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.
Table of Contents
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
Alongside its unparalleled coverage, Telkomsel also delivers impressive mobile network speeds, making it the ideal choice for tourists who demand fast and reliable internet access. Opensignal’s report shows that Telkomsel maintains its position as the winner of the Download Speed Experience award, with an average download speed of 26.3 Mbps.
This means you can enjoy seamless streaming of your favorite content, rapid file downloads, and smooth video calls with friends and family back home, all while exploring the wonders of Indonesia. Telkomsel’s 5G network further enhances the speed experience, with the operator leading in all six 5G-related categories, including 5G Download Speed and 5G Upload Speed.
III. Telkomsel Connectivity Options for Travelers to Indonesia
Visitors to Indonesia have two options to get Telkomsel service:
- Telkomsel Prepaid SIM Card – Physical SIM you insert into your unlocked phone
- 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 Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid Card is a special SIM card package designed for international tourists visiting Indonesia. It offers the following features:
| SIM Card | Cost (Rp) | Cost (USD*) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid Card | 150,000 | $10 | 25 domestic minutes, 25 international minutes to G20 countries, 25 GB of national data valid for 30 days |
*Note: The price in USD is approximate and may vary depending on the exchange rate.
It’s highly recommended to purchase the Telkomsel Prabayar Tourist SIM if your trip is less than 30 days. It avoids the complexities of IMEI registration and offers a good balance of data and call minutes. For longer stays, purchasing and registering a standard Telkomsel prepaid SIM might be more economical in the long run, but requires more effort.
V. Does Telkomsel Support eSIM?
Yes, Telkomsel supports eSIM technology for tourists visiting Indonesia. Telkomsel offers the Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid eSIM, which allows you to access Telkomsel’s network without needing a physical SIM card.
The Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid eSIM has several advantages for tourists:
- Super Convenient: No need to worry about getting a physical SIM card, just activate the eSIM on your compatible device.
- Complete Packages: The eSIM plans include both mobile internet and voice calling.
- Wide Coverage: You can get connected anywhere in Indonesia across Telkomsel’s extensive 3G/4G/5G networks.
To purchase the Telkomsel Tourist Prepaid eSIM, you can visit one of the designated GraPARI locations, Telkomsel booths, or selected outlets in Bali, Jakarta, and Batam. You'll need to provide your passport and mobile IMEI information.
If you prefer the convenience of getting your eSIM before your trip, you can also consider purchasing an Indonesia eSIM from a provider like indonesiaesim.com. We offer a range of flexible eSIM data plans tailored for tourists, with lightning-fast 4G/LTE Telkomsel connectivity and 24/7 customer support. Our eSIMs can be instantly activated on your device, so you can stay seamlessly connected as soon as you arrive in Indonesia.
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:
- Insert the Telkomsel SIM into your unlocked phone. For iPhones, enable the SIM slot.
- Power on your device and the Telkomsel SIM will auto-configure.
- Open Settings and enable Cellular Data for the Telkomsel SIM to start browsing.
- 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:
- Purchase a Telkomsel eSIM pack through the app or a reseller. You’ll receive an eSIM activation code.
- On your iPhone or Samsung phone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Enter the eSIM activation code when prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download the Telkomsel eSIM.
- 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. FAQs about Telkomsel SIM Cards
Does Telkomsel have good Bali coverage?
Yes, Telkomsel has excellent connectivity across the island of Bali including heavily touristed areas of Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, etc.
Can I use WhatsApp calling with Telkomsel?
Yes, Telkomsel has no issues with making WhatsApp calls over its data network. Video calls may be limited to SD quality during busy times.
How long does the Telkomsel eSIM activation take?
If purchased through the app, Telkomsel eSIM normally activates within 15-60 minutes remotely. Purchased in-store, activation should complete before leaving shop.
Can I use Telkomsel SIM Cards in another Indonesian island?
Yes, Telkomsel has strong coverage across all major inhabited islands in Indonesia so you can use the same SIM as you travel.
How do I contact Telkomsel support?
Dial 0804-1-800-800 from your Telkomsel number for customer support. Or use Twitter (@Telkomsel) or Facebook Messenger. Support is in Indonesian but they can escalate English issues.
XII. 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!
