An unexpected call or message from an international number can be perplexing. If you’ve seen the prefix +62 or 0062 on your phone, you’ve encountered a number from the Republic of Indonesia. This comprehensive report serves as an exhaustive guide for a U.S. audience, covering everything from the technical steps of dialing Indonesia to understanding the costs, protecting yourself from prevalent scams, and exploring the vast travel and business opportunities this Southeast Asian nation offers.
Decoding the +62 Country Code: Your Guide to Calling Indonesia
Connecting with someone in Indonesia is straightforward once you understand the international dialing system. This section breaks down the meaning of the +62 code and provides a clear, step-by-step process for making calls from the United States.
What Country is Calling? The Definitive Answer to the +62 and 0062 Prefix
The country code +62 is the international identifier assigned to Indonesia by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency responsible for global communication standards. All telephone numbers within the country are regulated by the Indonesian Telecommunication Regulatory Authority under Law Number 36 of 1999.
When making an international call, you may encounter different prefixes, which can be a source of confusion. Here’s what they mean:
- +62: This is the universal format for international dialing from a mobile phone. The plus sign
(+)is a standard symbol that automatically substitutes the correct international access code (or “exit code”) for the country you are calling from. When dialing from a cell phone, simply starting with+62is the correct method. - 011: This is the specific international access code for the United States and Canada. When calling any foreign country from a landline in the U.S., you must dial
011first to signal to your carrier that you are placing an international call. The+on a mobile phone serves the same function as dialing011on a landline. - 00: This is a common international access code used in many other countries around the world, such as in Europe and parts of Asia. Individuals searching for “0062” are often accustomed to this prefix from other regions, but it is not the correct exit code to use when calling from the United States.
How to Call Indonesia from the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Indonesia’s telephone numbering system has a fundamental difference between landlines and mobile phones: landlines use geographically specific area codes, whereas mobile numbers do not. This requires slightly different dialing procedures.
Calling an Indonesian Landline from the USA
To connect to a fixed-line number in a specific Indonesian city or region, follow these four steps:
- Dial the U.S. Exit Code: Begin by dialing
011. This code informs your phone provider that the number you are about to dial is outside the North American Numbering Plan. - Dial the Indonesia Country Code: Immediately after the exit code, enter
62. - Dial the Area Code (Omitting the Leading ‘0’): Indonesian area codes are one to three digits long. When written for domestic use, they often start with a ‘0’ (known as a trunk prefix). This ‘0’ must be dropped when calling from abroad. For example:
- Jakarta’s area code is
21(not021). - Surabaya’s area code is
31(not031). - Bandung’s area code is
22(not022).
- Jakarta’s area code is
- Dial the Local Subscriber Number: Finally, dial the local phone number, which is typically seven to eight digits long for landlines.
Example (Landline): To call the Jakarta number (021) 1234-5678 from the U.S., you would dial: 011-62-21-1234-5678
Calling an Indonesian Mobile Number from the USA
Mobile numbers in Indonesia are non-geographic and are identified by a provider-specific prefix rather than a city area code. The process is similar but simpler:
- Dial the U.S. Exit Code: Start with
011. - Dial the Indonesia Country Code: Enter
62. - Dial the Mobile Number (Omitting the Leading ‘0’): Indonesian mobile numbers begin with the digit
8after the country code (e.g.,+62 8xx...). Just like with landline area codes, if the mobile number is written with a leading0for domestic use (e.g.,0812-xxxx-xxxx), you must omit the0. - Dial the Rest of the Number: Enter the remaining digits of the mobile number, which is typically 10 to 12 digits in total (after the
+62).
Example (Mobile): To call the mobile number 0812-3456-7890 from the U.S., you would dial: 011-62-812-3456-7890
The Financials of Calling Indonesia: A US Consumer’s Guide to Saving Money
The cost of calling Indonesia from the U.S. can vary dramatically, from pennies to several dollars per minute. Understanding the different pricing structures is key to avoiding exorbitant charges.
Calling Indonesia from US Mobile Carriers: AT&T, Verizon & T-Mobile Rates
Relying on your mobile carrier’s default rates for international calls is often the most expensive option. These “pay-per-use” rates can be alarmingly high. However, all major carriers offer monthly international add-on plans that provide significant savings.
- Pay-Per-Use Rates (The “Default Trap”): Without an international plan, calling Indonesia can be costly. Verizon charges a pay-as-you-go rate of $1.79 per minute. T-Mobile’s rate can be as high as $3.00 per minute on some plans, though many of its standard plans offer a lower rate of $0.25 per minute. AT&T does not publicly list a standard pay-per-use rate, instead promoting its monthly add-ons, which suggests the default rate is high.
- International Add-On Plans (The Smarter Carrier Option): For a monthly fee, these plans offer either unlimited calling or a large bucket of minutes.
- T-Mobile’s Stateside International Talk plan costs $15 per month and includes unlimited calls to both landlines and mobiles in Indonesia, making it a highly competitive option.
