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Best Indonesia SIM Cards for Tourists: Detailed Guide
Heading to Indonesia soon? Not sure how you will stay connected? Get prepaid Indonesia SIM cards with a data plan! It will help you get online to share your great experiences wherever you go at an affordable price. This guide will go over Indonesia SIM card types, costs, details on data plans, and where to buy.
In this article
I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card for Indonesia?
You can buy a SIM card in Indonesia with four ways: buying before traveling, buying at airports, buying online and buying in the cities.
1. Buy prepaid Indonesia eSIM card online before traveling
You can purchase prepaid eSIM card for Indonesia online from providers like Gigago before your trip. Setting up is easy as you can activate it on your eSIM-compatible phone right away.
Pros: No need to visit stores, can activate before trip. Start utilizing great data plans as soon as you land.
Cons: Higher price than physical SIM. Limited to eSIM-compatible phones only.
2. Buy physical Indonesia SIM at Indonesian airports
Get prepaid Indonesia SIM cards from counters of reliable providers at international airports in Indonesia like Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta, Bali Ngurah Rai, and so on. You may buy from counters of XL, Telkomsel that are located near the baggage claim area and outside the arrival halls.
Pros: Convenient to activate upon arrival.
Cons: More expensive than stores outside airports. Limited plan options.
3. Buy physical Indonesia SIM online
Tourists can order prepaid SIM cards online from XL, Indosat, Telkomsel, and have them delivered. Ensure it supports international delivery.
Pros: Convenient without needing an Indonesian address.
Cons: Delivery timing, higher price than local stores.
4. Buy physical Indonesia SIM in the cities
It is easiest to find physical Indonesian SIM card at Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo, XL Axiata stores across cities in Indonesia. Buy them at convenience stores like Indomaret, Alfamart. Check coverage if outside major cities.
Pros: Cheapest option, widely available.
Cons: Need to find stores upon arrival. Language barriers may exist.
► Our recommendation:
The best option for tourists in Indonesia will depend on individual preferences and priorities:
- For immediate activation: Buying at an Indonesian airport is a good choice.
- For price-conscious tourists with time freedom: Buying in cities gives you the best rates and diverse packages but requires registration and a store visit.
- For preparedness and cost-effectiveness: Buying online may be a suitable choice.
- For tourists with eSIM-compatible devices: Purchasing eSIM may save time waiting for delivery, queuing in line, and avoiding the trouble of exchanging SIM cards. Check our full list of eSIM compatible devices.
II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?
Three main mobile network operators in Indonesia provide SIM card plans for travelers: XL, Indosat, and Telkomsel. Here’s a comparison of the top SIM card options for tourists from these carriers:
1. Best Indonesia XL Axiata SIM Card Plans and Price
XL Axiata offers different services for tourists to Indonesia but the most common is XL Starter Packs which are perfect for travelers needing simple plans with generous data and roaming options.
- Data: From 3GB to 50GB (includes Indonesia and Arab Main Quota).
- Roaming: 24-hour access.
- Validity: From 45 to 60 days.
- Price: From Rp. 35,000 to Rp. 745,000.
Packages include roaming benefits and are available as starter cards.
2. Best Indonesia Indosat SIM Card Plans and Price
Plan | Data | Validity | Cost |
Travel On 30GB | 30GB + 10 call minutes (domestic & international) | 30 days | IDR 100,000 (~$6.40) |
Travel On 80GB | 80GB + 30 call minutes (domestic & international) | 30 days | IDR 200,000 (~$12.80) |
Bonus: Both plans include 1GB roaming data for countries like India, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, UAE, and the USA.
3. Best Indonesia Telkomsel SIM Card Plans and Price
Telkomsel offers foreigners to Indonesia the Tourist SIMPATI Card, which is designed specifically for travelers.
The Tourist SIMPATI card offers:
- 25GB Data Quota: Useable nationwide on Telkomsel’s 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
- 25-Minute Voice Calls: Stay in touch with local and international contacts.
- 30-Day Validity: Perfect for short-term visits to Indonesia.
- Affordable Price: Only Rp150,000 (approximately USD $10).
