Indosat is one of the leading mobile operators in Indonesia, providing cellular and data services to millions across the archipelago. For tourists visiting Indonesia, getting an Indosat SIM card or eSIM can be a convenient way to stay connected during your travels. Here is a comprehensive guide to Indosat SIM cards and eSIM for international tourists.

indosat sim card detailed guide

I. Quick Facts about Indosat

  • Founded in 1967 as a state-owned telecom company, originally named Indonesian Overseas Telecommunications.
  • Full company name today is PT Indosat Tbk.
  • Provides 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE mobile networks as well as fixed broadband services.
  • Has over 63 million subscribers as of Q2 2022.
  • Covers over 83% of the Indonesian population.
  • Has over 400,000 network points through stores, dealers, and partners across Indonesia.

II. Why Indosat When You’re Exploring Indonesia – Coverage and Speed

1. Indosat Network Coverage in Indonesia

Indosat has widespread coverage across all major islands and cities in Indonesia including Jakarta, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and more. It has strong coverage even in remote areas and smaller islands that are popular with tourists.

Indosat has widespread coverage across all major islands and cities in Indonesia including Jakarta, Bali, Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and more. It has strong coverage even in remote areas and smaller islands that are popular with tourists.

Based on OpenSignal data, Indosat provides its 4G signals to over 83% of Indonesia’s population, outperforming many other operators. So you can stay conveniently connected throughout your Indonesian adventures.

2. Indosat Speed

In OpenSignal's May 2022 report, Indosat had average 4G download speeds of 16.4 Mbps and 3G download speeds of 4.2 Mbps nationally. These speeds allow you to easily use data for browsing, maps, messaging, social media, calls over data, and even video streaming.

In OpenSignal’s May 2022 report, Indosat had average 4G download speeds of 16.4 Mbps and 3G download speeds of 4.2 Mbps nationally. These speeds allow you to easily use data for browsing, maps, messaging, social media, calls over data, and even video streaming.

Indosat has been steadily improving its 4G availability and speeds over the years through network upgrades. Speeds are fastest in major urban areas like Jakarta where there is strong infrastructure. But even in rural areas, Indosat speeds are sufficient for most visitor’s usage when exploring Indonesia.

II. Indosat Connectivity Options for Travelers to Indonesia

Indosat offers prepaid SIM cards as well as eSIM connectivity options for foreigners visiting Indonesia:

  • Pre-Paid SIM Card: You can buy a physical Indosat SIM at local stores and airport shops in Indonesia. Allows you to access Indosat’s 2G, 3G, and 4G networks across Indonesia. Prepaid, so you can recharge as needed.
  • Indosat Tourist eSIM: Digital eSIM profile you can activate before traveling and use on your phone’s embedded eSIM. Gives you data connectivity on Indosat’s network. Easier than finding and activating a local SIM.

III. Best Indosat SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Indosat SIM cards offer flexibility based on your data requirements and trip duration. Affordable prices compared to roaming or local SIMs in many countries.

Plan Name Validity Included Quota/Benefits Price (USD)
Freedom Combo 1 1 day 1 GB data, unlimited calls to IM3 & Tri $0.69
Freedom Combo 2 3 days 3 GB data, unlimited calls to IM3 & Tri $1.03
Freedom Combo 3 7 days 7 GB data, unlimited calls to IM3 & Tri $1.72
Freedom Combo 4 30 days 30 GB data, unlimited calls to IM3 & Tri $6.90

IV. Does Indosat Support eSIM in Indonesia?

Yes, Indosat does provide eSIM service for tourists visiting Indonesia.

You can buy their eSIM profile before your trip on Indosat’s official eSIM website or through international providers like indonesiaesim.com by GIGAGO.

Once activated on your phone, the Indosat Indonesia eSIM gives you the same prepaid data connectivity as their physical SIM cards. It uses their 3G and 4G networks across Indonesia.

indonesiaesim.com also provides some fairly convenient eSIM options you could consider:

buy indonesia esim plans
Best eSIM Indonesia Plans

Some of the plans available include:

These plans have the advantage of being purchased and activated directly online on a compatible device, without needing to visit a store.

Using an eSIM allows you to skip buying and swapping physical SIM cards once you’re in Indonesia. Convenient if you have an eSIM-compatible phone.

V. Where can You Buy an Indosat SIM card and eSIM?

1. Where to Buy Indosat SIM card in Indonesia?

As a leading Indonesian provider, Indosat SIM cards are widely available at:

  • Airports – At arrival halls and shops of major airports like Jakarta and Bali.
  • Authorized Resellers – Many independent phone shops and counters sell Indosat SIMs.
  • Indosat Stores – Visit Indosat’s official retailer outlets in malls and cities.
  • Supermarkets – Some major supermarkets like Alfamart stock tourist SIMs.
  • Online – Lazada Indonesia has listings for Indosat tourist SIMs for delivery.

When purchasing, remember to carry your passport as ID proof. Staff can help set up the SIM and start your plan. Top-ups available at most outlets.

