How to Make International Calls Using a Telkomsel eSIM in Bali (2025 Guide)

Quick Answer

Yes, you can make international calls from your Telkomsel eSIM in Bali by adding credit to your account and using the 01017 budget calling prefix, which offers up to 80% savings compared to standard rates. 

To call internationally, dial 01017 + country code + phone number (e.g., 01017 1 555 123 4567 for USA). 

You’ll need to top up your eSIM with calling credit through BaliSIM.com or the MyTelkomsel app, as most data-only plans don’t include voice minutes.

Introduction: Staying in Touch While Exploring Indonesia

Whether you need to call a hotel in Jakarta to confirm a reservation, contact your bank back home about a card issue, or simply check in with family who don’t use WhatsApp, having the ability to make voice calls from your Telkomsel eSIM is invaluable during your Bali adventure.

While most international communication happens via internet-based apps today (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram), there are situations where a traditional phone call is necessary—and often more reliable. Local businesses in Bali frequently prefer phone calls over email, government agencies require voice communication, and some emergencies demand instant verbal contact.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about making local and international calls with your BaliSIM Telkomsel eSIM: how to add credit, the cheapest calling methods, dialing formats for 180+ countries, and smart strategies to minimize costs while staying connected.

Understanding Telkomsel eSIM Call Capabilities

Do BaliSIM eSIMs Include Voice Calling?

Short answer: They CAN make calls, but voice service isn’t included by default.

BaliSIM’s Telkomsel eSIM plans are primarily data-focused packages optimized for internet usage—perfect for Google Maps, social media, ride-sharing apps, and messaging. However, every Telkomsel eSIM comes with an Indonesian phone number that can be used for voice calls and SMS once you add calling credit.

Your Telkomsel Phone Number

When you activate a BaliSIM eSIM, you receive: 

• A unique Indonesian mobile number (format: +62 8XX-XXXX-XXXX) 
• This number is displayed in your phone settings under Mobile/Cellular plans 
• It can receive calls and SMS immediately (incoming is free) 
• It can make calls and send SMS after adding credit

Where to find your Telkomsel number: 

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > [Telkomsel eSIM name] > Phone Number 
• Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards > [Telkomsel] > Phone number 
• Or dial: *808# to receive an SMS with your number

How to Add Calling Credit to Your Telkomsel eSIM

Before making outgoing calls, you need to add credit (called “pulsa” in Indonesian) to your account.

Method 1: Top Up via BaliSIM.com (Recommended for International Travelers)

Why this method is best: 

• English-language interface

• International payment methods accepted

• No language barriers or confusion

• Instant credit delivery

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit BaliSIM.com Top-Up Page
   Go to: https://balisim.com/collections/top-up/products/telkomsel-data-top-up

2. Select Your Credit Amount
   Choose from packages starting at 20,000 IDR (~$1.30 USD) to 500,000 IDR (~$32 USD)

3. Enter Your Telkomsel Number
   Input the Indonesian number associated with your eSIM

4. Complete Payment
   Use credit card, PayPal, or other international payment methods

5. Receive Instant Confirmation
   Credit appears on your account within 2-5 minutes

Pro tip: Start with a small top-up (50,000 IDR / $3.20 USD) to test the process before adding more credit.

Method 2: MyTelkomsel App (For Tech-Savvy Users)

The official MyTelkomsel app offers direct top-up functionality, but requires navigating some Indonesian-language interfaces.

Download the app: - iOS: App Store → Search “MyTelkomsel” - Android: Google Play → Search “MyTelkomsel”

Setup process:

1. Install and open the MyTelkomsel app

2. Language setting: Change to English in settings (gear icon)

3. Verify your number: The app should auto-detect your Telkomsel eSIM

4. Navigate to “Pulsa” (Credit) section

5. Choose top-up amount and payment method (credit card, GoPay, OVO)

6. Complete purchase

Challenges: Some payment methods only work with Indonesian bank accounts. If payment fails, use BaliSIM.com instead.

