not covered the width of Indonesia with a Telkomsel-equipped smartphone, though, so results may vary.

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Are you trying to set up your SIM Card and mobile phone for your trip to Bali?

We’ve got you covered.

Depending on the length of your stay,

There are different options for using your mobile phone in Bali that are available to you.

This article about using your phone in Bali / buying a SIM card in Bali will cover all the confusion you may encounter when setting up your SIM card in Bali, buying a new SIM card in Bali, and any questions you might have about using your phone in Bali! Let’s go…

Using Your Phone for Short Stays in Bali (90 Days & Less in Bali)

Using your phone for short stays in Bali, what you can do is opt for a “Tourist” registration.

These are available in the airport and practically all official offices of mobile operators in Indonesia, it is a convenient and easy way to stay connected using your phone. No taxes are need to be paid and all you need is your passport and your phone.

Long Stays in Bali (Over 90 Days in Bali)

If you’re planning a long term stay in Bali, a simple tourist in Bali registration won’t be enough. If you are using your overseas phone in Bali, you will have to register its IMEI.

What is an IMEI? An IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-17-digit code that is given to every mobile phone. This number is used by service providers to uniquely identify valid devices.

The day you arrive at the airport in Bali, make sure you register your phone for a $500 exemption.

The IMEI registration tent is at the baggage claim belt, before exiting the arrivals hall.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Office of Taxes & Duties here in Bali.

You’ll have to pay taxes. In general, the amount of tax to be paid by foreigners is 40% of the cost of the phone. Say for instance that your phone cost $800. Minus the $500 exemption. Then the tax you have to pay is $120.

If you did not register your phone in Bali on the day of your arrival, the tax will be charged from the full cost of the phone device.

Steps To Register

Step 1 : Download the Mobile BeaCukai App or visit www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html

Step 2: Fill the application form & Get the QR Code and Registration ID

Step 3: Bring your items to Custom Inspections

Step 4: Scan the QR code

Step 5: Approval by Customs

If you have any doubts, feel free to reach out to us directly as well! We would be more than happy to help you get ready for your Bali trip.

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Register Mobile Phone's IMEI to Use Local SIM Card in Indonesia

Haven't visited Indonesia for more than two years? Or is it your first time to come to Indonesia? You may not know that you need to register your mobile phone's IMEI ( international mobile equipment identity ) number with the Indonesian customs in order to use local SIM card in Indonesia if your mobile phone is bought outside of Indonesia. The rule, that was started since October 2020, aims to eradicate illegal phone trade in Indonesia.

For a short stay (less than 90 days), you can register your phone in person with your passport and the phone at any official office or shop of Indonesian mobile operator (e.g., Telkomsel). The 'tourist' registration is free of charge and valid for 3 months and can be extended for another 3 months.

For a long stay (more than 90 days), you would need to pay for the tax fee, that is 41% of the phone cost. For Indonesian citizen and KITAS holder with a tax number (NPWP), the tax amount will be 31% of the phone cost. Note that it would be better to do the IMEI registration at Customs Office at the airport in Jakarta or in Bali as you will get 500 USD discount of the phone cost . So it will be free of charge if the phone value is not over 500 USD. You will not get this benefit if you do the IMEI registration in the Tax Office outside the airport.

How to register the phone IMEI for long stay?

Fill in the registration form in the following website: https://www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html

Show the QR code to the officer of the Customs at the arrival airport

Pay the tax as quoted by the Custom officer

After paying the tax, your phone will be able to connect to Indonesian mobile network with local SIM card in 1-2 days.

*If you had used your phone in Indonesia with local SIM card before April 2020, there is a chance that the IMEI number has been registered. To check the IMEI registration status online, you may enter the IMEI number in the following website: https://imei.kemenperin.go.id/ .

Planning to visit Indonesia soon? Check our trip ideas or create your own trip in EzeeGo.app .

Visiting Bali? You can purchase an Indonesian 4G SIM card in advance here and then pick it up in Bali Ngurah Rai airport.

Kustini Lim-Wavde

Founder & CEO of EzeeGo.app

© EzeeGo.app PT. Mitra Jurni Digital 2024 All Rights Reserved.

Indonesian Visitor SIM Cards: Which is the Best SIM Card for Bali?

Travelling to the Island of the Gods?  Bali is a popular tourist destination and buying a SIM Card in Bali is cheap and easy.  Indonesia has several mobile providers, but these three networks have 90% of the market share.

• Telkomsel (Simpati),

 Where to Buy?

It is not advisable to buy SIMs at the airport as prices can be much higher there, costing up to 350,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) which is around ~26USD rather than the 150,000 IDR (~11USD) you might pay elsewhere. Generally speaking, tourists are likely to pay higher prices for SIMs than locals, but this is exacerbated at airport vendors.

SIM cards on their own are likely to cost around 5,000 IDR (Around USD 0.40), which you can then load with an amount of credit – meaning the whole package is likely to cost between 10,000 and 150,000 IDR depending on the amount of included data/credit.

You can buy a SIM card from phone shops in malls and city centres, or from one of the many convenience stores around Bali, including Circle K, Alfamart and Indomart. If you can’t find one, look for the word ‘pulsa’ on shop signs, which means credit.

Make sure that shopkeepers are not overpricing the SIMs. Each vendor decides their own price for the SIM, regardless of the price, which may get covered by a sticker.  If a shopkeeper is asking too much then head elsewhere.

Setting up the SIM is straightforward but will require your passport as registration is needed. You should let whoever sells the SIM do this for you, unless you can speak Bahasa Indonesia !

Once you have purchased the SIM, they should give you a receipt with codes for dialling to recharge your balance and other network services.

If you are concerned this might be difficult, or want to avoid the hassle. Then you can get a SIM delivered  before you fly.

Can’t be bothered with buying a local SIM in Bali? Want to buy before you fly?

 Topping up

You can topup your SIM at one of the hundreds of kiosks and vendors. Simply look for a sign that says ‘pulsa’, meaning credit, and give your number to the vendor. There is often a very small surcharge for the service. Be aware that most providers don’t allow you to top up online so you will need to do this during business hours, unless you buy the myXL SIM, which allows you to top up by app.

 Wifi Availability

On the whole, free public Wifi is not widespread in Bali, but many coffee shops etc do provide it. However, this is likely to be slower than you are used to ( 100-200KB/s) compared to the average US speed of  50MB per second.

 ‘Our top pick for Bali’

XL Axiata is our top pick for its good reputation, customer service focus, and convenient English app.

