Local SIM in Bali (2025): Best SIM & eSIM Options

Key Takeaways

• Local SIMs in Bali are cheap and easy, and avoid expensive roaming.

• Top choices: Telkomsel (best coverage), XL Axiata (best value), Indosat (budget), Smartfren (unlimited), Tri (large data).

• Buy at airports, stores, convenience shops, or get an eSIM online for instant activation.

• eSIMs are great for short trips and don’t require swapping cards.

• Bring your passport for registration; many shops help activate your SIM.

Picture this: You just landed in Bali, excited to explore its lush jungles, stunning beaches, and, let’s be honest, that famous smoothie bowl from your Instagram feed. But then, your phone refuses to connect. No Google Maps. No ride-hailing apps. Just a cold, hard “No Service.” Not the kind of digital detox you planned, right?

Good news. Getting a local SIM card in Bali is easy, affordable, and will save you from the horror of overpriced international roaming fees. With less than $10, you can get high-speed data, make local calls, and keep your socials updated with envy-inducing sunset pics. And if you’re the type who doesn’t want to fumble with tiny plastic chips, eSIMs are here to save the day.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: the best SIM card providers, where to buy one, eSIM options, pricing, and activation steps. Get connected ASAP. Because let’s be real, in Bali, losing your internet is almost as bad as losing your luggage.

Why Opt for a Local SIM in Bali?

Let’s talk about something no one wants to experience: airport WiFi that barely loads an email, let alone your travel itinerary. If you rely on roaming, you might as well hand your bank a blank check. And while public WiFi is okay at cafés, the last thing you want is buffering when trying to book a Gojek ride in the middle of Ubud’s monkey forest.

A local SIM card fixes all of this. You get cheap data, fast speeds, and seamless connectivity across the island. No dropped calls, no overpriced roaming bills, no frantic searches for WiFi passwords. Here’s why it’s a no-brainer.

• It’s ridiculously cheap. We’re talking $5-$10 for gigabytes of data, enough to stream your favorite travel vlogs without breaking the bank.

• Coverage is solid. Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo have Bali covered, from Kuta’s beach bars to Uluwatu’s clifftop temples.

• Local calls & SMS. Need to confirm your snorkeling tour? Call a driver? Order takeout? Done.

• No SIM swap nightmares. If you go for an eSIM, you don’t even have to mess with tiny plastic cards.

In short: Don’t be that traveler refreshing a dead WiFi signal at the airport. Get a local SIM.

5 Top SIM Card Providers in Bali (2025)

Not all SIM cards are created equal. Some give you blazing-fast speeds, while others make you question your life choices. Here’s a breakdown of the best options so you can pick the right one for your trip.

1. Telkomsel – Best Overall

Why choose it? Unmatched coverage & speed. Perfect if you’re exploring beyond the main tourist zones.

💰 Price: ~IDR 150,000 ($9.50) for 25GB + calls.

📍 Where to buy: Airport, official Telkomsel GraPARI stores, and convenience stores.

📶 Best for: Travelers who don’t want to risk a bad signal in rural areas like Nusa Penida or Munduk.

2. XL Axiata – Best Value

Why choose it? Cheaper plans with good data speeds in most areas.

💰 Price: ~IDR 38,000 ($2.45) for 60.5GB (yes, you read that right).

📍 Where to buy: XL Axiata stores, convenience stores, online.

📶 Best for: Budget travelers who still want solid coverage & speeds.

3. Indosat Ooredoo (IM3) – Best Budget Option

Why choose it? Super affordable and works well in cities.

💰 Price: IDR 25,000 ($1.61) for 4GB, IDR 50,000 ($3.17) for 18GB.

📍 Where to buy: Indosat stores, convenience stores.

📶 Best for: Short stays or if you’re mostly in Canggu, Seminyak, or Ubud.

4. Smartfren – Best Unlimited Option

Why choose it? Unlimited data plans, so you can stream and scroll without fear.

💰 Price: Daily 700MB–4GB unlimited packs, with options up to 30 days.

📍 Where to buy: Smartfren outlets, online retailers.

📶 Best for: Digital nomads and those who live on the internet.

5. Tri (3) Indonesia – Cheapest for Data Addicts

Why choose it? Large data packs for peanuts.

