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SIM cards and eSIM in Indonesia

Which carriers matter, what buying a SIM involves, and when an eSIM is the smarter move.

Mobile internet eSIM Best option when traveling

Guac app icon

Guac

Recommended

Reliable mobile internet at better prices than most travel eSIMs, with polished iOS and Android apps and support for making and receiving phone calls.

App StorePlay StoreSee plans

Airalo

One of the biggest travel eSIM brands, with a very large destination catalog.

Holafly

Known for unlimited-data plans in many destinations, at a higher price per gigabyte.

Buying a local SIM card ID registration required

Registration
Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.
Tourist plans and prices
Telkomsel tourist prepaid includes 25GB and costs around 150,000 IDR (~$9.50).
Where to buy
Buy at an official carrier counter at the airport or at an official city store, and test the SIM before leaving.
Local eSIM
Local eSIM is available and follows the same identity rules as a physical SIM.

Good to know

Check the phone’s IMEI or device-registration rules before using a local SIM, especially on a longer stay.

Local carriers

  • Telkomsel

    Best choice for broad coverage, including rural areas.

  • Indosat Ooredoo (IM3)

    Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.

  • XL Axiata

    A solid alternative; compare current prepaid offers before buying.

  • Smartfren

    Strong in major cities, with weaker rural coverage.

eSIM and SIM cards by country→
Sources and how current this is

Data checked July 2026

Source dates: Lonely Planet: undated | Noble Asia (IMEI process): ~9 Jul 2026 | Come2Indonesia: 15 Aug 2025 (first-hand at Denpasar customs, dated) | Backindo: 29 Apr 2026

Sources disagree: Registration practice or tourist eligibility still varies between published accounts. Quoted prices or bundle details vary by seller and may change at short notice.

Sources

  • lonelyplanet.com
  • nobleasiaid.com
  • come2indonesia.com
  • backindo.com

Frequently asked questions

Do I need my passport to buy a SIM card in Indonesia?

Bring your passport and expect both the SIM and the phone’s IMEI to be registered.

What is the best eSIM for Indonesia?

Guac eSIM covers Indonesia with data plans starting from $1.50 per GB and instant activation, so your phone is online the moment you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular alternatives.

← All essential apps for Indonesia