Planning your Indonesia tours and wondering which Indonesia sim card to buy for your upcoming Indonesia tours so you can grab a ride-hailing app at the airport, order GoFood, or navigate tiny streets in Bali and Java? Good news: Indonesia SIM cards are cheap, fast, and easy to get – both as physical SIM and eSIM.
This guide walks you through the major Indonesia mobile network providers, where to buy your Indonesia sim card, how data packages work, and which option makes sense for tourists, digital nomads, and long-stay expats.
Indonesia Mobile Network Providers
Indonesia has several big operators that sell prepaid sim cards in Indonesia with generous data:
- Telkomsel – widest coverage, great for remote islands.
- Indosat / IM3 – strong in cities, good value data plans.
- Hutch / Tri – budget-friendly data packages.
- XL Axiata – excellent value and solid coverage.
- Global eSIM brands like Airalo and Holafly that let you install an Indonesia sim card digitally before you land.
Below is a breakdown of each provider, how to buy, and sample data packages so you can easily compare sim cards in Indonesia.
Telkomsel - Top Indonesia SIM Cards
Telkomsel is the largest operator and often the first recommendation for a reliable Indonesia sim card, especially if you’ll travel beyond Jakarta and Bali.
Where to Buy
- Official Telkomsel GraPARI stores in major airports and shopping malls.
- Telkomsel booths in arrival areas at popular airports like Jakarta and Bali.
- Convenience stores and phone shops (Alfamart, Indomaret, small kiosks).
- Online pre-order of tourist-focused SIM packs, then pickup at designated locations.
Make sure your phone is unlocked before inserting any Indonesia sim card.
Default Data Rate
If you only top up credit and use data without a package, you’ll pay per MB – which is much more expensive. For any Indonesia sim card, always activate a data bundle in the MyTelkomsel app or via USSD codes. Telkomsel offers 4G and growing 5G where available, with solid speeds in most cities and tourist areas.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, values illustrative)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist SIMPATI 25GB | 25 GB + 25 min | 30 days | 150,000 | Register at GraPARI / in-app |
| Combo Internet 15GB | 15 GB + local calls | 30 days | 100,000 | MyTelkomsel app |
| Social & Chat 5GB | 5 GB (social apps) | 14 days | 40,000 | USSD internet menu |
Indosat - SIM Card in Indonesia
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison operates under the IM3 brand and is a very popular Indonesia sim card choice for younger travelers and heavy data users thanks to aggressive pricing.
Where to Buy
- IM3/Indosat stores and kiosks in airports, malls, and city centers.
- Mini markets and phone shops across Java, Bali, Sumatra, and other islands.
- Online via IM3’s website or partner platforms, then pick up or activate via eSIM where supported.
Look for bright yellow IM3 branding when shopping for sim cards in Indonesia.
Default Data Rate
Pay-as-you-go data is not recommended; it’s cheaper to use packages such as the Freedom Internet series. The IM3 network offers good speeds in major cities and tourist centers, making an Indosat Indonesia sim card a strong value option.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, values illustrative)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom Internet 2GB | 2 GB | 30 days | 15,000 | USSD internet menu |
| Freedom Internet 8GB | 8 GB | 30 days | 45,000 | MyIM3 app |
| Freedom Combo 20GB | 20 GB + calls | 30 days | 90,000 | MyIM3 / USSD |
Hutch (Tri) - Indonesia SIM Cards
Hutch refers to Tri (3), now part of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, still marketed as Tri with its own prepaid products such as Happy and AlwaysOn. A Tri Indonesia sim card is easy to find in big tourist hubs and is known for low-cost internet.
Where to Buy
- Tri outlets and partner shops in malls and busy streets.
- Phone counters near markets, terminals, and universities.
- Online purchase of Tri starter packs or top-ups via the bima+ app.
Default Data Rate
Tri is known for cheap data, but you still shouldn’t rely on default per-MB rates. Instead, activate a data plan such as Happy or Unlimited Internetan through the bima+ app or USSD.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, values illustrative)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy 10GB | 10 GB | 15 days | 35,000 | bima+ / USSD |
| AlwaysOn 18GB | 18 GB | 30 days | 60,000 | bima+ app |
| Unlimited Internetan S | Unlimited (FUP) | 7 days | 45,000 | bima+ app |
XL Axiata - SIM Card in Indonesia
XL Axiata is another major operator offering great value data bundles, popular among both locals and foreigners who need a solid Indonesia sim card for work and travel.
Where to Buy
- XL Centers and partner stores across Indonesia.
- Airport counters in major gateways, sometimes via third-party resellers.
- Online via XL’s website or in the myXL app, including tourist-focused bundles.
Default Data Rate
XL Axiata also charges a premium for un-packaged data, so your Indonesia sim card should always be paired with a prepaid plan. XL has competitive tourist bundles with good 4G coverage and expanding 5G in big cities.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, values illustrative)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL 30GB Traveler | 30 GB | 30 days | 62,000 | myXL app / XL Center |
| XL 65GB Combo | 65 GB | 30 days | 125,000 | myXL app |
| XL 147GB Power User | 147 GB | 30 days | 205,000 | myXL / USSD |
IM3 (Indosat Ooredoo) - SIM Card Indonesia
IM3 is Indosat’s consumer brand, and many travelers specifically search for IM3 when looking for an Indonesia sim card. It’s very convenient if you like managing everything from your phone with promos and add-ons.
Where to Buy
- IM3 branded shops and counters in malls and popular streets.
