Planning your trip to Indonesia and trying to avoid high roaming costs? Let me help you to stay connected and show you what is the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Indonesia in 2024.
In this guide you will find everything you need to know before buying a prepaid sim card for traveling to Indonesia. Find out where to buy a sim card, a comparison of the prepaid sim cards and the mobile internet operators in Indonesia, the best e-sim cards for Indonesia, a comparison of the 4G/5G network in Indonesia, up to date prices as per April 2024, my recommendation, information about international sim cards and more.
Getting an e-sim card for Indonesia or buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Indonesia is easy and it will let you use data as if you were at home without having to struggle with slow overseas data roaming plans or high roaming costs.
Finding you what is the best way to stay connected is the first thing I do when planning a new adventure abroad. In the past I always used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival, nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards to stay connected.
As a full time nomadic travel blogger who is also aiming to visit every country in the world I constantly get to new countries and since I like to document all my travel tips you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bangkok, Vietnam, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kenya, USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, UK, Turkey and many more.
Also when traveling to Bali I have a dedicated guide for staying connected on your trip to Bali. Check out my article about the best tourist sim cards for Bali in 2024.
If you are flying to Jakarta then read my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card at Jakarta Airport in 2024 or when you are all about e-sim cards then Traveltomtom's guide about the best e-sim cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 is exactly what you need.
So when planning your next adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and e-sim card advice for your next destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money!
Why buying a sim card for Indonesia?
Don't let those slow overseas data roaming packages fool you. They reduce the internet speed and you will end up with a terribly slow data connection on your phone. You want the fastest data speed in Indonesia? Then buy a local prepaid sim card or order an e-sim card online.
First of all we want to avoid high roaming costs! Overseas data plans cost a minimum of $5 USD per day and even more. With an e-sim card or an Indonesia prepaid sim card you might not spend more than $10 USD for the whole month.
Staying connected while traveling to Indonesia makes life so much easier and travleing more fun! Think about ordering an Uber/Grab, checking Google Maps for directions and making sure you don't get lost, finding a good nearby restaurant or finding your nearby friends via Live Location or WhatsApp. So many reasons for staying connected when traveling to Indonesia.
Don't rely on free public WiFi, although widespread in Indonesia there is no guarantee and trust me a 4G/5G data connections is much faster than your hotels' crappy free WiFi.
Also another reminder that public WiFi is on an UNSECURED network connection. The use of a VPN is recommended.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a Telkomsel sim card for Indonesia. You can already get a Telkomsel prepaid sim card for tourists with 18 GB data for between $5 to $15 USD depending on where you buy it. Telkomsel has the best 4G/5G network in Indonesia.
These are the prices you can find in local Telkomsel stores. On arrival at the airports in Indonesia they sell the same sim cards for tourist prices. Read more about it in my guides for buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport and Bali Denpasar Airport.
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia in 2024 is an e-sim card as you arrange everything online within just a couple clicks and it starts already from $5.5 USD for 1 GB data.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia via either Nomad, SimOptions or Airalo.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for traveling to Indonesia in 2024, including a comparison of the best e-sim cards and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims.
Another great alternative is a world travel sim card with data and global coverage. Check out Traveltomtom's guide for buying an international sim card with global coverage in 2024 and find a comparison of the best sim cards for travelers. Pick the one that suits your trip to South East Asia the best.
When traveling to more countries in Asia on your trip then have a look at Traveltomtom's comparison of the best prepaid and e-sim cards for Asia in 2024.
Although buying a local prepaid sim card is the cheapest way to stay connected for those who don't need much data I strongly recommend buying an e-sim card for Indonesia.
Best e-sim cards for Indonesia
The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia in 2024 is an e-sim card. No more visiting a sim card store and swapping sim cards. When you get yourself an e-sim card for Indonesia you arrange everything online and get connected in just 2 minutes.
You order an e-sim card for Indonesia on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have an Indonesia e-sim card installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Indonesia it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia. Traveltomtom wrote a complete guide with everything you need to know about using e-sim cards when traveling to Indonesia.
Airalo
Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. Here are the Airalo e-sim card plans for Indonesia for 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.75 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
Click here to order an e-sim card for Indonesia via Airalo or find more info.
The above data-only e-sim cards from Indotel operate on the Telkomsel 4G/LTE network, the best mobile data network in Indonesia.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another reliable e-sim card providers that has e-sim plans for Indonesia. These SimOptions e-sim card plans are also data-only and calling and texting is not supported.
