Are you planning a trip to Indonesia and wondering if you can buy a sim card for Indonesia on arrival at Jakarta International Airport? The answer is yes! This is a complete guide for buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport.
Find out where to buy a sim card, up to date prices as per August 2024, my recommendation, more about eSIMs for Indonesia and everything else you need to know before buying a sim card to stay connected when traveling to Jakarta.
Traveling with a working data connection on your phone is so much more convenient and therefore looking for the best ways to stay connected when traveling abroad is a vital part of my travel planning.
To save money on high roaming costs you can order a sim card for Indonesia on the internet and arrive prepared or buy an Indonesia prepaid sim card at Jakarta Airport on arrival.
eSIMs are super convenient, but slightly more expensive. Depending on how much data you need it is worth ordering an eSIM.
Heads up: you can NOT buy an eSIM at Jakarta Airport, only physical prepaid sim cards are provided for tourists.
Traveltomtom is on a journey to travel to every country in the world and everywhere I go I write sim card guides to help travelers save money and find the best way to stay connected. That is why on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Shanghai, China, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Manila, Morocco, Zanzibar, Aruba, Mauritius, USA, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Europe, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, Canada and many more.
Traveltomtom also wrote an extensive guide for the best Indonesia prepaid sim card for tourists in 2024, including 4G/5G coverage maps and a comparison of the mobile internet providers in Indonesia.
Are you just here for eSIMs then check out Traveltomtom's Indonesia eSIM guide with everything you need to know about buying an eSIM for traveling in Indonesia in 2024.
If you are traveling to multiple countries in Southeast Asia then you might want to look into buying an international sim card or eSIM for Asia.
Traveltomtom is the most complete sim card blog on the internet. Next time you are planning your trip abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid and eSIM advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money traveling the world.
Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to Jakarta are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I earn a small commission. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends buying an XL sim card at Jakarta Airport. For around $13 USD you get 15 GB data.
That said, you can also already order an Indonesia eSIM on the internet and arrive prepared. In fact ordering an eSIM online is even cheaper as eSIMs for Indonesia start from just $5.5 USD.
For more detailed info and answers on all FAQ about using e-sims check out Traveltomtom's comparison of the best eSIMs for Indonesia in 2024 with eSIM plans from Jetpac, Nomad, Airalo, SimOptions, Holafly, etc.
But if you are intended to use a lot of data on your trip to Jakarta then Traveltomtom advices to keep on reading and buy a prepaid sim card for Indonesia on arrival at Jakarta Airport.
If you want the cheapest Indonesia prepaid sim card deals you should not buy a local prepaid sim card for Indonesia at Jakarta Airport, but in Jakarta city somewhere in a local phone shop. It will save you a couple dollars, check out my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Indonesia in 2024 for more info.
If you are traveling to multiple countries on your trip to Asia then check out some of the international prepaid sim cads for traveling abroad. These physical prepaid as well as eSIMs are valid in multiple countries around the world, so they could be great for your next holiday.
Be aware that the local prepaid sim cards you buy in Indonesia, as well as eSIMs and international sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If your phone is locked make sure to unlock your phone before your trip to Indonesia. Contact your mobile internet provider in your home country if you are not sure about this.
Best eSIMs for Indonesia
Local prepaid sim cards are not the only way to stay connected when traveling to the Indonesia. The easiest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Jakarta in 2024 is by ordering an eSIM online.
No need to visit a sim card store anymore on arrival in Indonesia and no need to buy a sim card at Jakarta Airport. As soon as the plane lands in Jakarta you are already online. The eSIMs for Indonesia you buy on the internet need to be installed on your phone in a couple simple steps. Once installed the e-sim instantly connects to an available network as soon as the plane touches the ground.
You can order an eSIM for Indonesia directly on the internet, you process the payment, receive a QR code, scan it, follow the instructions and instal the eSIM in a couple simple steps. You are all set in less than 2 minutes.