Speed-wise, XL Axiata promises internet speed up to 100Mbps, which may not seem alot but might be realistic given the infrastructure. Coverage is also very reasonable and will cover main tourist areas.

XL Axiata also have a nice app called myXL that allows you to check your balance, manage data usage , and top up both credit and data with a card.  This makes the provider a good choice for those apprehensive about possible language difficulties.

 Customer Service

• Call: 00 62 21 57959817
• E-mail: [email protected]

 Useful USSD Codes

• Check your remaining balance *123# 

‘Good choice for travellers in Bali and the rest of Indonesia’

Telkomsel is the largest provider and have the most extensive coverage, their ‘SimPATI’ plan is the most popular and well-suited to travelers. It is a good choice if you are travelling to remote villages or islands, but will work equally in tourist destinations like Bali and Yogakarta.

Telkomsel may have slightly higher prices, but this is not so significant as all the networks are relatively cheap. To buy, a SIM equipped with 4G should cost around 100-150k IRD.

• Check data balance *889# 
• Check balance *888# 

Indosat Claims to be Indonesia’s fastest 4G network, but this is disputable. However, as connection speeds are generally quite because of undeveloped infrastructure, most mobile connections are likely to be quite slow.

The Indosat freedom max SIM generally has cheaper prices than Telkomsel, and still has good coverage in tourist areas and the main islands of Bali, Kalimatan, Java, Sulawesi and Sumatra.

They also allow you to access Facebook without using your data quota, and give a f ree subscription to iflix: Watch thousands of hours of TV with no subscription fee. (This one might be difficult to take advantage of on such low connection speeds). Find m ore info in English: https://indosatooredoo.com/en/personal/freedommax .

• E-mail: [email protected]
• Check balance: *388# / *555# 

 ‘Top for convenience’

An Australian-owned company, SIMjek offer local SIMs and mobile hotspot rentals, they offer a variety of packages, with a maximum usable period of 30 days.

This is a 3G SIM, ready to use, that can be delivered to your hotel, villa or directly to the airport exit gate. You can order from simjek.com A perfect service if you need a SIM card ready to use as soon as you arrive, but is slightly more expensive.

SIMjek supply SIMS running on the Telkomsel network.

So, which is the best SIM card for Bali?

This depends on how you intend to use it, and how seasoned a traveller a you are.

• For most travelers, we would recommend XL Axiata .
• If you want the easiest and most convenient service delivered, use SIMjek .
• For those who might be traveling to more remote areas and would benefit from the greater coverage, use Telkomsel .

Indonesia Phone Numbers Mobile phone numbers in Indonesia are ten digits long and start with 08. The country code for Indonesia is +62.

To reach your mobile in Indonesia from abroad, callers need to dial 0062 and then your number. 00 is the International Access Code and 62 is the Indonesia country code.

Useful Contacts

Police: 110 Tourist Police: (Bali) (0361) 754 599 / (0361) 224 111 Ambulance and Rescue: 118 Fire: 113

Useful Indonesian Phrases

Greeting: Apa kabar? Do you speak English? Anda bisa bicara bahasa inggris? I do not speak Indonesian: Saya tidak berbicara indonesia I don’t understand: Saya tidak mengerti Where are the SIM cards: Di mana kartu SIMs? Thank you: Terima kasih

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Buying a Sim Card for Bali in 2024

Planning your trip to Bali and wondering what is the best way to get connected? Don't get stuck with high roaming costs or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Bali.

Find out everything you need to know about Bali sim cards. Where to buy a sim card for Bali, up to date prices as per April 2024, my recommendation, a vlog about my arrival and experiences at Bali Airport, the best e-sim cards for Bali, the best 4G/5G network coverage, a comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for Bali, info about international sim cards and more.

As a full time world traveler and nomad I am constantly on the road and visiting new countries. In 2022 I visited 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many prepaid and e-sim cards I used over the last 2 years.

After using almost 400 different sim cards worldwide over the last 10 years I dare to say with a lot of confidence that local prepaid sim cards are in general the cheapest way to stay connected. However, depending on the length of your trip and how much data you use e-sim cards could be even cheaper when traveling to Bali.

Both sim cards save you from excessive high roaming costs and slow overseas data plans. Trust me these data roaming plans reduce your internet speed. If you think you are good with using your sim card from home on your trip to Bali you might end up with 3G data speed when there is already is 5G in Bali. More about that later…

As Traveltomtom is passionated about writing sim card guides for every destination I visit and I am also trying to visit every country in the world you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world on Traveltomtom: Australia ,  Sydney , Melbourne , Brisbane , New Zealand ,  Asia ,  Europe , Germany , France , UK , Italy , Spain ,  Singapore , Hong Kong , Philippines ,  Thailand , Malaysia , Dubai , Turkey and many more.

Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for Indonesia in 2024 as well as an e-sim guide with a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Indonesia .

So when planning your next adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your next destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money.

RELATED: 11 Best Bali Bamboo Houses for a Romantic Getaway .

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Telkomsel prepaid sim card for Bali. Telkomsel has the most advanced 4G/5G mobile data network in Bali and offers big data plans for tourists so you don’t need to worry using a lot of Gigabytes every day scrolling to Instagram stories or watching TikToks.

However, it leaves no doubt that the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Bali in 2024 is an e-sim card. Great thing is that there are already e-sim cards from just $5.5 USD. You arrange everything online and as soon as you land you are already connected to the internet.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia via either Nomad , SimOptions or Airalo .

Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 , including a comparison of the best e-sim cards and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims.

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If your phone is not e-sim compatible then you have to look into physical prepaid sim cards, so called international prepaid sim cards for traveling. You also order them online. These sim cards are valid in multiple countries and also works in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai, etc. Have a look at my comparison of the best sim cards for traveling in 2024  if this sounds interesting to you.

Be aware that if you want to use a Bali prepaid sim card your phone needs to be unlocked. This also applies for international sim cards and for using e-sim cards for Bali. If you are unsure if your phone is locked or unlocked contact your mobile internet provider in your home country. In general European phones are unlocked but US phones often tend to be locked!

Best e-sim cards for Bali

The most convenient way to get instantly connected on arrival in Bali is an e-sim card. You arrange everything online within just a couple minutes.

No more visiting a shop, swapping physical sim cards or buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Bali.

You order an e-sim card for Bali on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have an Indonesia e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Bali it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia.

Want to know more about using e-sim cards when traveling to Indonesia then click on the link and read my complete guide including all FAQ.

There are a couple trusted and by Traveltomtom reviewed and recommended e-sim providers that Traveltomtom recommends.

Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. Here are the Airalo e-sim card plans for Bali for 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.5 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.75 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD

Click here to directly order an e-sim card for Bali via Airalo .

The above e-sim cards from Indotel are data-only and operate on the Telkomsel 4G/LTE network, the best mobile data network in Indonesia.

Traveltomtom surely also recommends SimOptions for e-sim cards. However, their Indonesia e-sim cards for Bali are more expensive than other e-sim card providers like Airalo and Nomad.

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
• 3 GB data for 15 days = $12.90 USD
• 5 GB data for 15 days = $16.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to directly order an e-sim card for Bali via SimOptions .

Then last but not least there is also Nomad, fairly new to Traveltomtom, but I have used their e-sim cards in already more than 10 countries around the world. For Indonesia they actually have the best value e-sim card deal. So when traveling to Bali definitely keep this e-sim card in mind.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Indonesia in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
• 20 GB data for 45 days = $39 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Indonesia from Nomad .

As I mentioned, Nomad has the cheapest e-sim cards for Indonesia and they go as low as $1.95 USD per Gigabyte on their 20 GB data plan for $39 USD.

Mind you that not all phones are e-sim card compatible and the online available Bali e-sim cards do not support local calls, they are data-only!

For more detailed info about e-sims see my guide with a comparison of the best e-sim cards for Indonesia in 2024 .

Why buying a sim card for Bali

No need to tell you that your phone is pretty useless these days without a working data connection. Imagine looking for direction on Google Maps but you don’t have internet, or finding nearby restaurants, info about traveling or ordering a taxi through an app. Or what about emergencies like opening your banking apps or using WhatsApp to inform your relatives or finding friends or simply keeping up with all social media.

Having data on your phone when traveling to Bali makes life much easier!

Also don’t rely on public WiFi, not everywhere it is available or as fast as you hoped it would be and also another reminder that public WiFi is through an unsecured network. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data.

Local prepaid sim card, international sim cards and e-sim cards for Bali use a secured network and your data is protected. That said, many travelers still use VPN services for extra data protection.

Where to buy a sim card for Bali

As I have mentioned before you can buy sim cards for Bali on the internet. These international sim cards you order online and they will be shipped to your home address before your Bali trip. E-sim cards are even easier and you arrange everything online within a couple minutes. So these are 2 options…

However, the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling to Bali is a local prepaid sim card and these you can only buy in Bali, not online.

Denpasar Bali Airport - DPS

The best place to buy a prepaid sim card for Bali is on arrival at Denpasar International Airport - DPS. Straight after you got your passport stamped you walk through duty free and at the end of the duty free you will already see a couple tables where they sell sim cards for Bali. You can’t miss it!

It is the first thing you see when you walk in to the baggage claim area. Next to luggage belt 4 they sell Telkomsel prepaid sim cards. It is the first place where you can buy a sim card for Bali on arrival.

Buying a sim card for Bali at Denpasar Airport is more expensive than in a phone store around the island. The cheapest sim card at the luggage belt shop cost 400K IDR which is around $26 USD and that is expensive for Bali. But when you keep walking it already gets cheaper after passport control.

After you collect your luggage and you pass the customs baggage check you come out in a huge spacious arrival hall. At first you will see ATM’s and money exchange but if you follow the path you will find an XL and a Telkomsel store on your left hand side.

These are two of the main mobile internet operators in Indonesia and they sell prepaid sim cards for tourists here in Bali.

Opposite the XL store there is also a small kiosk of Smartfren they also sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. Smartfren is the only mobile internet provider that sells e-sim cards for tourists in Bali. More about it later.

Then there is a kiosk from IM3 from Ooredoo/Indosat opposite the Starbucks where you can also buy a sim card for Bali.

All of these sim card shops are open for every incoming flight so from early morning till late at night and they all accept credit card payments as well as Indonesian Rupiahs.

As you can see there are multiple places at Denpasar Airport to buy a sim card for your trip to Bali.

Here is my vlog about my arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali and my experiences buying a local prepaid sim card for Bali.

Any phone store around Bali

In case you forgot to buy a sim card at Bali Airport or you want the cheapest Bali sim card deals then you can go all around Bali to any random phone store or official retail store and buy a prepaid sim card for Bali in a phone shop.

Buying a Bali sim card in a phone store across Bali is in fact is much cheaper. Prices for Bali tourist sim cards at Denpasar Airport are much higher. However, we are literally talking about just a couple dollars. If you are backpacking to Bali I totally understand, but keep in mind that you will have to find a phone store nearby your hotel, deal with language barriers, and most probably even have to negotiate, etc.

However, fact is that sim cards for Bali at Denpasar Airport are more expensive than shops away from the airport.

But what is the best Bali sim card for tourists? Let’s look at the prices as well as the 4G/5G network coverage.

Registration Process

When buying a new Bali sim card you need to bring your passport. Without a passport foreigners can’t register a sim card in Indonesia! In the store a copy of your passport will be taken and your new Bali sim card will be registered under your name and passport number.

Bali sim cards are free! Which means you do not need to pay for registration or the sim card itself. Some operators advertise with free Bali sim card, but all prepaid sim cards in Bali are free. Some local phone shops do charge a couple dollars for the registration as they are resellers and somehow need to make money.

Be aware that if you are staying in Bali longer than 60 days your phone will automatically be blocked from using any available mobile network until you pay an import tax for bringing your phone to Indonesia. If you are staying shorter than 90 days the registration is for free.

Prices Bali Prepaid Sim Cards in 2024

Local prepaid sim card prices and data packages constantly change. Traveltomtom travels to Bali often himself and tries to keep this article as up to date as possible, but your input is also highly appreciated. So if you have new info please leave me a comment at the end of this article

These are the up to date prices for prepaid sim cards in Bali as of April 2024. $1 USD = 15,900 IDR and 10,000 IDR = $0.65 USD.

• 25 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR
• 30 GB data for 30 days = 300K IDR
• 45 GB data for 30 days = 350K IDR
• 60 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR

Credit for calls needs to be added separately.

You can also see in the picture above that Smartfren is the only mobile internet provider in Bali who offers e-sim cards for tourists, all the other mobile internet operators do only sell physical sim cards for tourists. This is still up to date as per April 2024.

Which means when buying a Smartfren prepaid sim card you can choose to get an e-sim card or a physical prepaid sim card. If you opt for an e-sim card Smartfren charges you an extra 75,000 IDR which is around $5 USD.

