IMEI Registration Indonesia: Complete Guide for eSIM and SIM Cards in 2025

Quick Answer

Yes, IMEI registration is mandatory in Indonesia for all foreign mobile devices. 

Without registering your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, your device cannot connect to Indonesian cellular networks for data, calls, or SMS—even with a valid SIM card or eSIM. 

Registration typically lasts 30-90 days depending on your provider, and can be easily handled through BaliSIM when you purchase your eSIM or SIM card.

Introduction: Why IMEI Registration Matters for Indonesia Travelers

If you’re planning a trip to Bali or anywhere in Indonesia, understanding IMEI registration is absolutely essential—not optional. The Indonesian government implemented mandatory IMEI registration in 2020 to combat phone theft and regulate telecommunications. This means your smartphone won’t work on local networks without proper registration, regardless of whether you’re using an eSIM or physical SIM card.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about IMEI registration in Indonesia, including how long registrations last, which provider to choose based on your stay duration, and how BaliSIM simplifies the entire process for international travelers.

What is IMEI Registration and Why Does Indonesia Require It?

Understanding IMEI Numbers

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identifier for your mobile device. Think of it as your phone’s fingerprint—no two devices share the same IMEI number. You can find your IMEI by:

• Dialing *#06# on your phone

• Checking Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone)

• Looking at the original phone packaging

• Checking your phone’s SIM tray

Indonesia’s IMEI Policy Explained

Indonesia requires IMEI registration for all foreign devices to:

1. Combat phone theft and black market activity

2. Ensure telecommunications security

3. Generate tax revenue from imported devices

4. Create accountability in the mobile ecosystem

The consequence of not registering? Your phone will be blocked from all Indonesian cellular networks after 60 days of entering the country—meaning no data, calls, or text messages, even with a valid SIM card.

IMEI Registration Duration: Choosing the Right Provider for Your Stay

Not all IMEI registrations are created equal. The duration of your “Open IMEI” period varies significantly by telecommunications provider, making it crucial to match your choice with your travel plans.

Quick Comparison: Provider Registration Periods

Strategy 1: Short to Medium Stays (1-30 Days) — Telkomsel

Why Choose Telkomsel?

Telkomsel is Indonesia’s largest and most reliable network provider, offering:

• Industry-leading coverage: 99% of Indonesia including remote islands

• Fastest speeds: 4G LTE and 5G in major tourist areas

• Flexible 30-day IMEI registration: Perfect for typical vacation lengths

• Easy renewal process: Simply purchase another package if you extend your stay

How Telkomsel IMEI Registration Works

When you purchase a Telkomsel eSIM or SIM card through BaliSIM, your IMEI registration is automatically handled at no extra charge. The process is:

1. Provide your IMEI screenshot (dial *#06# and take a screenshot)

2. Submit a clear passport photo (ID page with photo and details)

3. BaliSIM registers your device instantly with Indonesian authorities

4. Your phone works immediately upon eSIM activation or SIM card insertion

Renewal after 30 days: If you decide to stay longer, simply return to BaliSIM’s Bali office or order online for another 30-day registration. Your IMEI will be refreshed automatically—no complicated procedures required.

Real-World Example

Sarah from Australia books a 3-week Bali vacation. 

She orders a Telkomsel eSIM from BaliSIM before her flight, provides her IMEI screenshot and passport copy via email, and arrives in Bali with full connectivity from the moment she lands. 

On day 20, she decides to extend her trip another 10 days—she simply purchases a second eSIM package online, and her IMEI is automatically renewed for another month.

Strategy 2: Extended Stays (60-90 Days) — XL Axiata

Why Choose XL Axiata?

XL Axiata is the ideal choice for longer stays, offering:

• 90-day IMEI registration: Three full months with a single registration

• Set-and-forget convenience: No need to renew monthly

• Competitive pricing: Often more affordable for extended data packages

• Excellent coverage: 95% of Indonesia with strong 4G coverage

How XL IMEI Registration Works

The process with XL through BaliSIM is virtually identical to Telkomsel:

1. Purchase an XL eSIM or SIM card from BaliSIM

2. Provide IMEI screenshot and passport copy

3. BaliSIM handles 90-day registration

4. Enjoy three months of uninterrupted connectivity

Who benefits most from XL? 

