3 Best SIM Cards for Indonesia in 2024

Are you planning a trip to Indonesia? Selamat siang ! Are you ready to use the internet smoothly there? Indonesia, which consists of more than 14,000 islands of various sizes, continues to attract tourists from all over the world with its world heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan, the resort island of Bali, which is also popular among Japanese people, and delicious dishes such as nasi goreng and satay. A smartphone is essential to enjoy Indonesia to the fullest, from local navigation to searching for restaurants and updating SNS . You want to be able to communicate as comfortably as you do in Japan. Here, we will show you how to choose and use the best SIM card for your stay in Indonesia.

1. Communication environment and SIM card selection points

Checking coverage and communication quality

When choosing a SIM card in Indonesia, it is important to make sure that the areas you plan to visit are well covered. We recommend a local SIM card, which will provide stable connections not only in urban areas but also in rural and tourist destinations.

Select your data plan and speed

4G connections are common in Indonesia, but 5G is becoming more available in urban areas. Choose a plan that suits your travel style, taking into consideration the amount of data and communication speed you need. If you watch a lot of videos or download a lot of data, a large-capacity data plan is suitable.

Choose your rate plan

Choose a plan that offers the best cost performance depending on the length of your stay and the amount of data you will use. If you are staying for a short period of time, a daily plan is convenient. On the other hand, if you are staying for a long period of time or have a lot of data usage, we recommend a monthly plan.

2. Tips for choosing a SIM card in Indonesia

Checking SIM card type and compatibility

When visiting Indonesia, it is necessary to choose a SIM card that is compatible with your device. In addition to traditional physical SIM cards (standard SIM, micro SIM, nano SIM), the latest devices also allow the use of eSIM. It is important to check the type of SIM card that your smartphone supports before traveling.

3. How can I get a SIM card in Indonesia?

Where to buy a SIM card

In Indonesia, you can get SIM cards at major international airports such as Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Bali Denpasar International Airport. You can also purchase SIM cards at some convenience stores in urban areas. You may be asked to show identification when purchasing a SIM card, so it is recommended that you have your passport ready.

Recommended SIM cards for Indonesia

■ Telkomsel SIM

Telkomsel, Indonesia's largest telecommunications company, offers an extensive 4G/LTE network and high-speed communications. They offer prepaid SIM cards that include data and domestic calls. They have an overwhelming share of Indonesia's market and cover the entire country, making them ideal for those looking for reliable communications. Prepaid plans (Telkomsel PraBayar) are available in a variety of types, from 1 day to 30 days, and there are many plans to choose from depending on your purpose.

■ Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison SIM

Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison was formed in 2022 through the merger of Indosat Ooredoo and Hutchison 3 Indonesia, and is a major contributor to Indonesia's rapid digital transformation. It boasts reliable coverage and is popular not only with travelers in Indonesia but also with travelers throughout Asia. Prepaid plans are available for 2, 3, 5, and 7 days, from 1GB to 15GB, and are priced from 6,000 to 30,000 rupiah. Choose the plan that's right for you.

■ XL Axiata SIM

Headquartered in Jakarta, XL Axiata covers the entirety of Java, Bali, and Lombok, as well as major cities in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. They offer plans for travel not only within Indonesia, but across Asia, making them a great choice for travelers traveling around Asia. They also offer eSIM options, which can be easily purchased online and used immediately.

Important points when using SIM cards in Indonesia

Where to get a SIM card and how to prepare it

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, it is important to check in advance how to obtain a SIM card, the compatibility of the smartphone you will be using, and the documents required for purchase. SIM cards can be obtained at major international airports, mobile phone specialty stores, and some convenience stores. Activation may take some time, so plan well in advance. You may also need to have local currency ready when purchasing, so be sure to prepare it in advance.

Choose your data plan

In Indonesia, roaming data charges from outside the country can be expensive. It is important to check the data volume and speed limits of the plan you will be using in advance and choose a plan that suits your usage patterns.

Check the SIM card size

Find out what size SIM card your phone needs - most commonly a nano SIM, but you might need a different size - and also make sure you have a pin to replace your SIM card, and how to store your current SIM card.

Check the SIM lock status of your smartphone

If your smartphone is SIM-locked by a specific carrier, you may not be able to use a local SIM card. Please check the SIM-lock status of your smartphone before traveling and see if it can be unlocked.

The best communication method for traveling to Indonesia is "eSIM"!

■Benefits of eSIM when staying in Indonesia

If you are planning a trip to Indonesia, we recommend using eSIM as a means of communication. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your smartphone or tablet. This innovative method eliminates the need for troublesome SIM card replacement, and you can start communicating immediately by completing a few steps of online setup. This eliminates the hassle of renting, carrying, charging, and returning a Wi-Fi router, allowing you to enjoy your stay in Indonesia even more.

■ Recommended for traveling to Indonesia! If you want an eSIM, try "VOYAGEESIM"

Click here for products

We have a 7day 7GB plan, which is popular for trips to Indonesia.

With " VOYAGEE SIM", you don't need to replace the SIM card you use in Japan ! You don't even need to wait to buy one! Just buy it in Japan and set it up in the local airport Wi-Fi environment! Your smartphone will be able to communicate in Indonesia right away! It's convenient, comfortable and smart!  

*The communications service for this product is provided by CMI. Ltd.

summary

If you are considering traveling to Indonesia, an eSIM is the best means of communication as it is easy and quick to set up. In this article, we have introduced the benefits of SIM cards when traveling to Indonesia, how to obtain one, and the key points to using them. A comfortable and convenient means of communication will make your travel experience even more enjoyable. Use this guide to make the most of your stay in Indonesia.