Indonesia eSIM Coverage & Network Guide
Indonesia offers excellent 4G coverage across major islands and tourist destinations with expanding 5G in major cities. This visual guide shows network coverage from Bali to Raja Ampat, Jakarta to Komodo, and all major tourist destinations.
Complete Indonesia eSIM coverage guide: Network providers, regional coverage from cities to remote islands
Telkomsel
Largest Network
98% Coverage
XL Axiata
Fastest in Cities
Excellent Tourist Areas
Indosat
Most Consistent
Good Urban
Quick Indonesia Facts for Travelers
Geography
17,000+ islands archipelago
Population
277 million (4th largest)
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V)
Language
Bahasa Indonesia
Time Zones
3 zones (WIB/WITA/WIT)
Why Travelers Choose eSIM Over Indonesia SIM Cards
🚫 Real Traveler Scam (Bali Airport 2024):
"Bali Airport Telkomsel staff required me to wait 90 minutes for IMEI registration and passport verification. Some booths use random Indonesian IDs to register your SIM! Official outlets charged 205,000 IDR ($13.50) - triple what locals pay. Wish I'd gotten eSIM before arrival!"
Why this happens: 2023 stricter registration regulations put high liability on vendors. 83 million unregistered SIMs were blocked. Many airports lack proper IMEI scanning facilities. Airport staff exploit tourists with fake requirements and monopoly pricing.
Local SIM Card: Real Issues from Travelers
🚫 "IMEI Registration 2-Step Nightmare" - Tourist Reports 2024
"I preregistered my IMEI online but didn't complete the QR code process at the airport. My phone never registered to the network even after purchasing a SIM card. No one at the airport could help, and my phone was useless for the first 3 days until I found a Telkomsel office in Jakarta."
Indonesia's IMEI registration requires TWO steps - online registration AND physical QR scan at airport. Missing either = no service
📝 "Random Indonesian ID Used for My SIM!" - 2024 Reports
"Some airport booths that can't register with passport ID have lists of numbers that belong to random Indonesians. Official Telkomsel outlets charged 205,000 IDR ($13.50) for passport-registered SIMs, appearing to take advantage of their monopoly. I paid triple what locals pay!"
Not all SIM vendors authorized for foreign passports - some use shady workarounds with local IDs
⏰ "90-Minute Queue at Midnight Landing" - Traveler Warnings
"Landed at Denpasar (Bali) airport at 11pm. The queue for SIM cards was over an hour long. By the time I got my SIM, it was past midnight and I had no way to contact my hotel pickup driver. Had to pay 3x for emergency taxi."
Bali airport SIM queues regularly 45-90 minutes during evening arrivals - peak tourist season worse
💸 "Verizon $168 for Two Weeks" - US Traveler
"Used Verizon TravelPass during Bali & Lombok trip. $12 per day × 14 days = $168 extra charges! Should've gotten eSIM for $15 total. Expensive lesson learned."
Verizon and AT&T both charge $12/day in Indonesia
eSIM Solution: What Actually Works
✅ Before You Leave Home
- • Install while packing - Works at Bali/Jakarta airports
- • No IMEI registration needed - Skip airport nightmare
- • No passport verification - Just email and payment
- • Download offline maps - Prep for scooter navigation
✅ Upon Arrival in Indonesia
- • Connected in 60 seconds - Just turn on data roaming
- • No airport queues - Skip 90-minute vendor hassles
- • Multi-network - Auto-connects to Telkomsel/XL/Indosat
- • Save $133-305 - vs US carrier roaming
💬 Real Success: "eSIM connected before baggage claim at Jakarta Airport. Gojek taxi booked immediately - no IMEI registration scam, no passport hassle, no fee. Saved 205,000 IDR and 90 minutes of airport stress!"- Traveler, Java & Bali 2024
⚠️ Airport Warning: Beware of incomplete IMEI registration and shady vendors using random Indonesian IDs at Bali/Jakarta airports. eSIM completely avoids this - no IMEI registration, no passport verification needed!
