Avoid Disconnection IMEI Indonesia Registration: How to Register Your Mobile Device to Use a Local SIM Card
If you are planning a long-term stay in Indonesia, the IMEI Indonesia Registration Rule is the most crucial compliance step after securing your visa through All Indonesia Arrival Card. Indonesia requires all mobile phones, tablets, and mobile-based computers purchased abroad to be registered with the government if they will be used with a local Indonesian SIM card for more than 90 days.
This mandatory registration process is integrated directly into the Customs Declaration (e-CD) section of the All Indonesia Arrival Card. Failure to comply or pay the applicable import tax can result in your device being blocked from all Indonesian cellular networks after the 90-day grace period.
Trevalo provides the definitive guide to IMEI Indonesia registration, ensuring your device remains connected throughout your Indonesian stay.
🔑 Section 1: IMEI Indonesia Registration Who Needs to Register and Why
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the unique serial number of your device. Registering it is Indonesia’s primary method for combating the circulation of illegal or black-market phones and ensuring all legally imported devices pay their required customs duties.
1. Tourists (Short Stay: 90 Days)
- Registration: NOT REQUIRED with Customs.
- Service: You can purchase a standard tourist SIM card, and the mobile operator will often handle a “Tourist Registration” linked to your passport, which guarantees service for the initial 90 days. After 90 days, the SIM card will cease to function with that device.
2. Long-Term Stay (Exceeding 90 Days)
- Registration: MANDATORY with Customs.
- Who: This applies to digital nomads, long-term students, residents, and anyone planning to stay for more than three months using a local SIM card (including those with KITAS/KITAP visas).
- Consequence: If you do not register with Customs, your phone’s IMEI will be blocked on Day 91, rendering the device unusable with any Indonesian carrier’s SIM card. You can still use Wi-Fi, but no mobile data or calls.
How to Find Your IMEI Number:
Dial *#06# on your phone’s keypad. The 15-digit number(s) will appear on your screen.
📝 Section 2: The Two-Step IMEI Indonesia Registration Process
If your stay exceeds 90 days, you must follow this two-step process, which begins with the All Indonesia Arrival Card.
Step 1: Pre-Registration via the Arrival Card (e-CD)
- Submission: When filling out your All Indonesia Arrival Card (within the 72-hour window), navigate to the Customs Declaration (e-CD) section.
- Declaration: Select the option indicating you are bringing in a mobile device for use in Indonesia.
- IMEI Input: You will be prompted to enter your device details, including the IMEI number(s) and the purchase price in USD. The limit is typically two (2) telecommunication devices per person.
- QR Code: Upon submission, your unique QR code is generated, which links your passport to your declared IMEI numbers.
Step 2: Verification and Tax Payment at the Airport
- Customs Counter: After collecting your baggage, proceed to the Customs (Bea Cukai) counter before exiting the arrival hall.
- Presentation: Present your Passport, Boarding Pass, the Arrival Card QR Code, and the physical device (and ideally a purchase invoice if available).
- Assessment: The Customs Officer will scan your QR code and assess the value of your device against the exemption limit.
- Payment (If Applicable): If your device’s value exceeds the allowance, customs officers will direct you to pay the applicable taxes.
💰 Section 3: The USD $500 Allowance and Tax Calculation
The actual IMEI Indonesia registration service is free, but you may be liable for import taxes based on the device’s declared value.
1. The Exemption Rule
- Value LESS than USD $500$: If the declared value of your device is USD $500$ or less, registration is free, and no tax is due, provided you register at the airport.
- Value MORE than USD $500$: You are liable for duty and taxes on the amount that exceeds USD $500$.
Critical Timing Warning (Loss of Allowance)
If you miss the opportunity to register at the airport’s Customs counter upon arrival and instead try to register later at a city Customs office (Bea Cukai), you will often lose the USD 500 exemption, and Customs will calculate the tax on the full value of the device.