Are you planning to travel to Indonesia and thinking about staying connected with an eSIM card? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know about using an eSIM card when traveling to Indonesia including a comparison of the best Indonesia eSIM cards for 2024.
Don't waste money on high roaming charges, read my recommendations below and order an eSIM card for Indonesia on the internet and get connected in just a couple minutes. Below you will find up to date prices as per August 2024, including all specifications per eSIM card.
This guide will explain how eSIM cards work, show you where and when to order an eSIM card for Indonesia, answer all FAQ about using eSIMs, more about the network coverage and 4G/5G data speed, explain the difference between eSIM cards and local prepaid sim cards you buy in Indonesia and of course links to directly order your eSIM card for traveling to Indonesia online.
Since 2012 I am traveling the world full time and eventually I turned my passion for traveling into a lifestyle and became a full time nomadic travel blogger. In 2022 I visited 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and eSIM cards I used throughout the last two years.
In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use eSIM cards to stay connected when traveling abroad.
Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.
Of course Traveltomtom also wrote a complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for Indonesia in 2024 as well as a guide for buying a tourist sim card in Bali.
Traveltomtom also wrote specific eSIM card guides for: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Asia, China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, Europe, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Portugal, international eSIM cards and many more.
So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money while traveling!
Some links in this article about the best eSIM cards for Indonesia are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Let me start with giving you my eSIM card recommendation for Indonesia. These are my favorite eSIM cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024.
1. Jetpac eSIM card for Indonesia - $28 USD
- 20 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Indonesia only
- Operates on the Telkomsel network
- 4G/LTE
- Valid for 30 days
- Only $1.4 USD per Gigabyte
Jetpac has the best value eSIMs for Indonesia. Jetpac has 8 different eSIM plans and very important is that they operate on the Telkomsel network, by far the best mobile data network in Indonesia.
2. SimOptions eSIM card for Indonesia - $16.40
- 10 GB data-only eSIM
- Valid in Indonesia only
- 5G ready
- Valid for 30 days
- $1.64 USD per Gigabyte
A good second best is an SimOptions eSIM card for Indonesia. They are slightly more expensive but Traveltomtom has in general always very good experiences with SimOptions.
Big plus about SimOptions eSIMs for Indonesia is that they are 5G ready. However, SimOptions does not specify which network they use in Indonesia.
Both eSIM cards are data-only eSIM cards and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported. Data is only valid in Indonesia.
Is Indonesia one of your stops on a trip to Asia then you can also look into getting an eSIM card for traveling in Asia. There are eSIM cards that cover all countries in South East Asia and some even pretty much all of of Asia and Middle East.
There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an eSIM card for Indonesia or in general before using an eSIM card.
Unlocked phones only
Make sure your phone is unlocked. eSIM cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.
If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or eSIM card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.
eSIM compatible phones only
Second, and equally important: eSIM cards only work if your smartphone supports eSIM cards, also called eSIM compatible. All newer smartphones support eSIM cards. If you are not sure if your phone is eSIM compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is eSIM compatible. You will get the answer instantly.
If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM card for traveling to Indonesia.
However, you can still order a sim card for Indonesia on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a sim card for Indonesia in 2024 or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2024.
Comparison of the best eSIM cards for Indonesia
Buying an eSIM card on arrival in Indonesia is very limited. As per August 2024 Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat/Ooredoo do still NOT provide eSIMs for tourists. They only offer physical prepaid sim cards at the international airports of Bali and Jakarta as well as in their official phone stores across Indonesia.
The only mobile internet operator that offers eSIM cards for tourists on arrival in Indonesia is Smartfren. Am I a fan? No! Why? More about that later.
Luckily there are multiple eSIM providers on the internet that sell eSIM cards for Indonesia. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Indonesia from one of the well-known eSIM card providers like Airalo, Jetpac, SimOptions, Nomad, Holafly, etc. that have proven to be reliable operators.
SimOptions and Airalo have been long time favorites of Traveltomtom, but are they still the best and cheapest? There are multiple new eSIM providers nowadays and the competition is fierce...
So before you buy an eSIM card first read all my tips below!
SimOptions is the only sim card provider that also offers international prepaid sim cards for Indonesia. These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to Indonesia and it is plug and play when you arrive in the Indonesia.
Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad only sell eSIM cards for Indonesia.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a very reliable eSIM card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering an eSIM card.