- Verizon’s Global Choice plan costs $10 per month and provides 180 minutes to call Indonesia. After the allowance is used, calls are billed at a low rate of $0.05 per minute.
- AT&T’s International Calling plan costs $15 per month and offers unlimited calling to over 85 countries, but Indonesia is not on this list. Instead, it provides discounted rates to over 140 other countries, including Indonesia.
Cheap Ways to Call Indonesia: A Deep Dive into VoIP and Alternative Services
By far the most affordable way to call Indonesia is by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. These platforms route calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone networks and their associated fees, resulting in dramatically lower rates.
- VoIP Service Providers: Several companies offer reliable and cheap calls to Indonesia.
- Rebtel: Offers some of the lowest rates, with calls to Indonesian landlines as low as 2.5¢ per minute and mobiles at 5.5¢ per minute.
- Google Voice: A popular option with rates of 5¢ per minute to landlines and 14¢ per minute to mobiles.
- Skype: Rates vary but are generally competitive, around 4.5¢ to 9.5¢ per minute depending on the plan.
- Yolla: Offers calls to landlines from 4.8¢ per minute and mobiles from 5.0¢ per minute.
- Other Alternatives:
- Social Media Apps: Apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime offer free calls, but they require both the caller and the recipient to have the same app installed and a stable internet connection.
- Calling Cards: While they can offer low rates, they often come with downsides like complex dialing sequences, hidden fees, and inconsistent call quality.
To ensure your call connects at a convenient time, it’s essential to account for the significant time difference. Indonesia spans three time zones, but its capital and primary business hub, Jakarta, operates on Western Indonesian Time (WIB), which is UTC+7.
This means Jakarta’s time is significantly ahead of all U.S. time zones:
- 11 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
- 12 hours ahead of Central Daylight Time (CDT)
- 14 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)
Note: During Standard Time (winter), these differences increase by one hour.
For business communications, the most effective window is often in the late evening in the United States, which corresponds to the beginning of the next business day in Indonesia.
The Dark Side of +62: Exposing Scams and Protecting Yourself
While the +62 code is legitimately used for all calls to Indonesia, it has also been co-opted by international criminals for widespread scam operations. Americans are increasingly targeted by unsolicited calls and messages, particularly on WhatsApp, from numbers with a +62 prefix.
The “WhatsApp +62 Scam”: How International Fraudsters Target Americans
A wave of fraudulent activity has been reported involving unsolicited WhatsApp calls and messages from numbers beginning with +62 (Indonesia), as well as other codes like +84 (Vietnam), +60 (Malaysia), and +254 (Kenya). The most common scheme is a “part-time job” or “money-for-likes” scam.
The scam unfolds in predictable stages:
- The Contact: You receive an unsolicited message from an unknown international number. The sender often poses as a human resources representative from a well-known company.
- The Lure: They offer an easy, high-paying, work-from-home job. A common offer is getting paid a lucrative amount for each YouTube video you “like” or subscribe to.
- Building Trust: To prove the offer is legitimate, the scammers will pay you a small amount of money for completing a few simple tasks. This is a crucial step designed to lower your guard.
- The Hook: Once they have gained your trust, they will offer you higher-paying “premium” tasks. However, to access these tasks, you must first pay a significant upfront “deposit,” “fee,” or “investment”.
- The Disappearance: After you send the money, the scammers cut off all contact, and your money is gone.
It is critical to understand that the country code is used as a tool of deception. These criminals are often not located in Indonesia. They use easily obtainable virtual phone numbers (VoIP) or SIM cards from countries with lax registration requirements to mask their true location, making them difficult to trace.
Your Defense Playbook: How to Block and Report Scammers on WhatsApp
The most effective defense against these scams is proactive disengagement. If you receive an unsolicited message from an unknown international number, follow these steps:
- DO NOT Respond: Do not reply to the message or answer the call. Any engagement confirms your number is active.
- DO NOT Click Links: Never click on any links or download any files sent from an unknown number. They could contain malware designed to steal your personal or financial information.
- IMMEDIATELY Block and Report: This is the most important action you can take.
How to Block and Report on WhatsApp:
- Open the chat with the unknown number.
- Tap the phone number at the top of the screen or tap the three-dot menu (on Android) or contact info (on iPhone).
- Select the Block option.
- WhatsApp will present a prompt to block the number. Crucially, ensure the box next to Report contact is checked before confirming.
When you report an account, WhatsApp’s safety systems receive the last five messages from that user, the user ID, and other metadata. This information is fed into their AI and machine learning systems, which helps them identify and ban millions of fraudulent accounts every month, protecting other users from being targeted.
Taking Action in the USA: Reporting International Scams to the FTC
As a U.S. resident, you can take an additional step to combat this fraud on a national and international level by reporting it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report provides valuable data to law enforcement agencies to help them track and prosecute these criminal networks.