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $12.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $16.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to order an international e-sim card for Indonesia via SimOptions.
Nomad
Another trusted and reviewed e-sim provider is Nomad and Traveltomtom has used Nomad now in more than 10 countries. Nomad sometimes has amazing competitive e-sim card plans with cheap prices.
Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Indonesia in 2024:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $23 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
- 20 GB data for 45 days = $39 USD
Click here to order an e-sim card for Indonesia from Nomad.
Traveltomtom wrote a complete guide for Indonesia e-sim cards with much more details about the above e-sim card plans. Check out my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 including an answer to all FAQ about using e-sims when traveling abroad.
If your phone is not e-sim compatible then you can order a physical prepaid sim card for Indonesia via SimOptions. You order them on the internet and you get a physical sim card delivered to your home address before your trip.
For $24.90 USD you get 10 GB data, so great value for money actually. Even when comparing this sim card with international e-sim cards. Click here for more info or to order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in Indonesia via SimOptions.
Need some Indonesia travel inspiration? Chasing waterfalls in North Bali, climbing mount Rinjani in Lombok, exploring secret beaches in Nusa Penida, finding the walking Dead in Tana Toraja. I have traveled to Indonesia more than 10 times and I am happy to help.
The easiest way to travel in Indonesia? Use the below search engine for boat tickets from for example Bali to Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Nusa Penida and more. Get your online ticket, no need to print, convenient, safe, reliable and easy.
Powered by 12Go system
Check above all the available routes and try out the transportation search engine.
Mobile internet operators in Indonesia
There are 5 different mobile internet providers in Indonesia. Don't forget that Indonesia is one of the world's biggest countries by population: 280 million already as of 2024. All mobile internet providers sell prepaid sim cards for tourists:
- Telkomsel
- IM3 (Indosat/Ooredoo)
- XL Axiata
- Smartfren
Smartfren is a fairly new mobile internet provider in Indonesia and the Smartfren mobile data network is not as advanced yet as for example Telkomsel. Especially if you are going off the beaten path in Indonesia I would not recommend a Smartfren prepaid sim card.
There is a big difference in mobile network coverage, so keep reading before you are stuck on an island without a phone signal.
Where to buy a sim card for Indonesia
It is easy to buy a local prepaid sim card in Indonesia as they are sold on basically every street corner. Convenience stores, gas stations, mobile phone shops, official retail stores, electronic shops and so on.
International Airport on arrival
If you decide to buy a local prepaid sim card in Indonesia then the easiest place is at the international airport on arrival. Most probably your trip to Indonesia starts in either Jakarta or Bali. Both International Airports have multiple phone stores that sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Flying to Denpasar? Check out Traveltomtom's guide for buying a sim card at Bali Airport in 2024.
Flying to Jakarta? Check out Traveltomtom's guide for buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport in 2024.
Reminder that you pay tourist prices for Indonesia prepaid sim cards on airports. Expect to pay about 50% more for prepaid sim card plans at Bali or Jakarta Airport. On the contrary, it is very convenient to get connected instantly on arrival and the sim cards with data plans are still quite cheap.
Official retail store mobile internet providers
The best place to buy a local prepaid sim card in Indonesia is at an official mobile internet provider retail store. Here you will get the best service, proper registration, instant activation and the best sim card plans. Go where the locals go and find the cheapest sim card deals.
At an official phone store of the mobile internet operators is also the only place where you can get an e-sim card. However, as of April 2024 there is only one mobile internet provider that offers e-sim cards for tourists. All other operators only give out physical prepaid sim cards.
Random phone stores
When looking for tourist sim cards in Indonesia you can find them in every phone store. But also expect to find different prices everywhere. To get the best prepaid sim card deal you have to shop around, even haggling about the price could be worth it. Good thing is that prices for prepaid sim cards are fairly cheap in Indonesia and most probably you don't care paying $1-2 USD more for your prepaid package.
Online
If buying a sim card on arrival in Indonesia already sounds like too much hassle then order yourself a prepaid sim card or an e-sim card for Indonesia on the internet.
E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected as you arrange everything online and as soon as the plane lands you are connected.
Check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024, but make sure your phone is e-sim compatible. If not, then you can also buy an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia online.
Indonesia prepaid sim card prices in 2024
The following prices for prepaid sim card plans in Indonesia are updated as per April 2024. These are the official prices that you can expect more or less in stores around Indonesia.
However, at tourist hotspots like Bali expect sim cards to be more expensive than official prices. Also the same prepaid sim card could be priced differently in every other phone shop, convenience store, etc.