💰 Price: 40GB AlwaysOn data plans for less than $5.

📍 Where to buy: Tri stores, Indomaret/Alfamart.

📶 Best for: Travelers who burn through data fast but don’t mind occasional signal drops.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Bali

Now that you know which SIM card to get, where do you buy it?

1. Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai International) – Most Convenient

You step off the plane and BOOM, SIM card kiosks are right there. It’s fast, easy, and stress-free.

Downside? It’s a bit pricier than city stores.

2. Official Provider Stores – Best for Support

If you want guaranteed legit SIMs (and help with activation), go to an official Telkomsel, XL, Indosat, or Smartfren store.

Found in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar.

3. Convenience Stores – Best for Quick Buys

Indomaret, Alfamart, and Circle K sell SIM cards too! Just check that the package includes data + registration(some require activation separately).

4. Online – Best for eSIMs

Skip the SIM swap drama and activate an eSIM before you land. Popular options include:

• Holafly (unlimited plans)

• Airalo (budget-friendly)

• Saily (varied data options)

.. but more on that later. So if you’d like to skip, head over to the end of this article!

How to Register & Activate Your SIM

Indonesia requires SIM registration, but don’t panic, it’s easy.

What you need:

• Your passport (used for registration).

• A phone that’s unlocked (if it’s locked, your home SIM won’t work either).

How to activate:

• If buying at the airport or a provider store, they’ll register and activate it for you.

• If buying from a convenience store, you might need to register it yourself using a short code (they’ll guide you).

How to check your balance & data:

• Telkomsel: Dial *888#

• XL Axiata: Dial *123#

• Indosat: Dial *363#

• Smartfren: Dial *995#

• Tri (3): Dial *111#

Tips for Using Your SIM in Bali

Maximize Your Data

• Bali has great WiFi in most cafés and hotels. Use it when possible.

• Use Google Maps offline by downloading Bali’s map in advance.

Extend Battery Life

• Google Maps, Instagram, and streaming drain battery fast. Bring a power bank.

Boost Signal in Remote Areas

• Telkomsel is your best bet for coverage in places like Nusa Penida, Lovina, and Munduk.

• If the signal is weak, switch between 4G and 3G in settings.

Top Up Data Easily

• Buy data packs at convenience stores or online via provider apps.

eSIMs in Bali – The Ultimate Hassle-Free Option

If the thought of swapping tiny plastic SIM cards makes you nervous, eSIMs are your new best friend. No queues, no fumbling with SIM trays, and no chance of losing your primary SIM in the process. Just a few taps on your phone, and boom, you’re online before your luggage even hits the baggage carousel.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical SIM card. Your phone simply downloads the eSIM profile, and you’re ready to go. It’s especially useful for travelers because you can keep your primary number active (for texts, banking OTPs, and calls) while using local data at affordable rates.

Advantages of Using an eSIM in Bali

No Need to Swap SIMs – Keep your home SIM in your phone while using a local eSIM for data.

Instant Activation – No need to hunt for a SIM card shop. Buy online and activate before you land.

Multiple Plans on One Device – Use different networks or switch between providers if needed.

Eco-Friendly – No plastic waste, no unnecessary packaging.

Sounds like magic? It kind of is.

Best eSIM Providers for Bali (2025)

Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs aren’t tied to just one Indonesian carrier. Instead, they operate via global travel eSIM providers, which offer prepaid plans with various data options. Here are the best ones:

1. Holafly – Best for Unlimited Data

Why choose it? Unlimited data so you can stream, browse, and video call without limits.

Price: $19 for 5 days, $47 for 20 days (unlimited data).

Works on: Most iPhones and high-end Android devices.

Activation: Instant via QR code, no app required.

Downside: No local phone number, only data.

2. Airalo – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Why choose it? Affordable short-term plans with flexible pricing.

Price: $4.50 for 1GB (7 days), $11.50 for 5GB (30 days), $22.50 for 10GB (30 days).

Works on: Almost all eSIM-compatible devices.

Activation: Via Airalo app or QR code.

Downside: Speeds may slow down after high usage.

3. Nomad – Best for Flexible Plans

Why choose it? Customizable data packages and hotspot-friendly.

