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.

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?

IMEI registration depends on your length of stay and usage needs:

1. Short-Term Tourists (Less Than 3 Months)

• If you’re staying in Bali for less than three months, you don’t need to register your IMEI at Customs.
• Instead, you can purchase a local eSIM or prepaid SIM card and register your IMEI with the provider. The registration fee is already included in the eSIM or SIM card price, and it allows temporary access to Indonesian networks.

2. Long-Term Visitors (More Than 3 Months)

• For stays exceeding three months, IMEI registration at Customs is mandatory to continue using your device with local networks.
• Devices brought into the country without registration will eventually be blocked from local networks.

How to Register IMEI in Indonesia

1. Short-Term Tourists (Less Than 3 Months)

For short-term tourists, the easiest way to avoid IMEI registration is by purchasing a local eSIM or SIM card. Here’s how:

1. Buy a Telkomsel eSIM from providers like BaliEasy, which offers affordable data plans tailored for tourists.
2. Activate the eSIM or SIM card upon arrival to enjoy local network access with free IMEI registration
3. Use the local number to access essential services like Gojek and Grab.

2. Long-Term Visitors or Residents

If you plan to stay longer than three months, 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.

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.