Telkomsel SIM Cards and eSIM for Tourists: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning a trip to Bali? Don’t forget reliable connectivity with Telkomsel SIM cards. As Indonesia’s largest carrier, Telkomsel provides coverage across popular areas like Seminyak and Nusa Dua. Purchase SIM cards at stores and airports for 4G/LTE connectivity ideal for staying in touch with friends and family while exploring beautiful beaches or vibrant cities.

This guide covers Telkomsel’s network, speeds, purchasing SIMs, and alternative providers. Stay connected effortlessly during your Indonesian adventure with a Telkomsel SIM.

I. Quick Facts about Telkomsel

• Founded: 1995
• Full Company Name: PT Telekomunikasi Selular
• Services: Mobile telecommunications, including voice, SMS, mobile data
• Subscribers: Over 169 million (2022)
• Coverage: Over 98% population coverage in Indonesia
• Stores & Agents: Over 400 Telkomsel GraPARI stores, 150,000 resellers nationwide

Telkomsel is majority owned by state-owned telco Telkom Indonesia (65%) in partnership with Singapore Telecommunications (35%). It provides prepaid and postpaid mobile services under the Telkomsel brand as well as Loop for prepaid services.

II. Indonesia Telkomsel Coverage and Speed

1. Telkomsel Coverage in Indonesia

With over 169,000 4G base stations covering 98% of the population, Telkomsel has the most extensive network in Indonesia. It offers connectivity across all major islands and cities including Jakarta, Bali, Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku.

Telkomsel uses the following network bands:

• 2G – GSM 900MHz, GSM 1800MHz
• 3G – WCDMA 2100MHz
• 4G/LTE – FDD 900MHz, FDD 1800MHz, FDD 2100MHz, TDD 2300MHz

This allows its SIM cards to work with most unlocked phones from abroad. The 3G network supports up to 42 Mbps download speeds while the 4G network offers up to 1 Gbps (with LTE-A).

2. Telkomsel Speed

In major cities like Jakarta and Bali, Telkomsel users typically experience 4G LTE speeds in the 10-40Mbps downrange during congested periods, up to 90Mbps during off-peak times. Its fast network makes Telkomsel a great option for data during your Indonesia visit.

III. Telkomsel Connectivity Options for Travelers to Indonesia

Visitors to Indonesia have two options to get Telkomsel service:

1. Telkomsel Prepaid SIM Card – Physical SIM you insert into your unlocked phone
2. Telkomsel eSIM – Digital SIM activated remotely on your phone

Both options provide the same great Telkomsel service. eSIMs are more convenient since they don’t require visiting a store but currently only some newer phone models support eSIMs.

The Telkomsel SIM card or eSIM will provide you a local Indonesia number, ability to make calls and send texts to local numbers, and mobile data service while traveling in Indonesia.

IV. Best Telkomsel SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

The main Telkomsel prepaid SIM card options for visitors are:

V. Does Telkomsel Support eSIM?

Yes, Telkomsel launched eSIM support in late 2022 for select iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and Samsung S22 series models.

The Telkomsel eSIM provides the same great coverage and speeds as the physical SIM, with added convenience of digital activation.

Telkomsel eSIM for tourists includes 11GB of data over 15 days for Rp 200,000 ($12 USD), very similar to the standard Tourist SIM offer.

VI. Where To Buy a Telkomsel SIM Card and eSIM

1. Where to Buy Telkomsel SIM for Indonesia

As Indonesia’s largest network, Telkomsel SIM cards are easy to find after arrival at the airport. Here are some options:

• Telkomsel Stores – There are GraPARI Telkomsel stores located in the arrivals area of Jakarta and Bali airport where you can buy a SIM.
• Convenience Stores – Major chains like Indomaret sell Telkomsel prepaid SIMs.
• Phone Shops – Many independent phone shops will also sell Telkomsel SIM cards in major tourist areas.

When purchasing, you’ll need to show your passport and immigration card. Keep the SIM packaging as you may need to show it when topping up.

2. Where to Buy Indonesia Telkomsel eSIM

As eSIM support is still new, purchasing Telkomsel eSIM is a bit more limited currently:

• Telkomsel App – You can order Telkomsel eSIM directly through the MyTelkomsel app using an Indonesian payment method
• Select Resellers – Some phone shops in major cities may offer Telkomsel eSIM purchases and activation
• Telkomsel Roaming Partners – Carriers like Singtel offer Telkomsel eSIM for pre-order before traveling

Purchasing through the app is the easiest method. You’ll need an Indonesian friend to help complete the local payment. Alternatively, find a shop in cities like Jakarta that can assist.

