SIM Card & Internet

A local SIM card is essential in Indonesia — for Grab/Gojek, navigation, bookings, and contact.

The Best Providers

• Telkomsel: Best network and widest coverage — works even in remote areas on Flores, Sulawesi, and Sumatra, where other providers have no reception. The first choice for travelers outside Java and Bali.
• XL Axiata: Second-best provider, cheaper than Telkomsel, good coverage in cities and tourist areas.
• Indosat (IM3): Budget option, functional in cities, often weak in rural areas.

Purchase & Registration

SIM cards are available at the airport (Telkomsel counter in the arrival hall — recommended, as they assist with registration there) or in any mobile shop and minimart (Indomaret, Alfamart). Since 2018, all SIM cards must be registered with an Indonesian number and passport copy — the seller handles this.

Packages & Prices

A tourist package with 15–30 GB of data and a validity of 30 days costs 100,000–200,000 IDR (6–12 €). Top-up credit (Pulsa) is available everywhere for a few thousand Rupiah.

Internet Quality

In Jakarta and the major cities, 4G/LTE is fast and reliable. On Flores, in Toraja, and on remote islands, the connection can be slow or non-existent. On the Togian Islands and in parts of Papua, there is no mobile network. Most accommodations have Wi-Fi — the speed varies from "surprisingly good" to "exists only nominally".