How to Use SIM Cards and eSIMs in Indonesia
- Publish
- 2025/05/18
- Update
- 2025/05/18
- You can read this article in 3minutes
When traveling to Indonesia for business trips or site inspections, securing a reliable internet connection is one of the key preparations you should make in advance. Especially when navigating unfamiliar places, having access to map apps and online search tools can offer peace of mind. A stable internet environment also ensures smooth communication with stakeholders.
This article explains how to use Japanese smartphones in Indonesia, with a particular focus on SIM cards and eSIMs. It outlines their respective advantages and disadvantages, as well as how to purchase and use them.
– from vehicles to drivers, all arranged for you.
● Interpreter arrangement: from USD 170/day
● Proxy obtaining appointment with local subsidiary (per company): USD 200/company
Pros and Cons of Using SIM Cards in Indonesia
Using overseas SIM cards offers benefits such as lower costs and minimal extra baggage. Below are the pros and cons of SIM cards, especially in comparison to eSIMs.
Advantages of SIM Cards
- Compatible with most smartphones
- Easy to switch to a different device in case of phone malfunction
Disadvantages of SIM Cards
- Risk of loss or physical damage to the card
- Requires manual insertion and removal from the SIM slot
- If traveling across multiple countries, card replacement may be necessary
- Takes time and effort to purchase at a store or receive by delivery
Precautions when conducting an on-site inspection in Indonesia
Some visitors consider, "My primary purpose is to conduct maintenance work at the factory, but the visa application process appears cumbersome. I will simply enter on a Visa on Arrival (VOA) and carry out the work discreetly."
However, there have been numerous cases where entering without the appropriate visa for the intended activities has resulted in significant legal and operational issues. It is therefore strongly advised to obtain the correct visa prior to travel.
Here are the types of visas and their purposes.
Pros and Cons of Using eSIMs in Indonesia
eSIMs, known for their convenience in terms of setup and affordability, have recently gained popularity. Below are the pros and cons of eSIMs compared to physical SIM cards.
Advantages of eSIMs
- No need for physical delivery or card replacement
- Easy to purchase and configure online
- No risk of losing the card
- Multiple SIMs can be used on a single device
Disadvantages of eSIMs
- Limited to compatible devices
- Requires re-registration or reconfiguration in case of device or SIM failure, or when changing devices
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Taxi Troubles
IT company
We had planned to use a ride-hailing app for local transportation; however, due to the combination of the morning rush hour and heavy rain, no taxis were available even after waiting for over 30 minutes. In the end, we arranged a motorcycle taxi on short notice, but heavy traffic caused further delays. As a result, we were forced to postpone one of the two business meetings scheduled for the morning.
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Interpreter Issues
Cosmetics manufacturer
While traveling from central Jakarta to a client in the suburbs, our freelance local interpreter suddenly canceled. Since English was not widely understood in the area, we were unable to fully convey the finer nuances of our business discussions, which was highly regrettable. We came to realize that it would have been better to engage a professional interpreter through a reputable agency rather than relying on a low-cost freelancer.
List of eSIMs Available for Use in Indonesia
Below is a list of international eSIM providers. While some plans are specifically for use in Indonesia, many also offer regional plans covering areas such as “Southeast Asia” or “Oceania.” In some cases, purchasing multiple eSIMs results in a discount.
*Note: Exchange rate used = 1 USD ≒ 151 JPY (as of May 2025)
| Provider | Website | Plan Details |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | airalo.com/id | 7 days / 1GB USD 5.50 (approx. JPY 827)15 days / 2GB USD 8.00 (approx. JPY 1,202) |
| Holafly | esim.holafly.com/ja | 7 days / Unlimited data JPY 4,290 |
| Maya Mobile | maya.net | 180 days / 3GB USD 5.39 (approx. JPY 810)1 day / Unlimited data USD 2.61 (approx. JPY 392) |
| eSIM Mart | esimmart.net | 7 days / 1GB JPY 79015 days / 3GB JPY 2,090 |
| eSIM-san | esim-san.jp | 7 days / 0.5GB/day JPY 1,0487 days / Unlimited data JPY 3,760 |
| Good eSIM | shop.good-esim.com | 5 days / 1GB JPY 4407 days / 3GB JPY 770 |
| TORA eSIM | tora-esim.com | 7 days / 3GB JPY 1,0657 days / 5GB JPY 1,545 |
| eSIM square by Telecom Square | esim.telecomsquare.net/ja | 7 days / 1GB JPY 88015 days / 3GB JPY 1,880 |
If you wish to convert your existing Japanese SIM card to an eSIM, you can do so through your mobile carrier’s website.
We create a WhatsApp group, allowing you to contact us anytime for free if any issues arise during your business trip. Unexpected troubles can occur during on-site visits, but with our team-based support, we can resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
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●Creative agency
I traveled without arranging an interpreter, but when I faced difficulties dealing with the local police, they came to my aid.
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●Recruitment agency
When I suddenly needed a conference room, I truly appreciated that they arranged one on my behalf.
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●Cosmetics manufacturer
After finishing drinks with colleagues late at night and being unable to find a taxi, they arranged a car for us, which was a great help.
How to Purchase a SIM Card in Indonesia
If you arrive in Indonesia without having arranged for internet access in advance, don’t worry. If your smartphone is SIM-free or the SIM lock has been removed, you can purchase a local prepaid SIM card and use it by replacing your Japanese SIM card.
At Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, the main gateway to Jakarta, you can find counters for major telecom providers such as Telkomsel at Terminal 3 of the international terminal, where SIM cards and eSIMs can be purchased. However, please note that service hours are limited, so you may not be able to make a purchase if you arrive late at night or early in the morning.
SIM cards are also available at sales counters of various telecom providers in city centers and shopping malls, as well as at convenience stores.
In Indonesia, prepaid SIM cards are sold by specifying the duration and data capacity. After the validity period expires or the allocated data is used up, you can recharge the SIM card at provider branches or via e-wallet apps. However, if a SIM card goes unused for an extended period, it may become invalid. Therefore, even if your device still contains a previously used Indonesian SIM card, it might not function on your next trip.
C2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods): $230
C19 (After-sales service) / C20(Installation and repair of machinery): $300
D2 (Participation in business meetings and purchasing goods (1-year validity)): $380
E23/E24/E25 (Work VISA): $1,500
Secure Your Internet Connection Before Traveling to Indonesia
This article has introduced various ways to connect to the internet while in Indonesia. If your smartphone is compatible, consider using an eSIM. It can be applied for online and requires no physical pick-up or return, making it a convenient option.
As described above, free Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly available in urban areas of Indonesia. SIM cards can also be purchased at telecom branches and convenience stores. While it is best to prepare your internet access before departure, even if you run out of data or encounter technical issues after arrival, there are still solutions available locally.
Make sure to secure a comfortable internet environment so that you can enjoy a productive and meaningful stay.
We create a WhatsApp group, allowing you to contact us anytime for free if any issues arise during your business trip. Unexpected troubles can occur during on-site visits, but with our team-based support, we can resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
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Can I use a Japanese smartphone in Indonesia?
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You can use a Japanese smartphone in Indonesia by utilizing options such as SIM cards, eSIMs, international roaming, or flat-rate data services.
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What are the advantages of using an eSIM?
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The advantages of using an eSIM include not needing to go through rental or return procedures, the ability to easily purchase and set it up online, and no need to physically swap SIM cards.
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Can I purchase a SIM card in Indonesia?
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In Indonesia, SIM cards can be purchased at telecom company branches or convenience stores.