Why using SimOptions?
SimOptions has proven over the years to be very reliable. Excellent costumer service, great eSIM card deals, eSIMs for pretty much every country in the world and innovative product. Traveltomtom never faced an issue with SimOptions eSIMs.
Here are the SimOptions data-only eSIM card plans for Indonesia for 2024:
- 3 GB data for 15 days = $7.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 15 days = $9.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $16.40 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $32.40 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $47.90 USD
Click here to order a SimOptions eSIM card for Indonesia.
These data-only eSIM cards are provided by SimOptions and are only valid in Indonesia. Unfortunately SimOptions doesn't specify which mobile network operator in Indonesia they use. However, all SimOptions eSIMs are 5G ready.
The SimOptions eSIM cards for Indonesia do NOT come with a phone number and they do not offer incoming/outgoing calls or sms services. The validity of these eSIM cards is 1 year and the credit validity starts instantly after installing the eSIM card, even if you are not in Indonesia. For more info check the SimOptions website.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a Singapore based eSIM provider so they know the market of eSIMs in Indonesia very well. Perhaps that is why they are able to offer the best value eSIMs for Indonesia in 2024.
Jetpac has also eSIM card for traveling to Southeast Asia that are valid in 15 countries in Asia/Pacific.
Here are the Jetpac Indonesia eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $9 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $60 USD
Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac Indonesia eSIM card.
One of the reason why Traveltomtom recommends a Jetpac eSIM for Indonesia is because they operate on the Telkomsel network, which has by far the best mobile data network coverage in Indonesia. Much better than Smartfren, XL Axiata and IM3, the other Indonesia mobile internet operators.
The Jetpac Indonesia eSIM plan with 20 GB data for just $28 USD makes it also the best value eSIM card for Indonesia as well as for Southeast Asia with a rate of only $1.4 USD per Gigabyte.
The Jetpac Indonesia eSIM cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number and unfortunately the Jetpac Indonesia eSIMs are not yet 5G ready, but in all listed countries 4G/LTE is supported.
You can instal your Jetpac eSIM card before your trip to Indonesia, but it only activates from the moment it connects to a supported network in Indonesia or one of the other supported countries. That moment your days also start counting. The Jetpac eSIMs have to be installed within 1 year.
An extra advantage of Jetpac eSIM cards is that they provide a free VPN as well as free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM provider offers. For more info check the Jetpac website.
Airalo
Airalo is another very reputable eSIM card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your eSIM card for Indonesia through Airalo is done fast and easy
Why using Airalo? Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest eSIM card deals.
Airalo is the market leader in eSIMs but is not much innovative in the last years. Where other eSIM operators constantly enhance their product and prices, Airalo stays a bit behind.
Here are Indonesia eSIM card plans from Airalo 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 eSIM card for Indonesia from Airalo.
The Airalo eSIM cards for Indonesia are from Indotel and operate on the 4G/LTE network of Indosat and Three. The Airalo Indotel eSIM cards for Indonesia are NOT 5G ready. Side note, there isn't much 5G yet in Indonesia as of 2024.
In pretty much all the amazing places to visit in Indonesia you will find a 4G/LTE signal and the data speed is reasonably good these days.
Unfortunately the Airalo eSIMs do not operate on the Telkomsel network, the best mobile data network in Indonesia.
For more info about the best 4G/5G network in Indonesia check my complete guide for the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Indonesia in 2024, including network coverage maps of all the mobile internet providers.
All the Airalo eSIM cards are data-only sim cards without a phone number, so any phone/sms service is NOT supported. An Airalo eSIM card has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.
Nomad
Nomad has eSIMs for Indonesia that operate on the Telkomsel network, the provider with the best mobile data network coverage all across Indonesia.
The Traveltomtom Team has reported some issues with Nomad eSIMs lately and therefore Nomad is not Traveltomtom's first recommendation when looking for eSIMs for Indonesia.
Here are the Nomad eSIM card plans for Indonesia:
- 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 eSIM card for Indonesia from Nomad.
The best value Nomad eSIM plan give you 20 GB for $39 USD which is $1.95 USD per Gigabyte.
Nomad Indonesia plans are slightly cheaper than Airalo, but more expensive than Jetpac and SimOptions.
The Nomad Indonesia eSIM cards have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Indonesia. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.
