The Rules for Registering Your Phone's IMEI in Indonesia
Foreign phones with unregistered IMEI numbers will be blocked from Indonesian cellular networks after 90 days. Here's how the rule works and what to do about it.
Indonesia regulates which phones can access its cellular networks through an IMEI registration system. Every phone has an IMEI — a unique code assigned to each SIM card slot — and if that IMEI isn't registered in Indonesia's national database, the phone will eventually lose cellular access.
Here's how the rule works in practice for travelers and longer-stay visitors.
The 90-Day Rule
Foreign phones are allowed to operate on Indonesian networks for up to 90 days without registration. If you're visiting for less than 90 days, you don't need to do anything. Your phone works as normal.
If you stay beyond 90 days with an unregistered foreign phone, it will be blocked from accessing Indonesian cellular networks. This means no calls, no mobile data, and no SMS on a local SIM — though Wi-Fi still works.
How to Check If Your Phone Is Registered
The Indonesian Ministry of Industries maintains a public database where you can check if your phone's IMEI is already registered. You can look this up at the official Bea Cukai website: beacukai.go.id.
To find your IMEI:
- Go to **Settings > About Phone** on your device
- Or dial `*#06#` — your IMEI appears automatically on screen
Dual-SIM phones have two IMEI numbers, one per slot.
How to Register at the Airport
The easiest time to register is immediately on arrival at the airport, before you exit the arrivals hall.
**What to bring:**
- Passport
- Boarding pass or flight ticket
- IMEI number (written down or saved on a screenshot)
**Cost:**
- Devices valued at **US$500 or less**, registered within **24 hours of arrival**: no customs tax
- Devices valued **over US$500**, or registered **after 24 hours**: 40% customs tax applies
The 24-hour window matters. If you register at the airport on arrival, you avoid the tax for most standard phones and laptops.
Registering After Arrival
If you've already arrived and didn't register at the airport, you can still register your device at a local customs (Bea Cukai) office. Note that in this case, the 40% tax applies regardless of the device's value.
For assistance, the official Bea Cukai customs service can be reached via their website at beacukai.go.id, or by calling 1500225. They also respond via WhatsApp through their official channels listed on the site.
If you're planning a long stay in Kuta Lombok — whether for remote work, surf, or both — sorting your phone registration early keeps things simple.