October 24, 2025
Registering Your Mobile Phone Upon Arrival in Indonesia
You may want to use mobile internet with a local SIM card when traveling to Indonesia. Upon your arrival in Indonesia, it is important to follow the correct steps for IMEI registration of your phone so it can be used legally during your stay. This guide explains the options and steps to ensure your phone is properly registered and ready for use.
Registering Your Mobile Phone Upon Entry
Since April 18, 2020, all international mobile phones must be registered in Indonesia. Phones without a IMEI registered number will be excluded from local networks, though Wi-Fi will still work.
Steps to Register:
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete the form on the official registration website to receive a QR code. For iPhones, navigate to: Settings → General → About to find the required details.
- Show the QR Code at Customs:
- Present the QR code at the airport customs (Bea Cukai) upon arrival. Alternatively, you can visit the customs office (kantor Bea Cukai) at the airport, such as those located in Jakarta or Bali, to complete the process.
- Receive Confirmation:
- Confirmation will be sent via email after successful registration.
Benefits:
- Devices valued under USD 500 are exempt from additional costs.
- Devices over USD 500 are subject to a 40% tax on the excess value of the phone.
Tip:
- Ensure that the price used for customs is the purchase price, not the current market value.
Getting a Tourist SIM
For stays of less than 90 days, you can get a tourist SIM card at Telkomsel stores in Bali and Lombok. Always bring your passport.
Cost: 50,000 IDR
Locations:
- Bali: Available at the airport or nearby Telkomsel stores. Note: You will be purchasing an Indonesian SIM card, which is suitable for tourists.
- Lombok: Available at Grapari Telkomsel stores.
Convenience:
- At the Bali airport, you can register your phone and get a local SIM card immediately after arrival. The process to activate a SIM card in Indonesia is straightforward. If the queue is long or you forget, visit a nearby Telkomsel store.
Procuring a SIM Card/eSIM in Advance
You can get a SIM or eSIM before your trip through providers like Holafly. This allows immediate connectivity upon arrival, making it easy to use a local SIM card for calls, data, and local services.
Example:
- Order an eSIM from Holafly and receive a QR code via email. Scan the QR code upon arrival for instant internet access and to use a local number right away.
Tip:
- Use the code indojunkie for a 5% discount.
Permanent Phone Registration
If you want your mobile phone to work with all Indonesian SIM cards permanently, you must register the IMEI immediately upon arrival at the airport.
Steps:
- Fill Out the Form:
- Complete the form online to receive a QR code.
- Show the QR Code at Customs:
- Present the QR code at the airport customs (Bea Cukai) upon arrival.
- Receive Confirmation:
- Confirmation will be sent via email.
- To register your IMEI, make sure you follow all instructions provided by the customs office and bring all required documents.
Late Registration:
- If you forget to register at the airport, visit a customs office within 60 days, but without the USD 500 exemption.
Important Note:
- If your phone’s purchase price exceeds USD 500, you will have to pay approximately 40% tax on the amount exceeding USD 500. For example, if your phone costs USD 700, the tax will be (700 – 500) * 0.4 = USD 80.
Avoiding Registration
Alternative Options:
- Tourist SIM Card:
- Purchase at Telkomsel stores in Bali and Lombok. If you don’t register your IMEI, you may face restrictions on using an Indonesian SIM card for calls and data after a certain period.
- Mobile LTE Router:
- Use a router with a local SIM card for internet access. If you don’t register, you can still use a mobile router with a local SIM card for internet, but you won’t be able to use the SIM card in your phone for calls or SMS.
- Cheap Smartphone:
- Buy a low-cost phone in Indonesia to use as a hotspot. If you don’t register your main device, using a local phone as a hotspot is a practical solution.
Advantages of a Mobile Router:
- Mobile routers can be used with local SIM cards without registration. If you don’t register your phone’s IMEI, you can still use a mobile router like Huawei 5787 LH (over 10 hours battery, compact) for internet access.
Using a Local Phone:
- Consider buying a local phone, which can be used as a hotspot for your primary device. Note: If you don’t register your main device, you can use a local phone or router as an alternative to access data services.
FAQs and Additional Information
Why Register Your Phone?
The Indonesian government aims to combat the illegal phone market, significantly impacting tax revenue—the illicit sale of phones without proper authorization results in significant tax losses for the government.
What is IMEI and Why is it Important?
What is IMEI? IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) adalah nomor identifikasi unik yang digunakan untuk mengenali setiap perangkat seluler di jaringan. IMEI sangat penting, terutama untuk perangkat dengan beberapa slot SIM, karena setiap slot memiliki IMEI sendiri. Anda dapat memeriksa IMEI pada smartphone dengan menekan *#06# pada dial pad.
Do Tourists Need to Register?
Tourists staying up to 30 days do not need to register their phones. For stays longer than 90 days with a local SIM card, registration is necessary.
Can I Use My Foreign Phone with a Local SIM Card in Indonesia?
Can I use my foreign phone with an Indonesian SIM card? Yes, but if you stay in Indonesia for more than 90 days and want to use a local SIM, you must register the IMEI of your mobile phone at the customs office or through the official registration process.
What if I Buy a New Phone in Indonesia?
Phones purchased locally are usually registered by the seller. Ensure that your new phone is registered at the point of purchase.
Registration for Multiple Devices:
If you have multiple devices, you can register them using the same form. However, the USD 500 exemption applies to the total value of all devices. It is advisable to register each device separately if their combined value exceeds USD 500.
Using Mobile Wi-Fi Routers:
Mobile routers do not require registration. You can insert a local SIM card into the router and use it without issues.
Handling Old Receipts:
If you bought your phone second-hand or do not have the original receipt, use the purchase price for customs declaration. Older devices will be valued based on their current market value.
Returning with the Same Phone:
If you have previously registered your phone, it does not need to be re-registered on subsequent visits.
Understanding Customs Valuation:
Customs officers typically consider the purchase price for valuation. If you bought your phone at a discount or second-hand, present the receipt showing the actual purchase price.
Additional Tips
Pre-Order a SIM Card:
- Pre-ordering a SIM card from a provider like Holafly can save you time and ensure you have internet access immediately upon arrival. You may need to pre-order if you want to use a local SIM card in your mobile phone in Indonesia without delays or issues at the airport.
Use Mobile Routers:
- Mobile routers provide a flexible internet access option without needing to register your phone. For smooth operation, ensure the SIM card inserted does not have password protection.
Backup Plan:
- If you frequently travel to Indonesia, consider having a dedicated phone for local use. This can prevent the need for repeated registrations.
Conclusion
Registering your phone in Indonesia ensures compliance with local laws and uninterrupted service. Follow the steps for a smooth experience and enjoy your stay. With the various options available, you can choose the most convenient method to stay connected during your trip.
