How to Get Mobile Internet in Indonesia for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Clover Garcia

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Latest update: May 2024

If your next trip is to Indonesia, then don’t worry about how to get mobile internet in Indonesia. Keeping online while traveling in this stunning country is easy and there are multiple options available. This blog will uncover the different ways to access the Internet on your mobile phone, the pros and cons, and the price of each, so you can choose what is best for you to explore Indonesia with ease!

I. Mobile Internet in Indonesia – Coverage and Speed

Indonesia has 03 major mobile network carriers which are Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata.

1. Indonesia Mobile Internet Coverage

From the coverage maps of the main carriers in Indonesia, we can see that:

• Telkomsel has the most extensive coverage with broad 4G network across Indonesia. Its network covers the majority of Indonesia cities, towns, and islands such as Java, Bali, Sumatra, etc. 
• XL Axiata ranks second with 4G coverage across major cities and regions of Indonesia. 
• While Indosat has great coverage, it has slightly less coverage, particularly in remote areas.

► Our recommendation: For trusted coverage during your Indonesia trip, you may select Telkomsel. XL Axiata and Indosat are also a great choice when you travel in major cities and tourist sites with broad 4G coverage. 

2. Indonesia Mobile Internet Speed

We can see that Telkomsel leads in download and upload data speeds, followed by XL Axiata and the third position belongs to Indosat. 

• Telkomsel’s download speed is 26.1Mbps – 3.3Mbps (14.6%) faster than that of second-placed XL Axiata. 
• Telkomsel also occupies the top spot for the upload speed experience in December 2023. The fattest upload speed is 11.1Mbps.
• XL has the greatest improvement of 1.8Mbps (23%) in the average upload speed, followed by 1.6Mbps (17.2%) on Telkomsel. Indosat upload speeds improved by 0.9Mbps (11.2%) compared to the report in June 2023.

► Our conclusion + recommendation:

Telkomsel has the strongest mobile network across Indonesia. You can choose Telkomsel as your mobile data provider if speed is a primary consideration. XL Axiata and Indosat are also great options as they experience fast improvements in their average mobile internet speed over time.

II. What are the Connectivity Options for Tourists to Indonesia?

There are a lot of options that let you get online such as Indonesia SIM card, eSIM Indonesia, data roaming with home operators, pocket Wifi, public Wifi, etc. Below is a summary table about these alternatives:

► Our recommendations: 

• Getting an Indonesia SIM card may be the greatest choice if you prioritize convenience and cheap rates.
• eSIM will be a wise choice if your smartphone supports eSIM technology. With an eSIM, you can easily connect to the Internet without the need to visit a physical store to buy a SIM card. All you need to do is scan a QR code to activate your Indonesian eSIM and get online right away.

III. Internet Rates in Indonesia

Below are the estimated rates of mobile internet in Indonesia for different alternatives. The rates are subject to change over time. It is advisable to contact your chosen operator for the up-to-date price.

► Our recommendation:

As we can see, Indonesia eSIM and physical SIM cards would be the best options for tourists traveling to Indonesia. You may choose to purchase a SIM card from major operators like Telkomsel, XL or buy an Indonesia eSIM from GIGAGO – a trusted eSIM provider that offers the most affordable and flexible eSIM plans for Indonesia as well as many other countries in the world.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Indonesia

Getting a data SIM card for Indonesia is an excellent choice to have an Internet connection while traveling in this beautiful country. You can easily navigate maps, browse social media, and keep in touch with your family and friends back home through mobile apps.

There is a wide range of SIM card plans from main operators in Indonesia that you can choose from:

XL Axiata: 

• 30 GB for 30 days: $4
• 65 GB for 30 days: $8
• 147 GB for 30 days: $13.2

Indosat: 

• 6 GB + 30 minutes of calls for 30 days: $6.4
• 16 GB + 60 minutes of phone calls + 60 SMS for 30 days: $12.8
• 30 GB + 120 minutes of phone calls + 120 SMS for 30 days: $19.3

Telkomsel: 

• 11 GB for 30 days: $2.7
• 18 GB for 30 days: $5.4
• 70 GB for 30 days: $8.9

V. Data eSIM for Indonesia – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

eSIM is one of the most convenient ways to get Internet access while traveling in Indonesia. Here are some of the key advantages of using an eSIM over a physical SIM card:

• Easy purchase: No need to hunt for a store to buy a physical SIM, you just need to buy eSIM from reliable eSIM providers.
• Instant setup: eSIM profiles may be activated remotely online or via a QR code.
• Multiple profiles: Tourists may have various eSIM plans on one device as eSIM supports multiple integrated profiles. This is not possible with physical SIM cards.
• No risk of loss: eSIM profiles are securely stored digitally, eliminating the hassle of losing the card.

If you are in Indonesia and want to get an eSIM for your trip, you may buy it from Indonesian major mobile carriers or via trusted eSIM providers.

1. Buy eSIM from Indonesia Operators

Indonesian major carriers like Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat provide prepaid eSIM packages for tourists.

Document required:

To get a tourist prepaid eSIM for Indonesia, you need to prepare your passport for registration. Make sure you have an eSIM-compatible device to use prepaid eSIM plan for Indonesia.

Pros of getting eSIM from major mobile carriers in Indonesia:

• Complete plans: Get an eSIM plan that includes Internet access and voice calls.
• Wide coverage: These operators have extensive coverage across Indonesia.
• Direct support: Receive direct support from main carriers in case of any hassles.

Cons of getting eSIM from main carriers in Indonesia:

• The setup process could involve additional verification steps.
• Some packages might have lower data limits compared to virtual eSIM providers
• Language barrier may be a concern as not all stores support English.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

If you are seeking a trusted eSIM provider, Gigago would be a top choice. Here are some pros of buying an Indonesia eSIM from Gigago:

• Convenience and flexibility: Buy and activate your eSIM profile online via a QR code. No need to visit a physical store or show an ID card. Tourists will have immediate Internet as soon as they arrive in Indonesia.
• Multiple choices at competitive rates: Indonesia eSIM plans from Gigago are diverse, starting from 3 GB for 5 days with $2.90 and varying between $2.90 – $81.50 . Thus, it does not matter what Internet user you are and how long your trip is in Indonesia, there is always a suitable option for you with Gigago.
• Multi-language support: Gigago offers instant support available in many languages such as English, Spain, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc.

Buying an eSIM from Gigago ensures stable Internet access during your trip in Indonesia without any issues.

VI. FAQs

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, accessing mobile Internet in Indonesia is simple and there is a wide range of options to choose from. Consider buying a data SIM card or data eSIM for convenient and affordable mobile internet in Indonesia. Remember to choose the data plan that best suits your trip duration, priorities, and budget.