IM3 - Indosat/Ooredoo

• 18 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR
• 30 GB data for 30 days = 350K IDR
• 45 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR
• 70 GB data for 30 days = 550K IDR

These are data-only sim card plans and credit for calls needs to be added separately.

As mentioned before IM3 Indosat/Ooredoo also does NOT offer e-sim cards for Bali, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are available.

At the XL store in the arrival hall they sell the following XL Bali tourist sim cards:

• 18 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR - $16 USD
• 25 GB data for 30 days = 350K IDR 
• 44 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR
• 75 GB data for 30 days = 550K IDR
• 120 GB data for 30 days = 650K IDR

Here is a more specified overview of all the sim cards XL Axiata offers for arriving tourists at Denpasar Airport.

As mentioned before XL Axiata also does NOT offer e-sim cards for Bali, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are available.

 These are the Telkomsel prepaid sim card deals at Bali International Airport in Denpasar:

• 25 GB data for 30 days = 400K IDR - $25.5 USD
• 51 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR
• 100 GB data for 30 days = 850K IDR - $54 USD
• 200 GB data for 30 days = 1,250K IDR

Credit for calls need to be added separately.

As mentioned before Telkomsel also does NOT offer e-sim cards for Bali, only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are available.

Best 4G/5G network in Bali in 2024

As prices for Bali prepaid sim cards are more or less the same lets zoom in on the network coverage maps for Bali and compare the 4G/5G network coverage maps of the mobile internet operators Xl Axiata, IM3, Smartfren and Telkomsel to find the best mobile data network in 2024.

Is there 5G in Bali?

Yes, Telkomsel was the first mobile internet operator to offer 5G in Bali. The other Indonesian mobile internet operators now also started to roll out 5G in Bali but as per January 2024 the 5G network in Bali is still very limited.

In fact 5G is only available around the Denpasar Airport, Kuta and Nusa Dua area and not yet in other popular Bali tourist spots. But I am sure that will improve rapidly! Let me show you the Bali 4G/5G coverage maps .

Telkomsel 4G/5G network coverage map

XL 4G/5G network coverage map

Smartfren 4G/5G network coverage map

IM3 4G/5G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Bali in 2024.

From the above 4G/5G Bali coverage maps we can clearly see that Telkomsel has the most advanced mobile data network in Bali in 2024. XL Axiata is a very good second best and they are expanding their 5G network rapidly.

The Smartfren 5G network is still very limited as well as the 5G network of IM3 in Bali.

That said, all mobile internet operators cover all Bali tourist attractions and the best places to visit in Bali with at least a 4G/LTE signal. However, it also comes down to the capacity of the network as the more users on the same line the more it slows down your data speed.

Because the data network of Telkomsel is the most advanced and the strongest they can pretty much guarantee the fastest data speed in Bali.

Best Bali sim card in 2024

If you are a heavy data user international sim card or e-sim cards for Bali are more expensive compared to local prepaid sim cards in Bali from for example Telkomsel or XL. When using a lot of data you most probably also want the best and fastest data speed, so heavy data users are recommended to buy a local prepaid sim card in Bali on arrival.

Are you a heavy data user? Just go to the settings on your phone and check how much data you use per application. Is Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Snapchat topping the list than most probably you are indeed a heavy data user.

After comparing all the prices for Bali prepaid sim cards and the comparison of the best 4G/5G network in Bali Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Telkomsel is the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Bali in 2024.

Buying a sim card for Bali on arrival at Denpasar International Airport is the fastest and most convenient place to get connected when arriving in Indonesia. But for that convenience you pay a couple dollar extra.

If you really want the cheapest Bali sim card deals you should not buy a sim card at Denpasar Airport on arrival, but at any random mobile phone shop near your hotel. Go where the local go and save a couple dollars. But trust me you won't be saving much more than $3 - $5 USD.

So what about e-sim cards? Does Traveltomtom recommend e-sim cards for traveling to Bali?

Well, yes surely I do. In fact on my last trip I used a Nomad e-sim card with 20 GB data for $39 USD. Why? Because I want to be online as soon as the plane lands and I am too lazy to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival.

Because also if you just need a couple Gigabytes to stay connected then e-sim cards are very cheap and a great solution. SimOptions has an e-sim card for Indonesia from just $4.90 USD.

Check out Traveltomtom's guide about the best e-sim cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 for more detailed info, answers to FAQ about e-sims and everything else you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia.

Order a prepaid sim card for Bali online

If your phone isn’t compatible for e-sim cards and you want to order a physical sim card for Bali then have a look at the following international prepaid sim cards for Bali that you can order directly online via SimOptions.

These physical pre-activated travel sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip and are automatically activated from its first use. It is plug and play.

Check out the following data-only international prepaid sim cards for Bali:

• 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD

Click here to order an international sim card for Bali online via SimOptions .

Find more info in the link above. Keep in mind that these international prepaid sim cards are valid in up to 124 countries around the world.

Also a last reminder that if you phone is e-sim compatible you can order an e-sim card for Bali directly online via either  SimOptions ,  Airalo or Nomad and arrange everything within just a couple minutes and you are all set to travel to Bali.

Local prepaid sim cards for Bali vs. e-Sim cards and international sim cards

With a local prepaid sim card you get much more data for the same price and the best network connection and data speed possible. With an international sim card or an e-sim card for Bali you are basically a guest on another mobile operators network. Which means your data speed is potentially lower, especially during peak hours when you are being put in the back of the line to use the available bandwidth.

Therefore Traveltomtom prefers local prepaid sim cards over e-sim cards or international sim cards for traveling to Bali. 

However, it is a fact that if it comes to convenience e-sim cards are just so easy to buy and install that even I sometimes choose the easy way out and order an e-sim card for my trip to Bali.

If you want to buy a local e-sim card for tourists in Bali then as of April 2024 only Smartfren offers e-sim cards in Bali and only at their kiosk at Denpasar Airport. Telkomsel, XL and Indosat do NOT sell e-sim cards for tourists and only have physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.

My experiences buying a sim card for Bali

Traveltomtom recently (November 2023) visited Bali again for the 9th time and when landed in Jakarta I bought an XL sim card just to see what its performance would be. In Jakarta I had little problems, but in Bali I experienced the weaker 4G/LTE network strength, especially indoors the XL sim card for Indonesia was a little disappointing. I still prefer and recommend a Telkomsel sim card for traveling to Bali.

Because of the weak signal at some places with my XL prepaid sim card I also ordered a Nomad e-sim card with 20 GB data. The Nomad e-sim cards for Bali operate on the Telkomsel network. So whenever I didn't have proper signal I switched from the Nomad e-sim to the XL prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for buying a prepaid sim card for Bali and my tips about e-sim cards and staying connected when traveling to Bali were helpful.

