Planning a Trip to Bali? Why and How You Should Register Your Phone’s IMEI in Bali

After arriving in Bali, you might feel an undeniable urge to grab your bags, head to your hotel and hit the beach. That’s obviously a great plan, but before you do it, don’t forget to register your phone’s IMEI.

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity or with simple words the unique number of your mobile device. Every officially produced phone has it.

Why Do I Need to Register my IMEI? 

Indonesia has regulations in place so that all phones that come into the country are registered with their IMEI numbers. This is to protect consumers by stopping illegal phones from entering the market. For visitors to Bali, this means registering your phone so that you can still use your phone network or a local SIM card. If you’re wondering whether this is really necessary, the answer is, it depends, but if you’re staying longer than 3 months, you should register your phone. 

For stays less than 3 months:

If you’re planning on staying less than 3 months, you will probably still be able to use an Indonesian SIM card without any interruptions. Instead of buying a normal SIM, you need a SIM card called a Telkomsel Tourist Card or Telkomsel PraBayar. To make sure they work, you have to buy them from the official Telkomsel store, ideally the one in the airport or ones based in the city (called GraPARI), as the staff understand how to register them properly.  If you buy a tourist SIM from small street stalls or independent mobile shops, the chances are that you will end up with a card that won’t work or that the shop owner can’t register. Buying one of these cards will cost roughly 200,000 - 300,000 rupiah, depending on the amount of data you plan to use. Although they last for 90 days, you can only use the data for 30 days and then you will need to top up again. If you only want to use WiFi networks, then you'll be just fine without registering your IMEI.

Telkomsel stand in Bali Airport at the International Arrivals Hall.

For stays longer than 3 months: 

If you want to stay 3 months or longer, then you should 100% register your phone. Having an Indonesian SIM will be necessary for your everyday life - they are affordable, allow you to use ride-hailing and food delivery apps like Grab/Gojek and to get around using Google maps. If you're not sure how long you’ll be in Bali, it will be worth it for you to have the option available if you need it later or later decide to extend your visa. If you do - reach out to us here at Bali Solve on Whatsapp or at our office in Pererenan, and we can help you submit your visa extension quickly and efficiently.

Back to registering your phone:

How To Register Your IMEI?

1. Before You Travel:

• Find your IMEI number by dialling *#06# or by checking the settings on your phone.

• Go to the IMEI registration website: https://www.beacukai.go.id/register-imei.html

• Enter your information, your IMEI number, passport number and the price/invoice of your phone.  

• Complete the registration and save the confirmation - you should see an image of a QR code and also be sent the QR via email. Take a picture so you have easy access to it at the airport. 

2. After Arriving in Bali:

• Head to the IMEI registration counter at Ngurah Rai International Airport - you will find it after the customs X-ray. 

• Wait your turn - leave enough time at this stage for any ongoing flights as it could take a while. 

• Give the staff your passport, QR code, boarding pass and phone purchase invoice. 

• Follow their instructions to register your phone.

Once you’ve registered, your phone should work on Indonesian networks after a few hours. Keep the registration confirmation email in case you run into any issues. You can register two devices per passport and the registration will be valid for as long as your visa is. 

Do I Need To Pay Taxes on My Phone in Bali? 

If you plan on bringing a brand new phone into Indonesia, you may have to pay taxes. It’s a good idea to bring the receipt for any new device you bring into the country to make the process smoother. 

Whether you need to pay tax or not will depend on the price of your phone: 

• If your phone costs less than $500, there is usually no tax. 

• For phones between $500-$1500, the tax is usually around 40% of the phone’s value, after the $500 has been discounted. 

• If you have a KITAS/ITAS (residence permit) with an Indonesian tax number known as a NPWP, you only have to pay 30% instead of 40% (after the $500 is discounted). 

$500 exemption is only valid if IMEI is registered on the same day as your arrival to Indonesia. Delayed registrations will not qualify for this discount.

What if My Phone Isn't Working After IMEI Registration?

If your phone still doesn’t work after 24 hours, your best bet is to ask your accommodation’s reception to help you or to check with a local phone shop for advice/help. 

Unfortunately, some older or less popular phones may not be recognized, which means you may need to visit a service center in Bali for assistance.

Once your phone is up and running, you’ll be ready to explore Bali’s incredible nature and culture with the aid of Google maps and Grab/Gojek. Having these apps will make your time in Bali so much easier and smoother if you are traveling without a tour or want greater independence and options. 

Of course, before you get here, make sure you have the right visa and documents! If you haven’t secured your visa yet and need some assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Bali Solve. As one of Bali’s premier visa agencies, we can help you with your Visa on Arrival (VOA), electronic Visa On Arrival (e-VOA) queries or visa extensions in the case that you end up falling in love with Bali and want to extend your stay here. From our team at Bali Solve - we wish you a smooth, fun and relaxing holiday in Bali!

Written by Team Bali Solve