Learning how to register your phone’s IMEI in Bali Indonesia takes 15 minutes at the airport skip it and your local SIM card won’t work. If you plan to use a local SIM card in Bali, you need to register your phone’s IMEI in Indonesia before your trip or on arrival day at the airport.
Indonesia requires all foreign phones to have an active IMEI registration to work on local networks. Skip this step and your phone stops working on Indonesian carriers. The rules differ based on how long you’re staying, so read the section that applies to your trip.
This guide covers tourist registration, long-stay rules, Bali airport procedures, tax calculations, and what to do if you missed the customs window.
This guide will walk you through the steps to unlock IMEI and register your phone’s IMEI in Indonesia.
What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does Bali Require It
An IMEI number is a unique code to identify a specific device when inserting a SIM card. It consists of a 15-digit number assigned to each phone worldwide. IMEI numbers have various uses, including allowing police or network operators to block a device if it is stolen and sometimes enabling phone tracking.
How to Find Your IMEI Number Before You Register
For ANDROID users, dial *#06# on your phone, and you’ll automatically be shown your device’s IMEI number on the screen for each sim slot. While for iPhone users, you should go to General Settings > About. Look for the serial number, or you may need to scroll down to find the IMEI/MEID and ICCID.
How to Register IMEI in Bali for Short Stays (Under 90 Days)
Here’s how to register your phone’s IMEI in Bali Indonesia if you’re staying under 90 days — it’s free at any official carrier store.
Where to Register Your IMEI as a Tourist in Bali
Visit any official mobile operator office — Telkomsel, Indosat, or XL are the main three. Bring your passport and your phone. The process takes about 15-20 minutes and costs nothing.
Many phone shops also offer free IMEI registration when you buy a SIM card or data package. Always confirm with the official provider afterward to make sure your registration went through correctly.
How Long Does Tourist IMEI Registration Last?
Your tourist registration stays active for three months. If you extend your stay, return to the same office where you first registered. You can extend for another three months at no extra cost.
Can You Register at a Phone Shop Instead?
Yes — but approach this carefully. Only use official carrier stores (Telkomsel GraPARI, Indosat Ooredoo, or XL Center). Third-party phone shops can assist, but confirm the registration directly with the carrier afterward.
BGB Tip: iPhone user and don’t want to deal with registration? Get your eSIM through Airalo before you leave home. No IMEI registration require.
How to Register IMEI in Bali for Long Stays (Over 90 Days)
Staying longer than 90 days means different rules apply. You must register your phone at Ngurah Rai Airport on your arrival day to qualify for the $500 tax exemption.
Tax Calculation for Phones Over $500
Registration at the airport on arrival day is free for phones worth $500 or less.
If your phone costs more than $500, customs charges tax only on the amount above $500. The tax breaks down as:
- 10% customs duty
- 11% VAT
- 10% income tax (20% if you don’t have an Indonesian tax ID/NPWP)
Example: Your phone costs $800. Customs taxes the $300 above the $500 threshold. At the standard rate (31% combined), you pay roughly $93 at the airport.
KITAS holders with an Indonesian tax ID (NPWP) pay a combined 30% tax on the amount above $500 instead of 31%.
What Happens If You Miss Airport Registration?
Miss the airport window and customs removes the $500 exemption entirely. You pay tax on your phone’s full purchase price — not just the amount above $500.
You have 60 days after arrival to complete registration at a Bea Cukai (customs) office. After 60 days, options become limited.
***BGB TIP***: If you’re an iPhone user & don’t want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com
How to Register Your Phone’s IMEI at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport
The easiest way to register your phone’s IMEI in Bali Indonesia is at the Ngurah Rai customs booth right after baggage claim.
Exemption of USD 500 customs value is only granted if registration is made on arrival at the International arrival terminal. Here is the complete information on how to unlock IMEI Indonesia registration:
Under the regulations of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise in Indonesia, number PER-13/BC/2021,
For passengers who register UPON ARRIVAL at the Customs Office in the International Arrival Terminal (Customs Area),
Step 1: Pre-Register Online Before You Land
Pre-register on the Bea Cukai website before your flight. You can register up to two devices per person. Completing this step online means you arrive with a QR code ready for customs officers to scan — it speeds up the process significantly.
Step 2: Stop at the Registration Booth on Arrival
Go directly to the IMEI registration booth after collecting your bags. Do not exit the arrivals hall first. Once you leave the customs area, you lose your $500 exemption.
Step 3: Present Your Documents
Bring these to the booth:
- Your QR code from the Bea Cukai website
- Passport (front page and entry stamp)
- Flight ticket or boarding pass
- Phone purchase receipt if you have one
- Indonesian tax ID (NPWP) if you have one
Step 4: Pay Any Applicable Tax
If your phone exceeds $500, pay the calculated tax at the customs office. They accept card and cash. Your registration activates within 48-72 hours.
If You Already Left the Airport Without Registering
You can still register but you pay tax on your phone’s full value with no exemption.
Here’s the process:
- Complete the first registration step via the Bea Cukai mobile app (Android) or the Bea Cukai website until you receive a QR code
- Visit the nearest Bea Cukai (customs) office in person
- Bring your QR code, passport, entry stamp, boarding pass, NPWP (if you have one), phone purchase receipt (if available), and the phone itself
- Pay customs duty (10%) + VAT (11%) + income tax (10%, or 20% without NPWP) on your phone’s full value
- You must complete this within 60 days of arriving in Indonesia
The Denpasar customs office handles this if you’re based in Bali. If Bea Cukai is closed when you arrive (late-night flights), visit their Denpasar office directly the next morning.