Method 3: Physical Top-Up at Indonesian Stores

If you’re already in Bali and prefer in-person transactions:

Where to buy: 

• Indomaret or Alfamart (convenience stores—everywhere in Bali) 
• Circle K - Telkomsel GraPARI stores (official service centers) 
• Street vendors with “Pulsa” signs

What to say: “Top up Telkomsel, lima puluh ribu” (Top up Telkomsel, 50,000 IDR)

Process: 

1. Provide your Telkomsel phone number 

2. Pay in cash (most small stores don’t accept cards) 

3. Receive SMS confirmation within 1-2 minutes

Note: This method requires basic Indonesian or hand gestures, and you’ll need physical rupiah currency.

Credit Amount Recommendations

 

 

Important: Credit expires based on your last top-up amount. Larger top-ups extend validity (100,000 IDR = 30-60 days additional validity).

How to Make International Calls: Two Methods

Method 1: Budget Calls Using 01017 Prefix (RECOMMENDED ✅)

Telkomsel offers a special international calling service via the 01017 prefix, delivering rates up to 80% cheaper than standard international dialing.

Dialing format:
01017 + Country Code + Phone Number (remove leading 0 or +)

Example calls:

 

 

Why 01017 is better:

 

 

Savings example:
A 10-minute call to the USA costs: 

• Via 01017: 10,000 IDR (~$0.64 USD) 
• Standard dialing: 50,000 IDR (~$3.20 USD) 
• You save: 40,000 IDR ($2.56) = 80% savings

How to remember: Just type 01017 before any international number exactly as you’d write it with country code.

Method 2: Standard International Dialing (More Expensive)

If you forget the 01017 prefix, standard international direct dialing (IDD) still works:

Dialing format:
+ (or 00) + Country Code + Phone Number

Examples: 

• USA: +1 555 123 4567 or 001 555 123 4567 
• UK: +44 20 1234 5678 or 0044 20 1234 5678 
• Australia: +61 412 345 678 or 0061 412 345 678

When to use standard dialing: 

• Emergency situations (muscle memory: just dial +1…) 
• When call quality with 01017 has issues (rare) 
• When you forget the 01017 prefix

Cost impact: You’ll pay 4-6x more per minute. Always try 01017 first.

International Country Codes & Dialing Examples

Complete 01017 Dialing Reference (Popular Destinations)

 

Full country code database: ITU International Calling Codes

Making Local Calls Within Indonesia

Local calling is significantly cheaper and simpler:

Local Mobile Numbers (Most Common)

Format: 0 + Mobile Prefix + Number

Example Telkomsel numbers: - 0812 3456 7890 - 0813 8765 4321 - 0821 1234 5678

Example XL numbers: - 0817 123 4567 - 0818 987 6543

Example Indosat numbers: - 0856 1234 5678 - 0857 9876 5432

Cost: Approximately 300-500 IDR per minute (~$0.02-$0.03 USD) to any Indonesian mobile number

Note: Calls within the same network (Telkomsel to Telkomsel) are often cheaper than cross-network calls.

Local Landlines

Format: 0 + Area Code + Number

Bali area code: 361

Examples: 

• Denpasar hotel: 0361 234567 
• Ubud restaurant: 0361 987654 
• Seminyak villa: 0361 456789

Other Indonesian area codes: 

 

Cost: Approximately 200-400 IDR per minute (~$0.01-$0.03 USD)

Smart Calling Strategies: When to Use Voice vs. VoIP

Use Traditional Voice Calls (Telkomsel eSIM) When:

Calling Indonesian businesses 

- Hotels, restaurants, tour operators prefer traditional calls 

- Many don’t monitor WhatsApp Business regularly 

- Instant response vs. waiting hours for messages

Emergencies requiring immediate response 

- Hospital inquiries 

- Lost passport situations 

- Lost credit card reports

Calling landlines or government offices 

- Indonesian immigration offices 

- Embassy/consulate landlines 

- Banks’ customer service lines

Areas with weak internet but good cellular coverage 

- Remote Bali areas (Amed, north coast) 

- While traveling between destinations 

- In vehicles without WiFi

When recipient doesn’t use smartphones 

- Older family members 

- Traditional business owners 

- Rural accommodations

Use Internet-Based VoIP (WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc.) When:

Calling international contacts who use apps 

- Free calls over data/WiFi to other app users 

- Better quality with good internet connection 

- Video call capability

Long conversations 

- Internet calling is free (using your data package) 

- Traditional calls charge per minute

You have stable WiFi access 

- Hotel, villa, coworking space 

- Cafes with reliable internet 

- Airport lounges

Group calls or video needed 

- VoIP apps handle group calls better 

- Video quality typically superior

Cost Comparison: 30-Minute International Call

 

Smart strategy: Use WhatsApp/VoIP for personal calls over WiFi, reserve Telkomsel credit for local calls and situations where traditional phone service is necessary.

