SIM Card, Driving Licence and Daily Practicalities with Retirement KITAS in Bali

The Retirement KITAS unlocks more than just long-term legal stay — it opens access to a range of everyday services that tourist visa holders cannot access. This guide covers the practical, day-to-day aspects of life as a KITAS holder in Bali.

Indonesian SIM Card (Pre-Paid)

Getting an Indonesian SIM card is simple and cheap. The major providers — Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo, and XL Axiata — all allow foreigners to register a pre-paid SIM using a passport and KITAS. Registration is done at any official outlet (Grapari for Telkomsel, GraPARI Indosat, etc.) or at authorised resellers in malls. Monthly packages giving 20-50GB of data cost IDR 50,000–150,000. Pre-registered SIMs must use your KITAS details for the mandatory government registration (KYC) that has been in effect since 2023.

Indonesian Driving Licence (SIM A or SIM C)

As a Retirement KITAS holder you are eligible to apply for a full Indonesian driving licence (SIM). You will need your KITAS, passport, a health certificate from a licensed doctor (available at most clinics for IDR 50,000–150,000), and to pass a written theory test and practical test at the local police traffic department (Satlantas). Tests are conducted in Indonesian but illustrated manuals in English are available at most Satlantas offices.

Alternatively, an International Driving Permit from your home country is valid for driving in Indonesia for up to 12 months per entry. Most long-term KITAS holders eventually convert to a local SIM for convenience.

Property Rental

As a Retirement KITAS holder you can legally rent residential property in Indonesia. Long-term villa leases (typically 1-year or 2-year contracts) in Bali are widely available and require your KITAS and passport for the lease agreement. Note that foreigners on any type of KITAS cannot own freehold (Hak Milik) land in Indonesia — if property investment is part of your plan, consult a licensed notary (PPAT) about Hak Pakai and other permitted structures.

KTP (Indonesian Resident Card)

Holders of a KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit) are eligible for a KTP. Standard Retirement KITAS holders are not issued a full KTP but do receive a Surat Keterangan Tempat Tinggal (SKTT) — a residence registration certificate that serves a similar function for local administrative purposes (school enrolment, utility contracts, vehicle registration).

Utilities and Internet

Setting up utilities (electricity: PLN, water: PDAM) in your name as a KITAS holder is straightforward — present your KITAS and lease agreement at the relevant office. Home internet is widely available in Bali through IndiHome (Telkom), Biznet, and Firstmedia, with plans from IDR 300,000–600,000 per month for speeds of 20–100 Mbps.

For more on life after your KITAS is approved, see our Life After Retirement KITAS guide.