2. Where to Buy Indosat eSIM in Indonesia?

To get Indosat’s prepaid eSIM for travel, find an eSIM provider that operates in Indonesia and offers Indosat networks. You can order an Indosat eSIM online from indonesiaesim.com before your trip for instant activation upon arrival.
Sign up for an Indosat eSIM plan with indonesiaesim.com. Choose a data plan that suits your needs. Some plans offer pay-as-you-go options while others have monthly plans.
Indonesiaesim.com will then generate an Indosat eSIM profile containing your plan details. They will email you the eSIM profile or provide a QR code to scan.
Activate the eSIM on your phone. Once activated, your Indosat eSIM will automatically connect to the network and you can start using your data.

how indonesiaessim.com benefits you
Learn more about How to Install an eSIM

The eSIM setup on your device should only take 2-3 minutes once you have the profile from indonesiaesim.com. If you’re having trouble activating, their support team can help troubleshoot via live chat on WhatsApp available in English for quick resolution.

Tips:

  • Confirm your device’s eSIM compatibility – Not all phones can use eSIM technology. Make sure your mobile model is listed as compatible on indonesiaesim.com.
  • After activating the eSIM, take a screenshot of the details as a backup. This could help if you need assistance or want to change your plan later.

VI. How to Activate Indosat SIM Card/eSIM in Indonesia?

1. How to Use Indosat SIM Card in Indonesia?

To activate your Indosat SIM Card:

  1. Insert SIM in unlocked phone. Power on and enable data.
  2. Open browser and access any website. This will trigger activation popup message.
  3. Click activation link and enter SIM number and passport details when prompted.
  4. Choose your prepaid plan & recharge amount. Complete payment.

Once activated, you can recharge more data & validity period easily via Indosat app, USSD codes, online banking, or vouchers.

2. How to Activate Indosat eSIM?

To use Indosat eSIM, first download eSIM profile on your phone’s eSIM menu before traveling.

After landing in Indonesia, turn on mobile data which will automatically detect and activate the Indosat eSIM.

Follow activation steps by entering your info and plan details when prompted. You can then start using mobile data on arrival.

VII. Indosat Call & SMS Rates

Indosat prepaid SIMs and eSIMs allow you to make calls and send texts across Indonesia:

  • Calls to other Indosat numbers – IDR 300 (~$0.02) per minute
  • Calls to other Indonesian networks – IDR 500 (~$0.03) per minute
  • Outgoing International Calls:
    • IDR 3,000 (~$0.2) per minute to Australia, Hong Kong, US
    • IDR 1,650 (~$0.12) per minute to Malaysia, Singapore
    • Higher rates for rest of world
  • SMS to any Indonesian number – IDR 150 (~$0.01) per text
  • Incoming calls & texts are free. Calling apps can offer big savings.

Rates are affordable for visitors. Bundled plans include an allowance. Add-ons available for heavy users.

VIII. Useful USSD Codes for Indosat SIM Card/eSIM

Indosat supports various USSD commands you can dial to check balance, recharge, and more:

  • *123# – Check prepaid balance & validity
  • *888*11[PIN]# – Change SIM PIN
  • *888*5# – Check 4G/3G data left
  • *123*recharge code# – Recharge by voucher
  • *123*4# – Check recharge history
  • *123*2# – Transfer credit balance
  • *123 CALL – Call forwarding on/off

Useful to manage your Indosat SIM without downloading the app. Dial the codes and follow prompts.

IX. How to Top-up Indosat SIM Card/eSIM

You can recharge talktime and data on Indosat SIM/eSIM through:

  • Indosat App – Instant top-ups done securely via app.
  • Online Banking – Netbanking and mobile wallets supported.
  • Vouchers – Enter recharge code from voucher cards bought offline.
  • Authorized Outlets – Visit stores and counters to recharge.
  • USSD Recharge – Dial 123# to redeem.

Monitor usage in the app and recharge affordably starting ~USD 2 for 1 GB data top-up valid 30 days.

X. FAQs about Indosat SIM Card

Do I need to show passport / visa when buying Indosat SIM?

Yes, you need to provide passport copy as ID proof. eSIM may require online ID verification.

Can I use Indosat SIM in other Asian countries?

No, Indosat SIM works only in Indonesia on domestic networks. Get a travel eSIM with multiple countries.

How long is Indosat tourist SIM card valid for?

Initial validity is 30 days. You can recharge to extend validity up to 180 days while in Indonesia.

How can I check Indosat SIM number?

Dial *123# to see your assigned Indosat phone number, account number, and plan details.

Is 4G/LTE available on Indosat?

Yes, Indosat has widespread 4G/LTE coverage in Indonesia’s major islands and population centers. Speeds up to 300 Mbps.

XI. Final Words

An Indosat SIM card or eSIM provides an easy way for tourists to stay connected across Indonesia without high roaming costs. With extensive network coverage, reasonably fast speeds, and affordable prepaid data packages, Indosat makes it convenient to use mobile data while exploring the Indonesian archipelago. Their tourist SIM and eSIM options give you the flexibility to choose the right plan for your trip’s duration and data needs.