Indonesia eSIM Plans & Pricing
Live Pricing: Current plans for Indonesia. Prices shown in your selected currency. All plans include data-only connectivity (perfect for WhatsApp calls, social media, navigation).
💰 Loading Current Indonesia eSIM Prices...
eSIM Setup for Indonesia
Pro Tip: Install Before You Fly
Install your eSIM before leaving for Indonesia. Test activation at home for peace of mind. This way, you'll skip airport SIM queues and IMEI registration - crucial for smooth arrival!
Simple 3-Step Installation
Purchase Your Plan
Choose data amount based on your trip duration. Receive QR code by email instantly. No ID or passport required.
Scan QR Code
Settings → Cellular/Mobile → Add eSIM → Scan QR code. Works on iPhone (XS+), Samsung, Google Pixel, and most modern phones. Install while on home WiFi.
Activate Upon Arrival
Turn on data roaming for eSIM line. Connects automatically to Telkomsel, XL Axiata, or Indosat networks. Test at airport.
Common eSIM Issues & Quick Fixes (2025 Verified Reports)
"Stuck on Activating..." (iPhone Users)
eSIM stuck in endless "Activating..." loop - Apple Community Forum 2025
Fix: Turn OFF VPN before installing eSIM. Toggle Airplane mode ON (wait 30 sec) then OFF. Wait 2-3 minutes. If still stuck after 10 min, restart phone. 70% success rate with airplane toggle.
"No Service" After Installation (Most Common Issue)
This is the #1 most common eSIM activation issue globally
Fix: Go to Settings → Cellular → Your eSIM → Turn ON "Data Roaming" (Indonesia requires this!). Wait 30-60 seconds. Your phone will connect to Telkomsel, XL Axiata, or Indosat automatically.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Users Report Issues
Samsung Community Forum - Multiple reports of eSIM activation failures
Fix: Samsung S25 series has documented eSIM bugs. Update to latest firmware. Clear cache: Settings → Apps → SIM Manager → Clear Cache. If persists, wait for Samsung patch.
Still Having Issues? Contact our 24/7 WhatsApp support. Most activation problems resolve within 5 minutes with our help!
Real Cost Comparison: What Travelers Actually Pay
Based on actual 2024-2025 rates and real traveler reports:
Verizon / AT&T TravelPass
$84-252 ($12/day)
"$168 for my 2-week Bali trip!" - Traveler
Airport SIM with Random Indonesian ID
205,000 IDR ($13.50)
"Charged triple + used stranger's ID!" - Bali Airport
Verizon Pay-As-You-Go (No Plan)
$2,050/10GB
"Forgot TravelPass - $50 one day!" - Reddit
eSIMfly eSIM
$4.59-$55
"No IMEI registration + saved $150!"
💰 Real Savings Example: Verizon charging $12/day for 14 days = $168. The same period with eSIMfly costs $15-20 (20-30GB plan). That's $148-153 saved! Plus avoid IMEI registration nightmares, airport queue hassles, and random Indonesian ID scams.
