Telkomsel SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists

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. Overview about Telkomsel

Telkomsel is currently Indonesia’s largest mobile network carrier which sells traditional sim cards in Indonesia, 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. 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.

III. Telkomsel Speed in Indonesia

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. 

V. Top Telkomsel SIM cards for Tourists – Tourist SIMPATI Card

Telkomsel offers foreigners to Indonesia the Tourist SIMPATI Card, which is designed specifically for travelers. It allows you to enjoy Telkomsel’s extensive network, ensuring you stay connected whether you’re exploring Bali’s beaches or Indonesia’s remote islands. This starter pack provides an affordable and convenient way to stay connected during your trip.

What Does the Tourist SIMPATI Card Offer?

  • 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).

Where Can You Buy and Pick Up the Tourist SIMPATI Card?

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.

You need to bring passport for ID proof and registration and confirmation email as proof of purchase.

Important Notes: Pick-up is available within 14 days of pre-order.

Key Restrictions to Keep in Mind:

  • The Tourist SIMPATI Card is only available for international tourists with valid passports.
  • Each passport can register up to 3 SIM cards.
  • This package is non-renewable and valid for one-time use only.

IV. Does Telkomsel Indonesia Have 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

VI. Where can you buy a Telkomsel SIM cards?

Telkomsel SIM cards are widely available across Indonesia, offering tourists multiple convenient options to purchase them. Here’s a guide to where you can buy Telkomsel SIM cards for your trip:

1. Where to buy Telkomsel SIM for Indonesia

Telkomsel SIM cards can be bought at:

  • Telkomsel Official Stores (GraPARI): They are the most reliable places to purchase a SIM card. These official outlets are available in major cities and towns across Indonesia, such as GraPARI Central Park (Jakarta) or GraPARI Bali Galeria Mall (Kuta). GraPARI staff can assist you with SIM activation and ensure your phone is ready for use.
  • Major airports: You can purchase Telkomsel SIM cards at kiosks or partner outlets located in major airports, such as:
    • Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (Terminal 3, Ground Floor).
    • Bali International Airport (International Arrival Terminal).
    • Jakarta International Airport (RoaMAX Booth, Terminal 3, Floor 2).
    • While convenient, note that prices at airport kiosks are often slightly higher than at GraPARI stores or city locations.
  • Online pre-order and pick up at fixed points: You can order Tourist SIMPATI Card before your trip via the Telkomsel website and must be picked up in person at designated pick-up points in Bali or Mandalika-Lombok.
  • City convenience stores: Many convenience stores across Indonesia, such as Alfamart or Indomaret, sell Telkomsel SIM cards at reasonable prices. While this option is widely accessible, you may need to complete the activation process yourself or with the help of store staff.
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 in Indonesia:

  • Online via Telkomsel’s website: You can purchase an eSIM plan online via the Telkomsel website. But it is important to note that activation details are not sent via email. Instead, the activation process typically involves scanning a QR code provided during the process or accessing it through the MyTelkomsel app or GraPARI.
  • 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. Gigago Indonesia eSIM – An eSIM provider providing eSIM Telkomsel

To get a Telkomsel eSIM, tourists can buy from Telkomsel or a trusted third-party online provider like GIGAGO. Gigago indeed is a smarter choice compared to buying directly from Telkomsel. While Telkomsel requires personal documents like a passport for SIM registration, Gigago simplifies the process by eliminating the need for such documentation.

Gigago eSIM Indonesia that uses Telkomsel's services
Gigago eSIM Indonesia uses Telkomsel’s services

GIGAGO delivers a wide selection of Indonesia eSIM plans for tourists, starting from 500MB/day for 3 days with only $2.9. There are various data volumes from daily data, total fixed data to unlimited, which can be used in 3 to 30 days. By choosing GIGAGO, you can choose from a variety of options tailored to your travel needs and experience the same high-quality service powered by Telkomsel’s network, but with greater convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind.

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.