A Practical Guide for Expats Navigating Indonesia’s Digital Landscape

Arriving in Indonesia for the first time can be exhilarating—but the digital setup? Not so much. From different mobile networks to an entirely new ecosystem of apps, expats can quickly feel lost in the tech shuffle. This guide walks you through getting digitally connected in Indonesia—from mobile phones to mobile banking, from online shopping to ride-hailing apps—so you can transition smoothly into daily life.

First Things First: Declaring Your Device

Before you can pop in a local SIM card, there’s one critical step you must take upon arrival: declaring your smartphone or tablet at customs.

Indonesia enforces an IMEI registration system, which prevents unregistered foreign devices from accessing local mobile networks. If you don’t register your phone, even with a local SIM card, it simply won’t work for calls, data, or texts.

At the airport, you’ll see signage pointing to the customs declaration area, located after you’ve collected your baggage and passed through customs. Although it might be tempting to skip after a long flight, registering at the airport can save you up to IDR 500,000 in import duties.

If you forget or miss the chance, you can still register your IMEI at the main post office (Kantor Pos Pusat) in Central Jakarta, but you’ll have to pay the full duty amount and you will need to make the trip to central Jakarta.

Choosing a Local Mobile Provider

Indonesia offers a wide range of mobile carriers, and most expats choose prepaid SIM cards for flexibility. Here are the top providers:

• Telkomsel – Best overall coverage, especially outside major cities.
• XL Axiata – Offers affordable data packages and good urban coverage.
• Indosat Ooredoo – Great value for heavy data users.
• Smartfren – Budget-friendly and reliable in city centers.

SIM cards can be bought at airport kiosks, convenience stores like Indomaret and Alfamart, or mobile phone outlets. Your passport is required to register the SIM due to government regulations.

If possible, ask your colleagues at the office which service provider they use as some service providers are better in some areas of the city and some buildings.  Each provider operates its own network of cell toweSetting Up Home Wi-Firs. Some companies have more towers in specific neighborhoods or better-placed infrastructure (e.g., on taller buildings or less obstructed land). If a provider has more towers or better placement in your area, you’ll get a stronger signal.

Setting Up Home Wi-Fi

When moving into an apartment or rental home in Indonesia, it’s very common to find that an internet service provider is already available in the building. Most apartment complexes have partnered with a specific provider, and many rental houses come with a basic Wi-Fi package already installed.

That said, the included service may not always be fast or stable enough for your needs—especially if you’re working remotely or have multiple users in your household.

Here are key things to know:

• While the network may be available, you may still need to apply for your own personal account. This gives you control over the billing and speed plan.
• Monthly costs vary depending on the bundle you select (e.g., internet only, internet + cable TV, or high-speed fiber).
• A technician from the internet company may need to visit your home to set up or activate your personal account.

If the existing service is not sufficient:

• You may be able to upgrade the plan through the same provider—this often requires coordination with your landlord.
• Alternatively, you can install a separate connection with a different provider at your own cost.

It’s rare to find a property without any internet infrastructure, but if that’s the case, installation from scratch usually takes 2–7 business days.

👉 Important: If the account is in your name, it will also be your responsibility to disconnect the service before moving out. Do not wait until the last day, as internet providers often need 2–3 days’ notice and do not offer same-day disconnections. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary final charges.

Must-Have Apps in Indonesia

To make daily life easier, you’ll want to download the apps that locals rely on. Here’s your essential list:

📱 Communication

• WhatsApp – The primary messaging tool in Indonesia. Everyone—from landlords to delivery drivers—uses it.
• Google Translate – A lifesaver when navigating Bahasa Indonesia menus, labels, and conversations.

🚗 Transportation

• Gojek – The ultimate Indonesian super-app. Use it for motorcycle taxis, cars, food delivery, groceries, and more.
• Grab – Another ride-hailing and delivery app with wide reach and trusted service.
• Bluebird – The most reliable licensed taxi app, especially preferred for airport transfers and formal occasions.