You can pre-order the Tourist SIMPATI Card online via the Telkomsel website. After placing your order, you can pick it up at designated GraPARI stores or kiosks in Bali and Mandalika-Lombok.
Note: Data packs and prices are subject to change now and then.
III. What to Prepare to Get a SIM Cardin Indonesia
To get a tourist SIM card in India, you’ll need to provide some information for registration. Here’s what you need to prepare when buying a prepaid SIM as a visitor:
- Passport – This is needed for identification and address proof since tourists won’t have an Indian address. A photocopy of the passport is also required.
- Visa – Photocopy of the valid tourist/short-term visa for India. This proves the legitimacy of the visit.
- Photo – a recent passport-sized photo is needed for KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements.
IV. Types of Indonesia SIM Card for Tourists
Travelers to Indonesia can choose between physical prepaid SIM cards and prepaid eSIMs to stay connected. Both options cater to different needs and levels of convenience.
1. Physical Prepaid SIM Card
A physical SIM card is a removable chip installed in your phone. It comes in two main types:
- Data-only Plan: Provides internet access but no phone number. Ideal for browsing, maps, and apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.
- Data + Voice and Text Plan: Includes a phone number for calls and texts, in addition to internet access.
This type is affordable and widely available both online and at physical stores. But it requires delivery before use.
2. Prepaid Tourist eSIM
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card embedded in your phone. It eliminates the need for physical installation or removal and offers the same two main types as physical SIM cards:
- Data-only Plan
- Data + Voice and Text Plan
This type of SIM is easily purchased and activated online. There is also no risk of losing a physical SIM card. However, to use it, you need to have an eSIM-compatible and unlocked device.
V. Indonesia eSIM – A Convenient Option for Tourists
While physical SIM cards remain popular, they can be inconvenient due to the need for preparation and physical installation. Gigago’s prepaid Indonesia eSIM offers a more seamless solution, with benefits such as:
- Skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and enjoy instant activation with the best coverage from Telkomsel, Indonesia’s leading network provider.
- Affordable Plans: Starting at just $2.90, with options for daily, total, or unlimited data.
- Instant Setup: Receive your eSIM via email in minutes. Scan the QR code, and you’re ready to go.
- Convenient & Secure: No SIM card removal needed. Keep your primary SIM active for calls and SMS.
VI. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Indonesia?
The duration of a tourist SIM card in Indonesia typically varies depending on the provider and the specific plan. Here are basic plans from popular network providers in Indonesia:
- 5 to 7 Days: Short-term plans ideal for brief stays.
- 15 Days: Suitable for travelers staying for around two weeks.
- 30 Days: Plans designed for longer stays, providing up to a month of service.
These SIM cards can sometimes be extended by purchasing additional credit or data packages. Always check the specific terms and conditions of the SIM card you choose to ensure it meets your travel needs.`
VII. How to Use Indonesia Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM
You need to know the steps of using Indonesia prepaid SIM cards and eSIM. Here is how:
1. Using prepaid Indonesia tourist SIM Cards
Once you have bought an Indonesia SIM card, follow these steps to utilize it:
- Turn off your device, put the Indonesia SIM card into the designated slot;
- Configure APN settings given by the SIM card provider (if necessary);
- Now you can make calls, send text messages, and stay connected with the Internet.
2. Setting up and activating Indonesia eSIM
Follow these steps to use a prepaid eSIM in Indonesia:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM activation;
- Access the eSIM settings of your phone to add an eSIM, scan the QR code or enter the activation key;
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and activate the eSIM profile;
- Restart your mobile phone and start getting online.
VIII. FAQs
What is the best Indonesian SIM card for tourists?
If you want a physical SIM card, you must adhere to the purchase terms and conditions as well as comprehend the rates of local providers. A virtual eSIM card will save you time and avoid all of these difficulties.
Can I buy a prepaid SIM card at Bali airport?
Definitely. One of the best places to get a prepaid SIM card is on arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport – DPS (or Denpasar International Airport/ Bali International Airport).
How can I preserve my phone number if I lose my Indonesia SIM card?
Inform your provider immediately. They might even replace your credit balance on a new SIM within 24 hours.