Registering Your Mobile Phone Upon Arrival in Indonesia
You may want to use mobile internet with a local SIM card when traveling to Indonesia. 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 registered IMEI 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.
- 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.
Tip:
- Ensure that the price used for customs is the purchase price, not the current market value.
Getting a Tourist SIM
For stays under 3 months, 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.
- 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. 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.
Example:
- Order an eSIM from Holafly and receive a QR code via email. Scan the QR code upon arrival for instant internet access.
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, it’s best to register it 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.
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 need 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.
- Mobile LTE Router:
- Use a router with a local SIM card for internet access.
- Cheap Smartphone:
- Buy a low-cost phone in Indonesia to use as a hotspot.
Advantages of a Mobile Router:
- Mobile routers can be used with local SIM cards without registration. Models like Huawei 5787 LH offer over 10 hours of battery life and are compact.
Using a Local Phone:
- Consider buying a local phone, which can be used as a hotspot for your primary device.
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.
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.
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.
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.