For more detailed info check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Indonesia in 2024.
Airalo
Airalo is a recommended eSIM provider that Traveltomtom has used multiple times. Check out the following Airalo eSIM plans for Indonesia:
- 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 directly order an Indonesia eSIM from Airalo.
The above Indotel eSIMs for Indonesia from Airalo are data-only sim cards and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Indotel operates on the Telkomsel 4G/LTE network, 5G is not supported.
SimOptions
SimOptions is another eSIM provider used by Traveltomtom in more than 50 countries around the world. SimOptions sell the follwing Indonesia eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.90 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $12.90 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to directly order an eSIM for Indonesia from SimOptions.
The above SimOptions eSIMs for Indonesia are data-only sim cards and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Simoptions does not specify on which network they operate in Indonesia, but max data speed is 4G/LTE, 5G is not supported.
Nomad
Another recommendation for eSIMs in Indonesia is Nomad and they actually have amazing eSIM plans for Indonesia. Traveltomtom does not directly recommend the Nomad Indonesia eSIMs with unlimited data, as the small letters will tell you that after 2 GB per day the data speed will significantly drop. No one wants slow internet.
But here are the regular Nomad eSIM plans for Indonesia in 2024, which are definitely recommended:
- 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 directly order an Indonesia eSIM from Nomad.
The above Nomad eSIMs for Indonesia are from SingTel and are data-only sim cards. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. SingTel operates on the Telkomsel and Smartfren 4G/LTE network, 5G is not supported.
For a complete guide about using eSIMs when traveling to the Indonesia and a comparison of the best eSIMs for Indonesia in 2024 click on the link and read all my tips.
Before ordering an eSIM for Indonesia make sure your phone is first of all unlocked. eSIMs only work in unlocked phones. Second, make sure your phone is e-sim compatible. Pretty much all newer smartphones are eSIM compatible.
Arrival at Jakarta International Airport
Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and most international flights arrive at Jakarta International Airport. Jakarta Airport with airport code CGK is also called Soekarno-Hatta International Airportt and there are 3 terminals. Terminal 3 is the newest terminal and is used for incoming international flights from all major airliners. Soekarno-Hatta CGK is a very pleasant airport to arrive with huge wide open spaces. There is free WiFi that actually works fine without any login or whatsoever. There are already ATM's before passport control and there is a duty-free shop.
The wait for passport control is ok, there are many available lines. There are e-gates, but only for Indonesian passport holders. After passport control you end up in the baggage claim hall which is also very easy to navigate. Before the last customs luggage check there is a health declaration form you have to fill out. You have to scan a QR code, fill out the details and it automatically generates a personalised QR code that will be scanned and you are good to go.
There is a luggage check x-ray machine, but I have never seen any being asked to scan their luggage. After this whole process you arrive in the very quiet Arrival Hall.
The Arrival Hall at Jakarta Airport is very peaceful as only arriving passengers are allowed inside. Everyone else is kept outside. In the Arrival Hall there is another liquor shop, money exchange and there are sim card shops to buy your tourist sim card for Indonesia.
Where to buy a sim card at Jakarta Airport
As mentioned above there are no sim card shops at immigration or at the baggage claim. You have to wait till you arrive in the Arrival Hall.
In the arrival hall it is very easy to find the sim card shops. There are 3 different shops. In the middle of the Arrival Hall there is Data Cellular and Backbone Cellular next to each other and towards the end of the hall there is an XL Axiata store.
There are 4 main mobile internet providers in Indonesia: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, IM3 (Indosat/Ooredoo) and Smartfren. Only XL Axiata has its own store in the arrival hall. Backbone Cellular and Data Cellular are phone stores that sell sim cards from all internet providers.
Outside of the Arrival Hall there are 3 more sim card stores. Another Data Cellular and Backbone Cellular shop will be right in front of you when you exit the arrival hall and a little bit on your left hand side there is an official Telkomsel shop.
