Best Bali SIM Card: Complete Guide for Travelers

Staying connected to the internet during your Bali trip is a must. And the good news is, the island offers plenty of SIM card and eSIM options for travelers.

Not sure which Bali SIM card is the most reliable? Or, still deciding between a physical SIM and an eSIM?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

We’ll cover the best SIM card providers, price ranges, and where to buy them.

Plus, we’ll share our real experience (read: the mistakes we made on our first trip) when buying a SIM card here, so you don’t have to repeat them.

Key Takeaways

• Telkomsel offers the strongest and most reliable coverage in Bali, especially in remote areas—best for long stays or work-reliant travelers.
• XL Axiata and Indosat provide cheaper alternatives, suitable for tourists staying mostly in city and tourist zones.
• eSIMs (like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad) are the easiest and fastest option, while physical SIM cards still provide better coverage overall.
• Long-term stays may require IMEI registration. It's important to check rules before buying a physical SIM.

Which SIM Card is Best in Bali?

The best SIM card in Bali for most travelers comes from one of these three major Indonesian providers:

1. Telkomsel (simPATI / by.U) – Best for Reliability & Overall Coverage

The premium network in Indonesia, often called the "national champion." If you absolutely must stay connected everywhere, this is your safest bet.

• Pros:
  • Unmatched Coverage: The strongest and most reliable signal across the entire island. It's the only provider that consistently works well in remote areas like the cliffs of Uluwatu, the mountains of Kintamani, and throughout Nusa Penida/Lembongan.
  • High Speed: Typically offers the fastest 4G/5G speeds, especially outside dense urban centers.
  • Best for Rural Travel: Essential if you plan to explore the less-visited parts of Bali or neighboring islands.
    
• Cons:
  • Most Expensive: Data packages are priced 20-30% higher than competitors.
  • Can be Overkill: If you're only staying in main tourist hubs, you might be paying for coverage you don't need.
    
• Pricing (Approximate):
  • Tourist Package (at airport): ~IDR 150,000 - 300,000 (~USD $9 - $17) for 10-25GB, valid 30 days.
  • Local Package (in-store): ~IDR 100,000 (~USD $10) for 10GB, valid 30 days. Popular bundle: ~IDR 200,000 (~USD $12) for 25GB + some call credits.
    
• Ideal For: Long-term travelers, digital nomads, remote workers, adventure travelers exploring off the beaten path, and anyone for whom a stable internet connection is non-negotiable.

2. XL Axiata – Best for Value & Balanced Performance

The strongest competitor to Telkomsel, offering an excellent balance between price and network quality, particularly in populated areas.

• Pros:
  • Great Value: Offers nearly as good performance as Telkomsel in most tourist areas for a lower price.
  • Strong Urban & Suburban Coverage: Excellent signal in all major tourist hubs like Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, and Denpasar.
  • Good Speed: Reliable and fast data speeds in its coverage areas.
    
• Cons:
  • Rural Gaps: Coverage can become patchy in very remote locations (e.g., some parts of rural east Bali or deep in the mountains). May not be as reliable as Telkomsel on Nusa Penida.
  • Slightly Less Consistent: While great in cities, it might not have the same "blanket" coverage as Telkomsel island-wide.
    
• Pricing (Approximate):
  • Tourist Package: ~IDR 100,000 - 250,000 (~USD $6 - $15) for 15-30GB, valid 30 days.
  • Local Package: Often has attractive promotions. ~IDR 150,000 (~USD $9) can get you 20-30GB, valid 30 days.
    
• Ideal For: Most tourists who split their time between popular beach towns and Ubud. Perfect for travelers wanting a great connection without paying much.

3. Indosat (IM3)- Best for Budget-Conscious City Stayers

The most affordable major network, ideal for those on a tight budget who will primarily stay in well-covered areas.

• Pros:
  • Most Affordable: The cheapest data packages of the three.
  • Adequate Urban Performance: Works perfectly fine in main city areas, hotels, and cafes in Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, and Denpasar.
  • Frequent Promotions: Offers many cheap, high-volume data bundles.
    