🛍️ Shopping & Online Marketplaces

Indonesia has a thriving e-commerce scene, and you’ll quickly find that locals do most of their shopping through mobile apps. Here are the most popular platforms and what they’re best for:

• Shopee – The most widely used online marketplace, known for flash sales, vouchers, and massive product variety. Shopee also seems to handle English-language searches better than other apps, making it more user-friendly for expats.
• 
  👉 Pro tip: Start by searching in English. Once you see the product you want, take note of its name in Bahasa Indonesia—then re-search using that term for more results and better prices.

• Tokopedia – A strong competitor to Shopee, with a vast inventory ranging from electronics and furniture to snacks and household supplies. However, Tokopedia isn’t as English-friendly, so using Bahasa Indonesia search terms will give better results.

• Lazada – Known for a strong lineup of official brand stores, especially in cosmetics, personal care, and electronics. Ideal if you’re looking for authentic branded products with clear return policies
• Sayurbox – A favorite among health-conscious locals and expats for fresh produce, organic groceries, and sustainable goods. You can schedule deliveries to your home, and many items are sourced directly from farmers.
• HappyFresh – This app lets you order groceries from local supermarkets such as Ranch Market, Lotte Mart, and Farmers Market. A lifesaver for busy professionals or families who don’t want to fight Jakarta traffic to do their weekly grocery shopping.
• Astro –  is an ultra-fast grocery delivery app popular in major Indonesian cities. It offers a wide selection of daily essentials, snacks, and fresh produce delivered to your door in under 15 minutes. With 24/7 service in some areas, it’s perfect for last-minute needs or late-night cravings.

💰 Banking & Payments

• BCA Mobile – Essential if you open an account with Bank Central Asia.
• Livin’ by Mandiri – Mandiri’s all-in-one banking and payment app.
• BRImo – For those using Bank Rakyat Indonesia, especially in rural areas.
• OVO, Dana, and LinkAja – Digital wallets used for in-store QR payments, online purchases, toll roads, and more.

Gojek – Indonesia’s Original Super-App

Gojek began as a humble motorcycle taxi (ojek) service in Jakarta, connecting users to motorbike drivers through a simple mobile app. Since then, it has evolved into Indonesia’s leading super-app, offering a wide range of services that go far beyond transport:

• GoRide and GoCar – Book motorbike or car rides across town at affordable rates. GoRide is particularly fast in traffic-heavy areas.
• GoFood – One of the largest food delivery networks in Southeast Asia, with access to everything from street vendors to high-end restaurants.
• GoSend – On-demand courier service for documents, packages, or even forgotten items—ideal for both personal and business use.
• GoMart – Grocery shopping from local convenience stores and specialty shops, with delivery to your door.
• GoMed (Halodoc) – Access telemedicine, schedule doctor consultations, and order prescription medications.
• GoShop – Assign a driver to purchase and deliver items from stores not listed in the app.
• GoPay – A digital wallet integrated across Gojek and many partner platforms, allowing for cashless payments in stores, toll roads, parking, and even donations.
• GoTagihan – Pay utility bills, buy mobile phone credit (pulsa), and settle electricity and internet bills—all from within the app.
• GoPlay – A streaming service featuring local films and series.

📌 Pro Tip: Many expats find Gojek to be a lifeline during their first few months in Indonesia—it’s a one-stop app that handles transport, food, payments, shopping, and everyday errands with ease.