Holafly
Holafly is another well-known eSIM provider but unlike other providers they work with eSIMs with unlimited data. However, there is a catch and that is a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). More about it later, but it could mean that you suddenly have a very slow data connection for a whole day until it resets.
Here are the Holafly eSIM plans for Indonesia with unlimited data per day:
- 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
- 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
- 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
- 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
- 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
- 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
- 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
- 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
- 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
- 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
- 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
- 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
- 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
- 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD
As you can see the Holafly eSIM cards for traveling to Indonesia are much more expensive than other eSIMs.
The Holafly eSIM cards for Indonesia are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of XL Axiata, Indosat and Telkomsel.
You can use a hotspot on the Holafly eSIM cards for the UAE, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.
Why not truly unlimited, but 'unlimited'? Because there is a Fair Use Policy and Traveltomtom has had bad experiences with this in the past. Suddenly your data speed is slowed down for 24 hours because you apparently used too much data. More info in my section about: 'eSIM cards with unlimited data'.
Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride and after 2 hour you get a message from your eSIM provider telling you that your data speed is slowed down for the next 24 hours.
If I hate something then it is slow data speed. Therefore Traveltomtom's is not a fan of eSIM cards with 'unlimited' data and therefore it is not my first recommendation when looking for an eSIM for Indonesia.
Also, Traveltomtom tested Holafly in another country and was very disappointed with the overall performance. Holafly was using the weakest mobile data network in that country and people all around me constantly had connection but I was pretty much offline for a whole week. Even though we were in big cities, I constantly had to ask for the public WiFi of my hotels, restaurants and bars because my Holafly eSIM was super slow.
Smartfren
Smartfren is one of the mobile internet operators in Indonesia. After Telkomsel, Indosat/Ooredoo and XL Axiata it is in fact the smallest mobile internet provider in Indonesia.
However, Smartfren is the only provider that offers eSIM cards for tourists. All the other providers only offer physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Updated as per August 2024.
Keep in mind that a Smartfren eSIM card for traveling in Indonesia can only be bought on arrival in Indonesia in an official Smartfren store and at Bali Airport. At Jakarta Airport you can NOT buy an eSIM card at all.
You can NOT by a Smartfren eSIM card on the internet!
Smartfren offers the following eSIM card plans for Indonesia:
- 25 GB data for 30 days = 250,000 IDR - $15.5 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = 300,000 IDR - $18.5 USD
- 45 GB data for 30 days = 350,000 IDR - $21.5 USD
- 60 GB data for 30 days = 450,000 IDR - $28 USD
As you can see the prices for Smartfren eSIM cards are much cheaper than the eSIM cards for Indonesia that you buy on the internet. Basically a Smartfren eSIM card is a local prepaid sim card in the form of an eSIM card.
A Smartfren eSIM card comes with an Indonesia phone number that starts with +62. Incoming calls are supported and outgoing calls can be made after adding extra calling credit to your eSIM card.
Keep in mind that Smartfren is the smallest mobile internet provider in Indonesia and it has the weakest 4G/LTE network. For more info check out my guide about the best Indonesia prepaid sim cards for tourists in 2024.
Why did Traveltomtom already used more than 100s of eSIM cards? I told you before that I travel full time and I am on the road constantly. Pretty much every week I need another sim card to stay connected. In fact my last trip to Indonesia was in November 2023. Did I use an eSIM card? Yes, the Nomad eSIM card for Indonesia with 20 GB data.
What is the cheapest eSIM card for Indonesia?
No eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM deals for just $1 USD. You get 1 GB data valid for 4 days.
Airalo has another cheap eSIM for Indonesia. For $5.5 USD you get 1 GB data valid for 7 days. This eSIM is only valid in Indonesia and does not support calling and texting.
Why ordering an eSIM card for traveling in Indonesia
eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia in 2024 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.
The most important reason to get an eSIM card is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Indonesia without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.
One of the best things about arriving in Indonesia with an activated eSIM card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM card later.
There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Indonesia so much more convenient and fun!
At the same time we don't want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2024.
eSIM cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!
Overseas Data Roaming plans
So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Indonesia there is 4G/LTE available.
Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends have asked me: "can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!". Trust me, get yourself an eSIM card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Indonesia. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.
Where to buy an eSIM card for Indonesia?
Online
There are heaps of eSIM providers for Indonesia. Traveltomtom compared multiple eSIM providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones (Jetpac, SimOptions, Holafly, Airalo and Nomad) are the most reliable eSIM providers for traveling to Indonesia in 2024.