- Digital nomads staying 2-3 months 

- Travelers on extended Southeast Asia trips 

- Expats in the visa application process 

- Anyone who wants hassle-free long-term connectivity

Real-World Example

Marcus, a German digital nomad, plans to spend 75 days across Bali and Java. 

He chooses an XL eSIM from BaliSIM with 90-day IMEI registration. 

For his entire 2.5-month stay, he never thinks about registration again—his phone simply works everywhere he goes.

Strategy 3: Very Long Stays (90+ Days) — Permanent IMEI Registration

For Long-Term Residents and Expats

If you’re moving to Indonesia or planning to stay longer than 90 days, you need permanent IMEI registration through Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai).

The Permanent Registration Process

Step 1: Pre-Arrival Online Registration 

- Visit the official Bea Cukai website: beacukai.go.id 

- Register your device details before arriving in Indonesia 

- Receive a registration reference number

Step 2: Airport Declaration 

- Declare your device at Indonesian customs upon arrival 

- Present your phone, passport, and registration reference 

- Complete the final verification process

Step 3: Tax Assessment 

- Devices under $500 USD: Tax-free (no payment required) 

- Devices over $500 USD: Subject to 20-30% import tax on the excess value 

- Payment methods: Cash, credit card, or bank transfer at customs

Step 4: Receive Permanent Status 

- Your device is permanently registered to your passport 

- Works with any Indonesian SIM card indefinitely 

- No need for future registrations

Tax Calculation Examples

How BaliSIM Simplifies IMEI Registration

What Makes BaliSIM Different?

• Unlike buying a SIM card at the airport or local shop, BaliSIM handles your entire IMEI registration professionally:

• Included with every eSIM/SIM purchase — no hidden fees 

• English-language support — avoid language barriers 

• Instant processing — registration completed before you arrive 

• Accurate submissions — eliminates errors and rejections 

• Government compliance — 100% legal and official registration

What You Need to Provide

BaliSIM makes registration incredibly simple—you only need two things:

1. IMEI Screenshot

• Open your phone’s dial pad

• Type *#06#

• Take a clear screenshot showing all IMEI numbers

• Send via email or WhatsApp to BaliSIM

Pro tip: If your phone has dual SIM capability, it may show two IMEI numbers. Screenshot both—BaliSIM will register the correct one for your device.

2. Passport Copy

• Clear photo or scan of your passport ID page

• Must show your photo, name, passport number, and expiry date

• Ensure text is readable (no blur or glare)

• Standard phone photo is acceptable

Privacy assurance: BaliSIM uses your documents solely for government registration and protects your information according to Indonesian data protection laws.

Step-by-Step: Complete IMEI Registration Process with BaliSIM

For eSIM Purchases (Most Popular)

Timeline: 5-10 minutes

1. Visit BaliSIM.com and select your preferred eSIM plan:

• Telkomsel eSIM (30-day IMEI registration)

• XL eSIM (90-day IMEI registration)

2. Add to cart and proceed to checkout

3. During checkout, you’ll be prompted to upload:

• IMEI screenshot

• Passport copy

4. Complete payment via international credit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods

5. Receive your eSIM QR code via email within 1-2 hours

6. IMEI registration is processed automatically in the background

7. Activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code before or after arrival

8. Your phone connects immediately to Indonesian networks—IMEI already registered!

For Physical SIM Card Purchases

Timeline: 24-48 hours (includes delivery)

1. Order online at BaliSIM.com or contact via WhatsApp

2. Provide IMEI and passport via email or messaging

3. Choose delivery option:

• Hotel/villa delivery in Bali (minimum 2 SIM cards)

• Airport pickup at Ngurah Rai International Airport

• BaliSIM office pickup in Canggu

4. SIM card arrives pre-activated with IMEI pre-registered

5. Insert SIM and power on—you’re connected instantly

Common IMEI Registration Questions

Can I register my IMEI myself without BaliSIM?

Technically yes, but it’s complicated. You would need to: 

- Navigate Indonesian government websites (often in Bahasa Indonesia) 

- Understand complex telecommunications regulations 

- Risk errors that could result in phone blocking 

- Potentially visit government offices in person

BaliSIM’s service saves you hours of frustration and ensures accuracy for a seamless experience.

What happens if my IMEI registration expires?