How Much Data Do You Really Need? (Real Traveler Reports)
Based on actual Indonesia traveler experiences:
💬 Light User (8-12GB for 7-10 days)
Bali tourists with basic scooter navigation and WhatsApp
- • Google Maps (scooter navigation): ~200MB/day
- • WhatsApp messaging: ~50MB/day
- • Light social media: ~150MB/day
- • Gojek/Grab rides: ~30MB/day
- • Google Translate: ~20MB/day
- Total: ~450MB/day = 3.1GB/week + buffer = 10GB
📱 Moderate User (15-25GB for 7-14 days)
Most common for island hopping and beach vacations
- • Navigation + translation: ~250MB/day
- • Instagram stories from temples: ~400MB/day
- • WhatsApp video calls home: ~300MB/day
- • Booking apps (Grab, hotels): ~100MB/day
- • Scooter rentals, tours: ~50MB/day
- • Social media browsing: ~300MB/day
- Total: ~1.4GB/day = 10GB/week + buffer = 15GB
🎥 Heavy User (30GB+ for 7-21 days)
Bali content creators, digital nomads, extended stays
- • Instagram Reels/TikTok uploads: ~1.5GB/day
- • Instagram constant posting: ~800MB/day
- • Business Zoom/Teams calls: ~1GB/day
- • Cloud photo backup: ~600MB/day
- • YouTube watching: ~500MB/day
- Total: ~4.4GB/day = 30GB/week (get 40GB+ plan)
📊 Indonesia-Specific Apps Data Usage
- • Gojek/Grab (ride hailing): ~30MB per day
- • Google Maps (scooter): ~200MB/day
- • WhatsApp calls: ~300MB/hour
- • Google Translate (Bahasa): ~20MB/day
- • Instagram Stories: ~400MB/day
- • Temple/attraction guides: ~100MB
- • Booking.com/Agoda: ~50MB/day
- • Cloud photo backup: ~600MB/day
Common eSIM Issues & Solutions (Field-Tested in Indonesia)
Based on actual problems reported by Indonesia travelers:
❌ "No Service" at Bali/Jakarta Airport
Common Issue:
eSIM shows "No Service" after landing at Ngurah Rai (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), or Surabaya (SUB)
✅ Solution (95% Success Rate):
- 1. Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile → Your eSIM line
- 2. Turn ON "Data Roaming" (Indonesia requires this!)
- 3. Toggle Airplane mode ON (30 sec) then OFF
- 4. Wait 30-60 seconds for connection to Telkomsel, XL, or Indosat
- 5. If still no service, manually select "Telkomsel" (most reliable)
⚠️ Weak Signal in Remote Islands (Raja Ampat, Komodo)
Expected in Remote Regions:
Raja Ampat, Komodo boat tours, remote Flores areas have limited coverage
✅ What Works:
- • Bali, Jakarta, Gili Islands have excellent coverage
- • Lombok, Yogyakarta, Surabaya fully covered
- • Labuan Bajo (Komodo base) well connected
- • Download offline Google Maps for remote treks
- • Telkomsel has best remote area coverage
🚢 Signal Drops on Ferry/Boat Journeys
Expected on Open Water:
Signal drops between islands on ferries and multi-day boat tours (Komodo)
✅ What Works:
- • Fast boats Bali-Gili Islands (2hr) mostly have signal
- • Ferries and ports always have signal
- • Download Netflix/entertainment before overnight boat tours
- • Signal returns at islands and anchorages
- • Telkomsel network best for boat coverage
📱 Slow Speeds / 3G Connection
Common Issue:
eSIM connected to 3G when 4G available, or speeds slower than expected in cities
✅ Solution:
- 1. Settings → Cellular/Mobile → Network Selection
- 2. Turn OFF "Automatic"
- 3. Manually select "Telkomsel" or "XL" (avoid weaker networks)
- 4. Settings → Cellular/Mobile → Voice & Data → Select "LTE" or "5G"
- 5. Restart phone if speeds don't improve
Why: Phone may auto-connect to weaker network. Manual selection forces best network.
🔧 General Troubleshooting Checklist
- ✓ Data roaming ON? Required for international eSIM
- ✓ eSIM line selected for cellular data in settings
- ✓ Airplane mode cycle: ON 30sec → OFF
- ✓ Manual network: Select Telkomsel if automatic fails
- ✓ Restart phone: Solves 80% of connection issues
- ✓ Check APN: Should be automatic (Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Network)
- ✓ Not activated yet? Install before departure while on WiFi
Network Coverage Across Indonesia (2025)
Indonesia has excellent 4G coverage across major islands and tourist destinations, with expanding 5G in major cities. Your eSIM automatically connects to the best available network among three major providers.
Telkomsel
Market LeaderCoverage
98%
Best nationwide
Avg Speed
26.1 Mbps
Fastest in Indonesia
Best For
Remote islands
Raja Ampat, Komodo, Flores
Why Choose Telkomsel: Unmatched coverage across 17,000+ islands. Best for island hopping, remote destinations, and areas beyond major tourist spots. Slightly higher prices but worth it for reliability.
