How to Register Your Phone as a Foreigner in Indonesia
Foreign phones need IMEI registration to work on Indonesian networks for stays over 90 days. Here's what you need to know, and how to get a local SIM card.
If you're visiting Indonesia with a phone bought outside the country, there are a few things worth knowing about how your device will work here. The rules are practical once you understand them.
Short Stays: No Registration Needed
If you're in Indonesia for 90 days or less, you do not need to register your phone's IMEI. Your device will work normally on Indonesian mobile networks without any extra steps.
Just buy a local SIM, insert it, and you're connected.
Staying Longer Than 90 Days
If you plan to stay more than 90 days, your phone's IMEI needs to be registered with Indonesian customs (Bea Cukai). An unregistered foreign phone will eventually be blocked from accessing Indonesian cellular networks after that 90-day window.
Registration can be done at the airport on arrival, or at a customs office if you've already passed that point.
Getting a Local SIM Card
For most travelers and remote workers, picking up a local SIM is the best move. Indonesian mobile coverage is solid in Kuta Lombok and the surrounding areas.
**Main providers:**
- **Telkomsel (Simpati / As)**: The widest coverage across Indonesia, including more remote areas. Best choice if you're traveling beyond Kuta.
- **XL Axiata**: Good data speeds, competitive pricing, works well in South Lombok.
- **Indosat Ooredoo (IM3)**: Another solid option with good data packages.
SIM cards are available at the airport, convenience stores (Indomaret, Alfamart), and dedicated phone shops. Bring your passport — it's required for SIM registration under Indonesian law.
Data packages are affordable. Expect to pay Rp 50,000–100,000 for a package with several gigabytes of data, valid for 7–30 days depending on the plan.
How to Find Your IMEI
Your phone's IMEI is the unique identifier tied to each SIM slot on your device. You can find it by:
- Going to Settings > About Phone (the label is usually "IMEI" or "IMEI Information")
- Dialing `*#06#` on your keypad — your IMEI will appear on screen immediately
If you have a dual-SIM phone, you'll have two IMEI numbers — one per slot.
Registering at the Airport
If you need to register (stays over 90 days), the process at the airport is straightforward:
1. Go to the Bea Cukai (customs) desk in the arrivals hall before leaving the airport 2. Present your passport, boarding pass or e-ticket, and IMEI number 3. Devices valued under US$500 registered within 24 hours of arrival are exempt from import tax 4. Devices over US$500, or registered after 24 hours, are subject to 40% customs tax
If you miss the airport window, you can register at a local customs office — but the 40% tax applies regardless of device value at that point.
For official information, visit beacukai.go.id or contact customs support at 1500225.