Jakarta is the vibrant capital of Indonesia and a top destination for tourists from around the world. With so many places to explore in this bustling metropolis, staying connected during your trip is essential. A local SIM card for your phone allows you to access maps, contact transportation and accommodations, share photos, and keep in touch with travel companions.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to easily get set up with a SIM in Jakarta.

I. Which Mobile Operator is the Best in Jakarta?

Source

There are several major mobile network providers available when looking for a tourist SIM card in Jakarta:

Telkomsel

  • Largest coverage across Indonesia
  • Fast 4G speeds
  • Many retail stores and partners in Jakarta for easy SIM purchase   XL Axiata
  • Second biggest network
  • Competitive data packages
  • Good connectivity around Jakarta

Indosat Ooredoo

  • Wide 3G and 4G coverage
  • Affordable prepaid SIM options
  • Many resellers available

Smartfren

  • Known for fast 4G service
  • Popular for mobile data use
  • More limited coverage outside major cities

Three

  • Newer provider focused on data plans
  • Increasing 4G network reach
  • Lower rates for international calls
ProviderCoverageSpeedReliabilityCost
Telkomsel* * 
XL Axiata * *
Indosat* * 
Smartfren *  
Three * *

Looking at the comparison, Telkomsel stands out as the best overall option thanks to excellent connectivity and availability across Jakarta. Their SIM cards are easy to find and provide fast, reliable service.

Unlock more insights on Indonesia Mobile Operators: Which One is the Best?

II. Best Jakarta SIM Cards and Cost

The three most popular SIM card options for short-term travel in Jakarta are:

OperatorSIM Card OptionPrice (IDR)Price (USD)Data/Allowances
TelkomselTelkomsel Prabayar TouristRp100,000$6.5025 GB data (30 days), 25 minutes domestic calls, 25 minutes international calls to G20 countries
Indosat IM3TravelOn SIMRp70,000$4.555 GB data, 60 domestic minutes, 10 domestic SMS, 30 international minutes/SMS
Indosat IM3TravelOn SIMRp100,000$6.5015 GB data (8 GB night data), 120 domestic minutes, 20 domestic SMS, 60 international minutes/SMS
TelkomselRegular SIM cardsRp5,000-Rp50,000$0.32-$3.23Various data packages depending on selection
Indosat IM3Regular SIM cardRp2,000+$0.13+Various data packages depending on selection
XL AxiataRegular SIM cardRp20,000+$1.30+Various data packages depending on selection
SmartfrenRegular SIM cardRp20,000+$1.30+Various data packages depending on selection
Exchange rates may fluctuate and were calculated at approximately IDR 15,500 to 1 USD at the time of writing.

Overall, theTelkomsel and IndosatIM3 tourist SIMs are the top recommended options for visitors seeking straightforward connectivity during their holidays in beautiful Bali. They deliver great value through generous allocations and convenience of being pre-registered.

III. Where to Buy a SIM Card in Jakarta

Visitors have two main options to purchase a local Jakarta SIM card based on their arrival method.

1. Upon Arrival

Get the inside scoop on Buying a SIM card at Jakarta Airport: The Definitive Guide

For those flying into Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, SIM card kiosks and stores are available in the arrival halls. Providers like Telkomsel have dedicated counters, while reseller booths offer various provider options like XL and Indosat.

In the airport, travelers can simply show their passport to purchase and register a prepaid tourist SIM. Activation and setup are quick, allowing new connectivity right after arrival.

2. In the City

For visitors entering Jakarta by land or local flights, buying a SIM card in the city itself is straightforward. Major malls like Grand Indonesia Shopping Town and Plaza Indonesia have mobile carrier stores and also multi-provider resellers on their levels.

Convenience stores and minimarts like Indomaret or Alfamart additionally sell the prepaid SIM packs that visitors can self-activate. Bringing a passport to register SIM card ownership while in Indonesia is recommended.

Top locations to pickup a Jakarta SIM card include:

  • Soekarno–Hatta International Airport arrival halls
  • Mobile carrier stores (Telkomsel GraPARI, Indosat Store, XL Center, etc.)
  • Electronics shops (iBox, Electronic Solution, etc.)
  • Multi-provider resellers (Rajawali Telecom, Telesindo, etc.)
  • Major shopping malls (Grand Indonesia, Plaza Indonesia, etc.)
  • Convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart, Circle K, etc.)

IV. eSIM for Travelers to Jakarta – A Smart Alternative

Beyond physical SIM cards, eSIM (embedded digital SIM) service has emerged as a smarter solution for travelers to quickly access connectivity. Major carriers now offer eSIM support globally, with devices like iPhones and newer Android phones enabled for this technology.