XL Axiata
Best Speed in CitiesCoverage
Excellent
Cities & tourist areas
Avg Speed
Fast
Often beats Telkomsel
Best For
Urban areas
Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya
Why Choose XL: Faster speeds in Bali, Jakarta, and major cities. Perfect for digital nomads working from Canggu. Good value. Weaker in very remote areas.
Indosat Ooredoo
Most ConsistentCoverage
Good
Major cities
Quality
64.8%
Most consistent rating
Best For
City tourism
Jakarta, Bali urban areas
Why Choose Indosat: Most consistent quality for everyday apps. Good for Bali/Jakarta tourism. Not recommended for remote areas or islands.
🎯 Network Selection Guide
Island Hopping:
Choose Telkomsel for Bali → Gili → Lombok → Flores → Komodo
Bali/Jakarta Only:
XL Axiata offers faster speeds in cities for digital nomads
Business Travel:
Indosat or XL for consistent Jakarta connectivity
Real Trip Reports: Data Usage by Travel Style
📖 Real Trip Reports: What Travelers Actually Used
These are real trip scenarios based on actual traveler experiences from forums. See exactly how much data different types of Indonesia trips use, including day-by-day breakdowns, mistakes made, and lessons learned.
Sarah's Indonesia Experience
Instagram Content Creator - Bali
📍 Route:
Canggu → Ubud → Nusa Penida → Seminyak
📊 Daily Data Breakdown:
💡 Lessons Learned:
- •Hotel WiFi at beach clubs was slow - used eSIM hotspot for faster uploads
- •Nusa Penida has weaker signal - should've manually selected Telkomsel
- •Scooter navigation used 150MB/day but was essential for finding Instagram spots
- •Cloud photo backup ate 500MB/day but worth it for peace of mind
💰 Total Cost:
$10.54 for 20GB plan
💵 Savings:
$113.46 vs Verizon roaming ($12/day x 10 days)
💬 Would you do it again?
"Absolutely! Can't imagine Bali content creation without instant upload speeds. Those sunset shots needed immediate posting before engagement dropped!"
James & Emma's Indonesia Experience
Digital Nomad Couple - Bali
📍 Route:
Canggu (3 weeks) → Ubud (1 week)
📊 Daily Data Breakdown:
💡 Lessons Learned:
- •Coworking WiFi in Canggu (Dojo Bali) was fast but crowded - eSIM was essential backup
- •Villa WiFi went down twice - eSIM hotspot saved client presentations
- •Zoom used 400MB/hour - 4 hours daily meetings = 12GB/week alone
- •Unlimited plan would've been better - we were nervous about running out mid-month
💰 Total Cost:
$35 for 50GB plan
💵 Savings:
$325 vs Verizon ($12/day x 30 days = $360)
💬 Would you do it again?
"Essential for digital nomad life. Next time getting unlimited - stress-free connectivity is worth the extra $10."
The Chen Family's Indonesia Experience
Island Hopping Family Adventure
📍 Route:
Bali → Gili T → Nusa Penida → Jakarta
📊 Daily Data Breakdown:
💡 Lessons Learned:
- •Should've set data limits on kids' phones - they burned 3GB on one boat ride!
- •Gili Islands has no cars - Google Maps essential for finding our hotel (no street addresses!)
- •Personal hotspot worked perfectly for family of 4 devices
- •Jakarta traffic is insane - real-time Gojek navigation was a lifesaver
💰 Total Cost:
$20 for 30GB plan
💵 Savings:
$288 vs Verizon ($12/day x 14 days x 2 adults = $336 - kids don't need separate plans)
💬 Would you do it again?
"Kids loved being able to share photos with grandparents immediately. Next time: strict YouTube limits only on WiFi!"
