As the country with the most islands, Indonesia has become a popular destination for tourists who are drawn to its beautiful beaches in Bali, its unique Jawa culture in Yogyakarta, and its vibrant underwater life in diving spots like Raja Ampat and Bunaken. With so much to explore, staying connected is essential for sharing your experiences in real time. That’s where smart eSIM comes in, offering an effortless way to stay connected no matter where you are.
In this blog, we will introduce the eSIM card, explain how it works, and provide a guide to help you choose the best eSIM carrier in Indonesia. Whether you’re a tourist or planning a long-term stay, this guide will ensure you have smooth connectivity throughout your Indonesia journey with prepaid eSIM.
What is eSIM Card?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) card is a digital version of the traditional SIM card, functioning the same way but with one key difference—smart eSIM doesn’t need to be physically inserted into your device. Instead, eSIM cards are embedded directly into your device's hardware. To activate eSIM card, you simply scan a QR code and follow the provided instructions. This makes eSIM card a more convenient and flexible option for staying connected, especially for tourists visiting Indonesia.
Unlike a traditional SIM card, which requires you to swap physical cards, an eSIM for international travel allows you to store multiple profiles on a single device, which makes it easy to switch between carriers. For travelers, this means you can stay connected with local networks without the hassle of finding and inserting a new SIM when you arrive in Indonesia.
Note:
Before deciding to purchase an eSIM, check if your device is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked.
How Travel eSIM Works?
Travel eSIMs are a game-changer for international travelers, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional SIM cards cannot match. Here's a breakdown of how they work:
A eSIM Plan Choosing:
Start by planning your trip in detail about eSIM plans. For example, if you're visiting Indonesia, think about the number of days you'll stay, the data you'll typically use each day, and your budget. Once you've mapped out these details, you can go to eSIM providers like Microesim to choose a suitable eSIM plan for your Indonesia travel.
Remote eSIM Activation:
When activating a travel eSIM, the process is remote activation, meaning there’s no need for a visit to a local carrier store. You can activate the eSIM card directly from your device, making the process much more convenient. You can easily download and activate your smart eSIM by scanning a QR code or using an app. This method eliminates the need to present an ID card or go through any KYC (Know Your Customer) checks in Microesim.
Click the link to get details about how to activate or install your eSIM card...
Embedded SIM Profile:
The travel eSIM works by embedding the SIM profile directly into your device. After scanning a QR code provided by the eSIM providers, this profile is downloaded and activated on your device. This embedded profile makes it easy to switch between different eSIM plans, especially if you want to keep your original SIM active while using a local network for calls or data. It allows you to maintain your home number for calls and texts while also accessing the local network for internet use.
Data and Network Coverage:
eSIMs have become popular for travelers is their extensive network coverage across a wide range of countries. Travel eSIM providers like Microesim offer extensive coverage across regions including Europe eSIM, Asia eSIM, America eSIM, the Middle East eSIM, Africa eSIM, and more, ensuring reliable data services wherever you travel. Whether you're making calls, sending messages, or browsing the internet, eSIM card provides a more convenient and flexible way to stay connected. eSIM technology allows you to easily switch between different carriers without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards. This means you can stay connected using local networks that offer better coverage and faster speeds, making it an ideal choice for international travel.
After diving deep into eSIM and understanding how eSIM cards work, let’s move on to selecting the best eSIM carrier, which will help you quickly find the most suitable eSIM plan for your needs.
#1. Microesim - The Best Indonesia eSIM for Travelers
Microesim is highly recommended as the best eSIM provider in Indonesia due to its wide variety of eSIM data plans tailored for different regions across the country. The eSIM activation process is user-friendly, making it easy to get started, and it supports hotspot sharing with multiple devices and people, which is ideal for travelers. One of the standout features of Microesim is that even if you run out of your eSIM data plan, you won’t lose access to the internet immediately. Instead, you'll be able to stay online at a reduced speed of 128 kbps, ensuring that you are never left without connectivity in a critical moment. This feature is particularly useful in preventing unexpected disruptions to your internet access while traveling in Indonesia.
For Indonesia, MicroeSIM offers flexible eSIM plans, including data options from 1GB to 60GB for 1-60 days, daily plans ranging from 500MB to 3GB for 1-30 days, and an unlimited 5Mbps plan for 3-30 days.
Here are eSIM prepaid plans from Microesim in Indonesia:
Destination | Duration | eSIM Plans | eSIM Price (USD) |
Indonesia eSIM | 1-60 Days | Total 1GB to 60GB | $1.58-$69.90 |
1-30 Days | Daily 500MB to 3GB | $1.58-$84.70 | |
3-30 Days | Unlimited 5Mbps | $12.00-$95.80 |
#2. Telkomsel - Smart eSIM for Indonesia
Telkomsel is one of the largest telecommunications providers in Indonesia, offering a wide range of mobile services, including voice, text, data plans, and eSIM plans. Known for its extensive coverage across the country, Telkomsel is a popular choice for both locals and travelers. Telkomsel esim provides various options for data, voice, and text services, ensuring reliable coverage even in remote areas. It's especially ideal for those looking for eSIM with number.