How to Check Your Remaining Credit Balance

Method 1: USSD Code (Fastest)

Dial: *888#

This displays: 

- Current pulsa (credit) balance 

- Data package remaining 

- Plan expiry date 

- Quick links to purchase add-ons

Access anytime, anywhere—even without internet connection.

Method 2: SMS Check

Send SMS: “INFO” to 3636

You’ll receive a detailed SMS reply with: 

- Credit balance 

- Data balance 

- Active packages 

- Validity period

Response time: Immediate (within 10-30 seconds)

Method 3: MyTelkomsel App

Open the app → Home screen shows: 

- Large credit balance display 

- Data remaining 

- Validity countdown

Advantage: Most visual and detailed breakdown of your account status.

Receiving Calls and SMS on Your Telkomsel eSIM

Incoming Calls

Good news: All incoming calls are FREE in Indonesia.

• Your Indonesian number can receive calls from anywhere

• No charge to you for incoming calls (caller pays)

• Works immediately after eSIM activation—no credit needed

Your number format for others to call: 

- From Indonesia: 0XXX-XXXX-XXXX (as displayed) 

- From international: +62 XXX-XXXX-XXXX (replace leading 0 with +62)

Example:
If your Telkomsel number is 0812-3456-7890: 

- Indonesian callers dial: 0812-3456-7890 

- International callers dial: +62 812-3456-7890

Incoming SMS (Text Messages)

Incoming SMS is also FREE.

You’ll receive: 

- Verification codes (banking, apps) 

- OTP codes for two-factor authentication 

- Messages from local services 

- International SMS (sender pays)

Important for account security: Your Indonesian Telkomsel number can receive SMS verification codes from most global services, making it useful for: 

- Gojek and Grab registration 

- Banking 2FA while traveling 

- WhatsApp verification (if using a new device) 

- Hotel and tour booking confirmations

Outgoing SMS

Outgoing SMS requires credit: 

- Domestic SMS (within Indonesia): ~300 IDR per message (~$0.02) 

- International SMS: ~1,500-3,000 IDR per message (~$0.10-$0.20)

Reality check: Almost no one uses SMS for messaging anymore. Use WhatsApp, Telegram, or Messenger instead—it’s free over your data connection.

Emergency Numbers in Indonesia

These critical numbers work without credit on any Indonesian SIM:

Universal Emergency Services

112 — All-purpose emergency hotline (police, ambulance, fire)
110 — Police
113 — Fire Department
118 — Ambulance
115 — Search and Rescue

Tourist Police & Assistance

+62 361 754599 — Bali Tourist Police (Denpasar)
+62 361 763753 — Ngurah Rai Airport Police

Medical Emergencies

+62 361 227911 — BIMC Hospital Kuta (24/7 emergency)
+62 361 3003030 — Siloam Hospital Denpasar
+62 361 761263 — Sanglah Hospital (public, emergency)

Embassy Contacts (Selected Countries)

Australian Consulate Bali: +62 361 241118
US Consular Agency Bali: +62 361 233605
British Consulate Jakarta: +62 21 2356 5200 (covers Bali)
Canadian Embassy Jakarta: +62 21 2550 7800 (covers Bali)

Pro tip: Save these numbers in your phone BEFORE you need them. In emergencies, having quick access is critical.

Troubleshooting Call Issues

Problem 1: “Call Failed” or “Call Cannot Be Completed”

Possible causes & solutions:

Insufficient credit

• Check balance: Dial *888#

• Top up via BaliSIM.com

Incorrect dialing format

• Ensure 01017 prefix is correct

• Remove any + or 00 when using 01017

• Verify country code is accurate

Number formatted incorrectly

• Remove leading zero after country code

• Example: Australia number 0412 345 678 becomes 01017 61 412 345 678 (not 61 0412…)

International calling not activated

• Some newly activated eSIMs have a 2-4 hour delay before international calling works

• Try again after a few hours

Problem 2: Poor Call Quality (Choppy Audio, Echoes)

Solutions:

