Stay Connected in Surabaya
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, offers solid connectivity with 4G networks covering most urban areas and increasingly available 5G in central districts. The three major carriers - Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo - provide reliable coverage throughout the city and surrounding East Java region. Data speeds are generally good for most travel needs, though can slow during peak hours in busy areas. For travelers, getting connected is straightforward with multiple options available. The key decision is between convenience and cost: eSIMs offer immediate connectivity and hassle-free setup, while local SIMs provide better value for longer stays. Airport and mall kiosks are abundant, but language barriers and documentation requirements can complicate local SIM purchases for some visitors.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Surabaya.
Network Coverage & Speed
Surabaya's Mobile infrastructure is robust, with Telkomsel offering the most extensive coverage including rural areas outside the city. Their 4G network reaches virtually all tourist areas, business districts, and transportation hubs. XL Axiata provides competitive speeds in urban zones and is often preferred by younger locals for data-heavy usage. Indosat Ooredoo rounds out the major options with solid coverage and competitive pricing. 5G is rolling out gradually, primarily in central Surabaya including the Tunjungan area and major shopping centers. Network speeds typically range from 10-50 Mbps on 4G, sufficient for video calls, streaming, and remote work. Coverage extends well beyond Surabaya to popular East Java destinations like Malang and Bromo. During Ramadan and major holidays, networks can experience congestion. All carriers support international roaming, and most modern smartphones work easyly with Indonesian networks. WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls, but Mobile data remains essential for navigation and ride-hailing apps.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs offer significant convenience advantages for Surabaya travelers, eliminating airport queues and language barriers. Setup takes minutes before departure, and you'll have instant connectivity upon landing. Providers like Airalo offer Indonesia-specific plans starting around $4-8 for short stays, with regional Asia plans available for multi-country trips. The premium over local SIMs - typically $10-20 extra per week - often justifies itself through time savings and peace of mind. eSIMs are particularly valuable for business travelers who need immediate connectivity for ride-hailing and communication. However, they're not ideal for heavy data users or stays exceeding a month, where local SIM economics become compelling. Compatibility is excellent with recent iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung flagships, but check your device's eSIM support before traveling. The ability to maintain your home number while using local data is another key advantage.
Local SIM Card
Local SIMs in Surabaya offer the best value for data-heavy users and longer stays. Purchase points include Juanda Airport (open 24/7), major malls like Tunjungan Plaza, and abundant cellular shops throughout the city. Expect to pay 50,000-100,000 IDR ($3-7) for the SIM plus initial credit. Popular tourist plans include Telkomsel's simPATI with 30GB for around 100,000 IDR monthly. You'll need your passport for registration - a legal requirement that's strictly enforced. Staff at airport counters usually speak basic English, but language barriers increase at smaller shops. Activation typically takes 10-30 minutes and requires SMS verification. Top-up is easy through convenience stores, ATMs, or Mobile apps. The main downsides are time investment, potential communication challenges, and the need to manage a physical SIM card. For stays under two weeks, the cost savings rarely justify the hassle for most travelers.
Comparison
Local SIMs win on pure cost - expect to pay 30-50% less than eSIMs for equivalent data. However, eSIMs dominate on convenience, offering instant activation, no documentation hassles, and immediate connectivity. International roaming is the expensive fallback, costing 10-20x more than either option. For most travelers, eSIMs hit the sweet spot of reasonable cost and maximum convenience. Local SIMs make sense primarily for budget-conscious longer stays or heavy data users needing 50GB+ monthly.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Go with an eSIM from Airalo every time. You'll avoid airport stress, language barriers, and documentation complications while ensuring immediate connectivity for navigation and ride-hailing. The convenience premium is worth it for short stays. Budget travelers: If you're on an extremely tight budget for stays over two weeks, local SIMs can save $15-25. Otherwise, eSIMs eliminate the hassle and provide better peace of mind - often worth more than the cost difference. Long-term stays (1+ months): Local SIMs make financial sense here, offering better flexibility and significantly lower costs for high data usage. Visit Tunjungan Plaza for English-speaking staff. Business travelers: eSIMs are essential - immediate connectivity, dual-SIM functionality to maintain your home number, and zero time wasted in airport queues. The productivity gains far outweigh any cost considerations.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Surabaya.
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