In case you need internet for the whole trip you have to be a bit careful. Usual packages consist of some hours of talk time, a lot of "Local" data, some "Internet" and a lots of data for streaming services. Here is what these mean:
- Talk time is obvious - buy as much as you want/need - usually none
- "Local" data are usually several GB but you can use them ONLY in the area you bought the card (be it the new sim card or for a top-up card). Hence if you buy it in Bali you can use it around Bali (I guess) but nowhere else. I bought a top up card in Malang/Java and I couldn't use the data in Jakarta/Java last year!
- "Internet" is data you can use anywhere in Indonesia hence it should be your choice in case you plan to move around.
- Streaming services are useless to visitors unless you speak bahasa and you plan to spend your time watching crap series in your mobile. To use them you need special apps and it used to be mostly local series. Don't bother about this.
Normal packages usually have a lot of "Local" data (several GB) and quite limited (300MB maybe) "Internet". There are packages though that offer more "Internet" and less "Local" for similar prices. You just need to be careful when you choose. Be advised: This is a very usual tourist trap!! You will not be told about these - you need to ask! They might even refuse they have such packages! I think the "best" package for people who need basic connectivity and to move around in different regions from Telcomsel was 50kRp last year and included few hours of talk time and 2GB of "Internet" for 30 days or something. They also had packages with more GB for a bit more extra.
Same holds when you top up. You need to choose the right card with lot's of "Internet"
Price is so low (we are talking about 3-4$ or so) that is not a problem to waste a card - the basic problem is you will realize that the 5GB of "Local" data you purchased in the morning in Bali are useless in Komodo in the afternoon. And if you are still in Labuan Bajo it's ok because you can still buy a new card there - but what if you are already on a live aboard?
Take care
- Talk time is obvious - buy as much as you want/need - usually none
- "Local" data are usually several GB but you can use them ONLY in the area you bought the card (be it the new sim card or for a top-up card). Hence if you buy it in Bali you can use it around Bali (I guess) but nowhere else. I bought a top up card in Malang/Java and I couldn't use the data in Jakarta/Java last year!
- "Internet" is data you can use anywhere in Indonesia hence it should be your choice in case you plan to move around.
- Streaming services are useless to visitors unless you speak bahasa and you plan to spend your time watching crap series in your mobile. To use them you need special apps and it used to be mostly local series. Don't bother about this.
Normal packages usually have a lot of "Local" data (several GB) and quite limited (300MB maybe) "Internet". There are packages though that offer more "Internet" and less "Local" for similar prices. You just need to be careful when you choose. Be advised: This is a very usual tourist trap!! You will not be told about these - you need to ask! They might even refuse they have such packages! I think the "best" package for people who need basic connectivity and to move around in different regions from Telcomsel was 50kRp last year and included few hours of talk time and 2GB of "Internet" for 30 days or something. They also had packages with more GB for a bit more extra.
Same holds when you top up. You need to choose the right card with lot's of "Internet"
Price is so low (we are talking about 3-4$ or so) that is not a problem to waste a card - the basic problem is you will realize that the 5GB of "Local" data you purchased in the morning in Bali are useless in Komodo in the afternoon. And if you are still in Labuan Bajo it's ok because you can still buy a new card there - but what if you are already on a live aboard?
Take care
