Telkomsel SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists 2024

Telkomsel is one of the largest network carriers in Indonesia, offering reliable coverage across the country with competitive SIM plans and fast 4G/5G networks. This guide will cover everything you need to know about Telkomsel SIM cards and eSIM: how and where to buy, the best plans, alternatives, and much more.

Telkomsel Indonesia sim card

I. Quick Facts about Telkomsel

Telkomsel is currently Indonesia’s largest mobile network carrier, with over 170 million users. Below are some key facts about Telkomsel:

  • Established: 1995
  • Full name: PT Telekomunikasi Selular. 
  • Types of services: prepaid SIM cards, postpaid phone plans, Internet access on cell phones, digital business (Digital Advertising, Digital Lifestyle, Internet of Things, MyTelkomsel app, Telkomsel Virtual Assistant, GraPARI, etc.)
  • Number of subscribers: Over 170 million
  • Coverage: Most parts of Indonesia. Telkomsel had over 160,000 network towers (Base Transceiver Stations – BTS) nationwide as of 2018.
  • Customer support: 24-hour call center, MyGraPARI – self-service machine, 24/7 support in Indonesian and English languages via phone, chat, social media, and email.

II. Indonesia Telkomsel Coverage and Speed

Telkomsel’s widespread coverage and fast 4G speed ensure a smooth Internet connection during your trip in Indonesia.

1. Telkomsel coverage in Indonesia

Telkomsel coverage in Indonesia. (Source: nPerf)
Telkomsel coverage in Indonesia. (Source: nPerf)

Telkomsel has the best network coverage across Indonesia. Tourists should expect to have an Internet or calling connection without many disruptions.

  • Telkomsel has extensive coverage on Java, Bali, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, etc. This covers most of Indonesia’s major population centers.
  • In cities and large towns, Telkomsel 4G/LTE networks are available in most areas of big cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan. 
  • In more remote rural areas, Telkomsel is still expanding its 3G and 4G networks. Coverage is good along major highways but can be sporadic in smaller villages.

2. Telkomsel Speed

Telkomsel speed map in Indonesia (Source: OpenSignal)
Telkomsel speed map in Indonesia (Source: OpenSignal)

We can see that Telkomsel delivers the fastest download and upload speeds in Indonesia.

  • Average download speed: 26.1Mbps (Opensignal, Dec 2023)
  • Average upload speed: 11.1Mbps
  • Consistent quality: 61.7% – 2nd place (led by Indosat – 64.8%)

In summary, Telkomsel users can enjoy the quickest data speeds whether they are downloading or uploading content on their mobile devices. 

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Telkomsel for Travelers to Indonesia?

Telkomsel offers 03 main connectivity options for tourists to Indonesia:

Telkomsel SIM cards:

  • Pros: cheap rates for data and calls
  • Cons: unlocked phone needed

Telkomsel pocket Wifi (MiFi portable Wifi):

  • Pros: no need to swap SIMs, can connect to multiple devices
  • Cons: extra device to carry, can break or get lost

Telkomsel roaming:

  • Pros: use your home phone number, familiar with your home carrier, no SIM swap
  • Cons: very pricey for data/ calls/ texts, phone bills can add up very quickly, network coverage depends on agreements

► Conclusion & Recommendation:

Generally, Telkomsel SIM cards are the best option for tourists on a budget thanks to the affordable rates for data, calling, and texting. Pocket Wifi is only suitable for family/ groups to share Internet. Roaming is only practical for short trips if you want your number.

IV. Best Telkomsel SIM cards for Tourists & Cost

Good to know: Rate: IDR 150,000 - USD 9.63

Telkomsel provides tourists to Indonesia with the plan called “Tourist Prepaid Card”:

  • 25GB data quote + 25-minute voice call, valid for 30 days

What to prepare:

  • Unlocked phone (your phone is not locked on a particular provider and allows to use Telkomsel’s network)
  • A photo of your passport

Apart from using a Telkomsel SIM card for, you can consider buying a Telkomsel eSIM. However, it only works if you have an eSIM-supported mobile device and want to enjoy the flexibility and convenience of eSIM technology. We will introduce more about eSIM in the next part.

Notes:

  • You may stay updated with the most accurate plans and rates on Telkomsel’s official website.
  • Remember that refunds are not available for any reason

V. Does Telkomsel Indonesia support eSIM?

Yes, Telkomsel offers Tourist Prepaid eSIM that allows foreign visitors to access the Telkomsel network on their devices without a physical SIM card. Prepaid eSIM brings you numerous benefits such as:

  • Super convenient: No need to insert or remove a physical SIM
  • Dual SIM feature: Utilize your existing SIM and local SIM together
  • No store visit needed
  • Simple online download and activation

To get a Telkomsel eSIM, tourists can buy from Telkomsel or a trusted third-party online provider like GIGAGO. However, Gigago does not currently provide eSIM plan options from Telkomsel due to the high pricing, which does not align with Gigago’s commitment to value and price.

Instead, Gigago offers eSIM packages from other major mobile network carriers in Indonesia such as XL Axiata and Indosat. Tourists using these plans can connect to their widespread networks and enjoy high-speed data at affordable rates.

Indonesia eSIM plans by Gigago
Indonesia eSIM plans by Gigago

Gigago delivers a wide selection of Indonesia eSIM plans for tourists, starting at 1GB a day for 05 days with only $5.00 . What is incredible about Gigago’s Indonesia eSIM is that the packages’ prices are diverse, ranging between $5.00$89.50 . Thus, regardless of how long your Indonesia trip is and how much GB of data you use, Gigago always has the best eSIM plan for you.