- Airport kiosks in major tourist centers selling ready-to-use sim cards in Indonesia.
- Online “Gerai Online” store and delivery services in big cities.
Default Data Rate
Once activated, your IM3 sim card Indonesia can be topped up via vouchers or apps. Default data is expensive, but IM3 offers many app-based promos, flash sales, and roaming packages that are much better value than pay-as-you-go use.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, values illustrative)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IM3 Travel On 30GB | 30 GB | 30 days | 120,000 | MyIM3 app |
| Freedom Internet 50GB | 50 GB | 30 days | 160,000 | MyIM3 / USSD |
| eSIM Tourist 20GB | 20 GB | 15 days | 100,000 | Online purchase |
Airalo - SIM Cards in Indonesia
Airalo is a global eSIM marketplace rather than a local operator, but it’s one of the easiest ways to get a digital Indonesia sim card before you land.
Where to Buy
- Directly from the Airalo app (iOS/Android) or website.
- Select “Indonesia” as your destination, choose a package, pay by card, then scan the QR code to install the eSIM.
Default Data Rate
Airalo plans are data-only: no local Indonesian number and no pay-as-you-go calls. All usage happens inside the bundle you buy; when you run out of data, you top up easily in the app. It’s a simple way to handle connectivity during your indonesia tours.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, approximate values converted)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR, approx.) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo 1GB Lite | 1 GB | 7 days | ≈ 85,000 | Via Airalo app |
| Airalo 5GB Explorer | 5 GB | 30 days | ≈ 380,000 | Via Airalo app |
| Airalo 20GB Max | 20 GB | 30 days | ≈ 620,000 | Via Airalo app |
Holafly - Indonesia SIM Card
Holafly is another eSIM specialist and is especially attractive if you want unlimited data on your Indonesia sim card without thinking about gigabytes.
Where to Buy
- Direct from Holafly’s website by choosing Indonesia and your travel dates.
- After payment, you receive a QR code by email or in your account, then install the eSIM before or right after arriving.
Default Data Rate
Holafly sells unlimited data eSIMs for Indonesia and doesn’t really use “default data rates” – you choose a fixed-price unlimited plan for a set number of days, such as 10, 20, or 30 days.
Data Feature Packages
(Example packages, approximate values converted)
| Package Name | Data Volume | Validity | Price (IDR, approx.) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly 10-Day | Unlimited | 10 days | ≈ 575,000 | Via Holafly website |
| Holafly 20-Day | Unlimited | 20 days | ≈ 960,000 | Via Holafly website |
| Holafly 30-Day | Unlimited | 30 days | ≈ 1,160,000 | Via Holafly website |
Indonesia Mobile Customer Care Number
If something goes wrong with your Indonesia sim card, here are key customer care channels to keep in mind:
- Telkomsel – Call Center 188 from a Telkomsel number.
- Indosat / IM3 – Call 185 or use the official IM3 contact channels.
- XL Axiata – Call 817 from an XL number or check the myXL app.
- Tri (Hutch) – Call 132 or use their official customer service contacts.
Save these numbers or take a screenshot as soon as your sim card Indonesia is activated.
Tips for the Best Indonesia SIM CARD
- Buy at an official counter at the airport or in major malls for safer registration and better English support.
- Bring your passport – Indonesian law requires ID for SIM registration.
- Ask for a tourist or internet package, not just a blank SIM, so your Indonesia sim card comes preloaded with data.
- Install the operator app (MyTelkomsel, myXL, MyIM3, bima+) to monitor data, buy new bundles, and get promo prices.
- Check coverage by destination – choose Telkomsel or XL if you go off the beaten path; Indosat/IM3 or Tri if you stay mainly in cities.
- Consider an eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, or operator eSIM) if your phone supports it and you don’t want to queue after a long flight.
Pros and Cons of Mobile Network Providers in Indonesia
Pros of Mobile Network Providers in Indonesia
- Affordable data – compared to roaming, an Indonesia sim card offers huge savings and generous gigabyte bundles.
- Good 4G and growing 5G in cities and tourist hubs like Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Lombok.
- Multiple brands & competition, so it’s easy to find promotions on sim cards in Indonesia.
- Wide availability – you can buy an Indonesia sim card in airports, malls, convenience stores, and online.
- Strong eSIM ecosystem – Airalo, Holafly and other providers offer digital Indonesia sim cards for compatible phones.
Cons of Mobile Network Providers in Indonesia
- Registration hurdles – SIM cards must be registered with passport details and sometimes IMEI registration can be confusing.
- Coverage gaps on remote islands – even strong operators can have weaker signal in remote villages or mountainous areas.
- Language barrier – smaller shops may speak limited English, making package selection harder for your sim card Indonesia.
- Data-only eSIMs – many eSIM options don’t include local calls or SMS, which some travelers still need.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Indonesia sim card comes down to how long you’ll stay, where you’re going, and how much data you use during your indonesia tours.
- Pick Telkomsel if you want the safest and widest coverage across islands.
- Choose Indosat / IM3 or Tri (Hutch) if you prioritize cheap big data bundles for city-based travel.
- Go with XL Axiata if you want a balance of value and performance with powerful 30-day packages.
- Try Airalo or Holafly if you prefer a digital eSIM and want to land with your Indonesia sim cards already configured.
Whichever provider you choose, a local sim card Indonesia will massively improve your trip – from ordering a ride at 1am to booking last-minute tours online. Activate a good data package, keep your customer care numbers handy, and you’ll be ready to explore Indonesia fully connected.
