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Pocket Wifi in Indonesia is a convenient solution for staying in touch while exploring the Land of Thousand Islands. Renting a pocket Wifi hotspot allows you to have reliable Internet access on the go.
Buying a SIM Card in Jakarta for Travelers 2024: Guide from Locals
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If your next trip is to Jakarta, Indonesia, you may wonder how to stay in touch with your friends and family back home. A SIM card with data for Jakarta may help. This guide will uncover where and how to buy SIM card in Jakarta, the best plans and prices, and essential tips shared by locals.
I. Why Buy SIM Card in Jakarta?
Indonesia SIM cards with data have become a popular choice among tourists to Jakarta as well as Indonesia for many reasons:
- Affordable rates: Data plans start from $1.5 for 1GB, much cheaper than roaming charges from your home carrier.
- Wider coverage: Mobile networks like Telkomsel or XL Axiata have extensive coverage in Jakarta and beyond. Free Wifi hotspots like hotels, restaurants, etc. are limited.
- Stay online anywhere: Use data on the go for photos, calls, texts, and social media without hunting for public Wifi networks.
Pro Tip: Before getting a SIM card for Jakarta, check with your operator if your mobile device is unlocked.
II. Which Mobile Internet Carrier is the Best in Jakarta?
Jakarta has three main mobile network providers: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat.
Telkomsel (#1)
- Telkomsel has the most extensive coverage with a broad 4G network across Jakarta including in remote areas.
- Provides competitive data plans for tourists starting from just 1GB for a few dollars valid for many days.
XL Axiata (#2)
- XL has very good coverage as well. Their speed is quite fast to brow websites, use navigation apps, and stay on social media while in Jakarta
- XL offers affordable prepaid SIM card plans for travelers with large data allocations.
Indosat (#3)
- Indosat has wide coverage within Jakarta too although it has slightly less coverage compared to other carriers.
- It provides unlimited calls and texts within its network
► Recommendation:
For the best network availability in Jakarta, tourists may choose Telkomsel. XL has an edge in data-only packages while Indosat provides excellent calling perks. You may pick the carrier and SIM card plan based on your needs.
III. Best Jakarta SIM Card Plans and Cost
Good to know: USD 1 = IDR 15,700 ; IDR 10,000 = USD 0.64 (as of February 2024)
To help you select the best Jakarta SIM card plan, we have listed several popular SIM packages offered by major carriers in Jakarta, Indonesia as follows:
| Operator | Data | Cost | Validity |
| Telkomsel | 11BG | $2.7 | 30 days |
| Telkomsel | 18GB | $5.4 | 30 days |
| Telkomsel | 70GB | $8.9 | 30 days |
| Indosat | 2 GB | $2.9 | 30 days |
| Indosat | 16 GB + 60 minutes + 60 SMS | $12.8 | 30 days |
| Indosat | 30 GB + 120 minutes + 120 SM | $19.3 | 30 days |
| XL Axiata | 30GB | $4 | 30 days |
| XL Axiata | 65GB | $13.2 | 30 days |
| XL Axiata | 260GB | $20.7 | 30 days |
Note: Data packages and rates for Jakarta SIM cards above may change over time. Contact your selected operator for the most up-to-date details.
IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in Jakarta
Tourists may choose to buy SIM card either at Jakarta Airport or in Jakarta center. Let’s dig into the specific locations of each way.
1. Purchase a SIM card at Jakarta airport
You may purchase a SIM card at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK). This way, you will have instant Internet access when you land at this airport. However, the airport SIM rates are higher than in the city center.
At Jakarta airport, you may get SIM cards both in Terminal 3’s arrival hall and outside the arrivals hall.
- In the Arrival Hall: Data Cellular, Backbone Cellular, and XL Axiata official store offer SIM cards for tourists.