VI. Where can you buy a Telkomsel SIM cards and eSIM?

There are many places to purchase Telkomsel SIM cards and eSIM for your trip in Indonesia.

1. Where to buy Telkomsel SIM for Indonesia

Telkomsel SIM cards can be bought at:

  • Telkomsel stores: Telkomsel official stores are available in cities and towns across Indonesia (GraPARI Central Park; GraPARI Mall Bali Galeria Kuta;…)
  • Major airports: Most major airports in Indonesia have carrier kiosks or convenience stores that sell Telkomsel SIMs. You can buy Telkomsel SIM cards at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport – Telkomsel Partner Outlet & GraPARI, Terminal 3, Ground Floor; Telkomsel Booth – International Arrival Terminal, Bali International Airport; Telkomsel RoaMAX Booth Terminal 3 Floor 2, International Departure, Jakarta International Airport; etc.
  • Online: You can order Telkomsel SIM cards online and then the operator will deliver them to your address. You can also order tourist SIM and then collect it at pick-up points. Telkomsel SIM pick-up locations are available in Bali and Mandalika Lombok areas.
  • City convenience stores: Convenience stores in Indonesia sell Telkomsel SIM cards at reasonable prices.
Telkomsel store at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
Telkomsel store at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport

Important Notes:

  • Bring your passport for ID proof and SIM registration.
  • Prepare IDR cash/ credit cards to make payment.
  • SIM rates at airports are higher than at official stores in the cities or online.

2. Where to buy Indonesia Telkomsel eSIM?

Here are several ways to get a Telkomsel eSIM:

  • Online via Telkomsel’s website: Visit the Telkomsel website and purchase an eSIM plan online. You will receive activation details via email which can be completed on your mobile device.
  • Telkomsel stores: Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid eSIM is available at GraPARI, Telkomsel’s booth or outlets in Jakarta, Bali, and Batam.
  • MyTelkomsel App: Tourists can buy Telkomsel eSIM plan via the MyTelkomsel App or UMB *363#.
Telkomsel GraPARI offers Telkomsel SIM cards and eSIM
Telkomsel GraPARI offers Telkomsel SIM cards and eSIM

Pro Tips:

  • Check your device's eSIM compatibility - eSIMs only work on compatible smartphones. Older phones need regular SIMs.
  • Have your passport ready for identification and registration.
  • Consider data-only eSIM plans which are cheaper than full-service plans. They do not include voice/ messaging features that many travelers do not need.
  • Store staff can help with Telkomsel SIM/eSIM activation.

VII. How to Activate Telkomsel Indonesia SIM/eSIM?

Activating Telkomsel SIM cards or eSIM is a straightforward process. If this is your very first time, check out the instructions below.

Activate Telkomsel SIM/eSIM in Indonesia
Activate Telkomsel SIM/eSIM in Indonesia

1. How to Activate Telkomsel SIM cards

Activation takes just minutes. Here is how:

  • Put the Telkomsel SIM card into the SIM slot on your phone.
  • Switch on your device and wait for it to detect the new SIM card. 
  • Activate the SIM: Telkomsel SIMs usually activate automatically. But check it is working by making a call or using data.
  • Check internet settings: If you cannot access data, look at your phone’s cellular settings and see if an Access Point Name (APN) needs adding. 
  • Make a call or go online to confirm everything is working properly with your new Telkomsel SIM card.

2. How to Activate Telkomsel eSIM

Getting started with a Telkomsel eSIM for Indonesia is rather simple as follows:

  • Choose the plan that fits your needs and make payment
  • Get the QR code and manual activation code in your register email
  • Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code to install the eSIM
  • Follow the prompts on the phone’s screen to activate the eSIM
  • Once your eSIM is activated, you can start enjoying its services.

Important Note: Please check the detailed instructions for eSIM installation and activation below:

VIII. How to Top Up Telkomsel Indonesia SIM/ eSIM

Here is the guide on how to top up Telkomsel SIM/ eSIM:

Top up via MyTelkomsel app: 

  • Download/ open MyTelkomsel
  • Select “Top up”
  • Choose the denomination you want to get
  • Opt for your payment method

Top up at MyGraPARI:

  • MyGraPARI, a self-service machine, can be found at many locations across Indonesia.
  • Enter your Telkomsel number
  • Choose the amount of credit you want
  • Choose payment method (Cash/ credit or debit card)
  • Receive confirmation

IX. FAQs about Telkomsel SIM cards and eSIM in Indonesia

Can foreigners buy a Telkomsel SIM card in Indonesia?

Yes, Telkomsel SIM cards are available for foreign visitors at airports, hotels, and retail stores upon arrival in Indonesia. Passport for ID proof will be required.

How can I get Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid eSIM?

Tourists can buy the eSIM by visiting Telkomsel GraPARI, booths, or outlets.

How can I get a Telkomsel eSIM for my international iPhone in Indonesia?

You need to visit a Telkomsel store to purchase an eSIM plan and get assistance activating it on your iPhone. Make sure your device supports international eSIM activation.

Will my Telkomsel SIM cards or eSIM work throughout Indonesia?

Yes, the Telkomsel network has wide coverage across the country so you can use your SIM or eSIM on 4G in major cities and towns as well as rural areas. The signal may be poorer in remote regions.

X. Conclusion

To sum up, whether you get a regular SIM card or eSIM, Telkomsel provides tourists with affordable and easy-to-use mobile data options while traveling around Indonesia. Their large network coverage means you can stay connected from the beaches of Bali to remote jungles. Telkomsel SIM cards are widely available at airports and many locations in cities. You may buy eSIM for Indonesia from trusted providers like Gigago. No matter where you go, a Telkomsel plan ensures reliable Internet access so you can enjoy a wonderful trip in Indonesia.