1. Check signal strength: Move to an area with better reception (look for 4-5 bars)

2. Switch from 5G to 4G: Sometimes 4G provides more stable voice calls

• iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data > LTE

• Android: Settings > Network > Preferred network type > 4G

3. Restart your phone: Refreshes network connection

4. Try calling again: Network congestion may have caused temporary issues

Problem 3: Calls Connecting But No Audio

Likely cause: Phone settings issue, not network problem

iPhone solution: 

1. Settings > Cellular > [Telkomsel eSIM] 

2. Enable “Voice & Data” 

3. Enable “Allow Cellular Data Switching”

Android solution: 

1. Settings > Network & Internet > SIM cards 

2. Select Telkomsel eSIM 

3. Enable “Use SIM for voice calls” 

4. Ensure “VoLTE” (Voice over LTE) is enabled if available

Problem 4: Can’t Call Indonesian Local Numbers

Likely cause: Missing the leading 0

Incorrect: 812 3456 7890
Correct: 0812 3456 7890

All Indonesian mobile and landline numbers require 0 at the beginning when calling domestically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I call toll-free numbers (1-800, etc.) from my Telkomsel eSIM?

Mostly no. International toll-free numbers (like 1-800 in the USA) don’t work when calling from Indonesian SIMs. These numbers are designed to be free for domestic callers only.

Solution: Look up the company’s regular international customer service number (usually listed as “International callers use: +1 555…”) and call that via 01017.

2. Will making calls drain my data package?

No. Traditional voice calls use the cellular voice network (circuit-switched), not your mobile data. Your data balance remains untouched when making calls through your phone’s dialer.

Exception: VoIP calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype) DO use your data package—approximately 1-2 MB per minute for voice, 5-8 MB per minute for video.

3. Can I use my Telkomsel eSIM number for WhatsApp verification?

Yes, but with important considerations:

• If you’re registering WhatsApp with this number for the first time: No problem

• If you’re trying to transfer an existing WhatsApp account: Complicated

Best practice for travelers: 

- Keep WhatsApp registered to your home country number (use it with your primary SIM) - Use your Telkomsel eSIM purely for mobile data 

- WhatsApp will work over your Telkomsel data connection while registered to your home number

Alternative: Use WhatsApp’s dual-account feature (Android) or WhatsApp Business (separate app) for your Indonesian number.

4. How long does credit remain valid on my eSIM?

Credit validity depends on your last top-up amount:

 

Important: This extends your eSIM’s active period. If you don’t use your eSIM for extended periods, topping up keeps the number alive.

5. Is it cheaper to call Indonesia from abroad, or call abroad from Indonesia?

Generally cheaper to call abroad FROM Indonesia using 01017, especially to countries with high termination rates (USA, Europe, Australia).

Example: 10-minute call between USA and Indonesia.

 

Tip for friends/family calling you: Ask them to use WhatsApp or Google Voice to call your Indonesian number—often cheaper than their carrier’s international rates.

Conclusion: Stay Connected Your Way

Making international and local calls from your BaliSIM Telkomsel eSIM is straightforward once you understand the system: add credit, use the 01017 prefix for international savings, and dial correctly. 

While most modern communication happens through data-based apps, having reliable voice calling capability ensures you can handle any situation—from booking a last-minute villa to calling your embassy in an emergency.

Key Takeaways:

• Add credit via BaliSIM.com for easiest international top-up

• Always use 01017 prefix for international calls (80% savings)

• Dial *888# to check remaining credit anytime

• Incoming calls and SMS are free

• Emergency numbers (112) work without credit

• Use VoIP (WhatsApp) over WiFi for long personal calls to save money

Your Next Steps:

1. Order your Telkomsel eSIM from BaliSIM.com

2. Activate your eSIM before or after arrival in Bali

3. Top up credit for calling capability (start with 50,000 IDR)

4. Save emergency numbers in your phone contacts

5. Test calling with a quick local call or 01017 international call

Internal Links: 

- How to Top Up Your Telkomsel eSIM — Add credit for calling 

- Check Your Data Balance — Monitor usage 

- Telkomsel eSIM Plans — Choose your package

Don’t let communication concerns limit your Bali experience—with BaliSIM’s Telkomsel eSIM and smart calling strategies, you’re always just a dial away from the connections that matter.