Best Bali eSIM Recommendations for Travelers from The UK
For travellers from the UK heading to Bali, the most straightforward way to stay connected is to set up a
IMEI registration is required in Indonesia because mobile networks verify not only your eSIM, but also whether your device is approved to connect.
This system helps control illegal phone imports, reduce stolen device usage, and maintain network security through a centralized database used by all operators.
Without a registered IMEI, your phone will not receive signal, even if your eSIM is active and properly installed.
Every mobile phone has a unique identification number called an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Think of it as your device’s fingerprint.
In Indonesia, mobile networks do not only recognize your SIM card or eSIM. They also check whether your phone itself is approved to access the network.
This approval happens through IMEI registration.
If your IMEI is not registered in the Indonesian system, your phone will not be able to connect to local networks.
This means no signal, no mobile data, and no calls, even if your eSIM is properly installed.
Read more: A Complete Guide to IMEI Registration in Bali for Tourists and Foreigners
Indonesia introduced IMEI regulation in 2020 as part of a nationwide system to control which devices are allowed to connect to local networks. This system is stricter than what most travelers are used to, and it exists for several reasons.
Before this regulation, a large number of phones entered Indonesia without going through official import channels.
These devices avoided taxes and were sold at lower prices, creating an unfair market.
By requiring IMEI registration, the government ensures that only legally imported devices can fully function in Indonesia.
IMEI systems allow authorities to block stolen phones from accessing networks. This makes stolen devices less useful and helps reduce phone-related crime.
The system also helps maintain control over the telecommunications network. It ensures that devices meet local standards and are not using unauthorized or cloned identities.
IMEI registration works alongside SIM registration rules. Together, they help link devices and users more clearly, which supports fraud prevention and regulatory enforcement.
Read more: IMEI Registration Cost in Indonesia
Many travelers assume that using an eSIM avoids local restrictions because it is digital. In reality, the same rules apply.
An eSIM is only a network profile. It allows your phone to connect to a provider, but it does not replace your device identity. The network still checks your IMEI before allowing access.
This means that even if your eSIM is active and correctly installed, your phone will not receive signal if the IMEI is not registered.
This is one of the most common situations travelers face in Indonesia. Everything appears to be set up correctly, but there is no internet connection because the device itself has not been approved.
Read more: Why Does My Phone Have Two IMEI Numbers?
Indonesia does provide a temporary solution for visitors.
When you enter Indonesia, your phone can usually be registered for short-term use. This allows tourists to use local SIM cards or eSIMs for a limited period, typically around 30 days.
After this period, the IMEI registration expires. When that happens, your phone will lose signal even if your data package is still valid.
For longer stays, you need to register your IMEI permanently through Indonesian customs. This process involves declaring the device and, in some cases, paying import tax.
Read more: Using a Mobile Phone in Indonesia Without IMEI Registration
Many travelers wonder why they never had to deal with this in other Southeast Asian countries.
The main difference lies in how each country enforces its system.
In countries like Thailand and Vietnam, there are still regulations around SIM registration, usually requiring a passport. However, the device itself is not strictly blocked based on IMEI.
You can insert a SIM card and get signal almost immediately, even if your phone was purchased abroad.
Any IMEI tracking that exists is usually used for monitoring or limited enforcement rather than actively blocking devices.
Indonesia, on the other hand, uses a centralized system where all mobile operators share the same database.
If your IMEI is not approved, every network will reject your device. This creates a much stricter and more noticeable system for travelers.
Indonesia’s approach is influenced by several factors.
The country has a large market for imported electronics and a history of unofficial distribution channels. Controlling IMEI helps protect government revenue from import taxes.
At the same time, the centralized system makes enforcement consistent across all operators. This level of coordination is not common in many other countries, which is why the experience feels different.
If you plan to use a local Indonesian eSIM, it is important to understand that connectivity depends on both your eSIM and your device.
Your eSIM provides access to the network, but your IMEI determines whether your phone is allowed to connect in the first place.
For short visits, temporary registration is usually enough. For longer stays, you should be prepared to handle permanent IMEI registration.
To avoid these issues and stay connected without confusion, you can use a Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy, where you’ll be guided step by step through the IMEI registration process. Our team provides real human support, ensuring your device is properly registered and ready to use as soon as you arrive.
For travellers from the UK heading to Bali, the most straightforward way to stay connected is to set up a
If you’re traveling in Indonesia and using a Telkomsel SIM card or eSIM, knowing how to check your remaining data
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