Foreign tourists face certain limitations when purchasing eSIM plans from Telkomsel, such as the requirement for real-name registration and the need for their IMEI to be registered with Indonesia's Ministry of Industry.
Telkomsel offers various Indonesia eSIM, including prepaid eSIMs with 6GB-60GB for 30 days (Rp 25,000-Rp 90,000), roaming plans with 10GB-20GB for 12-17 days (Rp 300,000-Rp 425,000), and tourist prepaid eSIMs with 25GB-200GB for 30 days (Rp 150,000-Rp 800,000).
Here are International eSIM plans from Telkomsel in Indonesia:
Destination | eSIM Plan | Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price | eSIM Price (USD) |
Indonesia eSIM | Tourist Prepaid eSIM | 30 Days | 25GB-200GB | Rp 150,000-Rp 800,000 | ≈$9.58-$51.10 |
#3. XL Axiata - Instant eSIM Indonesia Solution
XL Axiata is a major telecommunications provider in Indonesia, offering a wide range of services including mobile data, voice, and text plans. Known for competitive pricing, XL Axiata caters to both locals and tourists with a variety of prepaid eSIM and postpaid plans. With strong coverage in both urban and rural areas, smart eSIM is a popular choice for reliable mobile connectivity. XL esim, compatible with many modern devices, offers a convenient way for users to stay connected.
While XL's eSIM plans are affordable, they are not convenient for foreign travelers due to the lack of multi-language support on the website, which is only available in Indonesian. This language limitation can be challenging for non-Indonesian speakers, and it would also help if prices were displayed in dollars rather than Indonesian rupiah (Rp) for easier understanding and comparison. By the way, IMEI is needed, too.
XL's eSIMs for Indonesia provide data ranging from 86GB to 610GB, priced between Rp 38,000 and Rp 120,000.
Here are eSIM data plans from XL Axiata in Indonesia:
Destination | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price | eSIM Price (USD) |
Indonesia eSIM | 86GB-610GB | Rp 38,000-Rp 120,000 | ≈$2.43-$7.66 |
#4. Indosat Ooredoo - Affordable eSIM for Indonesia
Indosat Ooredoo is another major telecommunications provider in Indonesia, offering eSIM plans for both locals and tourists. Known for competitive pricing and strong network coverage, Indosat Ooredoo offers flexible data, voice, and text plans to meet various needs.
Indosat Ooredoo offers eSIM plans in Indonesia with options such as Prime 70 (15GB/month) for Rp 77,700 - Rp 1,400,000, Prime 100 (70GB/month) for Rp 111,000 - Rp 1,875,000, and Prime 150 (125GB/month) for Rp 166,500 - Rp 2,600,000, available durations range from 1 to 24 months.
Before getting an eSIM QR activation, you must verify your personal information. According to Indonesia's laws and policies, some telecommunications providers in Indonesia may have limitations for short-term visitors, which can be a disadvantage for foreign tourists.
Here are eSIM data plans from Indosat Ooredoo in Indonesia:
Destination | eSIM Plan | Duration | eSIM Data (up to) | eSIM Price (Advance payment) | eSIM Price(USD) |
Indonesia eSIM | Prime 70 15GB | 1 month-24 month | 15GB/month | Rp 77,700-Rp 1,400,000 | ≈$4.96-$89.38 |
Prime 100 70GB | 1 month-24 month | 70GB/month | Rp 111,000-Rp 1,875,000 | ≈$7.10-$119.75 | |
Prime 150 125GB | 1 month-24 month | 125GB/month | Rp 166,500-Rp 2,600,000 | ≈$10.63-$166.04 |
#5. Holafly - Reliable eSIM Card for Indonesia
Holafly is a popular eSIM provider designed for international travelers, offering eSIM plans for over 200 destinations. Its main advantage is providing unlimited data in most of its plans, which can last from 1 day up to 90 days for Indonesia. One of the key features of Holafly is its easy-to-use mobile app, available for both iOS and Android, which allows users to manage their eSIM purchases and installations without delay.
Holafly offers an eSIM for Indonesia with unlimited data, available for durations between 1 day and 90 days. The eSIM Prices range from $5.90 to $138.90, depending on the length of your Indonesia trip.
