How to Set Up Call Forwarding on XL for Travelers
Keeping an Indonesian XL number reachable while travelling can be useful when you are carrying an Australian SIM, using hotel Wi-Fi, or moving between cities. Call forwarding sends incoming calls from your XL number to another Indonesian or international number, so friends, family, and business contacts do not need to learn a temporary number.
The feature is especially practical for Australians visiting Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya who want to keep their usual contact details. Set it up before leaving Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, and check the charges carefully because forwarding an Indonesian call to an Australian mobile can create an international charge.
Check Your Number And Destination
First, decide where forwarded calls should go. An Indonesian destination is usually simpler and less expensive than an Australian number. If you are using an Australian SIM from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, enter its full international format. An Australian mobile such as 0412 345 678 becomes +61 412 345 678 because the first zero is removed.
For an Indonesian number, use +62 followed by the mobile number without its initial zero. For example, 0812 3456 7890 becomes +62 812 3456 7890. Avoid forwarding to a hotel landline unless you know the staff will accept calls and the number can receive them reliably.
XL call forwarding normally works through GSM service codes, but availability can depend on your plan, balance, and network settings. Prepaid users should have enough credit for any service or forwarding charge, and roaming customers should review XL’s current tariff before relying on the feature.
Activate The Forwarding Codes
To forward every incoming call, enter **21*destination number# and press the call button. Replace “destination number” with the complete number, including +62 or +61 where appropriate. The phone should display a confirmation message if XL accepts the request.
For conditional forwarding, use **67destination number# when your line is busy, **61destination number# when you do not answer, or **62*destination number# when the phone is switched off or out of coverage. This can be a better choice if you still want to answer calls on the XL SIM whenever Indonesian coverage is available.
You can check the all-call setting with *#21#. To cancel a particular service, use ##21#, ##67#, ##61#, or ##62#. The broad cancellation code ##002# can remove all forwarding rules, so use it only when you want to start again. Android menus may offer the same controls; these Android call tips can help if your handset hides the older GSM options.
Compare The Main Forwarding Options
The best setting depends on how often you want to use the XL handset. Someone spending an afternoon at Sydney Airport might choose unconditional forwarding, while a traveller driving through regional Queensland may prefer conditional forwarding so missed calls are handled consistently when coverage disappears.
Remember that call forwarding is different from roaming. Roaming lets the XL SIM connect to an overseas network, while forwarding redirects calls at the network level. Forwarding generally continues even when the XL handset is turned off, but XL’s billing rules still apply to the forwarded leg.
| Situation | Code to activate | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Forward every call | **21*number# |
A temporary Australian SIM or a switched-off XL phone |
| Forward when busy | **67*number# |
Keeping the XL handset available most of the time |
| Forward when unanswered | **61*number# |
Calls you cannot pick up during an arvo outing |
| Forward when unreachable | **62*number# |
Flights, remote areas, or weak hotel coverage |
| Cancel all forwarding | ##002# |
Returning to normal service after the trip |
Codes can be entered from many Nokia, Samsung, BlackBerry, and Android phones. On some touchscreen models, open the Phone app, select Settings, then Calling Accounts or Call Settings and Call Forwarding. The exact labels vary, particularly on older Android releases.
Control Costs While Overseas
Forwarding to an Australian mobile is convenient, but it may be treated as an international call from Indonesia. The caller may pay their normal charge for calling your XL number, while you may pay XL for forwarding the call to Australia. Confirm the price before activating it, especially if several people are likely to ring during your holiday.
Forwarding to Indonesian voicemail or a trusted local number may be cheaper. You can also leave a short recorded message telling callers to send an SMS or contact you through WhatsApp. Standard call forwarding does not normally redirect text messages, banking alerts, or one-time passwords, so keep access to the XL SIM if those services are important.
When using an Australian prepaid SIM, check whether incoming calls are included and whether the handset is unlocked. Australian networks have different prepaid terms, and coverage can change quickly outside major centres. Telstra is often chosen for wider regional coverage, while Optus and Vodafone may offer competitive city deals; none of these choices changes the XL forwarding charge itself.
Test Before You Leave Indonesia
Activate the rule while the XL SIM is still connected to the Indonesian network. Ask a friend to call your XL number, confirm that the destination rings, and check whether the caller hears an unusual announcement. Test again with the XL phone busy or switched off if you have selected conditional forwarding.
If the call fails, check every digit and make sure the international prefix is correct. A number written as 0812... must become +62 812..., not +62 0812.... For an Australian destination, 04... must become +61 4.... Also check that call barring, voicemail settings, or a low prepaid balance is not interfering.
Keep a note of the cancellation code and the original XL number. After returning to Australia or Indonesia, cancel forwarding and make a normal test call. Practical phone advice can also be useful when menus, SIM settings, or older handsets behave differently.
Set up the forwarding rule before your flight, test it with someone you trust, and save the correct cancellation code in your phone. A few minutes of preparation can keep your XL number reachable from the Gold Coast to Bali without forcing every contact to update your details.