For visitors with eSIM compatible devices, downloading an eSIM profile for Indonesia keeps international service active while adding a separate local data plan. Advantages of using eSIM service include:

  • Keep own number and plan for calls/texts
  • Local data rate for browsing internet
  • No SIM card purchase/replacement hassle
  • Flexibility to change plans digitally

Indonesiaesim.com offers best eSIM plans for travelers with options for Indonesia 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days plans starting from $5.00- $89.50 with 3GB-50GB data.

buy indonesia esim plans

We also offer Bali eSIM with plans ranging from $4.90 – $89.50.

With affordable rates and flexible data packages, Indonesia eSIM is a great option for travelers looking to experience seamless connectivity in Indonesia without any SIM card hassle.

Discover Paradise, Stay Connected
With Indonesia eSIM
Buy my eSIM

V. Things to Prepare when Buying SIM cards in Jakarta

When heading out to purchase your prepaid Jakarta travel SIM, keep the below items handy to ensure fast setup:

Passport

As a foreign tourist, having a passport ready allows smooth registration of SIM ownership in Indonesia as identity verification. SIM providers will make photocopies of the photo page during registration.

Passport Photos

Some SIM card sellers additionally ask for passport photo copies at time of registration, so carrying extras can help speed things up.

Cash Payment

Most convenience stores and SIM card outlets accept cash payments in Indonesian Rupiah currency. There can be long lines for the cashier or credit card terminal – so having exact change ready keeps the process fast.

Active Phone

When newly inserting a SIM card, some firmware updates or activations may be required, so ensure your device has sufficient battery charge beforehand. Additionally, confirm that your phone has no existing carrier locks that prevent detecting the new Indonesian SIM card.

eSIM Compatible Device

If planning to setup an eSIM profile, verify ahead that your smartphone or tablet supports eSIM functionality through manufacturer settings. Also check that your device OS is updated to the latest standard for smooth eSIM activations.

Preparing these items while hunting for the best place to get your Indonesian SIM card will allow quick and painless setup to kickstart your Jakarta trip connectivity.

VI. Tips and Recommendations

Optimizing usage during your time visiting Jakarta on a new SIM comes with few key best practices:

Activate Roaming

Briefly activate international roaming on your native SIM card upon landing in Indonesia. This allows original inbound SMS verification messages to properly register new SIM ownership for activation. Quickly disable roaming again post-setup to avoid charges.

Bookmark APN

Save the Access Point Name connection settings for your chosen data provider as bookmarks on both browser and device settings. Referencing the correct APN ensures proper mobile data functionality.

Limit Streaming

Live video streaming eats into limited data buckets – opt for pre-downloaded shows on apps instead. Schedule uploads of heavy content like social media videos during times on Wifi instead of mobile network.

Extend Validity

Check card balance few days before expiry date to top-up again if your trip dates exceed validity period. For eSIM users, simply switch data packages digitally via provider app.

Disable Data Roaming

Most foreign SIM cards have roaming enabled by default. Manually disable international data roaming under network settings to prevent unwanted background usage abroad.

Applying these handy mobile data utilization tips allows tourists in Jakarta stretch their new prepaid SIM card’s validity and data allowance during their Indonesian travels.

VII. FAQs

Which operators can I choose from in Jakarta?

The major mobile network operators in Jakarta are Telkomsel, Indosat IM3, and XL Axiata. Telkomsel has the widest 4G/LTE coverage in Jakarta.

How much does a SIM card cost?

Starter SIM cards for Telkomsel, Indosat IM3 and XL Axiata typically cost around Rp5,000-Rp10,000. Tourist SIM cards may be priced higher, around Rp70,000-Rp100,000.

Where can I buy a SIM card?

SIM cards can be purchased at operator stores, retailers like Indomaret/Alfamart, and smartphone stores. Avoid airport stores which often charge much higher prices.

Do I need to show ID to buy a SIM?

Yes, Indonesian regulations require showing your passport for foreigners to purchase and register a SIM card. Make sure to buy from an official store to ensure proper registration.

Which operators offer tourist SIM cards? 

Telkomsel has a dedicated Tourist SIM called “Telkomsel Prabayar Tourist”. Indosat IM3 offers the “TravelOn” tourist SIM valid for 10 days.

How do I top-up credit (“pulsa”)?

You can top-up at operator stores, retailers, supermarkets. Most charge a 1-3% fee. Common denominations are Rp10k, Rp20k, Rp50k.

Are data packages available?

Yes, major operators offer daily/weekly data packages that can be activated via USSD codes. Telkomsel and IM3 have the widest range of package options.

VIII. Final Words

Getting set up with reliable connectivity is key to an enjoyable visit to metropolitan Jakarta. Purchasing prepaid local SIM cards upon arrival or opting for eSIM alternatives provides affordable mobile data access on fast local networks tailored to visitors.

Reviewing top providers, outlet options, packages and tips within this guide gives travelers all the insights needed to stay conveniently connected across magical Jakarta. So pick up an Indonesian SIM, activate an eSIM before your flight, and look forward to keeping those travel photos, videos and faces time moments streaming seamlessly while exploring this vibrant capital destination.