Indonesia SIM card: All you need to know to stay connected on your trip

Indonesia is an absolute treat—think sun-soaked beaches, bustling markets and food so good it could start a cult following. But here’s the thing: without a solid internet connection, your adventure could go from epic to ‘uh-oh‘ real fast.

Imagine trying to find that hidden café everyone’s raving about and ending up in someone’s backyard instead. Or bravely ordering a dish, only to realise you’ve just asked for the spiciest thing on the menu! And, you’d totally kill the vibe looking like a tourist and reading a paper map!

In this article, we explore everything you need to know about SIM cards for Indonesia and share an eSIM alternative to consider for your trip.

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Where can I buy a SIM card for Indonesia?

You’re all set for your Indonesia trip—bags packed, sunscreen ready and a playlist that screams ‘vacation mode.’ But there’s one thing left on your list: a local Indonesia SIM card.

Where do you actually get one? Let’s break down your options.

• Order online before you fly: get your SIM card delivered to you before your trip. So, when you land, you’re already connected and can post those “I’m in paradise!” pics. 
• Grab one when you land: If you’re the type who likes to roll with the punches and grab things on the fly, this option is for you. Just land, grab a SIM card (from the airport or a local store) and you’re good to go.
• Opt for an embedded SIM card (or eSIM): Who needs tiny plastic cards when you can go digital? Activate an eSIM with a few taps and boom—you’re online. It’s a travel hack for those who like to keep things slick and simple.

Let’s look at each of these in detail below:

Purchase at online stores before you travel

One of the most convenient ways to buy an Indonesia SIM card is to purchase it online before your trip. This way, you’ll have mobile internet in Indonesia from the moment you land. This saves you time and effort as you can order your SIM card from the comfort of your home. 

Here’s how to do it: 

• Browse trusted sites like Telkomsel, IM3 Indosat SIM and Smartfren (more on these in the following sections)
• Choose the SIM card that suits your trip—check the data, price coverage and validity
• Add it to your cart, enter your shipping details and place your order
• When it arrives, keep it handy in your travel gear

Once you land in Indonesia, insert the SIM into your phone and if prompted, enter the PIN provided with the SIM card packaging, or follow any activation instructions that might come with it. That’s it—you’re online!

Keep in mind potential shipping delays can ruin your perfect planning. Shipping can be unpredictable, and your SIM card might not arrive on time if you’re cutting things close to your departure date. 

Instead, if you’re eager to connect to the internet as soon as you land, consider purchasing your SIM card at the airport or a local store.

Better yet, consider investing in an eSIM and skip the manual processes altogether. An eSIM is delivered to your email inbox instead—more on this later.  

Buy upon arrival from physical stores

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can purchase an Indonesia SIM card upon your arrival. Keep in mind that you won’t have internet access until you buy and activate your SIM card—and airport WiFi is notoriously hit-and-miss.

Plus, if your flight arrives late at night or early in the morning, finding an open store might be challenging, to say the least.

Usually, prices are often marked up for tourists, so be prepared to pay a premium in airports or local stores. You’ll also need to provide your passport for registration, as Indonesian regulations require all SIM cards to be registered with an ID. 

Depending on the provider, there might be limits on how much data you can buy in one go, so it’s a good idea to check your potential plan details carefully. 

Lastly, some stores may only accept cash, so it’s wise to have some local currency in hand!

Opt for an embedded SIM card (also known as an eSIM)

An embedded SIM card, or eSIM, is like a regular SIM card, but it’s built directly into your smartphone. This means you don’t have to fumble with tiny cards or physically swap them out when you travel. Instead, you can activate a new mobile plan digitally, right on your phone, before you even leave home.

When opting for an eSIM, you only have to choose the plan you need, scan the QR code using your phone’s camera (this is typically sent to your email or available in the provider’s app) and the eSIM profile is downloaded to your device. 

The entire setup process usually takes around five minutes. However, it’s important to have a stable Wi-Fi connection during this process to ensure everything goes smoothly. (We cover more on this option in the later sections)

eSIMs work mainly on the latest generation devices (like the newest iPhones or Samsung Galaxy phones) — they are not compatible with all types of phones. So, if you find that you can use an eSIM, it comes highly recommended!Unsure whether your device supports an eSIM? Check to see if your phone is eSIM compatible.

How much does a prepaid SIM card for Indonesia cost?

The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia can cost as little as $5 USD for 10 GB and reach up to $20 USD for 80 GB. However, these prices will vary depending on the provider and the specific plan you choose.

These traditional SIM cards also come with limitations like restricted number of available plans, difficulty in extending packages beyond their initial validity and a cap on the number of SIM cards you can own from one carrier.

Many travellers find that digital SIM cards offer a more convenient and flexible alternative. Platforms like Holafly provide a hassle-free way to purchase and manage your mobile data, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity throughout your trip to Indonesia (and the 200+ other countries they cover).

