A Complete Guide to IMEI Registration in Bali for Tourists and Foreigners

Planning a trip to Bali and wondering if your phone will work seamlessly? IMEI registration is an important topic for anyone traveling to Indonesia, particularly if you plan to use local phone services.

This guide will help you understand whether you need to register your IMEI, how to do it, and what alternatives exist for short-term visitors.

If you’re staying in Bali for less than three months, here’s some good news—you can get IMEI registration for free simply by purchasing a local eSIM or SIM card. Let’s dive into the details.

⚠️ Note: IMEI policies are subject to change at any time, depending on regulations from Telkomsel and the Government of Indonesia. Please check for the latest updates when traveling.

Read more: How to Get a Bali eSIM with a Phone Number?

What is IMEI Registration in Indonesia?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique number assigned to every mobile device.

The Indonesian government requires IMEI registration to reduce illegal phone imports and ensure all devices comply with local regulations.

By registering your IMEI, your phone is officially recognized by Indonesian networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and access to local services.

Do Tourists Need to Register Their IMEI in Bali?

(Updated May, 2025)

IMEI registration depends on your length of stay and how you plan to access mobile networks:

1. Short-Term Tourists (Up to 30 Days)

If you’re staying in Bali for 30 days or less, you do not need to register your IMEI at Customs. Simply purchase a local eSIM or SIM card from a provider like BaliEasy, which includes temporary IMEI registration valid for 30 days.

This registration is processed automatically when you activate your SIM/eSIM and submit your KYC (Passport and Identity) and IMEI.

The IMEI will be active for 30 days from activation and cannot be extended unless you register it permanently at Customs.

2. Long-Term Visitors (More Than 30 Days)

For visits longer than 30 days, IMEI registration at Indonesian Customs is mandatory to keep using your device on local networks.

If you don’t register, your device may be blocked from Indonesian networks once the 30-day period ends.

How to Register IMEI in Indonesia

1. Short-Term Tourists (Up to 30 Days)

The easiest way to get temporary network access without dealing with Customs:

1. Purchase a Telkomsel eSIM from providers like BaliEasy.

2. Install and activate the eSIM on your phone.

3. Submit your passport and IMEI via the KYC form (sent by email).

4. Once registered, your IMEI will be active for 30 days for use on Indonesian networks.

2. Long-Term Visitors or Residents

If you plan to stay longer than 30 Days, follow these steps for IMEI registration:

1. Visit the official Customs website for online registration.
2. Submit required documents, including:
• Passport copy.
• Device information.
3. Pay the import tax or fee based on your device’s value.
4. Alternatively, visit a customs counter at Ngurah Rai International Airport upon arrival to complete the process offline.

How Much Does It Cost to Register an IMEI in Bali?

The cost of IMEI registration depends on the value of your device:

• A fee is calculated based on the import tax of the phone.
• For most tourists, IMEI registration at Customs is not necessary if you use a local SIM or eSIM.

There are also occasional promotions or free registration for certain categories, but this is usually targeted at residents.

Can I Use My Foreign Phone (e.g., Australian Phone) in Bali?

Yes, you can! Most foreign phones are compatible with Indonesian networks as long as they are unlocked. However:

• Short-Term Stay: You can use your phone by registering your IMEI for free when you purchase a local eSIM or SIM card.
• Long-Term Stay: You’ll need to register your IMEI at Customs to maintain network connectivity after 90 days.

How to Check IMEI Registration in Indonesia

To verify your permanent IMEI registration status:

1. Dial *#06# on your phone to retrieve your IMEI number.
2. Visit the official IMEI checker tool provided by the Indonesian government.
3. Enter your IMEI to confirm if your device is registered.

⚠️ But wait… why don’t other eSIMs like Klook ask for IMEI or passport info?

Why Some eSIM Providers Don’t Ask for IMEI or Identity Verification

You might be wondering why certain eSIM providers—like Klook, Airalo, or other global platforms—don’t require you to submit your passport or IMEI number when purchasing an eSIM. Meanwhile, providers like BaliEasy do.

The answer comes down to the type of eSIM and how it connects to Indonesian networks.

Roaming eSIMs (like Klook or Airalo) operate through international carriers and treat your device as a roaming phone, similar to when you use your home SIM card abroad. These eSIMs are not subject to Indonesia’s IMEI regulations because they are technically still using a foreign number and carrier, even while in Bali.

On the other hand, local eSIMs—like the ones offered by BaliEasy—are actual Indonesian SIM profiles. That means they follow local telecom regulations, including IMEI registration and KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.

Here’s a simple comparison:

While roaming eSIMs are more convenient for ultra short trips or layovers, they often come with limitations—such as higher costs, limited signal strength in rural areas, and no access to local numbers or top-up services.

If you’re staying in Bali for more than a few days or need reliable connectivity, using a local eSIM is the better choice. It’s fully integrated into the Indonesian mobile network system, offering stronger coverage, better prices, and peace of mind.

Conclusion

IMEI registration may sound daunting, but for most tourists, it’s an easy process. Short-term visitors can enjoy seamless connectivity in Bali by purchasing a local eSIM or SIM card, while long-term residents should register their IMEI at Customs to comply with Indonesian regulations.