• Cons:
  • Limited Rural Coverage: Signal strength drops significantly outside urban centers and popular tourist streets. Not recommended for trips to remote areas or Nusa Islands.
  • Congestion: Speeds can slow during peak times in dense areas as it's a popular budget choice.
  • Less Reliable: For mission-critical video calls or remote work in varied locations, it can be hit or miss.
    
• Pricing (Approximate):
  • Tourist Package: ~IDR 80,000 - 200,000 (~USD $4,80 - $12) for 15-35GB, valid 30 days.
  • Local Package: Very cheap. You can find deals like IDR 100,000 (~USD $6) for 25GB+, valid 30 days.
    
• Ideal For: Short-term tourists (1-2 weeks) on a strict budget, those who will stay in one main area, and travelers who rely more on Wi-Fi at their accommodation and only need mobile data for maps and messaging on the go.

If you want the most reliable network in Bali, from our personal experience, Telkomsel is the safest choice.

Quick Tip: You can buy a "tourist SIM" package at the airport (convenient but slightly more expensive), or visit an official provider store (like GraPARI for Telkomsel, XL Center, or Indosat Gallery) in town for the best local deals.

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What is the Best eSIM for Bali?

eSIMs are digital SIMs you install instantly via a QR code. Your phone must be unlocked and eSIM-compatible (most newer phones from 2019+ are).

They are perfect for avoiding physical SIM swaps but rely on the same local networks (like Telkomsel, Indosat).

If you prefer not to swap physical SIM cards, an eSIM is the easiest and fastest option. Here are the best eSIMs for Bali:

1. Airalo (Bali/Indonesia eSIM) – Most Popular & User-Friendly

The leading global eSIM marketplace, known for its extensive country-specific and regional options.

• Pros:
  • Extremely Easy Setup: Purchase and install the eSIM via the Airalo app before you even land. The process is streamlined and well-documented.
  • Flexible & Affordable Packages: Offers a wide range of data sizes (e.g., 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB) for short, medium, and long trips, starting at very low prices.
  • Reliable Performance: Partners with reputable local networks (often Telkomsel or Indosat) for solid coverage in major tourist areas.
  • Manage Everything in an App: Top up data, check usage, and manage your plan directly from your phone.
    
• Cons:
  • Data-Only (Typically): Most plans are for mobile data only, with no local phone number for calls/SMS. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, etc., for communication.
  • Potential for Network Switching: You may connect to different local partners depending on your location, which can sometimes lead to variable speeds.
  • Can Be Costly Per GB for Long Stays: While cheap for small packages, heavy data users might find larger data packs less economical than a local physical SIM.
    
• Pricing (Approximate in USD):
  • 1 GB, valid 7 days: ~$4.50
  • 3 GB, valid 30 days: ~$11
  • 5 GB, valid 30 days: ~$16
  • 10 GB, valid 30 days: ~$26
    
• Ideal For: First-time eSIM users, short to medium-term tourists (1-3 weeks), travelers visiting multiple countries (they offer regional Asia packs), and anyone who values maximum convenience and setup ease.

2. Holafly – Best for Truly Unlimited Data

Specializes in unlimited data eSIMs for travelers, removing the worry of data caps.

• Pros:
  • Unlimited High-Speed Data: The primary advantage. You can stream, upload, and scroll without tracking your usage or fearing throttling (subject to Fair Use Policy).
  • Simple Choice: No need to guess how much data you'll need. One plan covers your entire trip duration.
  • Good Support: Known for responsive customer service if you encounter setup issues.
    
• Cons:
  • Most Expensive Option: You pay a premium for the unlimited model.
  • Fixed Duration, Not Data Amount: Plans are for a set number of days (e.g., 5, 7, 10, 15, 30 days). If you buy a 10-day plan but stay 12 days, you'll need a new plan.
  • No Local Number & No Tethering/Hotspot: A critical limitation for some. Their terms often prohibit using your phone as a hotspot for other devices (always check current policy).
    
• Pricing (Approximate in USD):
  • 5 Days, Unlimited Data: ~$19
  • 7 Days, Unlimited Data: ~$27
  • 10 Days, Unlimited Data: ~$34
  • 15 Days, Unlimited Data: ~$47
  • 30 Days, Unlimited Data: ~$64
    
• Ideal For: Content creators, influencers, and extremely heavy data users who constantly upload videos/photos. Also good for travelers who experience "data anxiety" and prefer the simplicity of an unlimited plan, provided they don't need a hotspot.