Mobile internet in Indonesia is CHEAP, but internet data speed in Indonesia is NOT what it is like in your home country, so have low expectations about 4G/LTE and 5G. More about the best 4G/5G network in Indonesia below.
In Indonesia they use the Indonesian Rupiah and as of April 2024: $1 USD = 15,900 IDR and 10,000 IDR = $0.63 USD.
XL Axiata
At XL Axiata they have 4 prepaid sim card plans valid for 30 days:
- 30 GB data = 62,000 IDR - $4 USD
- 65 GB data = 125,000 IDR - $8 USD
- 147 GB data = 205,000 IDR - $13.2 USD
- 260 GB data = 320,000 IDR - $20.7 USD
For the latest prepaid sim card offers check the XL Axiata website. In XL Axiata stores around Indonesia you can only get a physical prepaid sim card, e-sim cards for tourists are NOT provided.
Telkomsel
A Telkomsel prepaid sim card comes with three different data quotas: social media, internet and local quota. The local quota is pretty much for the region/island where you buy your prepaid sim card like: Bali, Java, Sumatra. Confusing a bit to be honest! All prepaid plans are valid for 30 days:
- Maximum 11 GB data = 42,000 IDR - $2.7 USD
- Maximum 18 GB data = 66,000 IDR - $4.3 USD
- Maximum 35 GB data = 83,000 IDR - $5.4 USD
- Maximum 51 GB data = 115,000 IDR - $7.4 USD
- Maximum 70 GB data = 138,000 IDR - $8.9 USD
These are the prices for simPATI packages the prepaid sim cards that you can expect in Telkomsel stores around Indonesia. For more info check the Telkomsel website. In Telkomsel stores around Indonesia you can only get a physical prepaid sim card, e-sim cards for tourists are NOT provided.
IM3 - Indosat/Ooredoo
IM3 is the mobile data brand name of a merger of Tri, Indosat and Ooredoo and offers prepaid sim cards with unlimited calls/text to other IM3 phone numbers:
- 2 GB data = 45,000 IDR - $2.9 USD
- 6 GB data + 30 minutes calling time = 99,000 IDR - $6.4 USD
- 16 GB data + 60 minutes calling time + 60 sms = 199,000 IDR - $12.8 USD
- 30 GB data + 120 minutes calling time + 120 sms = 299,000 - $19.3 USD
For more info check the Indosat website. In Indosat Ooredoo stores around Indonesia you can only get a physical prepaid sim card, e-sim cards for tourists are NOT provided.
Smartfren
Smartfren has very competitive prepaid sim card deals as it is a fairly new provider and has one of the smallest 3G/4G mobile networks in Indoneisa. The Smartfren prepaid plans come with unlimited social media apps and are valid for 28 days:
- 1 GB data per day = 45,000 IND - $2.9 USD
- 2 GB data per day = 80,000 IND - $5.2 USD
- 3 GB data per day = 100,000 IND - $6.4 USD
Check the Smartfren website for more info. In Smartfren stores around Indonesia you can get a physical prepaid sim card or an e-sim card. Smartfren is the only mobile internet operator that offers e-sim cards for tourists.
Best 4G/5G network in Indonesia in 2024
Mobile internet network coverage is quite important for finding the best sim card for traveling in Indonesia. You don't want to get stuck on an island with no phone signal. In some islands you only find a signal of specific providers and others not at all. The best example is East Indonesia. From Flores towards the far East in Papua there is basically only a Telkomsel signal available.
If you are traveling somewhere specific I would recommend you to have a look at the Indonesia 4G/5G network coverage maps.
Is there 5G in Indonesia?
Yes, there is 5G in Indonesia but I would not get too excited! As per 2024 there is only 5G in places like Jakarta, Badung and Denpasar. When traveling around Indonesia you will mostly not find 5G and the fastest data connection you find is 4G/LTE. In some places you can actually be happy that there is a phone signal at all, but that is only if you travel off the beaten path.
In general most of the best places to visit and tourist hotspots in Indonesia are covered with a 4G/LTE phone signal.
XL Axiata 4G/5G network coverage map
IM3 (Indosat/Ooredoo) 4G/5G network coverage map
Smartfren 4G/5G network coverage map
Telkomsel 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Indonesia in 2024.
From the above 4G/5G coverage maps for Indonesia we can clearly see that one providers sticks out. After comparing all the 4G/5G network coverage maps it is clear that Telkomsel has by far the best mobile internet network in Indonesia in 2024. Without a doubt!
