This page is generously sponsored by Indosat

International Direct Dialing

If your home is not already equipped with international direct dialing access, you will have to place all of your overseas calls through the operator at a much higher rate than direct dialing. IDD charges for the duration of your call are based on six second units of time. If you don't already have the service, ask your landlord to install IDD access in your home before you move in.

Once you have an IDD line, direct dialing an overseas call is easy. First you dial International Access (001 for Indosat), then the country code, then your area code, then the phone number you are dialing. So to Central Washington State in the US, for example, that is 001-1-509-555-9999. You can also make direct dialing via handphone by using Indosat Card (Matrix, Mentari, IM3 & StarOne) with cheap rate, just press 01016+countri code+area code+phone number.

Phone Cards

There are a variety of pre-paid phone cards available to insert into public phones or simply by using the PIN access through any type of touch tone telephone. It is very convenient to carry a phone card for use when you are away from your home or office; there's no need to worry about having the right kind of change.

Phone cards for local calls can be purchased in the post office, at Wartel, many Fuji Film counters and samll handphone shops that are located on almost every street in the city. Look for a sign saying "Dijual kartu telpon".

In addition, pre-paid phone cards are available which can be used for international calls, from phones in Indonesia or overseas. There is also a phone card where domestic (whether or not it's an IDD line) and international long distance calls can be charged to the card number, and you pay through a monthly billing.

Phone cards are often provided by employers for use during periods of business travel.

Home Country Direct

Indosat (001) provides Home Country Direct service that can be accessed from any type of telephone equipped with IDD or at special phone terminals located around Jakarta. To use HCD from an ordinary touch tone telephone - you simply dial 001 + 801 + HCD Code. At special HCD terminals, posted information will direct you on how to use the terminal.

You will be connected directly to the operator in your country which speaks your language. Then you can place a collect call, credit card call or use pre-paid international phone cards. These special terminals are currently located in the airport, Jakarta International School, some malls, the National Museum, and additional sites are coming.

Voice transmission via the Internet

Many ISPs in Indonesia have the capability to offer Internet Phone services, private companies are offering these services as well.

One person's feedback on Skype: I use Skype all the time for long distance calls. I'm in Ireland at the moment and the cost difference between calling cards and Skype is about 60% per min cheaper using Skype. You can download it from www.skype.com and you pay for the calls via paypal or your credit card. There are a few different ways to pay.

Information on Internet Access Methods in Indonesia

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