Rachel & Tom's Indonesia Experience
Honeymoon - Luxury Resorts
📍 Route:
Seminyak → Ubud Jungle Villa → Gili Meno
📊 Daily Data Breakdown:
💡 Lessons Learned:
- •Luxury resort WiFi in Ubud was surprisingly slow - eSIM saved our video calls home
- •Booking romantic dinners via Instagram DM needed reliable data - no regrets!
- •Gili Meno is super quiet - barely needed data except for booking boat transfers
- •Downloaded Netflix shows before trip but still used 1GB on romantic sunset boat ride
💰 Total Cost:
$10.54 for 15GB plan
💵 Savings:
$133.46 vs Verizon roaming
💬 Would you do it again?
"Made our honeymoon stress-free. Could share moments instantly with family without worrying about WiFi passwords at each resort."
David's Indonesia Experience
Business Trip - Jakarta
📍 Route:
Jakarta (Sudirman business district)
📊 Daily Data Breakdown:
💡 Lessons Learned:
- •Hotel conference WiFi blocked VPN - eSIM was only way to access company files
- •Jakarta traffic meant 40min Grab rides - worked during commutes thanks to reliable 5G
- •Client's office WiFi required guest registration - used eSIM hotspot for presentation
- •Backup connectivity during client demos gave me confidence - no technical failures
💰 Total Cost:
$6.46 for 10GB plan
💵 Savings:
$53.54 vs Verizon ($12/day x 5 days = $60)
💬 Would you do it again?
"Business essential. Can't risk presentation failures because of WiFi issues. Worth every penny for client-facing reliability."
The Backpacker Crew's Indonesia Experience
Budget Backpacking - Java & Bali
📍 Route:
Jakarta → Yogyakarta → Surabaya → Bali
📊 Daily Data Breakdown:
💡 Lessons Learned:
- •Hostel WiFi was terrible everywhere - eSIM was our only reliable internet
- •Booking last-minute hostels on Hostelworld needed data - saved $200 on accommodations!
- •Sharing eSIM hotspot with 3 friends worked but drained battery fast
- •Mount Bromo sunrise - phone died at summit but worth it for the photos we did get
💰 Total Cost:
$10.54 for 20GB plan / Split 3 ways = $3.51 each
💵 Savings:
Huge savings vs local SIM (205,000 IDR tourist price)
💬 Would you do it again?
"Best budget hack! One eSIM hotspot shared between friends. Next time bring portable battery pack for hotspot mode."
📱 App-Specific Data Usage (Indonesia Trip)
Essential Apps:
Social & Entertainment:
📋 Quick Reference: Choose Your Plan
Weekend / Short Trip
5GB
Based on Rachel's light usage (12GB/12 days)
- ✓ Maps navigation
- ✓ Social media browsing
- ✓ WhatsApp messaging
- ✓ Restaurant bookings
1-2 Week Vacation
15-20GB
Based on Chen Family's 25GB/14 days
- ✓ Island hopping
- ✓ Daily photo uploads
- ✓ Video calls home
- ✓ Kids' entertainment
Extended / Digital Nomad
50GB+
Based on James & Emma's 45GB/30 days
- ✓ Remote work
- ✓ Daily Zoom meetings
- ✓ WiFi backup
- ✓ Unlimited stress-free
💡 Pro Tips for All Indonesia Travelers
- •Gojek/Grab: Essential for transport and food delivery - download before arrival
- •WhatsApp: Everyone uses it - hotels, tour operators, restaurants all communicate via WhatsApp
- •Offline Maps: Download Google Maps offline for Bali, Lombok, Gili Islands - reduces data usage by 70%
- •Manual Network: In remote areas, manually select Telkomsel for best coverage (Raja Ampat, Komodo)
- •Hotspot Battery: Sharing eSIM hotspot drains battery fast - bring portable charger
Region-by-Region Indonesia Connectivity Guide
Bali (Island Paradise)
Excellent 4G/5GIndonesia's most connected island has excellent coverage. Canggu digital nomad scene, Ubud rice terraces, Seminyak beach clubs all fully connected. Scooter navigation essential - Google Maps works perfectly across the island.