Best prepaid sim card for Indonesia in 2024
Prices for prepaid sim cards in Indonesia are very cheap and therefore Traveltomtom actually recommends buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Indonesia rather than an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card.
However, e-sim cards are so convenient that I still always get an e-sim card for traveling to Indonesia. On my last trip I used a Nomad e-sim card with 20 GB data and it lasted during all of my 3 weeks in Bali.
It is just so easy to order online and as soon as the plane lands you are already online and enjoying data on your phone and you don't have the hassle of buying a physical prepaid sim card on arrival.
However, it is no secret that local prepaid sim cards that you buy on arrival in Indonesia are cheaper than e-sim cards.
Check out Traveltomtom's guide about the best e-sim cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 for more detailed info, answers to FAQ about e-sims and everything else you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia.
Anyway, for those looking to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Indonesia it is a fairly easy conclusion what is the best tourist sim card.
Traveltomtom rates Telkomsel as the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Indonesia in 2024.
Telkomsel has by far the best 4G/5G mobile data network coverage around Indonesia. Prices for prepaid tourist sim cards are also fairly cheap and do not differ much from the other mobile internet operators like Xl Axiata, Smartfren or IM3.
Unfortunately as of April 2024 Telkomsel does only sell physical prepaid sim cards, they don't offer e-sim cards for tourists.
If you are traveling off the beaten path in Indonesia then Traveltomtom definitely only recommends a Telkomsel prepaid sim card. Are you going on a Bali holiday and have no intension leaving the island then a Smartfren, XL or Tri prepaid sim card will also do the job.
However, on my recent trip to Bali I tried out an XL sim card to compare it to Telkomsel and it was clear that the Telkomsel performance in general is much better around Bali.
If you are looking for the cheapest data sim cards for Indonesia then have a look at Smartfren prepaid sim cards. IM3 is more expensive than the other operators and therefore I would not recommend you buying an IM3 prepaid sim card for Indonesia.
My personal recommendation would be the Telkomsel prepaid sim card for Indonesia with 18 GB data for just $4.5 USD. Although, in tourists hotspots this same package will be sold for at least $14 USD.
A local prepaid sim card is the cheapest way to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia in 2024, but you have to go to a local sim card store.
Order a prepaid sim card for Indonesia online
SimOptions also offers physical prepaid sim cards for those who don't have an e-sim compatible phone. If buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in Indonesia sounds like too much effort then order a physical prepaid sim card online.
Arrive prepared in Indonesia with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Indonesia, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.
- Three Data Pack 10 GB - $24.90 USD = 10 GB data for 30 days
- Orange Holiday World - $49.90 USD = 10 GB data for 14 days
Click here to order one of the above international sim cards for Indonesia directly online or have a look for more info. Personally I would go for the first option: Three Data Pack 10GB as its gives you 10 GB data for less than $24.90 USD.
Also a last reminder that if you have an e-sim compatible phone you can order an e-sim card for Indonesia with very competitive prices. You can already get 1 GB data for just $5.5 USD and 20 GB data for $39 USD and you arrange everything online within just 2 minutes.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Indonesia via either Nomad, SimOptions or Airalo.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an e-sim card for traveling to Indonesia in 2024, including a comparison of the best e-sim cards and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims.
Indonesia travel tips
In total I traveled more than 10 months in Indonesia over the last few years. I wrote numerous travel blogs from meeting the King of Bali to the Walking Dead of Toraja in Sulawesi. Have a look at my Indonesia Traveltomtom landing page and find more than 25 blogs with travel tips for Indonesia.
Most valuable and related article is my guide for buying a prepaid tourist sim card for Bali in 2024.
If you have any further questions about getting connected in Indonesia or want some extra travel tips or recommendations please leave me a message below and happy to help you.
Looking for transportation while traveling in Indonesia? Check out all the bus and boat routes, schedules and prices as well as domestic flights in Indonesia below in the transportation search engine.
Boats to Gili Trawangan or Lombok from Bali? From Bali to Gili Trawangan: 3h 30min - $25 USD. From Bali to Lombok: 3h 30min - $28 USD.
Also if this was article was helpful for you would you like to help me in return? If you could share the link of this article somewhere on the internet that would be awesome. Every tweet on X, pin on Pinterest, post in a Facebook Group or share on reddit would be extremely helpful to me. A small thing for you, which can make a big difference for me.
Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of April 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.
Enjoy your trip to Indonesia!