- For International Scams: The primary portal for reporting cross-border fraud is econsumer.gov. This site is a partnership between consumer protection agencies from around the world and is specifically designed to handle international complaints.
- For General Fraud: You can also use the FTC’s main portal, ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
When filing a report, include as much detail as possible, such as the phone number, the content of the messages, and the nature of the scam (e.g., fake job offer). It is important to report the incident even if you did not lose any money, as every report helps authorities identify patterns and prevent future scams. By reporting, you transition from being a target to being part of the solution.
Beyond the Phone Call: Unlocking Opportunities in Indonesia
Indonesia is far more than just a country code; it is a dynamic and rapidly growing nation offering immense opportunities for business and travel. As the world’s fourth-most populous country and Southeast Asia’s largest economy, its global significance is undeniable.
An Introduction to Indonesia: The Nation Behind the +62 Code
The Republic of Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands located between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Its capital city, Jakarta, located on the island of Java, is a sprawling megacity that serves as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural heart. With a metropolitan population exceeding 30 million, Jakarta is a dominant commercial hub in Asia, attracting investment and talent from across the globe.
Doing Business in Indonesia: A Guide for US Entrepreneurs
For American businesses, Indonesia represents a market with vast potential, driven by a growing middle class, a young labor force, and government reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment.
Key sectors with significant opportunities for U.S. companies include:
- Digital Economy: With increasing internet penetration, sectors like e-commerce, financial technology (FinTech), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and mobile app development are booming.
- Infrastructure and Energy: The government is prioritizing major infrastructure projects, creating demand in aviation (including maintenance, repair, and overhaul), renewable energy (Indonesia has the world’s largest geothermal reserves), and transportation.
- Healthcare and Consumer Goods: A rising middle class is fueling demand for quality healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and retail goods.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): Leveraging its vast nickel reserves (a key component in batteries), Indonesia is positioning itself as a major hub for the EV industry and its supply chains.
A recent landmark U.S.-Indonesia trade deal announced in 2025 further solidifies these opportunities. The agreement includes commitments from Indonesia to purchase $15 billion in U.S. energy, $4.5 billion in agricultural products, and 50 Boeing aircraft, opening direct and substantial export channels for American companies in these sectors. This deal aims to rebalance trade and provides U.S. firms with unprecedented access to Indonesia’s market of over 280 million people.
Travel to Indonesia: Planning Your Trip to Bali and Beyond
For American tourists, Indonesia offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from idyllic beaches to volcanic landscapes and ancient temples.
- Top Destinations:
- Bali: The “Island of the Gods” remains the crown jewel of Indonesian tourism, famous for its vibrant culture, spiritual retreats, surf spots, and luxury villas.
- Java: Home to Jakarta, as well as the magnificent Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes and the stunning Mount Bromo volcano.
- Lombok: A less crowded alternative to Bali, offering beautiful beaches and the challenging Mount Rinjani trek.
- Komodo National Park: Famous for its giant Komodo dragons, pink sand beaches, and world-class diving.
- Sumatra: A destination for adventure travelers seeking to see orangutans in their natural habitat.
Numerous tour operators offer packages tailored for U.S. travelers, ranging from budget-friendly adventures to premium, all-inclusive holidays. For those seeking ultimate privacy and luxury, booking a private villa in Bali is a popular option, with services like Airbnb, Mr & Mrs Smith, and The Luxe Nomad offering curated selections.
Comprehensive Reference and FAQs
This final section provides quick-reference tools for practical use.
Complete List of Indonesian Area Codes
When calling a landline in Indonesia from the U.S., you must dial 011-62 followed by the correct area code (without the leading ‘0’).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the +62 Country Code
- Q: What country uses the code +62? A: The country code
+62belongs to Indonesia. - Q: Is a call from a +62 number a scam? A: Not always, but caution is highly advised. There is a widespread and well-documented issue with international criminals using
+62numbers for fraudulent activities, especially for “work-from-home” job scams on WhatsApp. It is best to not answer or respond to unsolicited calls or messages from these numbers. - Q: How do I call Jakarta, Indonesia from the United States? A: From a landline or mobile, dial
011(the U.S. exit code), then62(Indonesia’s country code), then21(Jakarta’s area code), followed by the 8-digit local number. The full sequence is011-62-21-xxxx-xxxx. - Q: What is the cheapest way to call Indonesia from the USA? A: VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services are significantly cheaper than traditional carriers. Services like Rebtel, Google Voice, and Skype offer rates to Indonesia for as low as 2.5 to 5 cents per minute, compared to carrier pay-per-use rates that can be over $1.50 per minute.
- Q: What is the country code for Bali? A: Bali is an island province of Indonesia, so it uses the same country code:
+62. The main area code for southern Bali, including Denpasar and Kuta, is361. - Q: How do I report a scam call from Indonesia? A: If you are a U.S. resident, you should report international scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their dedicated portal at econsumer.gov. This helps U.S. and international law enforcement agencies investigate and combat cross-border fraud.