When buying an eSIM card for Indonesia through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.
On arrival in Indonesia
There are 4 main mobile internet provider in Indonesia: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat/Ooredoo (IM3) and Smartfren. Unfortunately the 3 biggest operators do NOT offer eSIM cards for tourists in Indonesia. The only internet provider that offers eSIM cards for tourists in Indonesia is Smartfren.
When you arrive in Indonesia and you want to buy a local sim card for tourists then only physical prepaid sim cards are available from Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat/Ooredoo.
Only at Bali Airport as well as official Smartfren stores across Indonesia tourists are able to register an eSIM card.
For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Indonesia in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Indonesia, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.
Flying into Indonesia and landing in Jakarta or Bali then you can buy a tourist sim card for Indonesia on arrival at the airport. However, there are very limited eSIM cards sold at airports in Indonesia, pretty much only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Also expect to pay tourist prices when buying a sim card at the airport. Check out my guides for buying a sim card in Bali and my guide for buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport.
When to order/activate an eSIM card for Indonesia?
You can order an eSIM card for Indonesia pretty much any time you want. Most eSIM cards have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.
More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM card. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIM cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.
Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM card on the day of departure to Indonesia or before. When in Indonesia you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM card. Pretty much every international airport in Indonesia has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM card. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM card in your home country.
So my personal advice is to instal your eSIM card for Indonesia before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.
How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Indonesia almost 10 times and traveled to Jakarta, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Lombok, West - Papua and many more islands in Indonesia before.
For more info about my experiences buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport check out my blog about it or check out my vlog on YouTube from Jakarta Airport.
I also wrote a blog about buying a prepaid sim card for Bali, the best eSIM cards for Bali and there is also a vlog on my YouTube channel about my arrival at Bali Airport and buying a prepaid sim card for traveling in Bali.
How to activate an eSIM card
Installing and activating an eSIM card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.
When you order an eSIM card plan for Indonesia you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.
You will see a summary of your eSIM card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Indonesia eSIM card.
But installing an activating an eSIM card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM card on. The QR contains all the information about your Indonesia eSIM card.
Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM card is successfully installed.
Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.
Tip: if you order an eSIM card with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.
Things to know before ordering an eSIM card for Indonesia
Here are some general tips for using eSIM cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for Indonesia eSIM cards, but are things you have to know before buying an eSIM card in general.
Make sure your phone is unlocked
To make sure you didn't miss this, let me say this again: eSIM cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM card without any problems.
If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Indonesia. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.
If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Indonesia or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Indonesia and use it as a portable WiFi device.
Which smartphones support eSIM cards?
Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM card is if your smartphone supports eSIM cards. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIM cards.
The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!
Can I trust these eSIM providers?
All the eSIM card providers for Indonesia recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM card providers reviewed and tested by the Traveltomtom Team. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Indonesia.
Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards now for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.
The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM card provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.
Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom only received positive feedback and excellent reviews about the eSIMs and services of Jetpac.
Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIM cards with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.
Traveltomtom does NOT sell Indonesia eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIM cards for traveling to Indonesia.
All eSIM card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.
Can I keep my phone number from home with an Indonesia eSIM card?
Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM card to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia. An eSIM card can be used next to your physical or eSIM card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM card.
So you can have multiple eSIM cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!
For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Indonesia eSIM card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.
This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.
Switching between physical and eSIM cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.
Can I make phone calls with an Indonesia eSIM card?
No, unfortunately none of the by Traveltomtom recommended eSIM cards for Indonesia include calling and texting. All the eSIM cards from SimOptions, Airalo, Jetpac, Holafly and Nomad are data-only eSIM cards and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.
Does an Indonesia eSIM card come with a phone number?
No, none of the Indonesia eSIM cards that you can buy on the internet come with a phone number which also means you can not receive any phone calls or sms.
If you buy a local prepaid sim card in Indonesia then you will get a sim card with a phone number from Indonesia and unlimited calling and texting included.
In the above Indonesia eSIM card comparison you can find all the specifications per eSIM card.
Can I use 5G on an Indonesia eSIM card?
First of all don't get too excited about having 5G when traveling in Indonesia in 2024. There is still not much 5G around, the 5G network in Indonesia is very limited as of August 2024.
