Timor-Leste (East Timor) – known for its beaches, watersports & mountains.
It is also one of the newest countries in the world, ahead of Montenegro (2006), Serbia (2006), Kosovo (2008) & South Sudan (2011).
Unfortunately, Timor-Leste is the least visited country in Southeast Asia (even Brunei gets more)… but what can you do in the country?
You should visit Tatamailau – probably the most famous Timorese mountain if you can.
If you want to swim with (almost) nobody else around, head to Jaco Island.
And do not forget about Nino Konis Santana National Park.
See – visiting Timor-Leste does not have to be boring at all!
Another thing you should not do when in Timor-Leste is roam internationally – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs & even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
The average cost for 1 GB of data is only 2.16 USD… so mobile data is truly cheap in (Southeast) Asia!
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Timor-Leste?
You can get a Timorese SIM card for 1 USD from Telemor, Timor Telekom (TT) & Telkomcel in their stores. SIM cards are also sold near (Dili) Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL – for at least 10 USD).
Those prices are not too bad, right?
Just wait until you see the data-featured plans 😉.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Timor-Leste. Let's go.
Original publication: 21st of December 2019. Last updated: 1st of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Timor-Leste?
Timor-Leste has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Telemor
- Timor Telecom (TT)
- Telkomcel
Anyone living in or visiting Timor-Leste can buy a Timorese SIM card with no real restrictions, but you do have to comply with Timor-Leste's SIM card registration regulations.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Timorese SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for Timorese SIM cards:
The following Timorese mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Telemor: N/A – SIM cards sold near the airport may only include higher-tiered plans (10 USD minimum)
- Timor Telecom (TT): SIM cards sold near the airport may only include higher-tiered plans (10 USD minimum)
- Telkomcel: SIM cards sold near the airport may only include higher-tiered plans (10 USD minimum)
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date USD (United States Dollar) to your currency (let's say IDR – Indonesian Rupiah) exchange rates.
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Timor-Leste
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Timorese eSIM, you are out of luck because the mobile operators do not sell them (to prepaid customers).
But remember that you have to comply with Timor-Leste's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Timorese eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Timor-Leste.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Timor-Leste only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Timor-Leste eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Timor-Leste travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Jaco Mobile (Timor-Leste only)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: APR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, APR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Timor-Leste eSIM buying guide.
Timorese Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through Telemor, Timor Telecom (TT) & Telkomcel, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Timor-Leste can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
Telemor
Telemor is the largest mobile operator in Timor-Leste.
It managed to overtake Timor Telecom (TT), the former monopolist, by investing heavily in rural Timor-Leste (although some say all of Timor-Leste is rural).
Telemor is backed by Viettel from Vietnam.
The mobile operator, backed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, usually enters the market by building coverage in rural and underserved parts of the country with basically no competition before heading to urban areas.
So Telemor is certainly recommended if you plan on visiting rural Timor-Leste.
Telemor uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Telemor:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Telemor SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Telemor
Telemor has the best coverage in Timor-Leste.
Although you should not expect any coverage in rural Timor-Leste and the forests (basically all of the country, lol).
Below is Telemor's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Telemor
You can get a Telemor SIM card for 1 USD with 10 USD credit and 20 USD credit for YouTube for 7 days in Telemor stores. Telemor SIM cards are also sold near (Dili) Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL – for 10 USD or more).
You may have to call 123 to activate your Telemor SIM card.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Telemor has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for East Timor, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Telemor (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just East Timor or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My East Timor eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Jaco Mobile (East Timor only) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my East Timor eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with Telemor for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Telemor
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Telemor
Telemor has one data-featured prepaid plan with no apparent name. It is a combo bundle with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Telemor plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 127 or dialing *177*3#.
I will list all the prices in USD.
To convert USD to your currency (let's say IDR – Indonesian Rupiah) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following plan is available:
Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.25 USD | PJ25 | 50 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | PJ25 |
0.50 USD | PJ50 | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | PJ50 |
1 USD | D2 | 300 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | D2 |
1 USD | 4G1 | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | 4G1 |
1 USD | DU4G | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | DU4G |
5 USDx | DU4G7 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | DU4G7 |
10 USD | DUMAX7 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | DUMAX7 |
20 USD | 4G20 | 8 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | 4G20 |
25 USDx | DU4G30 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | DU4G30 |
30 USD | Diamond | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | DI |
50 USD | King | Unlimited | Unlimited | 100 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | KING |
APN/Internet Settings – Telemor
- Name: Telemor
- APN: t-internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Timor Telecom (TT)
Timor Telecom, also referred to as TT, is the second-largest mobile operator in Timor-Leste.
It used to be the largest mobile operator when it still had a monopoly.
But it lost market share when the two mobile operators entered the market because Timor Telecom was way too expensive.
Nowadays, it is cheaper than before, but its competitors are more affordable or have better quality of service.
Timor Telecom uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Timor Telecom:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Timor Telecom SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Timor Telecom (TT)
Timor Telecom has the best 3G coverage in Timor-Leste.
Although you should not expect any coverage in rural Timor-Leste and the forests (basically all of the country, lol).
Moreover, 3G is barely usable.