- Outside the Arrival Hall: Backbone Cellular (in front of you when you get out of the arrival hall), Data Cellular (7:00-15:00, and Telkomsel official shop on your left-hand side (7:00-21:00)
2. Purchase SIM card in Jakarta center
Commuting to the city center to buy SIM card in Jakarta is also a great option. This way, you will have a chance to compare the different SIM plan and then pick the best plan that fits your preferences and budget. This is suitable for tourists with time freedom as it requires extra travel to the city center.
- Telkomsel store: Oke Shop Grapari Wisma Alia, GraPARI Central Park Telkomsel, GraPARI Mall Kota Kasablanka Jakarta, etc.
- XL Axiata store: XL Center Lotte Shopping Avenue, XL Center Grand, MOR Mart – XL Axiata Tower, etc.
- Indosat store: Indosat – Mobile Commerce Division, Puri Indah Mall, Kelapa Gading Mall, etc.
- Convenience store: Alfamart, OkeShop, Indomaret, etc.
► Our Recommendations:
- For tourists to Jakarta with time freedom, buy SIM card in Jakarta center.
- For convenience and immediate Internet connection when reaching Jakarta, purchase SIM cards at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
- For tourists with an eSIM-compatible cell phone, get an Indonesian eSIM plan.
V. Indonesia eSIM Card for Jakarta – Alternative to SIM Card for Tourists
If you possess an eSIM-supported cell phone, eSIM for Jakarta is the best solution for you to stay connected during your trip. eSIM offers a lot of benefits such as online eSIM download and activation, no SIM store visit, easy switch between different plans and network providers without physical SIM swaps, etc.
Tourists may buy eSIM:
- Via major carrier websites like Indosat, Telkomsel, or XL (ID check needed)
- From prestigious eSIM providers like Gigago (No ID check required)
If you choose to get an eSIM for Jakarta from Gigago, your eSIM will be ready to use within several minutes. Gigago offers a diverse selection of eSIM plans for Jakarta, Indonesia, starting at 1GB/ day, valid for 05 days with only $5.00 and varying between $5.00 – $89.50 . You just need to select the eSIM plan that best fits your needs, trip duration, and budget.
VI. What to Prepare to Buy SIM Card in Jakarta? Registration Process
To buy SIM card in Jakarta, there are some things to prepare:
- Valid identification such as your passport: Stores may require this to verify your identity.
- Cash payment: Many stores accept cash only for prepaid SIM purchases. It is advised to bring some IDR cash with you.
- Know what type of SIM you need – mini/ micro/ nano SIM
- Unlocked phone: Only unlocked mobile phones can accept cellular networks from Jakarta, Indonesia
VII. Buy SIM Card in Jakarta – Extra Tips
Following these tips will help you buy the best value SIM card suited to your Jakarta stay and network needs.
- Research offers online from carriers like Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata to choose the best package.
- Major shopping malls and smartphone stores will have reliable seller options. Operator stores are also a safe bet.
- Ask sellers to explain any additional charges for calls to other networks clearly.
- Keep the SIM safely stored in a dry place when not in use during Jakarta rains.
VIII. FAQs
What payment methods are accepted to buy SIM card in Jakarta?
Most stores accept IDR cash. Some major carriers’ stores may accept credit cards. It is best to prepare both cash and credit card to buy SIM card in Jakarta.
Can I use my SIM card outside of Jakarta as well?
Yes, the major carriers have coverage across Indonesia. However, coverage may be more limited on some remote islands.
Is it cheaper to buy a SIM card at Jakarta airport versus in the city?
Airport prices tend to be slightly higher. Buying from carrier stores in the city within a few days of arrival offers better value.
IX. Conclusion
To sum up, getting a SIM card is a simple way for tourists to stay online while exploring Jakarta, Indonesia. Major carriers like Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata have stores everywhere, from malls to neighborhood shops so it is very easy to buy SIM card in Jakarta. You may also choose a Jakarta eSIM plan for the flexibility, affordability, and great value.
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