Price: $6 for 1GB, $14 for 5GB, $24 for 10GB (valid for 30 days).

Works on: Most eSIM-compatible devices.

Activation: App-based setup, easy installation.

Downside: No local phone number, only data.

4. Saily – Best for Long Stays

Why choose it? Long-term plans with large data allowances.

Price: $9 for 3GB (30 days), $26 for 20GB (60 days).

Works on iPhones, Samsung, and other flagship phones.

Activation: QR code via email.

Downside: Customer service can be slow.

How to Get & Activate an eSIM for Bali

Getting an eSIM is ridiculously easy.

Check if Your Phone Supports eSIMs

• Most newer iPhones (XS, XR, and later) and Androids (Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 4+, etc.) support eSIMs.

• To check:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If you see the option, your phone supports eSIMs.

• Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for the eSIM option.

Buy an eSIM Plan Online

• Visit Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, or Saily and select a data plan that fits your trip length and needs.

• Pay, and they’ll send you a QR code via email.

Scan the QR Code & Install the eSIM

• On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan > Scan QR code.

• On Android: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add eSIM > Scan QR code.

• Confirm installation and choose whether to use it for data only or calls + data.

Enable the eSIM Before You Land in Bali.

• Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data and switch to the eSIM.

• If you have a dual SIM phone, set your eSIM as the primary data line while keeping your home number active for calls/messages.

• Boom! You’re connected as soon as you arrive.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM – Which One Should You Get?

A physical SIM card usually takes 10 to 30 minutes to set up since you need to buy it from a shop and register it with your passport. It gives you a local number, so you can make calls and receive SMS, and it’s often cheaper if you need a large data pack. The trade-off is convenience. You’ll need to swap out your existing SIM card, which can be annoying if you switch often. This option works best for travelers staying longer than a week who want full mobile functionality, including calls and texts.

An eSIM, on the other hand, is instant to activate. You can purchase it online and have it running within seconds, with no need to handle a physical card. Most eSIMs are data-only, which means you won’t get a local number for calls or SMS. They’re typically a bit more expensive for short-term use, but the ease of setup makes them ideal for short-term visitors, frequent flyers, or digital nomads who only need reliable mobile data.

Who Should Use an eSIM?

Business travelers – Keep your home SIM active while using a local eSIM for data.

Frequent travelers – No more buying new SIM cards in every country.

Short-term tourists – If you just need data for a few days, an eSIM is much easier than buying a physical SIM.

Remote workers & digital nomads – Combine an eSIM with local WiFi for seamless internet everywhere.

Final Thoughts: Is an eSIM Worth It in Bali?

If you want instant connectivity without the hassle of physical SIM cards, eSIMs are a fantastic choice. They let you hit the ground running, no waiting in line, no lost SIM cards, no stress. But if you plan to stay longer and need a local phone number for calling taxis, booking tours, or making reservations, a physical SIM might be the better option.

Either way, Bali has plenty of great mobile options, whether you go the traditional SIM or eSIM route. Pick the one that fits your travel style and enjoy your adventure, just don’t forget to share those sunset pics!

Conclusion

Staying connected in Bali is easier than ordering a Nasi Goreng, if you know what you’re doing. Whether you go old-school with a physical SIM or embrace the future with an eSIM, you now have everything you need to stay online, book rides, find hidden beaches, and flex your adventures on social media.

Quick recap:

Telkomsel = Best coverage. Perfect if you plan to venture beyond the tourist hotspots.

XL Axiata & Indosat = Best value. Great for affordable data without compromising speed.

Smartfren & Tri = Budget-friendly. Ideal for digital nomads and those watching their travel expenses.

eSIMs (Holafly, Airalo, Saily) = Ultimate convenience. No need to swap physical SIMs, just activate and go.

So, what’s next? Grab a SIM, load up some data, and let Bali work its magic. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, temple-hopping, or sipping on coconut water by the beach, one thing’s for sure: you won’t be going “offline” anytime soon. Happy travels, and may your WiFi be strong and your adventures unforgettable!

For more tips on planning your trip, check out our Bali Travel E-Guide, packed with itineraries, hidden gems, and a custom Google Map to make exploring easy.