Below is Timor Telecom's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Timor Telecom (TT)
You can get a Timor Telecom SIM card for 1 USD with 1 USD credit in Timor Telecom stores. Timor Telecom SIM cards are also sold near (Dili) Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL – for 10 USD or more).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Timor Telecom has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for East Timor because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Timor Telecom.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for East Timor in my East Timor eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Jaco Mobile (East Timor only) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
As I said, check out my East Timor eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Timor Telecom for now.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Timor Telecom (TT)
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Timor Telecom (TT)
Timor Telecom has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Happy Campaign (combo)
- Aiii Beikxa (combo)
- Mobile Internet (data)
- Package Net NonStop (data)
Timor Telecom plans can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 8302.
I will list all the prices in USD.
To convert USD to your currency (let's say IDR – Indonesian Rupiah) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Happy Campaign Plans – Timor Telecom (TT)
The Happy Campaign plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 8302 to activate Happy Campaign:
Price | Plan | Data | Nighttime Data | On-Net Minutes 3 | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Off-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.10 USD | Happy Fast | 50 MB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 20 minutes | HF |
0.20 USD | Happy Late Night | N/A | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 1 night | HLN |
0.25 USD | Happy Hour | 100 MB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 60 minutes | HH |
0.50 USD | Happy Night | N/A | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 1 night | HN |
1 USD | Happy Day | 400 MB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 1 minute | Unlimited | 1 SMS | 1 day | HD |
1.20 USD | Happy Late Night Weekly | N/A | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 7 nights | HLNW |
1.50 USD | Happy Weekend | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 1 weekend | HWE |
3 USD | Happy Night Weekly | N/A | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 7 nights | HNW |
4 USD | Happy Late Night Monthly | N/A | Unlimited 2 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 30 nights | HLNM |
5 USD | Happy Weekend Monthly | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 4 weekends | HWM |
6 USD | Happy Week | 1.75 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 5 minutes | Unlimited | 5 SMS | 7 days | HW |
10 USD | Happy Night Monthly | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | N/A | 30 nights | HNM | |
22.50 USD | Happy Month | 6 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 20 minutes | Unlimited | 20 SMS | 30 days | HM |
45 USD | Happy Month Plus | 20 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 60 minutes | Unlimited | 60 SMS | 30 days | HMP |
60 USD | Happy 2 Month | 25 GB | Unlimited 1 | Unlimited | 90 minutes | Unlimited | 90 SMS | 60 days | H2M |
1 for between 0:00 and 7:59
2 for between 3:00 and 7:00
3 max. 200 SMS/day
Aiii Beikxa Plans – Timor Telecom (TT)
The Aiii Beikxa plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Text the Activation Code to 8302 to activate Aiii Beikxa:
Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 USD | Plus | 60 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 3 days | ABP |
4 USD | SuperPlus | 150 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 7 days | ABSP |
12.50 USD | FulanPlus | 750 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | ABFP |
30 USD | FulanPlus Extra | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 60 days | ABFPE |
Mobile Internet Plans – Timor Telecom (TT)
The Mobile Internet plans are data bundles with data (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 8302 to activate Mobile Internet:
Price | Data | Nighttime Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|---|
0.10 USD | 150 MB | N/A | 12 hours | TT01 |
0.20 USD | 85 MB | N/A | 7 days | S02 |
0.25 USD | 150 MB | N/A | 1 day | TT025 |
0.50 USD | 200 MB | N/A | 15 days | S05 |
0.50 USD | 400 MB | Unlimited 2 | 1 day | TT05 |
1 USD | 415 MB | N/A | 15 days | S1 |
1 USD | 450 MB | N/A | 7 days | TT1 |
2 USD | 900 MB | N/A | 30 days | S2 |
3 USD | 1.5 GB | Unlimited 2 | 7 days | TT3 |
5 USD | 2.5 GB | Unlimited 2 | 15 days | TT5 |
10 USD | 5 GB | N/A | 60 days | TT10 |
15 USD | 8 GB | Unlimited 2 | 30 days | TT15 |
20 USD | 11 GB | Unlimited 2 | 60 days | TT20 |
30 USD | 18 GB | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | TT30 |
40 USD | 27 GB | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | TT40 |
50 USD | 30 GB | Unlimited 2 | 60 days | TT50 |
60 USD | 45 GB | Unlimited 1 | 30 days | TT60 |
100 USD | 70 GB | Unlimited 1 | 60 days | TT100 |
1 for between 0:00 and 7:59
2 for between 3:00 and 7:00
Package Net NonStop- Timor Telecom (TT)
The Package Net NonStop are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Text the Activation Code to 8302 to activate Package Net NonStop:
Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
---|---|---|---|
0.25 USD | Unlimited (normal speed) | 2 hours | NNS2H |
0.25 USD | Unlimited (slow speed) | 24 hours | NNSBL |
0.50 USD | Unlimited (normal speed) | 6 hours | NNS6H |
0.75 USD | Unlimited (normal speed) | 24 hours | NNSL |
1.50 USD | Unlimited (high speed) | 24 hours | NNSPL |
1.50 USD | Unlimited (slow speed) | 7 days | NNSBS |
5 USD | Unlimited (normal speed) | 7 days | NNSS |
5 USD | Unlimited (slow speed) | 30 days | NNSBF |
9 USD | Unlimited (high speed) | 7 days | NNSPS |
20 USD | Unlimited (normal speed) | 30 days | NNSF |
30 USD | Unlimited (high speed) | 30 days | NNSPF |
Unfortunately, I do not know what reduced, medium & high-speed speeds mean… but you should not expect much – even with the Plus Package Net Nonstop.