3. Nomad – Best for Balance of Price & Flexible Data

Focuses on providing competitive regional and global data plans, often at good value.

• Pros:
  • Competitive Pricing & Good Value: Often has some of the best USD/GB rates among eSIM providers, especially for larger data packages.
  • Flexible, Large Packages: Offers a good selection of medium-to-large data packs (e.g., 10GB, 20GB) valid for longer periods (30+ days), which is great for longer trips or moderate/heavy usage.
  • Network Choice (Sometimes): In some regions, Nomad allows you to choose your preferred local network (e.g., Telkomsel vs. Indosat) during setup for optimal coverage.
  • Reliable Speeds: Generally receives positive reviews for connection stability and speed.
    
• Cons:
  • Interface Can Be Less Polished: The app and user experience might not be as slick as Airalo's.
  • Primarily Data-Only: Like others, focuses on data packages without voice/SMS.
  • Less Brand Recognition: A newer player, so some travelers might be less familiar with it.
    
• Pricing (Approximate in USD for Indonesia):
  • 1 GB, valid 7 days: ~$5
  • 3 GB, valid 30 days: ~$12
  • 10 GB, valid 30 days: ~$22
  • 20 GB, valid 30 days: ~$37
    
• Ideal For: Value-conscious travelers who need a significant amount of data for a month-long stay or digital nomads on a budget.

Should I Get an eSIM or Physical SIM in Bali?

It depends on your travel style. Choose a physical SIM if:

• You want the strongest local network
• You need long-term connectivity (months)
• You don’t mind showing your passport at purchase

Choose an eSIM if:

• You want something instant and easy
• You’re staying short-term (1–30 days)
• You don’t want to queue at the airport
• Your phone supports eSIM

For convenience, eSIM wins. But for coverage, a local physical SIM still wins.

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Can Foreigners Buy SIM Cards in Indonesia?

Yes. Foreigners can easily buy SIM cards in Bali, but you must register with your passport.

Registration is mandatory and is done by the shop/provider, you don’t need to do anything besides showing your passport.

Where Can I Buy a SIM Card in Bali?

The best places to buy a SIM card in Bali are:

• Bali Airport (DPS – Ngurah Rai Airport): It's fast, easy, but slightly higher prices. Shops typically offer tourist packages from Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat.
• Official provider stores: It's cheaper than the airport and more package options. You can find them in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Denpasar, Sanur and Ubud.
• Mobile phone shops / convenience stores: They're everywhere in Bali. Really convenient, but make sure they are officially registering your SIM (because some stores don't do it for you).

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How to Buy a Local SIM Card in Bali?

1. Bring your passport.
2. Choose a package (data only or data + calls).
3. The shop registers your SIM card in the system.
4. Insert the SIM card into your phone.
5. Restart your device if needed.

Important: Registration must be done correctly, or the SIM will stop working after a short time.

Our Experience Dealing with Long-Term SIM Registration in Bali

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, this part is very important.

When I tried to get a Telkomsel SIM at the airport and told them I would stay five months, they explained that:

• Longer-term SIM use may require an additional IMEI registration
• That requires going to security/immigration inside the airport
• It must be done before you leave the arrival area

Because I had two large suitcases and it meant going back through security, they told me:

“Just buy a new SIM every month.”

So I did that for two months, but later, another Telkomsel shop told me it was no longer possible. They said that I needed to register my IMEI at immigration to make my phone work again. The process could cost around USD $300.

But I decided to switch to an eSIM to avoid any IMEI issues, and my phone worked instantly without a problem. I just ended up losing a bit of money because I had already bought a physical SIM card that’s now unused.

So another tip from us, if you plan to stay long-term in Bali, check the IMEI requirement first before deciding to buy a physical SIM.

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Conclusion

For most travelers (especially if you only do a short trip), using eSIM is the easiest option.

But, if you want the best coverage while exploring Bali, a Telkomsel SIM is the top choice. With this SIM card, you’ll still get signal even in the most remote areas.

If you’re mostly sticking to city areas and tourist spots, cheaper options like XL Axiata or IM3/Indosat will work just fine.

FAQ