Grab – More Than Just a Ride-Hailing App

Originally launched in Malaysia, Grab entered Indonesia as a direct competitor to Gojek and quickly established itself as a premium option. While it also started as a ride-hailing service, Grab has expanded to cover a wide array of daily needs:

• GrabBike and GrabCar – Reliable transport options with an easy-to-use interface. GrabCar is often preferred for more formal rides (e.g., airport pickups).
• GrabFood – Extensive food delivery network, often offering different promo deals than GoFood. Some restaurants are Grab-exclusive.
• GrabExpress – Fast courier service for same-day deliveries of personal items, business parcels, or shopping.
• GrabMart – On-demand grocery delivery from supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops.
• GrabPay – Grab’s digital wallet, used for in-app payments and accepted by many offline merchants across Jakarta.
• GrabRewards – Loyalty points earned through every transaction that can be redeemed for discounts, vouchers, or cashback.
• GrabHealth (in partnership with Good Doctor) – Access to teleconsultations, health advice, and pharmacy orders.
• GrabForBusiness – A platform for companies to manage employee travel, delivery reimbursements, and ride expenses.

Grab also emphasizes safety and professionalism—many users feel more secure using GrabCar for airport trips, meetings, or transporting children. It also offers features like “Share My Ride” and enhanced insurance coverage, making it a popular choice for families and business travelers.

📌 Insider Tip: If you prefer a more polished interface, English-friendly menus, and consistent pricing, Grab may be your go-to app.

Both Gojek and Grab are indispensable tools for life in Indonesia, especially in traffic-heavy city like Jakarta. These apps have made accessibility to almost everything almost instant. Whether you’re moving house, running errands, ordering food, or adventurous and trying to get to a meeting on time, these apps offer reliable, flexible, and fast service.

Why do People Use a VPN in Indonesia?

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is fairly common in Indonesia—not just among expats, but also among locals. While the country’s digital infrastructure is fairly advanced, there are specific reasons people rely on VPNs to access certain content or platforms:

1. Access to International Content and Streaming Services

Many international streaming services (like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or certain sports channels) are restricted in Indonesia due to licensing limitations. For example, if you’re a football or Formula 1 fan, the platform that streams your favorite league might be blocked in Indonesia or show a different version with fewer games available.
A VPN allows users to change their virtual location, giving access to their home country’s streaming catalog.

2. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions and Censorship

Indonesia occasionally restricts access to websites or platforms it considers inappropriate or sensitive, including certain news sites, adult content, or platforms not in compliance with local regulations. In addition, Indonesia has been flagged by global e-commerce platforms as a high-risk country for online fraud, which has led to restrictions on international shopping websites and payment gateways.
A VPN helps users bypass these restrictions and continue to access the services they’re used to abroad.

3. Secure Online Banking or Work Platforms

Expats working remotely may need to log in to employer systems or banking platforms that flag Indonesian IP addresses as suspicious due to the country’s high rate of cyber fraud. A VPN can provide a secure, encrypted connection and allow you to access those services using a trusted IP location (e.g., Singapore, the U.S., or Europe).

4. Protecting Privacy on Public Wi-Fi

With widespread public Wi-Fi in cafes, malls, and coworking spaces, VPNs are also used to protect sensitive information, such as email logins or banking activity, when connected to unsecured networks.

Using a reputable VPN is completely legal in Indonesia, though it’s recommended to choose one with good encryption, fast speed, and servers in multiple regions. Some popular VPNs among expats in Indonesia include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Final Tips for Smooth Tech Setups in Indonesia

• Switch your App Store region to Indonesia to download local apps and access regional features.
• Back up your phone before swapping SIM cards or making major changes.
• Get help from your building concierge or a trusted Indonesian friend if you run into roadblocks—locals are usually very willing to help.

In Summary

Getting digitally set up in Indonesia can feel confusing at first, but once you know the system, it’s quite efficient. From registering your phone at the airport to choosing the right apps and providers, this guide helps you get it right from day one.

By understanding the local digital ecosystem, you’re not just staying connected—you’re integrating into daily life in Indonesia, one download at a time.

Need help with relocation or cultural adaptation?
Setting up your digital network is only part of the process to get settled in Indonesia. Reach out to us for hands-on support, orientation, and cross-cultural coaching to help you settle in with ease with other aspects of your relocation.