There are some eSIM cards that are 5G ready, but most of them are not. SimOptions upgraded all their eSIMs and they are now all 5G ready. Also Holafly claims that their eSIMs are 5G ready.
Are there eSIM cards for Indonesia with unlimited data?
Yes, the Holafly eSIM cards for Indonesia include unlimited data. However, Traveltomtom is not a big fan of unlimited data sim cards.
Always ask yourself is unlimited truly unlimited. Is there a catch? If the unlimited data is not on max data speed, then there is a so called FUP. Which means that your data speed will be capped after you used an X amount of Gigabytes.
Holafly is an eSIM provider that sells eSIMs with unlimited data for Indonesia and uses a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP). Holafly does NOT specify what the FUP is. Which is very concerning!
Traveltomtom does NOT recommend Indonesia eSIM cards with unlimited data plans with an FUP. On Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. After I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.
Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media was not even loading!
Especially on days that you are a long bus or train ride and you need a lot of data, you definitely don't want any data speed restrictions that day.
Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIM cards for Indonesia with unlimited data. But if you think you will never use more than 2 GB per day, then Holafly might be your favorite eSIM card.
However, if you don't use so much data per day then what's the point of an eSIM with unlimited data!?
The Jetpac eSIM card for $28 USD gives you 20 GB data. There is no real need for an eSIM card with unlimited data unless you want to upload your whole camera roll to a Google Drive or iCloud via 4G instead of WiFi.
There are a lot of different specifications per eSIM card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best eSIM cards for traveling to Indonesia in 2024 before choosing your favorite.
Are eSIM cards the best way to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia?
eSIM cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Indonesia, but what is the best way?
There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia:
- Local prepaid sim cards
- International prepaid sim cards
- eSIM cards
Let's compare eSIM cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.
Local prepaid sim cards
If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards for Indonesia are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Indonesia prepaid sim cards mostly offer bigger data plans than eSIM cards and on top of that local prepaid sim cards come often with unlimited local calls and sms.
The big difference is that a local Indonesia prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Indonesia in a phone store or at the airport and NOT on the internet.
More info about the best Indonesia prepaid sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for Indonesia in 2024.
International prepaid sim cards
If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Indonesia. Some of them are great for Indonesia as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.
If after visiting Indonesia you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom's list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2024 or the best Asia tourist sim cards in 2024.
A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia directly online.
eSIM cards
As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIM cards:
- eSIM cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
- eSIM cards that you buy in Indonesia in a mobile internet provider store
However, as of August 2024 eSIM cards are very limited available for prepaid tourist sim cards in Indonesia.
Traveltomtom personally shopped around in Jakarta and Bali to find out if eSIM cards were available for tourists in Indonesia and the answer is: only with Smartfren, the smallest internet provider in Indonesia.
On arrival at the international airports in Indonesia they only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists. Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport. If you are buying a sim card at Bali Airport you can actually buy an eSIM card from Smartfren.
eSIM cards vs. local prepaid sim cards
Getting an eSIM card is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Indonesia, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Indonesia. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Indonesia. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.
But what is cheaper? An eSIM card or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?
When we compare Indonesia eSIM card prices with local prepaid sim cards for Indonesia, it is an easy conclusion that local prepaid sim cards are much more affordable and you get many more Gigabytes. But local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in Indonesia in a sim card shop.
That said, eSIM cards that you buy on the internet are in fact cheaper as they start from already $4 USD and local prepaid Indonesia tourists sim cards start from 250,000 IDR which is around $16 USD.
Indonesia has so called tourist sim cards specially designed for non-resident foreigners. And prices to register a new prepaid sim card start from $16 USD. After that the top-ups are really cheap and for $6 USD you can get 50 GB data.
For more info check out my articles about the best prepaid sim cards for Bali, buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport or the best prepaid sim cards for Indonesia.
After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. With eSIM cards you buy on the internet you are connected as soon as the plane lands. For this convenience Traveltomtom definitely recommends to order one of the listed best eSIM cards for Indonesia in the comparison above.
Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM card for Indonesia. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper depending on how much data you need.
Data Speed
Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM card is that eSIM cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO's operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.
This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIM cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIM cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.
Bottomline: the data speed of eSIM cards can be less compared to a local prepaid Indonesia sim card.
I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM card for your trip to Indonesia were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM card for Indonesia right away.
If you still have any questions about eSIM cards then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Indonesia!