***BGB TIP***: If you’re an iPhone user & don’t want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com
How to Unlock IMEI and Register IMEI in Jakarta?
The IMEI registration office is in Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta Airport. It is located in the departure hall (Ground Floor), near the Customs Office. Be prepared for a customs officer to ask questions about your phone’s cost, buying date, etc. Allow enough time to register your phone, as there may be a queue.
How to Unlock IMEI and Register IMEI in Bali?
In Denpasar, you should go to the IMEI registration booth after the baggage claim belt before exiting the arrivals hall to unlock IMEI. Alternatively, you can register your phone at the Office of Taxes and Duties in Bali. In this case, the tax will be charged on the total device cost.
To register and unlock IMEI Indonesia, provide your Indonesia-bound ticket or boarding pass and the QR code received when writing your phone on the website.
How to Check if Your IMEI is Registered?
After you register, it will be activated within 48- 72 hours. You can also check online via Bea Cukai’s website whether it’s already submitted in their system. You need to type your IMEI number in the search bar, and it will appear whether you have an unlock IMEI Indonesia.
***BGB TIP***: If you’re an iPhone user & don’t want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com
How To Extend Your IMEI Registration
If you initially registered your phone for a short stay and decide to extend your stay in Indonesia, you can convert your tourist registration into a long-stay IMEI registration. To do this, follow these steps:
- Visit the same mobile operator office where you initially registered your phone.
- Provide your passport, phone, and any relevant documents showing the extension of your stay in Indonesia, such as an extended visa or work permit.
- Pay any applicable tax based on the cost of your phone, as described in the Long Stay IMEI Registration section.
- The mobile operator office will update your IMEI registration accordingly, allowing you to continue using your phone with a local SIM card.***BGB TIP***: If you’re an iPhone user & don’t want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com
Tips for Registering Your Phone’s IMEI in Indonesia
- Ensure that your phone is compatible with Indonesian networks before traveling. Check Indonesian carriers’ network frequencies and compare them to your phone’s supported ones. You can find this information on your phone manufacturer’s website or by contacting your phone carrier.
- Having a copy of your phone’s purchase receipt is a good idea, especially if you plan to register for an extended stay. This can help prove the cost of your phone and make the registration process smoother.
- If you’re unsure whether your phone’s IMEI is registered, you can check its status on the official Indonesian IMEI database. You can find the IMEI number for Android phones by going to Settings > About phone.
- Keep in mind that Indonesian law prohibits the use of unregistered phones with local SIM cards. An unregistered phone may block the device, so register your phone’s IMEI promptly upon arrival.
- If you arrive after midnight and Bea Cukai is closed, you can visit their customs office directly in Denpasar.
In summary, registering your phone’s IMEI in Indonesia is essential if you use a local SIM card during your stay. The process differs for short and long holidays. Still, by following the guidelines, you can ensure a smooth registration experience and avoid potential issues with using your phone in the country.
Watch this video from Bea Cukai (Indonesian Customs) on unlocking and registering your IMEI at Indonesian Airport.
FAQs on Mobile Phone Restrictions in Indonesia
- If I purchased my phone in Indonesia, would I face any issues?No, if you bought your phone in Indonesia, its IMEI will already be active, and you can use it without any problems. Buying a cheaper phone in Indonesia is an excellent solution to avoid paying fees for an expensive phone. You can still use popular apps like GoJek, and Grab and share the internet using Wi-Fi Hotspot with your other phone.
- I bought my phone abroad but lived in Indonesia and used it before March 2020. Do I need to register it?You don’t need to register it, as it should have been activated then. However, verifying your phone’s status on the official website would be best.
- How can I check if my mobile phone is already registered in Indonesia?If you have lived in Indonesia since before March 2020, you should have received an SMS indicating your phone’s registration. You can also verify your phone’s IMEI status on the official website.
- Where can I find my phone’s IMEI number?For Android: Enter *#06# in the phone dialer app, and your IMEI number will appear on the screen. For iPhone: Go to General Settings > About. Find the serial number; you may need to scroll down to locate the IMEI/MEID and ICCID.
- Can I use my phone with a foreign SIM card in Indonesia?Yes, you can use your foreign SIM card in Indonesia, but be aware that roaming charges for calls or data may be expensive.
- Can I use my phone with only Wi-Fi without registering the IMEI?You can still connect to various free or paid Wi-Fi networks at hotels and restaurants.
- How should I determine the value of my second-hand/old phone when registering its IMEI?If you recently purchased your second-hand phone and have the invoice, show it to Customs, who will consider the invoice value. If you don’t have the invoice, Customs staff will check online for your phone model’s approximate second-hand market price and charge based on that price. They may ask for storage capacity, RAM, and screen size information.
- Can I register my phone’s IMEI somewhere other than Bali or Jakarta?Yes, you should be able to register your phone’s IMEI at any Indonesian Customs office. However, some offices may not want to handle the process and tell you to write in Bali or Jakarta. It’s best to register in Bali or Jakarta upon entering the country if you have time.
If you think we missed any additional information, send us a message, and we would be happy to update this article.