How to choose a SIM card for Indonesia

Choosing a SIM card for Indonesia can be tricky. There are many options to choose from, and you want to make sure you get the best one for your needs. Here are a few things to consider: 

• Coverage: Indonesia SIM card coverage can be hit and miss, depending on the carrier you go for. This is especially important if you plan to visit places outside major cities like Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. Some areas might have weaker signals, so it’s best to choose a SIM card known for good coverage, even in remote spots.
• Data plans: think about how much data you’ll need. If you’re going to be using maps, binge watching videos, or working online, go for a plan with unlimited—or, one that has the flexibility to add top-ups to your existing plan. 
• Ease of purchase: decide whether you want to buy your SIM card before your trip or after you arrive. Buying in advance means you’re ready to connect as soon as you land, but you can also pick one up at the airport or in town. Just remember, airport prices might be higher. Choose an option that’s easy to set up so you can get connected quickly.
• Additional features: Look for extra features like free local calls, international texting, or the ability to use your phone as a hotspot. These can be handy if you need to stay in touch or share your data with other devices.

Now that you know what you need to look for, let’s look at some of the best prepaid Indonesia SIM card options on the market.

4 Best Indonesia SIM cards to consider

Whether you need extensive data for work and streaming or just basic coverage for calls, messages and the occasional doom scroll, here are the best prepaid Indonesia SIM card carriers that can cater to your needs:

1. Telksomsel SIM

Telkomsel SIM is Indonesia’s largest and most widely used mobile network operator. The company offers a Tourist Prepaid Card designed to keep you connected throughout your stay.

This card is available for pre-order online and can be picked up at selected locations such as Bali and Mandalika Lombok. 

The Tourist Prepaid Card is priced at IDR 150,000 (approximately $9.63 USD) and is valid for 30 days. You need an unlocked phone, passport and IMEI for registration​. 

It includes:

• 25 GB of data
• 25 minutes of local calls
• 25 minutes of international calls

Other prepaid plans include: 

• 11 GB for IDR 42,000 ($2.70)
• 18 GB for IDR 66,000 ($4.30)
• 35 GB for IDR 83,000 ($5.40)
• 51 GB for IDR 115,000 ($7.40)
• 70 GB for IDR 138,000 ($8.90)

You can purchase this SIM card online or from select outlets, such as GraPARI stores in Bali, Jakarta, or Batam.

Remember, you need to present your passport at a Telkomsel office or authorised retailer at the time of registration. There is also a limitation on the number of SIM cards you can register—a maximum of three per individual. 

This could be an issue if you’re planning to use multiple devices or share SIM cards with family or friends. If you hit this limit, you won’t be able to register any more SIM cards under your name.

2. XL Axiata SIM

XL Axiata is one of Indonesia’s leading mobile service providers that offers extensive coverage across Indonesia, including popular destinations like Bali, Java and Lombok.

One of the popular data package options is the XL Bali SIM Card, which has 25GB of data valid for 30 days and covers 41 cities in Indonesia. You can pre-order the SIM and even have it delivered directly to your hotel.

Other popular plans with a 30-day validity include: 

• 15GB data for IDR 200,000 ($12.80)
• 30GB data for IDR 62,000 ($4.00)
• 65GB data for IDR 125,000 ($8.00)
• 147GB data for IDR 205,000 ($13.20)
• 260GB data for IDR 320,000 ($20.70)

In February 2023, XL Axiata updated their USSD Menu Browser (UMB) for customer services, changing the access code from *123# to *808#. If you’re unsure of how to use this new system, you can find clear instructions and details on XL Axiata’s official website.

3. Smartfren

Smartfren is a relatively new mobile network operator in Indonesia, offering competitive prepaid SIM and eSIM cards tailored for tourists. Their tourist starter pack offers 15GB data + 15GB nighttime data + unlimited social media usage for IDR 100,000 ($6.30 USD)

Smartfren’s online store for prepaid SIM cards. Source: Smartfren

This package includes 15 off-net minutes, 10 international minutes and 500 local SMS, valid for 14 days.

Other prepaid plans with a validity of 30 days include: 

• 30GB data for IDR 30,000 ($3 USD)
• 60GB data for IDR 50,000 ($5 USD)
• 84GB data for IDR 70,000 ($7 USD)

Smartfren SIM cards are supposedly aimed at tourists, all notifications and installation instructions are in the local language (Indonesian). It’s recommended to get your Smartfren SIM card set up at an official store, where staff can assist with the setup process so everything is configured correctly and any potential language barriers are minimised.

It’s also important to note that Smartfren’s terms and conditions mention that if a 30-day period exceeds the billing cycle date, customers are subject to a minimum payment according to their chosen package. This could potentially result in unexpected charges if you’re unaware of this policy. 

4. IM3 Indosat SIM

Another popular mobile network operator in Indonesia, IM3 Indosat, also known as Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, offers high data packages starting from:

• 30GB data plan starting at IDR 100,000 ($6.40 USD) for 30 days with 10 domestic and international call minutes
• 80GB data plan at IDR 200,000 ($12.80 USD) for 30 days with 30 domestic and international call minutes

IM3 Indosat SIM online store for tourists. Source: IM3 Indosat

These plans also come with a bonus quota of 1GB for roaming in countries like India, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, UAE and the USA.

