If your next trip is to Indonesia, you are undoubtedly wondering if you can use your cell phone there. While mobile service in Indonesia is generally decent, it may differ from what you use in your home country. This article will explore the best ways to use cell phone in Indonesia for travelers and the greatest options for staying connected while traveling in this country.
In this article
To access the Internet in Indonesia smoothly, you need to acknowledge the phone compatibility and frequencies as well as networks in Indonesia.
Phone compatibility: Indonesia primarily uses GSM (2G) and 3G networks, with the widespread adoption of 4G/LTE in urban areas.
Frequencies:
Networks:
Pro Tips:
Yes. You are still able to use cell phone in Indonesia and connect to mobile internet while traveling in Indonesia. Before your trip, it is essential to:
The table below displays the bands and frequencies used by Indonesian network carriers:
| Technology | Bands |
| Bands 5G | n1 (2100MHz), n3 (1800MHz), n40 (2300MHz) |
| Bands 4G | B3 (1800MHz), B5 (850MHz), B8 (900MHz), B40 (TDD 2300MHz) |
| Bands 3G | B1 (2100MHz), B8(900MHz) |
| Bands 2G | B3 (1800MHz), B8 (900MHz), CDMA BC0 (800MHz), CDMA BC1 (1900MHz) |
Definitely! An international plan in Indonesia will help you access the Internet smoothly. Nevertheless, it is a costly option. If you use the overseas roaming service of your home carrier, you can incur pricey rates.
There are still lots of options that allow you to get online at budget-friendly rates such as prepaid SIM card, eSIM, pocket Wifi, etc. In addition, free Wifi is also a good option to access the Internet. Connecting to free Wifi sounds quite convenient, however, it is insecure and you will not able to hunt for hotels, cafes, restaurants, etc. to find free Wifi.
Prepaid eSIM, international SIM card, and pocket Wifi are cell services that provide tourists with plans to use cellular data, make phone calls, or send messages while you travel in Indonesia. Let’s dive into the features and where to buy each of these services.
eSIMs for Indonesia is a great option with various innovative features compared to traditional physical SIM cards in Indonesia. All you need to have is a smartphone that supports eSIM technology. Then you can order, activate, and use it online effortlessly.
Suitable for: eSIM-compatible cell phones
Where to buy eSIM for Indonesia: order online from trusted providers
Pros: no store visit required, no risk of physical SIM loss, simple online activation
Cons: compatible phones required
Important Note: You may only utilize eSIM when your mobile phone is unlocked and supports eSIM. See our latest list of eSIM supported phones.
Prepaid international SIM cards should be a more popular option among travelers. They function similarly to the ones you use in your home country. You need to put the SIM in your phone’s designated slot.
Suitable for: any unlocked phone
Where to get a SIM card for Indonesia: kiosks at Indonesian airports, main operator stores, online before your trip.
Pros: budget-friendly rates, a wide selection of plans, all local networks available
Cons: SIM slot needed, risk of SIM loss when uninstalled
Pocket Wifi is a small portable wireless hotspot where you can share the Internet with devices. This is also a popular alternative to get online while traveling in Indonesia. When you choose pocket Wifi, you will have to pay for the plan you get, the device rental, accessories, and delivery.
Suitable for: sharing data among a group traveling together
Where to get pocket Wifi for Indonesia: rent from airports or online before your trip
Pros: fast speeds; the whole family can connect
Cons: expensive rental price, extra things to carry
Most likely possible!
Your local network from back home may work in Indonesia, however, using it can get very expensive. The roaming charges for calling, texting, and using data while overseas are much higher than at home.
If you don’t watch your usage closely, you could end up with a big phone bill at the end of your trip. Calls, texts, and apps seem normal while you’re using your phone, but the cost on your bill could shock you later!
Pro Tip: A cheaper option is to buy an Indonesian SIM card or an eSIM online before your trip. You can pay as you go at much lower rates than roaming charges.
eSIM is the finest alternative to getting online while traveling in Indonesia. You just need a cell phone that supports eSIM technology, then purchase an eSIM plan online before your trip. The eSIM will be activated by scanning a QR code – no need to find a local SIM card store once you reach Indonesia. Best of all, you only pay for the data you use and you can easily extend your eSIM if your travel lasts longer than planned.
When choosing the eSIM provider for your Indonesia trip, consider Gigago – one of top eSIM providers in the world. Gigago offers multiple data plan options for Indonesia, starting from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $5 with $2.90 . They also have 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB of total data, or 1GB to 3GB per day, with prices from $5 up to $89.50.
eSIM Indonesia from Gigago are supported by robust networks across Indonesia like Indosat, XL Axiata, etc. You will be able to connect to the Internet wherever you go within the country. Gigago offers a diverse selection of eSIM plans at budget-friendly rates, and instant support via hotline, email in English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Japanese, and so on.
Important Note: Remember to choose the Indonesia data package that best meets your needs and usage habits.
If you prepare in advance and keep the following tips in mind, you will be able to use cell phone in Indonesia properly:
To sum up, tourists can completely use cell phone in Indonesia. It is advisable to utilize a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Indonesia rather than abroad roaming for the best deals. Gigago eSIM for Indonesia will be a wise choice. Remember to opt for the package that suits your priorities and usage habits.
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.
To get a stable Internet access while traveling Indonesia, tourists can obtain affordable prepaid Indosat SIM cards or opt for an Indosat eSIM plan.
XL Axiata SIM cards and eSIMs give tourists secure and affordable access to XL’s extensive 4G network during their trips to Indonesia.
This guide will uncover where and how to buy SIM card in Jakarta, the best plans and prices, and essential tips shared by locals.
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.
Data roaming in Indonesia is one of the ways but the rates can be quite costly. That is why we recommend finding another way to access Internet while exploring this beautiful country.
