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Complete Guide on How to Register Your Phone's IMEI in Bali Indonesia

Don't forget to register and get your phone's IMEI unlock in Bali Airport so you can use a local SIM card. Here's our complete guide on how to register your phone once you arrive in Bali. Read to learn more!

iPhone lockscreen

If you're planning a trip to Indonesia and intend to use an Indonesian local SIM card, it's essential to register your phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). The IMEI registration process varies depending on the length of your stay, with specific procedures for short-term tourists and those on extended visits. Check the guidelines on unlocking IMEI in Indonesia to ensure uninterrupted mobile service during your trip.

This guide will walk you through the steps to unlock IMEI and register your phone's IMEI in Indonesia.

Table of Contents

What is an IMEI number?

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 can I see the IMEI Number on my phone?

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.

Short Stay IMEI Registration (Tourist Registration)

If your stay in Indonesia is less than 90 days, you can unlock IMEI and register your phone's IMEI for free at any official mobile operator's office. Visit the office with your passport and phone. No tax is required for this registration.

You'll get a tourist sim card, and registration is valid for three months. It can be extended for another three months without additional fees at the office where you initially registered. Many mobile phone shops offer free IMEI registration when you purchase a SIM card or internet package. But it's still best to ask help signup from the official sim provider.

***BGB TIP***: If you’re an iPhone user & don't want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com

Long Stay IMEI Registration

For stays longer than 90 days, you'll need to unlock IMEI and register your phone's IMEI if it isn't already in the Indonesian database. You can do this at Jakarta or Bali airports.

To unlock IMEI in Bali, the registration is free for phones worth less than $500 if done on the day of arrival. Foreigners must pay a 40% tax on the cost of the mobile phone exceeding $500 if registering on the arrival day.

For example, if your phone costs $800, you'll pay a 40% tax on $300, totaling $120. Kitas holders with a tax number (NPWP) pay a 30% tax on the phone cost exceeding $500.

Indonesian Customs Office | How to register IMEI in Bali

Bea Cukai Office

If you don't register on the day of arrival, you'll be charged tax on the device's total cost. You must register your phone within 90 days of arriving in Indonesia.

***BGB TIP***: If you’re an iPhone user & don't want to register your phone, get your eSIM via Airalo.com

What is the IMEI Registration Process in Bali?

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),

  1. Register your phone in advance on the Bea Cukai Website (Indonesian Customs Website). You can register up to two devices per person, but remember that if their combined value exceeds $500, you'll need to pay tax the excess import duty 10%, PPN 11%, PPh 10% (or PPh 20% without NPWP/Indonesia Tax Card).

    Bali Airport Customs and IME registration

    Customs declaration at Bali International Airport

  2. For passengers from abroad who carry telecommunication devices that have not unlock IMEI Indonesia registration and have ALREADY LEFT THE AIRPORT AREA, the registration can be completed in the Customs Office nearest with the conditions as follows,
    1. The owner arrives in Indonesia no later than 60 (sixty) days.
    2. The maximum number of telecommunication equipment allowed to be registered is 2 (two) units for each passenger and is not granted exemption from Customs Duty and Import Tax.
    3. The first registration step must be completed via the Bea Cukai Mobile android application or the website page https://www.beacukai.go.id until the QR Code is obtained.
    4. Afterwards, please visit the Customs Office and provide the required documents:
    •The QR Code;
    •Passport front page and immigration stamp;
    •Tickets and boarding passes;
    •NPWP/Indonesia Tax Card (if any);
    •Proof/receipt of payment or purchase of the goods (if any);
    •The telecommunication equipment to be registered; and
    •Allowed to be represented by an appointed representative by bringing the power of attorney letter from the owner signed with MATERAI Rp10.000.
    5.Pay Customs Duty and Import Taxes, bea masuk 10%, PPN 11%, PPh 10% (PPh 20% without NPWP/Indonesia Tax Card)

>>> Read more about our guide on Buying a SIM Card for Bali.

***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, in the departure hall (Ground Floor), near the Customs Office. Be prepared for a customs officer to ask questions about your phone's cost, purchase 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?

Imei registration Bali

How to check IMEI Registration in Bali?

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:

  1. Visit the same mobile operator office where you initially registered your phone.

  2. Provide your passport, phone, and any relevant documents showing the extension of your stay in Indonesia, such as an extended visa or work permit.

  3. Pay any applicable tax based on the cost of your phone, as described in the Long Stay IMEI Registration section.

  4. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

>>>> First time in Bali, read our guide to currency in Bali, Indonesia. Ready for your Bali Trip? Book your private car service before arriving in Bali.

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