Some travellers using Indosat in Indonesia have faced challenges when trying to top up their data. Although Indosat provides an app called Bima+ for purchasing additional data, it only accepts Indonesian bank cards, which can be inconvenient for tourists.

While there’s an option to use physical vouchers, finding stores that sell these vouchers can be difficult, adding frustration to what should be a simple process.

If you want to avoid the hassle of physical prepaid SIM cards or are looking for a quicker setup, an eSIM is the perfect alternative! Speaking of…

An eSIM is a great alternative for your Indonesia SIM card quest

A strong contender to consider for every type of traveller is an eSIM Bali and Indonesia. With this option, you don’t have to wait for delivery since the service is completely online, and the technology already lives in your phone. 

To decide on the best eSIM for your trip to Indonesia, compare different features, costs and, obviously, the coverage you can get. An excellent example of where you can buy your best eSIM for Indonesia is from Holafly.

With Holafly, you can get 24-hour customer service and unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about running out of data at any time, or speaking with an expert to smooth out any bumps along the way. Plus, there’s no need to visit a physical store, sign a contract, or present ID.

The eSIM installation process typically takes around five minutes: you simply scan a QR code provided by Holafly, install the eSIM profile on your phone, and you’re good to go. 

Looking for a longer-term solution as you backpack through Southeast Asia? Holafly Connect is a monthly eSIM service. You’ll get 5G speeds in over 170 global destinations (including Indonesia) all under one plan. No ID required and no SIM swapping, you’ll be automatically covered as you hop from one country to the next.

Choose between our three monthly plans:

• Unlimited data with unlimited hotspot: $64.90/month
• 25 GB with 25 GB hotspot: $49.90/month
• 10 GB: $39.90/month

Advantages and disadvantages of Virtual SIM cards for Indonesia

Let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of eSIM for Indonesia.

Advantages:

✅ Purchase and installation within minutes

eSIMs are completely digital, so their purchase and installation can be made remotely. This way, you only need to have an internet connection to find a ‘store,’ choose the destination and package you want and after paying, you’ll receive an email with the QR code that you can use to activate your eSIM.

✅ Unlimited data packages

Not all eSIM companies offer unlimited data packages, but Holalfy offers an eSIM with unlimited data to Indonesia—and other destinations across the globe. You’ll never have to worry about a data quota on your trip! In addition, with Holafly, you’ll get from 500 MB to 1 GB per day for hotspotting your other devices and friends.

Need more? No problem. With Holafly, you can personalise your plan by choosing any number of days between one and ninety—making it a great shout for trips of all sizes. 

✅ Plenty of options for you to stay connected 

With Holafly eSIMs, you’ll be connected to the 3G/4G/LTE/5G networks of Indosat, XL and Telkomsel three, some of the best local phone companies with excellent coverage across Indonesia. 

Plus, Holafly offers eSIMs with coverage across multiple countries like their eSIM for Asia with unlimited data, perfect for multi-destination trips without the need to switch SIM cards on the plane—edit your travel pics instead!

✅ Renew and extend your plan as you go 

One of the biggest advantages of using a virtual SIM is the flexibility it offers. And if you’re using a Holafly eSIM, you can top up from anywhere in the world. This means you’re not tied down by local stores or limited plan options that typically come with them. You always have the data you need, whether you’re extending your stay or just using more data than expected—thanks, Netflix!

Getting real specific with your trip? You may be interested to learn about the best eSIM for Yogyakarta.

Disadvantages 

❌ You need a compatible phoneTo enjoy the convenience of an eSIM, your phone must be compatible. Take a look at Holafly’s list of compatible phones to check if your phone can use eSIMs. If your phone is too old to support an eSIM, perhaps now’s the time to upgrade?

Holafly eSIM for Indonesia: get unlimited data and full flexibility

Holafly offers embedded SIM cards for Indonesia, and 200 other destinations across the globe. You can also find multi-country options with which, for example, you can travel across Europe with only one eSIM.

You don’t have to worry about payment methods because credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google and Apple Play are all acceptable payments with Holafly.

In case you have any questions, you can tap into their customer support 24-hours a day, every day, in more than five different languages, including German, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean and Arabic. Their customer support is available via WhatsApp and Chat.

How much does a Holafly eSIM card for Indonesia cost?

You can choose any number of days for your plan; the more days the total cost will increase, but the price per day will decrease. Here’s Holafly’s eSIM price list for Indonesia:

Got a SIM under wing for your trip to Indonesia? 

It’s easy to stay connected during your trip to Indonesia when you plan ahead. Whether you’re beach-hopping in Bali, exploring the temples of Yogyakarta, or just trying to find the best nasi goreng in Jakarta, having reliable internet is a must.

Holafly is your go-to travel companion to help you stay connected through it all. With Holafly, you can skip the hassle of local SIM cards and enjoy unlimited data with just a quick QR code scan.

Pack your bags, grab your Holafly eSIM and get ready to make some unforgettable memories. Indonesia is calling, and now you can answer with Holafly!

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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