How to Call Indonesia
Complete guide to dialing Indonesia (country code +62)
Calling Indonesia doesn't have to be complicated, whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to call Indonesia from anywhere in the world. We'll cover the essential dialing instructions, including country codes and area codes, to ensure your calls connect successfully every time. You'll also learn about the most common mistakes people make when calling Indonesia and how to avoid them. We'll explore proper phone etiquette to help you make a great impression, and provide a list of useful numbers you might need during your stay or communication with Indonesian contacts. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident making international calls to Indonesia hassle-free.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Indonesia: Complete International Calling Guide
Calling Indonesia requires understanding the proper international dialing format. Indonesia's country code is +62, and the dialing structure follows this pattern: Exit Code + 62 + Area/Mobile Code (without leading 0) + Local Number.
International Dialing Format Structure
When calling Indonesia from abroad, you must:
- Dial your country's international exit code
- Add Indonesia's country code (62)
- Remove the leading zero from the Indonesian phone number
- Dial the remaining digits
Dialing from Different Countries
From USA or Canada:
Dial 011-62-XXX-XXXX-XXXX
(011 is the North American exit code)
From UK or most European countries:
Dial 00-62-XXX-XXXX-XXXX
(00 is the standard European exit code)
From mobile phones internationally:
Dial +62-XXX-XXXX-XXXX
(+ symbol replaces any exit code)
Specific Calling Examples
Example 1 - Jakarta Landline:
Indonesian number: 021 1234 5678
From USA: 011-62-21-1234-5678
From UK: 00-62-21-1234-5678
Note: Drop the leading "0" from 021
Example 2 - Indonesian Mobile Number:
Indonesian number: 0812 3456 7890
From USA: 011-62-812-3456-7890
From UK: 00-62-812-3456-7890
Mobile numbers typically start with 08XX
Example 3 - Surabaya Landline:
Indonesian number: 031 987 6543
From USA: 011-62-31-987-6543
From UK: 00-62-31-987-6543
Important Tip: Dropping the Leading Zero
All Indonesian phone numbers displayed locally begin with "0". When dialing internationally, always remove this leading zero. For instance, a Jakarta number shown as "021" becomes "21" after the country code, making it 62-21-XXX-XXXX.
This standardized approach ensures successful connections whether you're calling Indonesian mobile networks (Telkomsel, Indosat, XL) or landlines in major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali.
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Common Mistakes
When calling Indonesia, avoid these common mistakes that can prevent your call from connecting:
1. Forgetting to drop the leading zero
Indonesian phone numbers start with 0 for domestic calls, but you must remove it when dialing internationally. For example, if the local number is 021-1234-5678, dial +62-21-1234-5678, not +62-021-1234-5678.
2. Using the wrong exit code
Many people forget their country's exit code. While + works universally on mobile phones, landlines require specific codes (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from Europe). Always use + on mobiles to simplify dialing.
3. Confusing country code with area code
Don't mix up +62 (Indonesia's country code) with area codes like 21 (Jakarta) or 361 (Bali). The correct format is: +62 + area code (without 0) + local number.
4. Incorrect spacing or formatting
Adding random spaces confuses the dialing system. Follow consistent formatting: +62-XX-XXXX-XXXX for clarity.
5. Not accounting for time zones
Indonesia spans three time zones. Check the local time before calling to avoid inconvenient hours.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Indonesia, understanding local customs helps build positive relationships. Indonesians value politeness and respect in all communications, including telephone conversations.
Greetings and Formality
Begin calls with "Halo" (hello) followed by a respectful greeting. For business calls or when speaking with elders, use formal titles like "Bapak" (Mr./Sir) or "Ibu" (Mrs./Ma'am) with their name. Personal calls among friends can be more casual, but initial politeness is always appreciated.
Business vs Personal Calls
Business calls should be formal and structured. Indonesians often engage in brief small talk before discussing business matters—this relationship-building is important. Personal calls tend to be warmer and longer, with more emphasis on social connection.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during prayer times, especially on Fridays (around midday) in Muslim households. The best times for business calls are between 9 AM and 4 PM, avoiding lunch hours (12-1 PM). Evening calls after 9 PM are generally too late unless you're close with the person.
Voice Messages and Communication Style
Indonesians often prefer speaking directly rather than leaving voicemails. If you must leave a message, keep it brief and polite. WhatsApp voice messages are extremely popular and often preferred over traditional voicemail.
Cultural Considerations
Speak clearly but not too loudly, as shouting is considered rude. If someone doesn't answer, wait before calling back—they may be busy or in an inappropriate setting to talk.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 110
Ambulance: 118 or 119
Fire Department: 113
Search and Rescue (Basarnas): 115
National Emergency Number: 112 (connects to police, medical, and fire services)
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones throughout Indonesia. The 112 number works even without credit on your phone and can be dialed without a SIM card.
Important Notes:
- English-speaking operators may not always be available; Indonesian language skills are helpful
- Services operate 24/7, though response times vary significantly between urban and rural areas
- In tourist areas like Bali, emergency services are more likely to have English-speaking staff
- Consider having your hotel or a local contact make calls if you face language barriers
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 108 - Directory assistance for phone numbers and addresses throughout Indonesia
- 102 - Operator assistance for domestic calls
International Services
- 101 - International operator for placing overseas calls and assistance
Tourist Services
- 1500 424 - Indonesia Tourism Call Center (24/7 multilingual support)
- 021-3860-1208 - Jakarta Tourism Information Center
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy directly; major embassies are located in Jakarta's diplomatic district. Store your embassy's number in your phone before traveling.
Other Useful Numbers
- 147 - Telkom customer service
- 1500 000 - Immigration information
- 021-500-279 - Lost passport reporting (Jakarta)
Banking
Most Indonesian banks operate 24/7 customer service hotlines - check your bank card for the specific number.
Tips for Calling Indonesia
When calling Indonesia, factor in the time zones: most business centers including Jakarta operate on Western Indonesia Time (UTC+7), while eastern regions use Central (UTC+8) and Eastern Indonesia Time (UTC+9).
For optimal connection quality and lower rates, call during off-peak hours—typically evenings in Indonesia (mornings if you're calling from the Americas). Business calls should target 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time, Monday through Friday. Always schedule important business calls in advance, as Indonesians value preparation and punctuality.
Avoid calling during major holidays like Idul Fitri (dates vary annually), Christmas, New Year's Day, and Indonesian Independence Day (August 17). Friday afternoons may be inconvenient for Muslim colleagues observing prayers.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and avoid idioms—English proficiency varies widely. Confirm details via follow-up email to prevent misunderstandings. Consider using video calls when possible, as visual cues help bridge language gaps. If working with rural areas, be aware that mobile coverage can be spotty, so patience and flexibility are essential. Test your connection beforehand for critical conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Indonesia is +62. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to Indonesia from anywhere in the world.
To call Indonesia from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 in the US), then 62 (Indonesia's country code), followed by the area code without the leading zero, and then the local number. For example: +62-21-XXXX-XXXX for Jakarta.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from the Indonesian area code when dialing internationally. For example, Jakarta's area code is 021 domestically, but you would dial +62-21 when calling from abroad.
The cheapest way to call Indonesia is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling Indonesia.
In Indonesia, the main emergency numbers are 112 (general emergency), 110 (police), 113 (fire), and 118 or 119 (ambulance). These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone within Indonesia.
Yes! ZippCall allows you to make calls to Indonesia directly from your web browser, making it convenient to connect without needing additional hardware or software downloads. Simply access ZippCall online and start calling.
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