APN/Internet Settings – Timor Telecom (TT)
- Name: TT
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Telkomcel
Telkomcel, not to be confused with Telkomsel from Indonesia, is the smallest mobile operator in Timor-Leste.
It is also the newest entrant to the market.
While I said you should not confuse it with Telkomsel from Indonesia, it is owned by Telekom Indonesia.
Telkomcel uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 850 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Telkomcel:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Telkomcel SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Telkomcel
Telkomcel has extensive coverage throughout Timor-Leste.
Although you should not expect any coverage in rural Timor-Leste and the forests (basically all of the country, lol).
Below is Telkomcel's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Telkomcel
You can get a Telkomcel SIM card for 1 USD with 300 MB in Telkomcel stores. Telkomcel SIM cards are also sold near (Dili) Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL – for 10 USD or more).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Telkomcel has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for East Timor, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Telkomcel.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my East Timor eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Jaco Mobile (East Timor only) & Discover+ (130 countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code APR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or APR10 (10% off)
Once again, check out my East Timor eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Telkomcel.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Telkomcel
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Telkomcel
Telkomcel has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Pakote Diariu, Semanal, Turbo & Fulan (data)
- Pakote Haksolok (data)
- Unlimited Rapido (data)
- Pakote Sosial Media (social data)
Telkomcel plans can be activated by dialing *123*3#.
I will list all the prices in USD.
To convert USD to your currency (let's say IDR – Indonesian Rupiah) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Pakote Diariu, Semanal, Turbo & Fulan Plans – Telkomcel
The Pakote Diariu, Semanal, Turbo & Fulan plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Dial *123*3*8# to activate Pakote Diariu, Semanal, Turbo & Fulan:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
0.25 USD | 300 MB | 24 hours |
0.75 USD | 1 GB | 24 hours |
1 USD | 400 MB | 7 days |
2 USD | 900 MB | 7 days |
5 USD | 2.5 GB | 15 days |
10 USD | 5.2 GB | 15 days |
15 USD | 8 GB | 30 days |
25 USD | 14 GB | 30 days |
40 USD | 24 GB | 30 days |
50 USD | 30 GB | 30 days |
75 USD | 48 GB | 30 days |
100 USD | 65 GB | 30 days |
150 USD | 100 GB | 30 days |
Pakote Haksolok Plans – Telkomcel
The Pakote Haksolok plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Dial *123*3*8# to activate Pakote Haksolok:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
0.25 USD | Haksolok Hour | Unlimited | 60 minutes |
1 USD | Haksolok Day 500 MB | 500 MB | 1 day (9:00 – 23:59) |
1 USD | Haksolok Day Unlimited | Unlimited | 1 night (0:00 – 8:59) |
Unlimited Rapido Plans – Telkomcel
The Unlimited Rapido plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Dial *123*3*8# to activate Unlimited Rapido:
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
0.50 USD | Super Niki | Unlimited | 1 night (0:00 – 8:00) |
0.75 USD | Unlimited Baratu 24h | Unlimited (slow speed) | 24 hours |
5 USD | Unlimited Baratu Loron 7 | Unlimited (slow speed) | 7 days |
20 USD | Unlimited Baratu Loron 30 | Unlimited (slow speed) | 30 days |
1 USD | Unlimited Demais 24h | Unlimited (medium speed) | 24 hours |
6 USD | Unlimited Demais Loron 7 | Unlimited (medium speed) | 7 days |
25 USD | Unlimited Demais Loron 30 | Unlimited (medium speed) | 30 days |
2 USD | Unlimited Flash 24h | Unlimited (high speed) | 24 hours |
13 USD | Unlimited Flash Loron 7 | Unlimited (high speed) | 7 days |
50 USD | Unlimited Flash Loron 30 | Unlimited (high speed) | 30 days |
Unfortunately, I do not know what reduced, medium & high-speed speeds mean… but you should not expect much – even with the Unlimited Rapido.
Unlimited Rapido auto-renews.
Pakote Sosial Media Plans – Telkomcel
The Pakote Sosial Media plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Kakao Talk, Line & WhatsApp.
Dial *123*3*8# to activate Pakote Sosial Media:
Price | Social Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
0.15 USD | 75 MB | 24 hours |
0.25 USD | 100 MB | 7 days |
0.50 USD | 250 MB | 15 days |
1 USD | 500 MB | 15 days |
2 USD | 1 GB | 30 days |
1 for Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Kakao Talk, Line & WhatsApp
APN/Internet Settings – Telkomcel
- Name: Telkomcel
- APN: internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Getting a SIM card from Telemor would do you well when considering a Timorese SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations around the world.