Exploring Indonesia requires a good internet connection. Between using Google Maps, booking transportation, and sharing your photos in real time, staying connected is essential.
Here is the complete guide to choosing the best internet solution in Indonesia according to your budget and needs.
1. The 4 options for getting internet in Indonesia
To use your smartphone during your trip to Indonesia, you have four main options:
Option 1: The prepaid eSIM card
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card already integrated into your smartphone. You buy it online before you leave, scan a QR code, and you have mobile data as soon as you arrive at the airport.
- Benefits : Instant activation, no need to remove your French SIM card (you keep your WhatsApp number), zero administrative procedures on site.
- Disadvantages: Requires a phone compatible with eSIM technology.
Option 2: The local physical SIM card
You can buy a physical SIM card from an Indonesian operator (Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat) upon arrival at the airport or in a shop in town.
- Benefits : Prices are often attractive for large volumes of GB.
- Disadvantages: Queue at the airport, mandatory registration of your phone's IMEI code (sometimes a lengthy administrative procedure), juggling between one or two physical SIM cards, handing over your passport.
Option 3: Roaming with your French operator
Using your usual French mobile plan in Indonesia is the riskiest solution.
- Benefits : No handling required.
- Disadvantages: Prices are often very high.
Option 4: The Pocket Wi-Fi box
This is a small portable 4G/5G device that you can rent and carry with you.
- Benefits : Allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously (computers, tablets).
- Disadvantages: Additional device to manage, battery life sometimes limited.
2. Why is eSIM the best option for traveling to Bali and Indonesia?
In recent years, eSIM has become the preferred choice for travelers and digital nomads in Indonesia for several strategic reasons:
- Time saved upon arrival: After a long flight, registering a local SIM card at an airport can take up to an hour. With an eSIM, you connect to the network as soon as you land.
- Security of your data: Using public Wi-Fi networks in cafes or hotels carries a risk of hacking. A private and secure 4G/5G connection via eSIM guarantees the protection of your data.
- Preservation of the main number: You continue to receive your bank validation SMS (2FA) on your French SIM while browsing the Internet thanks to your eSIM data.
Practical tip: To avoid any unpleasant surprises, discover our eSIM plan Indonesia with high-speed data tailored to the length of your stay.
3. Network coverage in Indonesia: Telkomsel, XL Axiata or Indosat?
Indonesia is an archipelago made up of more than 17,000 islands. The quality of the network depends heavily on the region visited:
- Telkomsel: It is the country's leading operator. It offers the best network coverage, especially if you venture outside of Bali (Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Komodo or Sulawesi).
- XL Axiata and Indosat: Highly efficient and fast in large urban areas (Jakarta, Surabaya) and tourist centers of Bali (Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud).
Our eSIM plans automatically connect to the best local networks to guarantee optimal coverage wherever you go.
4. Comparison table: eSIM vs local SIM vs Roaming
| Criteria | eSIM Indonesia | Local SIM card | French Roaming |
| Purchase | Online (before departure) | In store / Airport | Automatic |
| IMEI registration | Not required | Mandatory on site | No |
| French SIM card retention | Yes | No (except for dual SIM phones) | Yes |
| Activation time | 2 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes | Immediate |
| Risk of additional costs | Zero (prepaid) | Zero (prepaid) | Very high |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Internet in Indonesia
Do you need to register your phone's IMEI for an eSIM?
No. IMEI registration (a government tax applied to foreign phones) is mainly required when purchasing local physical SIM cards if you're staying longer than 90 days. Tourist eSIM plans eliminate this cumbersome process.
How much data (GB) should I plan for a 15-day trip to Bali?
For typical use (GPS, social media, Grab/Gojek ride-hailing apps, emails), expect to pay between 5 GB and 10 GB for two weeks. If you are tethering or streaming video, opt for a 15GB or unlimited data plan.
To find out your consumption in detail, Use our data calculator.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most recent smartphones (iPhone XS and later models, Samsung Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23/S24, Google Pixel 3 and later) support eSIM technology. Remember to check that your phone is unlocked (unlocked for any carrier).
What if I visit other Asian countries during my trip?
If your itinerary includes stopovers or extensions in Thailand, Vietnam, or Singapore, it is more economical to opt directly for a eSIM package Asia which will cover all your destinations with a single installation.
Conclusion: Travel connected with complete peace of mind
Stop wasting time in airport queues and avoid unnecessary extra charges. Plan ahead for your arrival in Indonesia to make the most of your trip from the very first minutes.
👉 Choose your Indonesian eSIM Go to Miio and receive your activation QR code immediately by email!
