Best Prepaid SIM Card for Indonesia in 2026: Why I use Telkomsel

Planning a trip to Indonesia and looking for the best prepaid SIM card in Indonesia in 2026? In this guide I will show you everything you need to know about buying a SIM card for your trip: where to buy one, how much it costs, which mobile network has the best coverage and what the best alternative eSIM is.

I have traveled to Indonesia more than 15 times and explored islands like Bali, Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and West Papua. From busy cities to remote islands, I have tested mobile networks all over the country and one thing is clear: choosing the right SIM card for traveling in Indonesia makes a huge difference for your trip.

In this guide I compare all mobile internet providers in Indonesia, explain the differences in network coverage and help you avoid paying tourist prices for SIM cards at the airport. For more specific guides check out my articles about buying a SIM card at Jakarta Airport and the best SIM card for Bali.

If you are considering an eSIM then check out my guide with the best eSIMs for Indonesia or my specific Bali eSIM guide for tourists.

Last updated: June 2026.

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on independent research and personal experience.

Why Telkomsel is the best prepaid SIM card for tourists in Indonesia?

Based on network coverage, reliability and real travel experience, it is a very easy conclusion:

The best prepaid SIM card for Indonesia is Telkomsel.

Indonesia is a huge country with many islands and once you travel beyond Bali and Java, network coverage becomes the most important factor. Telkomsel is the only provider that consistently offers a strong and stable connection across the country.

I have traveled to Indonesia more than 15 times and visited Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi, West Papua and many more islands. For trips beyond the main tourist areas I almost always used a Telkomsel prepaid SIM card simply because it works everywhere and saves you a lot of frustration.

Best SIM card for coverage in Indonesia

Telkomsel is by far the best choice if you want the most reliable network in Indonesia. It has the widest coverage and is the safest option for traveling between islands and visiting more remote destinations.

Second best SIM card in Indonesia

IM3 (Indosat) is the second best option. It works well in cities and tourist areas and has a wider spread across Indonesia than XL Axiata, but it is still clearly behind Telkomsel when it comes to off the beaten path travel.

Best SIM card for Bali and Java

If you are only traveling to Bali or Java then all providers can work well and you have more flexibility. In that case XL Axiata or IM3 can be good alternatives to Telkomsel, especially if you are looking for cheaper data packages.

If you are only traveling to Bali, check out my specific guide for the best SIM card for Bali.

SIM cards I would not recommend for traveling in Indonesia

Smartfren is not recommended for most travelers due to its limited network coverage. It may work fine in cities, but it is not a reliable option for traveling around Indonesia.

In short, if you want to avoid any issues with mobile data while traveling in Indonesia, just go for Telkomsel. It is the most reliable choice and worth paying slightly more for.

Prepaid SIM card prices in Indonesia in 2026

Prepaid SIM cards in Indonesia are very cheap, but prices vary depending on where you buy your SIM card and which provider you choose.

All prices below are based on real offers and are meant as an indication. Promotions and prepaid packages change all the time.

The exchange rate used is approximately Rp 17,000 = $1 USD.

Telkomsel prepaid SIM card prices

• 3.5 GB data for 30 days = Rp 35,000 (~$2 USD)
• 8 GB data for 30 days = Rp 70,000 (~$4 USD)
• 13 GB data for 30 days = Rp 100,000 (~$6 USD)

The SIM card itself costs around Rp 35,000 (~$2 USD). Telkomsel is slightly more expensive, but you are paying for the best network coverage in Indonesia.

IM3 (Indosat) prepaid SIM card prices

• 2 GB data = Rp 45,000 (~$3 USD)
• 6 GB data + 30 minutes calling = Rp 99,000 (~$6 USD)
• 16 GB data + 60 minutes calling + 60 SMS = Rp 199,000 (~$12 USD)
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes calling + 120 SMS = Rp 299,000 (~$18 USD)

IM3 offers competitive pricing and is a solid alternative for travelers staying in cities and tourist areas.

XL Axiata prepaid SIM card prices

• 150 GB data = Rp 150,000 (~$9 USD)
• 250 GB data = Rp 200,000 (~$12 USD)
• 500 GB data = Rp 300,000 (~$18 USD)

XL Axiata offers very large data bundles at low prices. These deals can look extremely cheap, but the data is often split into different quotas, so not all data is always fully usable.