If you have any more questions then please leave me a comment below and I will do my best to instantly reply. On Traveltomtom you will find uncountable Bali travel tips. One of my favorite Bali blogs is about the best bamboo and treehouses in Bali . So when looking for unique places to stay this is a must-read.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Bali!

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Bringing your Mobile Phone to Indonesia and using local SIMcard

• Thread starter pantaiema
• Start date May 1, 2022

Well-Known Member

• May 1, 2022

I just got information from Colleagues that those arriving in Indonesia since April 2020, will need to have their IMEI of their phones registered to be able to use the local simcard. Is it true ?? What about if you are using three (3) I know three have "free at home" where you oculd use three SImcard bought overseas to be used in Indonesia, free roaming. Also AFAIK three also has network in Indonesia so thre should not a problem, imo. Has anone tried this ?? thanks  

It's the phone not the simcard For tax  

Yes, it is true. You have to register your IMEI of your phone https://imei.kemenperin.go.id/ You will recieve a QR code and with that code you can go to the Tax Office to pay tax bea cukai. You have 60 days to do so https://www.beacukai.go.id/cek-imei.html  

• There is a tourist SIM available, but is very limited in locations and options at this time. Hopefully they will expand the options and availability, but it will never be a good solution for someone staying for longer periods. https://www.telkomsel.com/en/perdana/tourist-prepaid-card
• A phone using a foreign SIM card and roaming in Indonesia will work. Generally the costs will be higher than a local card, but this may be a good solution for some people.

R Cameron said: If you are just entering the country with the phone you will not pay any tax for phones up to $500, over $500 you will pay some customs import tax. Click to expand...

R Cameron said: There are two exceptions to the registration requirement that I am aware of; There is a tourist SIM available, but is very limited in locations and options at this time. Hopefully they will expand the options and availability, but it will never be a good solution for someone staying for longer periods. https://www.telkomsel.com/en/perdana/tourist-prepaid-card A phone using a foreign SIM card and roaming in Indonesia will work. Generally the costs will be higher than a local card, but this may be a good solution for some people. Click to expand...

Not for tourist It works for 30 days or something I think  

pantaiema said: Is it about a new or used phone ? Keep in mind when he bought mobile devices in his own countries he already paid duties. Does he need to pay tax for his own belonging ? So if you are using a mobile devices not bought in Indonesia, you will not be able to use it with Indonesian SIMcard or get hammered by roaming fees ?? It seems to me it is quite extreme as any short term tourist will not be able to use his own phone. Or alternatively to buy the used phone ito be used with local sim card. But even like this it is still a big problem as he will not be able to use his own number from country of origin ?? Click to expand...

a-sha said: After 24h on arrival you have 60 days to register on line and pay bea cukai at the tax office at the airport Soekano Hatta or Halim. After 60 days your IMEI is blocked to use in Indonesia with an Indonesian SIM card. It is what it is. Click to expand...

a-sha said: Your phone, old or new brought into this country, can be used in Indonesia, but only with Wifi. If you want to use this phone with Indonenesian SIM card you have to register the IMEI of this phone. When you enter Indonesia in Jakarta Hatta airport (on arrival) and register there right away, all phones with a value lower than 500 dollars (threshold) are free of bea cukai. If I am not mistaken. After 24h on arrival you have 60 days to register on line and pay bea cukai at the tax office at the airport Soekano Hatta or Halim. After 60 days your IMEI is blocked to use in Indonesia with an Indonesian SIM card. It is what it is. I did that with 2 phones. It is around 20 (income tax) + 10 (VAT) +10 (import tax) procent of the value of the phone (present value). View attachment 2492 Click to expand...

R Cameron said: Are you saying a someone can use their foreign phone for 59 days with any common Indonesian SIM card without registering it? I have heard speculation that this could be the case, but I have not seen anything official or a reputable story of someone who has done it. Click to expand...

• May 3, 2022

The important thing to remember is that on entering Indonesia with the phone it needs to be registered at the airport to get the 500$ duty free exemption, I believe there is also a 10-day window on this exemption at customs office. Ater that taxes are paid on full value of phone as estimated by Customs (not by you). The "tourist" SIM card good for 3 months on any phone are only available in Bali in Kuta Telkom office. I believe small warung cannot sell. I have not yet heard of other locations or seen a listing.  

• How did they know that you have "non-indonesian" mobile phone without registering it ??
• Is it requirement that any phone brought into Indonesian territory need the IMEI to be registered?
• Do they check this using questionary when you arrive in the airport ? If not what happen if you just pass the exit gate without declaring it ?. I am already aware that it will not work with Indonesian SIMcard.
• I know three (3) in Europe have "feel at home" arrangement where you could used your three allowance without paying any roaming fee. Indonesia, few other countries, and almost all countries in Europe belongs to this "feel at home" arrangement. Has anyone tried this recently and it is still working after 30 days ?

pantaiema said: It get me really surprised to know that even it is your own "used" phone, you will still need to pay duty to be used in Indonesia with Indonesian simcard. Keep in mind, when you bought your new phone from any country in the world, you have paid the custom duty. Just imagine if every country on this world applies this principle, you might be paying custom duties 10x , for the same phone if you are a nomad. Has anyone seen the same practice in other countries. I have the following question: How did they know that you have "non-indonasian" mobile phone without registering it ?? Is it requirement that any phone brought into Indonesian territory need the IMEI to be registered? Do they check this using questionary when you arrive in the airport ? I know three (3) in Europe have "feel at home" arrangement where you could used your three allowance without paying any roaming fee. Indonesia and almost all coutnries in europe belongs to this "feel at home". Has anyone tried this recently and it is still working after 30 days ? TIA Click to expand...

• They know it's "non-indonesian" because it's not in their registration list. They are using a "white-listing" scheme where every valid IMEI is registered and anything unregistered will be blocked.
• Yes, if you want to use it with a normal Indonesian cellular data plan. Registration is not required if you simply want to use it offline and on wifi. For short term travelers there is a tourist plan with limited availability, or they can use their foreign provider with roaming options.
• No one will check at the airport. It is up to you to go to the registration counter if you want to register your phone.
• If your billing is still through the foreign company and you are "roaming", it should keep working. If it stops working it is likely because of the provider not the Indonesian government. Roaming plans typically have many conditions in the small print.

pantaiema said: I got really surprised to know that even it is your own "used" phone, you will still need to pay duty to be used in Indonesia with an Indonesian simcard. Click to expand...

