Indonesia's New Mobile Policy: eSIM and SIM Card Limits Coming Soon!

Key Points:

• Indonesia will standardize eSIM and limit the number of SIM cards each person can register, while closing the loophole of ‘resetting IMEI by swapping SIM cards’
• Short-term tourists unaffected: Phones can use Indonesian networks for 90 days without IMEI registration, so a typical vacation is hassle-free
• Easiest approach: Buy a travel eSIM on platforms like Klook before departure, and you’ll have internet access upon arrival
• Long-term residents beware: If using your phone for over 90 days, you must declare or register the IMEI upon entry, or risk having your device blocked

As mobile technology rapidly evolves, the Indonesian government is preparing to roll out a series of new mobile communication regulations that will significantly impact foreigners in Bali.

Among these, the adoption of eSIM technology is seen as a positive step, but the new policy limiting the number of SIM cards could make using mobile phones in Indonesia more complicated for expats.

🔍 eSIM Technology Becomes Indonesia’s New Mobile Trend

Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology is pushing telecom operators to accelerate the transition from physical SIM cards to eSIM, with the new bill expected to pass soon.

Currently, major telecom providers like Telkomsel and Indosat already offer eSIM services, but the lack of unified standards still poses challenges for consumers.

The new bill will introduce a standardized eSIM activation and usage process, strengthen personal data protection, and reduce fraud risks.

👉 Advantages of eSIM include:

• No need to swap physical SIM cards; activation is done entirely online
• Convenient for travelers to pre-purchase and use instantly, eliminating the hassle of physical SIM cards
• Enhances user privacy protection and device security

⚠️ Impact of SIM Card Quantity Limit Policy on Foreign Nationals

According to statistics, Indonesia currently has 314 million registered SIM cards, but only about 280 million actual users.

The extra SIM cards largely come from foreign nationals in Bali, who frequently swap SIM cards to bypass IMEI registration and phone blocking restrictions.

📌 Background on IMEI Blocking:

• Imported phones that haven’t been declared and taxed will be blocked if used on Indonesian telecom networks for over 90 days.
• Workaround: Foreign nationals buy new SIM cards to reset IMEI activation, thereby extending phone usage.

📋 How Will the New Policy Change Things?

• Closing the IMEI loophole: Prohibits resetting IMEI registration by swapping SIM cards, preventing long-term use of undeclared phones.
• SIM card quantity limit: The number of SIM cards each user can register will be strictly controlled, with the exact number yet to be announced.
• Enhanced data security: Standardizes eSIM registration processes to prevent SIM card misuse or illegal sales.

📞 How to Legally Register Your IMEI in Indonesia?

To ensure your phone can be used long-term in Indonesia, here’s an IMEI registration guide:

• Declare your phone upon arrival: If you bring an imported phone without customs clearance, declare it at the airport upon arrival—some models allow free IMEI registration.
• Buy a travel eSIM online: You can pre-purchase an eSIM through online services like Klook, and connect to the internet as soon as you land in Indonesia.
• 📱 Indonesia/Bali SIM card deals ▶Klook Deals

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an eSIM?
   An eSIM is an embedded SIM card that doesn’t require a physical card—users can remotely download and activate mobile services over the internet.
2. How does Indonesia’s new policy affect foreigners?
   Foreigners can no longer reset their IMEI by swapping SIM cards; they must legally declare and register their phones to continue using Indonesian telecom services.
3. How can I buy an eSIM in Indonesia?
   You can pre-purchase a travel eSIM through online platforms like Airalo, and use it as soon as you arrive in Indonesia, saving you the hassle of buying one on-site.
4. What happens if I don’t register my IMEI?
   If your IMEI is not registered, your phone will lose access to local telecom networks after 90 days of use in Indonesia.
5. Does the SIM card limit affect travelers?
   Short-term travelers won’t be affected, but long-term foreign residents must comply with the new SIM card registration rules.