Here are eSIM data plans from Holafly in Indonesia:
Destination | Duration | eSIM Data(up to) | eSIM Price |
Indonesia eSIM | 1 Day-90 Days | Unlimited | $5.90-$138,90 |
#6. Airalo - Convenient eSIM Indonesia Connectivity
Airalo is a digital platform that provides eSIMs for travelers, allowing them to access mobile data in over 190 countries without needing a physical SIM card. Users can select eSIM plans based on their destination, desired data volume, and duration, often leading to savings on international roaming fees. With the Airalo app, users can easily purchase, install, and manage eSIMs directly from their devices, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers who need reliable connectivity on the go.
Airalo offers Indonesia eSIM plans with data options from 1GB to 20GB, priced between $5.50 and $40.00 for durations of 7 to 30 days.
Here are eSIM plans from Airalo in Indonesia:
Destination | Duration | eSIM Data(up to) | eSIM Price |
Indonesia eSIM | 7 Days | 1GB | $5.50 |
15 Days | 2GB | $8.00 | |
30 Days | 3GB-20 GB | $11.00-$40.00 |
#7. Saily - Trusted Indonesia eSIM Provider
Saily is a digital eSIM provider offering affordable and flexible data plans for international travelers. With options for various destinations and data packages, Saily’s eSIMs allow users to stay connected without physical SIM cards or high roaming fees. The plans can be activated instantly on compatible devices, making it easy for travelers to manage mobile data wherever they are.
Saily offers Indonesia eSIM plans with data options from 1GB to 20GB, priced between $4.79 and $35.90 for durations of 7 to 30 days.
Here are eSIM plans from Saily in Indonesia:
Destination | Duration | eSIM Data(up to) | eSIM Price |
Indonesia eSIM | 7 Days | 1GB | $4.79 |
30 Days | 3GB-20GB | $8.99-$35.99 |
Choose the Best Indonesia eSIM for Trip:
For a trip to Indonesia, Microesim is the most recommended eSIM provider due to its flexible eSIM plans from 1 to 60 days, including unlimited data options, and ensures full nationwide coverage. Microesim also supports 5G for faster speeds and includes helpful features like hotspot sharing and continuous connection beyond the data limit. While other eSIM providers like Telkomsel and Holafly also offer various plans, Microesim's combination of network reliability and extra features makes it the best choice for smooth connectivity in Indonesia.
eSIM providers | Partner Network | eSIM Plans & Pricing | Coverage | Extra Pros | Extra Cons |
Microesim eSIM | Telkomsel | Flexible eSIM plans (1-60 days, daily, total, unlimited) | Fully cover Indonesia | eKYC not required,Hotspot sharing,Continuous connection beyond data limit. | Data only |
Telkomsel eSIM | Telkomsel | Affordable eSIM plans(12,17,30 days,6GB-200GB) | Indonesia-wide | None | IMEI required |
XL Axiata eSIM | XL | Affordable eSIM plans( 86GB-610GB) | Indonesia-wide | Call to other operator: 5 minutes | IMEI required, language limitation |
Indosat Ooredoo(eSIM Indosat) | Indosat | Limited eSIM plans(1-24 month, limited data/month) | Indonesia-wide | Call to IM3 and Tri+: 5000 minutes; To other operator: 50 minutes, 50 SMS | Personal information verifying |
Holafly eSIM | XL/ Indosat / Telkomsel | Unlimited eSIM plans (1-90 days) | Indonesia-wide | Hotspot: enjoy 500mb per day to share with others. | Data only |
Airalo eSIM | Indosat | Affordable eSIM plans(7, 15,30 days,1-20GB | Indonesia-wide | eKYC Not required | Data only |
Saily | / | Affordable eSIM plans(7,30 days, 1-20GB ) | Indonesia-wide | 24/7 customer support | Data only,Partner Network unknown |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, staying connected with eSIM cards during your trip to Indonesia is essential not only for sharing memorable moments but also for ensuring convenience and safety. By choosing the right eSIM provider - Microesim with its full coverage and flexible plans, you can avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards and enjoy flexible, efficient network access throughout your Indonesian journey. Go to Microesim store get discount now!
If your destination is Indonesia only, you can buy this eSIM plan:
If you plan to Indonesia and regions near it like Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Macao, South Korea, Vietnam, Mainland China, Taiwan, you can buy esim plan like this:
FAQs about eSIM:
1. What is the process of ordering an eSIM?
Q: Ordering an eSIM is simple: select a plan, complete your purchase, and receive a QR code to activate.
2. Is eSIM Better ?
Q: Yes, eSIM is often better for travelers, offering convenient, instant connectivity without needing a physical SIM card. Click the link know more differences about eSIM vs physical SIM.
3. Can use eSIM with a regular SIM ?
Q: Yes, eSIMs can work alongside a regular SIM, allowing dual SIM functionality.
4. How to activate eSIM on iphone?
Q: To activate an eSIM on an iPhone, go to Settings>Cellular>Add Cellular Plan, then scan the QR code provided.