• May 4, 2022

I couldn't use my mobile phone with Telkomsel sim card when visited Jakarta Nov last year. Instead of return to the airport after quarantined, I stopped at Telkomsel GraPARI. They told me I can use my phone for 3 months. Stayed in Indonesia for 2.5 months only. Now I transit in Doha, insert my Telkomsel sim card, it still work. Not sure whether it still work when I arrive in Jakarta tonigh. Let see  

Landed at Soetta, my phone was not working. No network. Took approx 5 minute to register IMEI. Easy and free. Still not working. They told me will need 2hours to 2 days to activate it. Let see  

Better than expected, just received notification, I can use my mobile in less than a hour.  

• May 5, 2022

Wisnu said: Landed at Soetta, my phone was not working. No network. Took approx 5 minute to register IMEI. Easy and free. Still not working. They told me will need 2hours to 2 days to activate it. Let see Click to expand...

• May 6, 2022
• What information do you need to supply when register the IMEI. do you need to show your passport ?? ?? IMEI, definitely. What about other things such as full address, country of residence, nationalities, Tax ID, religion, etc
• I understand US$500 is based on their valuation. What about if you get the phone on a discounted price, could you argue with them showing the copy of receipt when you bought it online, or showing the website
• What about you carry 2-3 "used" mobile devices with just below US$500 of each ?

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Rule for Registering IMEI in Indonesia?

Under the regulation, phones with international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) — a unique code assigned to every SIM card slot a phone has — that have not been registered in Indonesia will not be able to connect to any of the country’s cellular services.

The rules have slightly changed, now foreigner can use their phone for a period of 90 days without registering!

Read more in our Blog about this: http://samesame.id/news/how-to-register-your-phone-as-a-foreigner-in-indonesia/

The Ministry of Industries, one of the initiators of the regulation, has launched a page where users can enter their phone’s IMEI to see if it’s registered in the government’s database of legally approved phones.

You can view the page  here .

Your phone’s IMEI should be available in the about section of its settings. Alternatively, you can dial *#06# to automatically bring up your phone’s IMEI.

What to do if it’s not registered?

If you register device at airport within 24 hours of arrival you don’t pay customs tax on devices less than the value of US$500. Anything above that you have to pay 40% tax.

If it’s more than 24 hours after you arrive you pay 40% tax regardless of the value of device. In this case you have to register your mobile device at the tax office

Bring your:

• boarding pass or flight ticket
• IMEI number

You can WhatsApp them from their official website, if you have any questions.

Link to official website : https://www.beacukai.go.id/lang.html?language=en

Further Reading...

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This is such a bulshit foreigners tourist dont have to subscribe but Indonesian people who live abroad have to subscribe IMEI like locals even if they are on vacation. The rule is so damn wrong because these people have to go back to their other country. But still this government makes this rule so difficult because there are too many things they want to see. Just say i am tourist and give a sin card why all the admin while the person lives abroad not in Indonesia. So stupid!

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What's The Best eSIM For Indonesia? We've Ranked the Top Providers in 2024

Jan Watermann

As a digital nomad, Jan is an expert in cross-border money transfers and internationalization. At Monito, he shares his knowledge by writing content geared primarily towards a German-speaking audience.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Known for its tropical islands like Bali and Lombok, ancient temples, and pristine nature, Indonesia isn't popular with tourists without reason. If you're planning to visit the country soon, it should come as no surprise that you won't be able to call, SMS, or access the web on the go with your smartphone as you usually would at home, and if you do manage to get connected via roaming, it can result in hefty additional charges.

However, none of this means you should leave your smartphone at home. If your device is a newish model (i.e., from 2019 or later), there's a good chance it'll support an eSIM. These nifty digital SIM cards can be downloaded and installed before you travel, promising blazing-fast internet in Indonesia at a very low cost compared to roaming and great convenience compared to physical SIMs. In this guide, we explore everything you have to know about eSIMs in Indonesia and what the best deals might be for you.

Dodge sky-high roaming costs, unexpected data charges, or spotty service on your trip to Indonesia by using an eSIM from Airalo to connect directly to local network providers like Telkomsel.

✨ If you're a new customer, use code MONITO15 to get 15% off your first Airalo eSIM, and if you're a returning customer, use MONITO10 to get 10% off today! Go to Airalo now to get started.

As we'll explore in more depth in this guide, when choosing an eSIM, you have two options. The first option is for you to go through a digital eSIM provider, and the second option is to purchase an eSIM directly from your network provider or carrier. We strongly recommend the first option. After all, with reputable online providers, you can always be sure you'll get good support, excellent rates, and quality instructions that normally exceed those of the big carriers.

According to our review and comparison of the best options on the market, here are the three best eSIM providers for Indonesia and other countries worldwide:

What's The Best eSIM for Indonesia?

• 01. Airalo: Best eSIM for Indonesia in general scroll down
• 02. Holafly: Best eSIM for Indonesia for unlimited data scroll down
• 03. Yesim: A great alternative all around scroll down
• 04. Why using an eSIM is a great idea for Indonesia scroll down
• 05. What are the pros and cons of using an eSIM? scroll down
• 06. How to call from Indonesia scroll down
• 07. Recapping the best eSIMs for Indonesia scroll down
• 08. FAQ about the best eSIM for Indonesia scroll down

Best Overall: Airalo

Airalo  is an excellent eSIM provider for Indonesia . Its online platform offers global access to eSIMs through collaboration with big local telecom providers. In Indonesia, for example, Airalo works directly with Telkomsel to provide you with high-speed coverage directly from their networks, wherever you are in the country.

Once-off prices for eSIMs for Indonesia range from $5.50 to $40 and include between 1 GB and 20 GB of data. Most travellers should be able to get by with these amounts without any problems. Setting up and activating your eSIM happens entirely on your smartphone and it's very quick – in our test, it took us just two minutes (watch our how-to video on YouTube to see how it's done). What's more, if you start running low on data during your trip, you can easily top this up via the Airalo app. This lets you save time and hassle compared to buying a physical SIM, where you'd usually need to stand in line at the counter to buy or top up your card or package.

We recommend Airalo in general, especially if you travel often. The service provides an excellent connectivity companion while you're abroad. To find out more about this excellent eSIM provider, take a look at our in-depth Airalo review .

Considering Airalo? Take advantage of the following special offers until the 31st of December 2024:

• New customer? Use the code   MONITO15   to claim a 15% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.  Ts & Cs  apply.
• Returning customer? Use the code  MONITO10  to claim a 10% discount on all Airalo eSIMs.