All sim card stores inside the Jakarta International Airport Arrival Hall are open 24 hours and you can pay by cash as well as international credit card. The stores outside have limited opening times. Data cellular is open from 07:00 am to 03:00 am and the official Telkomsel shop outside the arrival hall is only open from 07:00 am to 09:00 PM.
Prices prepaid sim cards Jakarta Airport
All the information below is updated in August 2024 and prices are in Indonesia Pesos. $1 USD = 15,950 IDR and 10,000 PHP = $0.63 USD.
Backbone Cellular Arrival Hall
At the Backbone store they sell prepaid sim cards from all 4 mobile internet providers in Indonesia. All sim cards are data-only and do not include calling time, but you can add an extra calling plan. The cheapest sim card the Backbone store offers is a Telkomsel sim card for 260,000 IDR ($17 USD) that gives you 14 GB data. See all other Indonesia prepaid sim cards for tourists in the picture above.
Data Cellular Arrival Hall
Next to the Backbone Cellular store is Data Cellular, they sell a lot of different prepaid sim cards. If you are intended to buy an XL Axiata sim card then do NOT buy a sim card here, but at the XL Axiata store.
They Data Cellular store in the Arrival Hall also has a separate price sheet for Telkomsel prepaid sim cards for tourists. The cheapest sim card cost 200,000 IDR ($13 USD) and gives you 8 GB data.
XL Axiata Arrival Hall
The cheapest sim card at the XL Axiata store gives you 15 GB data for 200,000 IDR ($13 USD). That is significantly more data for the same price than a Telkomsel sim card at the other phone shops at Jakarta Airport.
Backbone Cellular outside
These are the prices for tourist sim cards at the Backbone Cellular store outside and they are pretty much the exact same as the store in the Arrival Hall. The same counts for the prices of the Data Cellular store in the Arrival Hall and outside.
The official Telkomsel store outside has the same prices as the other sim card shops at Jakarta Airport.
Expect to pay tourist prices for sim cards at Jakarta Airport. If you want the cheapest Indonesia prepaid sim card deals then you have to buy a sim card in a phone shop in Jakarta City center and not at the airport. At the airport they sell tourist sim cards for tourist prices. For example you can buy a Telkomsel top up for 100,000 IDR ($6.5 USD) that gives you 50 GB data.
Best sim card for tourists at Jakarta Airport
Based on the prepaid sim card plans and prices for tourists sim cards at Jakarta Airport Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that XL Axiata gives the best value for money sim card deal. XL Axiata offers a tourist sim with 15 GB data for 200,000 IDR ($12.8 USD) which is in fact also the cheapest tourist sim card at Jakarta Airport.
For my research about the best sim cards for traveling in Indonesia I also compared the network coverage maps of XL Axiata, Telkomsel, Smartfren and IM3.
XL Axiata, Smartfren and IM3 have a very decent 4G/LTE mobile data network, but it leaves no doubt that Telkomsel has by far the best 4G/5G network coverage in Indonesia.
For more info check out my complete guide for finding the best prepaid sim card for Indonesia in 2024 and find out why Traveltomtom rates Telkomsel as the best prepaid sim card for Indonesia.
However, when traveling to Jakarta and sticking to the standard tourist attractions in and around the city all mobile internet providers will provide good 4G/5G signal.
So what about eSIMs compared to local prepaid sim cards?
Well, it is no secret that eSIMs for Indonesia are more expensive than local prepaid sim cards. However, must add that eSIMs are super convenient and as soon as you land in Jakarta you are already connected to the internet and enjoying data on your phone.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Indonesia via either Nomad, SimOptions or Airalo.
The best value eSIM for Indonesia is an eSIM from Nomad with 20 GB data for $39 USD.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM for traveling to Indonesia in 2024, including a comparison of the best eSIMs and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims.