Smartfren prepaid SIM card prices

• 3 GB data for 30 days = Rp 35,000 (~$2 USD)

Smartfren is a budget provider with low prices, but due to limited network coverage it is not recommended for most travelers.

Tourist SIM card prices at airports

Here is what you can expect when buying a tourist SIM card at one of the international airports. Expect even higher prices at Denpasar Airport in Bali.

• 15 GB - 30 GB data = Rp 150,000 - Rp 250,000 (~$9 - $15 USD)

SIM cards at the airport are easy to buy, but always more expensive. You pay a tourist price for the convenience. For the best deals, buy your SIM card in the city instead.

Click here for more info about buying a tourist SIM card in Bali.

Do you need a SIM card for Indonesia?

Yes, if you are traveling to Indonesia it is highly recommended to get a prepaid SIM card or eSIM for your trip. Mobile data will make your life much easier when exploring the country, especially if you plan to travel beyond the main tourist areas.

Indonesia is a huge archipelago with thousands of islands and getting around often means navigating unfamiliar roads, booking transport on the go or checking locations in real time. Having a working data connection on your phone is essential for using Google Maps, ordering a Grab, checking restaurant reviews or booking activities.

Public WiFi is widely available in places like Bali and Jakarta, but away from tourist areas there is often no WiFi available. Especially when traveling between islands or visiting more remote destinations, you can not rely on WiFi and having your own mobile data connection becomes essential.

Prepaid SIM cards in Indonesia are very cheap and easy to get, but it is important to choose the right mobile network. As you will see in this guide, there are big differences in coverage between providers, especially when you travel outside Bali and Java.

If you prefer not to deal with buying a SIM card locally, then an eSIM is a good alternative. It allows you to get connected instantly without visiting a phone shop, but it is usually slightly more expensive than buying a local prepaid SIM card.

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia

Buying a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia is easy as they are sold all over the country. You can get a SIM card at the airport, in official mobile operator stores or in smaller shops like convenience stores and travel agencies.

Buying a SIM card at Jakarta Airport

If you arrive in Jakarta then buying a SIM card at the airport is the easiest option. There are multiple phone shops in the arrivals hall that sell prepaid SIM cards for tourists. The process is quick and staff will register your SIM card with your passport and activate it on the spot.

Keep in mind that SIM cards at the airport are sold at tourist prices. You pay extra for the convenience. For a full breakdown of prices and what to expect, check out my guide for buying a SIM card at Jakarta Airport.

Buying a SIM card in Bali

If you are traveling to Bali then you will find SIM cards everywhere, from the airport to phone shops and convenience stores. Just like in Jakarta, buying a SIM card at the airport is very easy but comes at a higher price.

For the best deals it is recommended to buy your SIM card in a local phone shop in places like Denpasar, Kuta or Ubud. For more detailed info check out my guides for the best SIM card for Bali and the best eSIMs for Bali.

Buying a SIM card in phone stores in city centers

The best place to buy a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia is at an official store of a mobile operator like Telkomsel, IM3 or XL Axiata. This is where locals buy their SIM cards and data packages, so you will get the best prices.

You will need your passport for SIM card registration and the staff will usually set everything up for you. In major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya or Medan you will find plenty of official stores where buying a prepaid SIM card is quick and hassle-free.

Buying a SIM card from convenience stores or travel agencies

Prepaid SIM cards for tourists are also sold in convenience stores and travel agencies across Indonesia. While this can be convenient, it is often more complicated for tourists.

In convenience stores you usually have to handle the SIM card registration yourself, which can be tricky as a foreigner. Travel agencies and smaller shops often sell SIM cards that are already prepared for tourists, but these come at higher prices compared to local deals.

Buying an eSIM for Indonesia online

If you prefer not to buy a physical SIM card in Indonesia, then an eSIM is a good alternative. You can arrange everything online and get connected without visiting a store.

The Nomad eSIM for Indonesia is currently the best option as it operates on the Telkomsel network and offers good value plans. For more details check out my guide with the best eSIMs for Indonesia.

Prepaid SIM card providers in Indonesia

There are four main mobile internet providers in Indonesia that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists:

• Telkomsel
• IM3 (Indosat)
• XL Axiata
• Smartfren

All providers sell prepaid SIM cards and data packages, but there are differences in pricing, data bundles and overall user experience. The biggest difference between them is network coverage, which I will explain in detail in the next section.

