SIM Cards in Timor-Leste: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

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: 21^st of December 2019. Last updated: 1^st of March 2024.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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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.