SIM Cards & Internet in Indonesia 2026: Expat Guide
Staying connected in Indonesia is easy and affordable. Here's everything you need to know about mobile data and internet.
Mobile Providers Compared
Indonesian Mobile Providers
Best options for foreigners
| Feature | Telkomsel Best coverage | XL Axiata Good value | Indosat (IM3) Budget option | 3 (Tri) Cheapest data | Smartfren 4G specialist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Speed | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Price | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Best For | Reliable everywhere | Balance of price/quality | Cities, budget | Heavy data users | Urban areas only |
Data Package Costs
Monthly Data Cost
Estimate your mobile costs
Default Inputs
- Monthly Data Usage
- Moderate (15-30GB)
- Provider
- Telkomsel
Estimated Result
Estimated total
Approximately USD 9/month
Rp 150.000
Getting a SIM Card
Tourist SIM (Airport/Shop)
Available at airports, malls, and phone shops: - Pre-registered (no passport copy needed) - Ready to use immediately - Tourist packages with data - Cost: IDR 50-150K with data
Regular SIM Registration
Since 2019, Indonesia requires SIM card registration with ID.
SIM Registration Requirements
For non-tourist SIM
identity
device
IMEI Registration
Foreign phones must register their IMEI to work with Indonesian SIMs beyond 90 days.
Options:
- Register at airport arrival (free for first phone)
- Register online via Bea Cukai (customs)
- Pay tax for additional devices (~IDR 2.5M)
Without registration, your SIM will stop working after 90 days.
Recommended Data Packages
Telkomsel (Best Coverage)
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo Sakti | 15GB | 30 days | IDR 100K |
| Combo Sakti | 30GB | 30 days | IDR 150K |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | IDR 400K |
XL Axiata (Good Value)
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| XTRA Combo | 20GB | 30 days | IDR 100K |
| XTRA Combo | 40GB | 30 days | IDR 175K |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | IDR 350K |
Tri (Budget)
| Package | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| AON | 30GB | 30 days | IDR 80K |
| AON | 60GB | 30 days | IDR 150K |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | IDR 250K |
Home Internet (WiFi)
Fiber Providers
Home Internet Providers
Fixed broadband options
| Feature | IndiHome (Telkom) Most widespread | Biznet Urban areas | First Media Jakarta/Java | MyRepublic Growing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 10-300 Mbps | 50-500 Mbps | 50-500 Mbps | 50-300 Mbps |
| Price | IDR 275K-700K | IDR 300K-900K | IDR 300K-800K | IDR 300K-700K |
| Coverage | Best | Cities only | Limited areas | Expanding |
| Reliability | Good | Very good | Good | Good |
Bali Specific Options
| Provider | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IndiHome | Most areas | Reliable but slow setup |
| Biznet | Urban areas | Fast, good for nomads |
| CBN | Limited | Corporate focus |
| Local WISP | Rural | Varies greatly |
Digital Nomad Setup
For reliable remote work:
- Primary: Fixed fiber (IndiHome/Biznet)
- Backup: Telkomsel SIM with data
- Emergency: Pocket WiFi or phone hotspot
Never rely on single connection for important calls!
Coworking Spaces
Most coworking spaces offer:
- Fast fiber internet
- Backup connections
- Comfortable workspace
- Networking
Popular in Bali:
- Outpost (Canggu, Ubud)
- Dojo Bali (Canggu)
- Tropical Nomad (Canggu)
- Hubud (Ubud)
Troubleshooting
Slow Connection?
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Congestion | Switch to less busy provider |
| Location | Move closer to window/router |
| Throttling | Check data usage, buy package |
| VPN needed | Use quality VPN service |
VPN in Indonesia
VPNs are not illegal in Indonesia but:
- Some sites are blocked (Reddit, etc.)
- Streaming may require VPN
- Quality VPNs recommended
- Free VPNs often slow
Popular options: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark
Quick Tips
- Buy SIM at airport - Easiest for tourists
- Telkomsel for travel - Best coverage outside cities
- XL/Tri for cities - Better value if staying put
- Top up via apps - GoPay, OVO, Dana work
- Check MyTelkomsel app - Easy package management
- Register IMEI early - Don't wait until blocked
- Have backup - Always have mobile data as backup
Where to Buy
Tourist SIMs
- Airports: Kiosks after customs
- Convenience stores: Indomaret, Alfamart
- Phone shops: Malls, shopping centers
- Online: Some delivery options
Top Up (Pulsa)
- Convenience stores
- Bank apps
- GoPay, OVO, Dana
- MyTelkomsel app
- Tokopedia, Shopee
Common Questions
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AI-powered answers from our knowledge base
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Questions about how this applies to your case?
Bali Zero handles visas, company setup, tax and property compliance in Indonesia. Ask us directly on WhatsApp.
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