Data speed in Jakarta
The data speed wasn't disappointing, but I had hoped it would be much faster. I did a speed test comparison between XL Axiata and Telkomsel at peak time in the heart of Jakarta and XL Axiata won the match.
XL Axiata showed a data speed of 23 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, Telkomsel came out much slower with 16 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.
I know this is just a moment in time but a fair reference at least.
All in all I came to the conclusion that there is not that much difference but because XL Axiata offers a cheaper data plan at Jakarta Airport and they came out best in the speed test I would suggest give XL Axiata a go when buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport.
However, if you decide to travel off the beaten path or intended to spend many hours on the road I still recommend a Telkomsel prepaid sim card for traveling in Indonesia.
I filmed my arrival at Jakarta Airport and in the vlog below you can see what it looks like disembarking the plane, going through immigration, picking up your luggage, go through all the checks and I show you where you can buy a sim card, what it cost and my conclusion about using an Indonesia prepaid sim card in Jakarta.
Order a prepaid sim card for your trip to Jakarta online
Remember that eSIMs can only be used in e-sim compatible phones. If your phone is not e-sim compatible and you want to order a sim card for Indonesia on the internet then you have to look into buying an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia.
These pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put them in your phone during your flight and you are online as soon as the plane touches the ground in Jakarta and your international sim card connects to an available network.
Arrive prepared in Jakarta with an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia:
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Indonesia directly online via SimOptions.
Also a last reminder that if you have an e-sim compatible phone you can order an eSIM for Indonesia with very competitive prices. You can already get 1 GB data for just $5.5 USD and 20 GB data for $39 USD and you arrange everything online within just 2 minutes.
Traveltomtom recommends ordering an eSIM for Indonesia via either Nomad, SimOptions or Airalo.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM for traveling to Indonesia in 2024, including a comparison of the best eSIMs and an answer to all FAQ about e-sims.
My experiences buying a sim card at Jakarta Airport
Although I know from previous trips to Indonesia that data plans and local prepaid sim cards in are really cheap, I still bought a prepaid sim card at Jakarta Airport for a tourist price.
As I mentioned before you can top up a Telkomsel sim card with 50 GB data for 100,000 IDR ($6 USD) but at Jakarta Airport they only give you 8 GB for 200,000 IDR ($13 USD). When you think about this it actually is a crazy difference in price, but on the other hand Jakarta Airport is the most convenient place to buy a local prepaid sim card for Indonesia. And for that convenience you pay a little extra.
Since I know how cheap it is to top up I would also never recommend to buy any sim card plan for more than most simple plan at the airport. When I arrive somewhere I simply want to be connected instantly and that is very easy at Jakarta Airport. The staff speaks all very good English and is super helpful and friendly.
In total I stayed 4 days in Jakarta and had no problems using my XL Axiata sim card. The data speed was pretty good. I stayed in the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia CBD which actually had really fast WiFi so when in the hotel I used the WiFi. My girlfriend bought a Telkomsel sim card so we could compare and get the best sim card for visiting Jakarta for you.
Here is a TikTok video when we arrived at the Jakarta Airport.
@traveltomtom Which sim card is better Indonesia? Telkomsel or XL? š Arrived at Jakarta Airport for our trip to Indonesia and first things first: buying a local prepaid sim card to stay connected. Let the games beginā¦ @Jessmelu | Travel bought a Telkomsel sim card and I bought an XL sim card. I won the first battle, because for 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) I got 15 GB and Jess bought a Telkomsel sim card for 250,000 IDR ($16 USD) and got only 14 GB! #indonesia #indonesiatiktok ā¬ original sound - Traveltomtom
How much data do you need?
I consider myself a very heavy data user, but even on a crazy day I won't use more than 5 GB data. On average I use about 2-3 GB per day, mostly on social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. Make sure you don't have Google Drive or iCloud enabled on data, but only on WiFi.
I am sure some of the above tips on how to stay connected when traveling to Jakarta were helpful. If you have any additional questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media.
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 Jakarta!