If you’re using Telkomsel (30-day registration) and don’t renew: 

- After 30 days, your device will lose network connectivity 

- You’ll receive warning SMS messages before disconnection 

- You must purchase a new package and re-register your IMEI

Solution: If extending your stay, purchase a renewal package from BaliSIM at least 3-5 days before your current registration expires.

Can I use multiple SIM cards with one IMEI registration?

Yes! Once your IMEI is registered: 

- You can switch between different Indonesian SIM cards 

- Your registration is tied to your device, not the SIM card 

- If you lose your SIM, you can replace it without re-registering IMEI

Does IMEI registration work for tablets and mobile hotspots?

Yes, all cellular-enabled devices require IMEI registration: 

- iPads with cellular capability 

- Android tablets with SIM slots 

- Mobile WiFi hotspot devices 

- Smartwatches with eSIM (like Apple Watch)

Each device needs its own separate IMEI registration.

Troubleshooting IMEI Registration Issues

Problem: My phone isn’t connecting after registration

Solutions: 

1. Restart your device — This forces a network re-check 

2. Toggle airplane mode on and off 

3. Manually select network: Settings > Mobile Network > Network Operators > Select Telkomsel or XL manually 

4. Check eSIM activation: Ensure your eSIM profile is enabled and set as default for mobile data 

5. Wait 2-4 hours: Registration can take time to propagate through network systems

Problem: I received an SMS warning about IMEI blocking

Solutions: 

1. Check registration expiry date — Your 30 or 90 days may be ending 

2. Contact BaliSIM immediately — They can verify your status and renew if needed 

3. Don’t ignore warnings — Act within 3-5 days to avoid disconnection

Problem: My phone shows “No Service”

Solutions: 

1. Verify you’re using a supported device — Check BaliSIM’s compatible devices list 

2. Ensure your phone is unlocked — Carrier-locked phones won’t work 

3. Confirm IMEI registration was completed — Contact BaliSIM for verification

IMEI Registration vs. Other Countries

How Indonesia Compares

Indonesia’s policy is stricter than most Southeast Asian countries, but BaliSIM’s service eliminates complexity for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does IMEI registration cost through BaliSIM?

IMEI registration is included FREE with every eSIM or SIM card purchase from BaliSIM. There are no hidden fees—the registration service is built into your plan cost, which starts at just $13.16 USD for XL eSIM packages.

2. Can I register my IMEI after arriving in Indonesia?

Yes, but it’s better to do it before arrival. When you order from BaliSIM online, you can provide your IMEI and passport details in advance, ensuring instant connectivity when you land. If you wait until arrival, there may be a 2-24 hour processing delay.

3. Do I need to register IMEI if I’m only staying 5 days?

Yes, registration is mandatory regardless of stay duration. Even for a weekend trip, your phone needs IMEI registration to access Indonesian networks. BaliSIM’s 30-day Telkomsel packages are perfect for short stays.

4. What if I have a dual SIM phone?

Dual SIM phones have two IMEI numbers (one for each SIM slot). When you dial *#06#, take a screenshot showing both numbers. BaliSIM will register the appropriate IMEI for the slot where you’ll use your Indonesian SIM/eSIM.

5. Can I extend my Telkomsel IMEI registration online?

Yes! Simply visit BaliSIM.com and purchase another eSIM or top-up package. BaliSIM will automatically renew your IMEI registration for another 30 days. You don’t need to provide documents again if purchasing from the same email account.

Conclusion: Stay Connected & Compliant in Indonesia

IMEI registration might seem like an extra hurdle when planning your Indonesia trip, but it’s a straightforward requirement that BaliSIM makes effortless. By choosing the right provider for your stay duration—Telkomsel for flexibility or XL for extended trips—and letting BaliSIM handle the registration paperwork, you ensure seamless connectivity from arrival to departure.

Your Next Steps:

1. Determine your stay length: 1-30 days (Telkomsel) or 60-90 days (XL)

2. Prepare your documents: IMEI screenshot (*#06#) and passport photo

3. Order your eSIM: Visit BaliSIM.com and select your plan

4. Relax: BaliSIM handles your IMEI registration automatically

Internal Links: 

- Telkomsel eSIM Plans — 30-day IMEI registration included 

- XL Axiata eSIM Plans — 90-day IMEI registration included 

- How to Activate Your eSIM — Step-by-step setup guide

Don’t let IMEI registration stress you out—let BaliSIM’s expert team ensure you’re connected, compliant, and ready to explore Indonesia the moment you arrive.