VII. How to Activate Telkomsel SIM Card/eSIM

1. How to Use Telkomsel Indonesia SIM Card

Activating your Telkomsel SIM card is straightforward:

1. Insert the Telkomsel SIM into your unlocked phone. For iPhones, enable the SIM slot.
2. Power on your device and the Telkomsel SIM will auto-configure.
3. Open Settings and enable Cellular Data for the Telkomsel SIM to start browsing.\n\n4. Tap on the Telkomsel network name to register the SIM if prompted. Dial *888# and press Call to check the number.

You’re all set! Be sure to disable data roaming on your home SIM card to avoid unwanted usage charges.

2. How to Activate Telkomsel Indonesia eSIM

To activate a Telkomsel eSIM:

1. Purchase a Telkomsel eSIM pack through the app or a reseller. You’ll receive an eSIM activation code.
2. On your iPhone or Samsung phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
3. Enter the eSIM activation code when prompted.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the Telkomsel eSIM.
5. Once activated, enable Cellular Data to start browsing.

That’s it! Your Telkomsel eSIM will be ready for use during your Indonesia travels.

VIII. Indonesia Telkomsel Call & SMS Rates

Telkomsel prepaid packs include some initial credit you can use for calls and texts. Here are the rates:

• Local Calls – Rp 350 ($0.02 USD) per minute
• SMS to Local Numbers – Rp 100 ($0.01 USD)
• Calls to US/Canada – Rp 2000 ($0.12 USD) per minute

For calling internationally, you’re better off using VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Skype over the data connection.

IX. Useful USSD Codes for Telkomsel SIM Card/eSIM

Telkomsel uses the following USSD codes – dial them directly on your phone:

• *888# – Check prepaid balance & validity
• *889*1# – Check data balance
• *123*RECHARGE CODE# – Enter recharge PIN to top-up
• *363# – Check 4G/LTE coverage area

X. How to Top-Up Telkomsel SIM Card/eSIM

When your credit or data runs low, you can easily top-up your Telkomsel SIM or eSIM. Here are the options:

• Telkomsel App – Use MyTelkomsel app to recharge with Indonesian payment method
• Vouchers – Purchase top-up vouchers from stores & enter the scratch-off PIN
• Grab or Gojek App – Use the popular apps to top-up with international card
• USSD Recharge – Dial *123*RECHARGECODE# to redeem top up PIN

Aim to re-fill data before it fully expires, as packages last 30 days. Check balance by dialing *888#.

XI. Alternatives to Telkomsel in Indonesia

1. SIM Cards by Other Local Mobile Operators:

The main alternative to Telkomsel is Indosat Ooredoo, which has 82 million subscribers and also offers prepaid SIMs for tourists. However, Telkomsel has better population coverage at 98% vs 89% for Indosat.

Telkomsel has faster average mobile speeds and lower latency based on OpenSignal data. If data speeds are important, Telkomsel is likely the better option.

Some other regional operators like XL Axiata and Tri Indonesia have presence in major cities but more limited rural coverage.

2. indonesiaesim.com

Tired of hassling with SIM cards or expensive roaming fees when visiting Indonesia? Our Indonesia eSIM is a seamless solution.

eSIM technology lets you access an Indonesian data plan directly from your device without a physical SIM, as long as it supports eSIM. Connecting is as easy as scanning a QR code once there.

indonesiaesim.com by GIGAGO makes activation simple. Plans are delivered digitally via email – just scan with your camera and you’re online instantly without queues or SIM slots.

We partner major carriers XL and Indosat to provide high-speed 4G/5G coverage everywhere. Plans range from 5 days to a month, with 1-3GB daily data allowances up to generous 20GB options.

Detailed multi-language guides walk you through easy eSIM installation on compatible devices. Round-the-clock support via live chat, email and WhatsApp ensures quick assistance for any setup issues.

Say goodbye to SIM shopping or sky-high roaming – our flexible Indonesia eSIM eliminates hassles and lets you focus on enjoying your trip to Indonesia from arrival.

XII. FAQs about Telkomsel SIM Cards

XIII. Final Words

A Telkomsel SIM card or eSIM is a great connectivity option for travelers in Indonesia thanks to its wide high-speed coverage, competitive data packages, and easy availability. Secure a prepaid SIM on arrival or order an eSIM before departure. With extensive 4G/LTE, you’ll stay connected across this vast archipelago. Safe travels!