Telkomsel

Telkomsel is the largest mobile network operator in Indonesia and the most widely used provider. It offers a wide range of prepaid SIM cards and data packages for tourists.

IM3 (Indosat)

IM3 is the prepaid mobile brand of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and a popular alternative to Telkomsel. It offers competitive prepaid plans.

XL Axiata

XL Axiata is known for its aggressive pricing and large data bundles. It is a popular option for travelers looking for a lot of data at a low price. But always read the T&C carefully.

Smartfren

Smartfren is a smaller mobile operator that focuses on budget-friendly prepaid plans. It offers simple and cheap data packages compared to the other providers.

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Mobile internet in Indonesia: 4G and 5G coverage

Network coverage is the most important factor when deciding what is the best prepaid SIM card for Indonesia. Prices are cheap across all providers, but there is a big difference in signal strength and coverage once you travel beyond Bali and Java.

Based on the latest coverage maps and my own travel experience, Telkomsel is by far the best mobile network in Indonesia. IM3 is clearly the second best option, XL Axiata comes third and Smartfren has the weakest nationwide network.

Telkomsel 4G/5G coverage in Indonesia

Telkomsel has the strongest and widest network coverage in Indonesia. It has the most widespread signal across all the major islands and is the most reliable provider for traveling off the beaten path.

I have traveled around Indonesia more than 15 times and visited islands like Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi and West Papua. Whenever I traveled beyond Bali and Java I almost always chose a Telkomsel prepaid SIM card because it simply gives the best chance of having a strong 4G signal almost everywhere.

IM3 (Indosat) 4G/5G coverage in Indonesia

IM3 is the second best network in Indonesia. The coverage is strong in cities and tourist areas and compared to XL Axiata the network reaches further into more rural parts of the country.

That said, IM3 is still miles behind Telkomsel when it comes to remote destinations and more challenging travel routes across Indonesia.

XL Axiata 4G/5G coverage in Indonesia

XL Axiata has strong coverage in Bali, Jakarta, Java and other popular tourist areas, but the network is much less extensive nationwide than Telkomsel and also behind IM3 when it comes to rural coverage.

If you stay in Bali or Java then XL Axiata can work very well, but for a wider Indonesia trip it is not the safest choice.

Smartfren 4G/5G coverage in Indonesia

Smartfren has the weakest network footprint of all four providers. Coverage is mostly concentrated around Java and parts of Bali and it becomes much more limited once you leave the main population centers.

For that reason Smartfren is only worth considering for city trips and not for traveling around Indonesia.

Is there 5G in Indonesia?

Yes, there is 5G in Indonesia, but for most travelers it is not a deciding factor. In places like Bali and Java all four providers have strong coverage anyway, but once you travel to other islands the priority should be having the most reliable network overall rather than chasing 5G.

That is exactly why Telkomsel remains the best SIM card for Indonesia. If you are only visiting Bali or Java then all providers can work fine, but if you plan to explore more of the country then Telkomsel will save you a lot of headaches.

Best eSIM for Indonesia in 2026

If you are looking for an alternative to buying a local prepaid SIM card then an eSIM is a good option. Prices for eSIMs in Indonesia are competitive and you don’t have to deal with buying a SIM card locally.

The Nomad eSIM for Indonesia is currently the best eSIM option. It operates on the Telkomsel network, which means you get the best coverage available in Indonesia.

Here are some of the popular Nomad eSIM plans for Indonesia:

• 10 GB data for 30 days = ~$17 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = ~$30 USD

Compared to local prepaid SIM cards, an eSIM is usually more expensive, but it is a solid option if you don’t want to deal with buying a SIM card in Indonesia.

For a full comparison of all providers, check out my guide with the best eSIMs for Indonesia.

eSIMs vs local prepaid SIM cards in Indonesia

When traveling to Indonesia you basically have two options to stay connected: buying a local prepaid SIM card or using an eSIM. Both options work well, but the best choice depends on your travel style.

Local prepaid SIM card in Indonesia

A local prepaid SIM card is the cheapest option and gives you access to the best data deals in Indonesia. If you buy a SIM card in an official store in the city, you get local prices and a wide range of data packages.