Go to Airalo now to get started! ✨

Best For Unlimited Data: Holafly

Holafly  is another trusted eSIM service which only provides packages with unlimited data to dozens of countries worldwide. Although these packages cost quite a bit more than the smaller Airalo packages, in return, they offer the certainty that you'll never use up all your data.

For trips to Indonesia, Holafly's data packages cost between $21 and $139 once off and are valid from five to 90 days. Like Airalo, Holafly also works with domestic carriers, so you'll get coverage like a local no matter where you travel in the country (although in remote regions, coverage can become spotty).

Although Holafly offers unlimited data in most countries, including Indonesia, if you're a globetrotter, it's worth keeping in mind that Holafly offers limited data plans to some other destinations. Be sure to check their website or app before traveling to a new country to confirm whether Holafly's unlimited packages apply.

Although Holafly's packages are generally great if you'd like uncapped access to the web, it's worth remembering that most travellers don't usually need such a large sum of data and that normally, 5 GB to 10 GB, at most, should be enough for everyday travel needs in Indonesia like navigating, browsing, and using social media. Moreover, your speeds might be temporarily throttled if you use a very extensive amount of data (e.g., for non-stop HD streaming or downloading large files). During our test in the UK, this happened to us at around 4.5 GB of usage. Sadly, Holafly's fair use policies don't clearly outline when networks throttle speeds since it comes down to the individual network or carrier and the country you're browsing in.

If you're curious, we tested Holafly extensively to see if its data plans really live up to their 'unlimited' promise. The short answer? Yes, but there are a few things you should know. Take a look at our Holafly review to find out what they are.

Considering Holafly? Use the code  MONITO  at checkout to claim a 5% discount on all Holafly eSIMs. Go to Holafly now to get started! ✨

Another Reliable Alternative: Yesim

A smaller and newer company than Airalo and Holafly, Yesim  is a Swiss-based eSIM provider offering highly-rated eSIMs for countries around the globe. Their website and app are simple, straightforward, and easy to use, and over 300,000 customers have chosen their eSIMs so far.

Like its larger competitors, Yesim gives you a SIM card connecting to local carriers while you're abroad. It can be installed quickly and effortlessly right from the app or via a QR code sent to your email after purchase. Interestingly, alongside its eSIM service, Yesim also offers a virtual number service that allows you to get an online-only US (+1), Canadian (+1), or Israeli (+972) mobile phone number to use for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, OpenAI, Binance, Tinder, or TikTok. These virtual numbers can be used for a flat fee of $2.75 per month.

Going back to eSIMs, Yesim's packages typically cost between $7 and $28 for 3 GB to 20 GB, but only the 10 GB and 20 GB data plans last longer than 30 days (some plans up to 60 days are possible to purchase). In our opinion, this makes Yesim's offers slightly less attractive than Airalo's for travel in general.

However, it's worth remembering that Yesim's prices are often fractionally lower per gigabyte, so if you're looking for the best deal, make sure you visit Yesim's website and compare their prices to Airalo's,

How Do They Compare?

In the chart below, we've compared Airalo, Holafly, and Yesim based on a few factors you might find important on your trip to Indonesia or anywhere else in the world. As you'll see, the three are very competitive, with differences normally being slight. If you'd like to compare Holafly and Airalo directly, take a look at our side-by-side review of the two too.

Correct as of 8 March, 2024

Do I Need a SIM Card in Indonesia?

No, you don't need a SIM card as a tourist in Indonesia, but having one will enable you to make phone calls and SMSes and not to rely solely on public or hotel WiFi to access the web.

A good place to start would be to review your contract from your mobile network provider before you travel to Indonesia. Most contracts are limited to use just within your home country (or within the European Union if you live in an EU country). For all other countries, so-called 'roaming charges' typically apply. However, there is one exception: specific contracts sometimes allow you to use your data worldwide. If you have a global internet contract, you can also use it in Indonesia without unexpected roaming charges.

Otherwise, although precise roaming charges differ according to your network provider, the fees for using mobile internet in Indonesia are typically around $2 or $3 per 6 MB (six megabytes) of data used, though they could be higher still. For example, if you wanted to download an average-sized app from the Google Play Store onto your Android smartphone, you'd use around 24 MB and pay $8 to $10 in roaming charges. It should, therefore, be clear that roaming with your regular SIM card in Indonesia is generally not worthwhile and can lead to enormous costs. As we'll see in a moment, it's significantly cheaper to purchase a local Indonesian SIM card once you arrive or, better yet, an eSIM before you travel.

💳 Planning to use your credit or debit card on your Indonesian trip? You'll probably pay much more than you think in hidden exchange rate fees every time you tap your card or withdraw cash. Get a free global account and debit card with Revolut to avoid these fees and save money. Check out our ranking of the best prepaid travel debit cards to find out more about how you can save.

What Are eSIMs, Anyway?

Simply put, eSIMs are regular SIM cards that don't require inserting an actual microchip into your device while providing the same benefits. Newer smartphones (but also smartwatches, tablets, and other devices) can be equipped with eSIMs, and since you don't need an actual SIM card to install an eSIM, you can also get one before your trip to Indonesia. To do this, all you have to do is visit an online eSIM service, purchase the eSIM you want, and follow the instructions to download and install it onto your device.

Like regular SIM cards, prepaid eSIMs come bundled with a certain fixed amount of data, SMSes, or telephone minutes, which you can use at your leisure while travelling. You get to choose the package you want, and you can generally also extend your eSIM's validity easily right from an app.

Pros of Using an eSIM

In general, eSIMs have numerous advantages and are often a better alternative to using a regular SIM card for most tourists. In our opinion, the most significant advantages include:

• internet immediately upon arrival in Indonesia,
• no negotiating with SIM card sellers at the airport,
• transparent and fair pricing,
• online extension is often possible,
• credit card payment is possible,
• local telecom provider networks are used.

In our opinion, there are only a few reasons against using an eSIM when travelling to Indonesia (which we'll discuss below), and in most instances, we're sure that it's a far better deal than using your normal SIM card from your home country on Indonesian networks.

Cons of Using an eSIM

As we've already seen, eSIMs have very few drawbacks and are an excellent option for accessing mobile internet on your Indonesian vacation.

However, one disadvantage is the slightly higher upfront cost than physical SIM cards. That said, eSIMs are still comparatively cheap, especially for use in Indonesia from abroad. In our opinion, the significantly higher level of comfort and the possibility of having access to the internet immediately upon arrival are worth the extra pennies. Another disadvantage is related to installation, where the process may be unfamiliar to you if you've never installed an eSIM before. However, if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be fine.