Coverage Highlights:
- • Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) - Full 4G/5G
- • Ubud rice terraces - Excellent
- • Canggu/Seminyak beaches - Perfect
- • Nusa Penida day trips - Good (Telkomsel)
Real Usage:
- • Google Maps essential (200MB/day)
- • Gojek/Grab work perfectly
- • Beach club WiFi slow - use eSIM
- • Temple photos upload instantly
💬 Traveler Experience: "Beach club WiFi terrible - eSIM 4G was 50+ Mbps! Ubud rice terrace photos uploaded instantly. Gojek worked flawlessly - used only 30MB total for dozens of rides through Seminyak traffic." - Sarah, Bali Content Creator 2024
Gili Islands & Lombok
Excellent CoverageGili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air have excellent 4G coverage. Lombok beaches from Kuta to Senggigi well connected. No cars on Gilis - navigation apps essential for finding hotels. Beach bungalows often have NO WiFi - eSIM critical.
Coverage:
- • Gili T/Meno/Air - Excellent all areas
- • Kuta Lombok - Perfect coverage
- • Mount Rinjani base - Good signal
- • Senggigi beaches - 4G everywhere
Real Usage:
- • Beach bungalows have terrible WiFi
- • eSIM 4G essential for dive bookings
- • No street addresses - Maps critical
- • Perfect for boat transfers booking
💬 Traveler Experience: "Gili Islands bungalows had NO WiFi - eSIM 4G saved my dive trip bookings! Used Google Maps to find our hotel (no addresses - just 'near sunset swing'). WhatsApp essential for everything." - Chen Family, Gili Islands 2024
Yogyakarta & Java Cultural Sites
Excellent CoverageYogyakarta has excellent coverage for Borobudur sunrise tours and Prambanan temples. Jakarta's brutal traffic makes real-time Gojek navigation absolutely essential. Surabaya city fully connected.
Coverage:
- • Borobudur Temple - Excellent
- • Prambanan Complex - Perfect
- • Mount Bromo base - Good (3G/4G)
- • Jakarta business districts - 5G available
Essential for Java:
- • Jakarta traffic = eSIM mandatory
- • Gojek navigation uses 50MB/day
- • Temple guides download 100MB each
- • Borobudur sunrise photos upload fast
💬 Traveler Experience: "Jakarta traffic is INSANE - real-time Gojek navigation was lifesaver! Borobudur sunrise tour guides downloaded offline (100MB). Yogyakarta street food hunting via Instagram DMs needed reliable data." - Backpacker Crew, Java 2024
Komodo National Park & Flores
Variable CoverageLabuan Bajo (base town) has good 4G coverage for bookings and planning. Multi-day boat tours have limited signal - expect connectivity gaps. Komodo Island and diving sites mostly no coverage. Download everything before tours!
Coverage:
- • Labuan Bajo town - Good 4G
- • Komodo Island - Limited/none
- • Rinca Island - Limited
- • Boat tours - Telkomsel only (spotty)
Essential Prep:
- • Download maps before tours
- • Offline entertainment for 3-day tours
- • Emergency contacts saved offline
- • Perfect digital detox opportunity!
💬 Traveler Experience: "Labuan Bajo town had good WiFi for booking tours - eSIM worked great. On 3-day Komodo boat, signal came and went. Downloaded Netflix shows before - perfect digital detox with occasional check-ins at anchorages." - Adventure Couple 2024
Jakarta Business Hub
Capital has excellent 5G coverage. SCBD, Kemang, Grand Indonesia all fully connected. Perfect for business meetings and navigating notorious traffic. Coverage better than some office WiFi.
📱 Tip: Jakarta business districts have excellent 4G/5G - faster than hotel WiFi
Remote Islands (Variable)
Raja Ampat, East Nusa Tenggara have limited coverage. Major towns (Waisai, Labuan Bajo, Kupang) well covered. Remote diving/trekking routes have no signal - download offline maps and emergency contacts.
⚠️ Remote Tip: Download ALL content before Raja Ampat/remote island trips
Frequently Asked Questions
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