With a Telkomsel SIM card you also get the best network coverage in Indonesia, which is especially important if you are traveling beyond Bali and Java.

eSIM for Indonesia

An eSIM is a good alternative if you prefer not to buy a physical SIM card in Indonesia. It allows you to skip the process of visiting a shop and dealing with registration.

The Nomad eSIM for Indonesia is currently the best option as it operates on the Telkomsel network and offers competitive data plans.

What is the best option?

If you want the lowest price, buy a local prepaid SIM card in Indonesia and go for Telkomsel.

If you want to avoid the hassle of buying a SIM card locally, then an eSIM like Nomad is a great alternative.

In both cases you will have a reliable data connection, as long as you use a provider that runs on the Telkomsel network.

If you are traveling to multiple countries on your trip, you may also want to consider an international SIM card for global coverage, which can be a convenient option for staying connected across different destinations.

Things to know before buying a SIM card in Indonesia

• SIM card registration is required: You need your passport to buy a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia. Registration is done on the spot in official stores and at airport shops. Make sure your SIM card is activated before leaving.
• Tourist SIM cards are more expensive: SIM cards at airports, travel agencies and tourist shops come at higher prices. You pay for convenience. For the best deals, buy your SIM card in a local store in the city.
• Data packages change frequently: Prepaid data plans in Indonesia change all the time. Promotions and bundle sizes vary per provider and per store, so use prices in this guide as an indication only.
• Network coverage matters more than price: Data is cheap, but coverage differs a lot. If you travel beyond Bali and Java, choosing the right network is more important than saving a few dollars.
• Telkomsel is the safest choice: If you are unsure which SIM card to buy, go for Telkomsel. It offers the most reliable coverage across Indonesia.

FAQ about SIM cards in Indonesia

Can I buy a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia as a tourist?

Yes, tourists can easily buy a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia. You will need your passport for registration, which is usually done on the spot in official stores or at the airport.

What is the best SIM card for tourists in Indonesia?

The best SIM card for Indonesia is Telkomsel because it has the best nationwide network coverage. It is the most reliable option, especially if you travel beyond Bali and Java.

Is it worth buying a SIM card at the airport in Indonesia?

Yes, it is very easy to buy a SIM card at the airport, but you will pay slightly more. Airport SIM cards are sold at tourist prices, so for the best deals it is better to buy a SIM card in the city. But for convenience airport SIM cards are best.

Is mobile internet fast in Indonesia?

Mobile internet speeds in Indonesia are generally good in cities and tourist areas. In more remote areas speeds can be slower, but with the right provider you will still have a usable data connection.

Can I use an eSIM in Indonesia?

Yes, you can use an eSIM in Indonesia. Providers like Nomad offer eSIM plans that connect to the Telkomsel network and provide good coverage across the country. Check my guide for more details about the best eSIMs for Indonesia.

Is a SIM card or eSIM better for Indonesia?

A local prepaid SIM card is usually the cheapest option. An eSIM is a good alternative if you prefer to be online as soon as you arrive. Both options work well as long as you use a provider with strong network coverage.

Final thoughts

Getting a prepaid SIM card in Indonesia is easy and affordable, but choosing the right provider makes a big difference for your trip. While all networks offer cheap data, the quality of coverage varies a lot across the country.

If you want the most reliable connection, especially when traveling beyond Bali and Java, then Telkomsel is the best prepaid SIM card for Indonesia. It simply offers the strongest network and the best chance of having a signal wherever you go.

If you are looking for a cheaper alternative and mainly stay in cities or tourist areas, then IM3 or XL Axiata can also be good options.

For those who prefer not to buy a SIM card locally, an eSIM like the Nomad eSIM for Indonesia is a solid alternative that runs on the Telkomsel network.

For more detailed guides check out my articles about buying a SIM card at Jakarta Airport, the best SIM card for Bali and the best eSIMs for Indonesia.

If you have any questions about buying a SIM card in Indonesia, feel free to leave me a message. Happy travels and enjoy your trip to Indonesia!

Need some more Indonesia travel inspiration? Check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. 

Here are some ideas for your next trip. Chasing waterfalls in North Bali, climbing mount Rinjani in Lombok, exploring secret beaches in Nusa Penida, finding the Walking Dead in Tana Toraja.

Enjoy your trip to Indonesia.

• bali
• indonesia
• raja ampat
• lombok
• java
• sulawesi
• tana toraja
• gili trawangan