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: 28th of May 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Timor-Leste (East Timor)?
Anyone living in or visiting Timor-Leste can buy a Timorese SIM card from the mobile network operators (Telemor, Timor Telecom (TT) & Telkomcel) with no restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Timor-Leste).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Timor-Leste (East Timor)?
You can get a Timorese SIM card in Telemor, Timor Telecom (TT) & Telkomcel stores. SIM cards are also sold near (Dili) Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL).
You can expect to pay the following for Timorese SIM cards:
- Telemor: 1 USD
- Timor Telecom (TT): 1 USD
- Telkomcel: 1 USD
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)
For up-to-date USD:your currency (let's say IDR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- 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)
Can You Use Your Phone in Timor-Leste (East Timor)?
Timor-Leste uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Timor-Leste. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Timor-Leste, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Timor-Leste.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Timor-Leste or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Timor-Leste (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Timor-Leste has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Telemor
- Timor Telecom (TT)
- Telkomcel
The following frequencies are used in Timor-Leste:
- 2G: 850 MHz & 900 MHz
- 3G: 850 MHz, 1800 MHz & 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Timor-Leste, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) is not available in Timor-Leste – the same counts for VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling).
This means that your phone will downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Timor-Leste (unlike mobile operators that do support VoLTE – then you can still use 4G/LTE while calling).
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
5G NR is not available in Timor-Leste as of 2022, and the Timorese government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
The country barely has working 4G/LTE, so do not expect 5G NR anytime soon.
Best SIM Card in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Timor-Leste, I recommend going with Telemor. It has the best coverage (especially in rural Timor-Leste) and the fastest speeds.
Best eSIM in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in Timor-Leste (yet).
Note that the Timorese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Timor-Leste without personal detail capturing, you can get the Timor-Leste (Jaco Mobile) eSIM from Airalo.
You have one option:
Be aware: you will be restricted to 3G – not 4G/LTE with the Jaco Mobile eSIM (unlike most Airalo eSIMs).
But if you use 4G/LTE in the cities, like Dili (capital), it will feel like you are on 3G anyway.
For an in-depth analysis of the Timor-Leste Jaco Mobile eSIMs (covering pros and cons as well), check out my Timor-Leste eSIMs Compared guide.
- Check out my Airalo eSIM reviews
With these eSIMs, you can skip Timor-Leste's SIM card registration scheme entirely and use it immediately upon arriving in Timor-Leste!
- Find out about the best local eSIMs, local travel eSIMs & regional travel eSIMs for every country (lookup tool)
SIM Card Registration in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Timor-Leste. It will be done at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Timor-Leste (East Timor) Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
While Timor-Leste may not be the most visited country in Southeast Asia.
However, it is not an expensive destination (although not the cheapest in the region).
The average price for 1 GB of data in Timor-Leste is 2.16 USD, around the Asian average of 1.47 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.
Anyway, even though the average cost of 1 GB of data is low by global standards, Timor-Leste has the fifth-highest average mobile data rates in Asia (excluding the Middle East).
All mobile operators in Timor-Leste offer unlimited data plans.
But you should not expect much – speeds are slow in the country (more about that later).
So, you will pay top dollar for data-featured plans in Timor-Leste.
Will you at least get fast speeds? No, lol.
Timor-Leste's median mobile download speed is around 5 Mbps.
For reference, the global median download speed is around 31 Mbps at the moment.
The Speedtest Global Index does not include Timor-Leste for its mobile ranking anymore because not enough individuals did tests with their apps (at least 300 unique user results).
So the numbers I mentioned earlier were from October 2021 – and it has not increased (at all) since.
So yes, while Telemor, Timor Telecom (TT) & Telkomcel offer unlimited data plans, they are not worth it.
Your speeds will not be fast enough to even hit 10 GB of data after a month, as you often have to deal with 3G (speeds).
With low SIM card prices, spotty nationwide coverage, terrible download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you will not have a smooth network experience in Timor-Leste.
Currency in Timor-Leste (East Timor)
Timor-Leste uses the US Dollar with the symbol USD (which will be used throughout this article).
Prices in Timor-Leste are listed in just $.
But you may see some East Timor Centavo coins here and there – it is pegged 1:1 to the US Dollar (so 1 US Dolar is 1 East Timor Centavo).
For up-to-date USD:your currency (let's say IDR – Indonesian Rupiah) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Timorese Prepaid SIM Cards
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)
With that being said, let’s see what Timor-Leste has to offer to us.
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.
Note that the Timorese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for East Timor (without personal detail capturing), you can get East Timor Jaco Mobile eSIMs from Airalo (one option):
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in East Timor.
You can read about them in my Best East Timor eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
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 plans are available:
| Price | Plan | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.15 USD | DL | 50 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | DL |
| 0.25 USD | PJ | 50 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | PJ25 |
| 0.25 USD | DF | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | DF |
| 0.25 USD | FB1 | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | FB1 |
| 0.50 USD | PJ50 | 100 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | PJ50 |
| 0.50 USD | D1 | 200 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | D1 |
| 0.50 USD | FB2 | 250 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15 days | FB2 |
| 0.50 USD | DN1 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1 night (0:00 – 8:00) | DN1 |
| 1 USD | D2 | 300 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | D2 |
| 1 USD | FB | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15 days | FB |
| 1 USD | 4G1 | 500 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | 4G1 |
| 1 USD | DU | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | DU |
| 1 USD | DU4G | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | DU4G |
| 2 USD | D3 | 800 MB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | D3 |
| 2 USD | DUMAX | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 24 hours | DUMAX |
| 2 USD | DU2 | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 48 hours | DU2 |
| 5 USD | DT | 2.2 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15 days | DT |
| 5 USD | DU7 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | DU7 |
| 5 USD | DU4G7 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | DU4G7 |
| 10 USD | DP | 4.8 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 15 days | DP |
| 10 USD | DUMAX7 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7 days | DUMAX7 |
| 15 USD | Gold | Unlimited | Unlimited | N/A | Unlimited | 10 days | GO |
| 20 USD | 4G20 | 8 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | 4G20 |
| 25 USD | DU30 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | DU30 |
| 25 USD | DU4G30 | Unlimited | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | DU4G30 |
| 30 USD | Diamond | Unlimited | Unlimited | 50 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days | DI |
| 50 USD | 4G50 | 25 GB | N/A | N/A | N/A | 30 days | 4G50 |
| 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.
Note that the Timorese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for East Timor (without personal detail capturing), you can get East Timor Jaco Mobile eSIMs from Airalo (one option):
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in East Timor.
You can read about them in my Best East Timor eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
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
- 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 | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 USD | Plus | 60 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | ABP |
| 4 USD | SuperPlus | 150 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | ABSP |
| 12.50 USD | FulanPlus | 750 MB | Unlimited | Unlimited | ABFP |
| 30 USD | FulanPlus Extra | 2 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 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.
Note that the Timorese mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for East Timor (without personal detail capturing), you can get East Timor Jaco Mobile eSIMs from Airalo (one option):
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in East Timor.
You can read about them in my Best East Timor eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Telkomcel
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Telkomcel
Telkomcel has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Pakote Diariu, Semanal, Turbo & Fulan (data)
- Unlimited Rapido (data)
- Pakote Haksolok (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 |
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 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) |
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.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my region-specific SIM card buying guides:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- (Middle East)
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia (revamped in September 2022)
- West Asia
Or check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!