Finally, there's the issue of compatibility: not all devices support eSIMs . If your device was released before late 2019, we recommend double-checking on the internet or contacting a representative from an eSIM service to confirm whether your device is compatible before you purchase an eSIM. In general, the following devices will support eSIMs though:

• iPhone 11 or later
• iPhone XS, iPhone XR, or iPhone SE
• iPad 7th generation or later ,
• Galaxy S20 or later
• Google Pixel 3 or later
• and many other devices (see our full list of compatible devices )

Can I Call From Indonesia With an eSIM?

Yes, you can call abroad from Indonesia with an eSIM , but once again, using your regular network provider and SIM card could result in surprisingly high calling charges at the end of the month (we've personally encountered as high as $4 per minute!). Fortunately, you can call abroad without the high costs, and there are three ways of doing this. We go through each below:

1. Voice-Over-IP (VoIP) With Data

In most cases, eSIM packages are loaded with mobile data, not with minutes or airtime. However, using your data, you can use web-based apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Skype, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime and others to stay in touch with family and friends abroad while in Indonesia.

2. eSIMs With Airtime

Some eSIM services offer talk and text packages alongside normal data packages. These allow you to make direct phone calls or SMSes via local networks in Indonesia to your home country for only a slightly higher fee than regular data packages. Not all eSIM services offer this service though, but some, like Wraptel , do.

3. International Calling Apps

If you plan to make calls from Indonesia (or anywhere else abroad) fairly regularly, then your most reliable and affordable option will be to use a third-party app. In our opinion, Rebtel is by far the best service out there , offering low rates and providing you with local Indonesian phone numbers with which you can make calls abroad as though they were completely domestic.

Although it's popular, we typically don't recommend using Google Fi for this purpose unless you plan to go back and forth from the United States regularly (since Google Fi is only available to Americans and will not work if you spend over 90 days abroad per year). In general, Rebtel's rates are more affordable than Google Fi's too. To learn more about our first-hand experience with Google Fi, look at our in-depth review .

Recap: All About eSIMs in Indonesia

Are you planning a trip in Indonesia, and do you have a modern smartphone? Then, you should certainly at least consider getting an eSIM. In our opinion, they offer almost nothing but advantages and are generally far superior to using your regular SIM card.

To find the right provider for eSIMs in Indonesia, you should compare the available options. As we've seen, we recommend looking primarily at the network provider and the price. Depending on how long you want to stay in Indonesia, Airalo, Holafly or possibly Yesim are the best choices. To recap, here are what each can offer you:

• Airalo : Best eSIM for Indonesia overall.
• Holafly : Best eSIM for unlimited data.
• Yesim : Good alternative to Airalo.
• Wraptel : Best eSIM for airtime and SMSes.
• Rebtel : Best calling service for international calls.

FAQ About The Best eSIM For Indonesia

Yes, eSIMs are safe to use in Indonesia. That's because commercial eSIM technology adheres to international security and encryption standards to store and securely access your mobile network information.

Generally, yes, but it depends on your individual needs. While eSIMs offer the advantage of remotely purchasing a SIM before you travel, making them convenient for frequent travellers, physical SIMs might still be preferable for you if you have an older smartphone model, for example.

No, eSIMs generally aren't free, with the cost in Indonesia varying based on mobile service providers and their pricing plans. However, you can generally expect to pay upwards of $5.50 to purchase an eSIM with a minimal data package for Indonesia.

Yes, you can use an eSIM on a locked phone, provided your phone is compatible with eSIM technology.

Yes, an eSIM can generally be used for calling from Indonesia, especially when paired with voice-over-IP services that connect to the internet, like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Messenger. If you'd like to call or SMS, consider finding an eSIM deal that includes airtime or minutes or use a service like Rebtel , which, for a tiny fee, provides you with a local number in place of your overseas contact's foreign number, making calling abroad significantly cheaper.

See These Other eSIM Guides

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Staying Safe in Indonesia

How do i make calls in indonesia using a landline.

Telephone numbers in Indonesia have different systems for landlines and mobile phones: landlines use area codes, while mobile phones do not. For landline area codes, the digit "0" is added in front when dialing domestic long distance from within Indonesia, but is always omitted when calling from abroad. Instead, callers would use the Indonesian country code +62, followed by the area code, without the "0". To make a phone call to Indonesia from abroad via landlines, callers dial +62, followed by the area code and subscriber's number, omitting the ‘0’.  For calls to mobile wireless phones (GSM) from abroad, callers dial +62, followed by the subscriber's number, omitting the '0'.

What are the main emergency numbers I need to know?  

• Police/General Emergencies: 110 or 112 (From Satellite and Mobile Phones)
• Ambulance and Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119
• Firefighter: 113
• Search and Rescue (BASARNAS): 115
• Natural Disaster Assistance: 129
• Useful Numbers:
• International Phone Number Information: 102
• Local Phone Number Information: 108
• Domestic Call Operator: 100 and 106
• International Call Operators: 101 and 107

Tourism Information:

• Bureau of Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism: +62 21 3838899

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Mobile phones in Indonesia

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US man returns from Europe to $143,000 T-Mobile bill for using phone overseas

Gigantic bill apparently reflected using 9.5 gigabytes of data on a phone that had not been set up for international roaming

A Florida man was stunned to come back from a European trip and – upon checking his phone bill – realize that he had been charged a staggering $143,000 by his phone company for using his device while overseas.

ABC Action News reported that Rene Remund and his wife had toured Switzerland last September and had even gone to a T-Mobile store to share his travel plan with his phone provider before leaving.

But the gigantic bill apparently reflected using some 9.5 gigabytes of data while overseas on a phone that had not been set up for international roaming.

Remund told ABC that he called T-Mobile and waited on hold while the charges were examined and the person he spoke with informed him that the bill was not a mistake and that he was liable for it.

Remund replied: “You’re kidding me?”

He then hired a lawyer, who contacted ABC for help. Shortly after T-Mobile were contacted by ABC, the company offered to credit Remund’s account.

T-Mobile told ABC : “We recommend our customers check the travel features of their plan, such as international data roaming, before departing … if a customer is on an older plan that doesn’t include international roaming for data and calling, they’ll need to make sure they’re using airplane mode and wifi when using data to be certain the device doesn’t connect to an international network.”

• Mobile phones (Technology)
• Mobile phones (Money)
• Switzerland

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