Best eSIM Card For Bali & Indonesia

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for an eSIM card for Bali or Indonesia in general, you should do your research to make sure you’re getting the best value for money without any hassle. This comparison of the best eSIMs includes everything you need to know, including pricing, validity and what you need to keep in mind before you purchase.

There are a lot of benefits of getting a modern eSIM card versus a traditional one, so upgrade your travels and make your Bali trip run as smooth as possible with the best data package.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Guide Your Travel free and provide high-quality content for you. Please read the full disclaimer for more information.

Best eSIM for Bali in Indonesia hand holding phone

Why you can trust this article about the best eSIM for Bali

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali and Indonesia travel information.

I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and fun group tours you can join if you want to make friends.

Despite being in Bali for several years now, I’m actually still getting new SIMs all the time. This is because Indonesia blocks foreign phones through the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) after three months unless you pay tax on your phone, which adds up to hundreds of dollars.

Because of this unfortunate reason, I’ve tried and compared quite a few different SIM cards in Bali, including eSIMs, local SIMs and much more.

All You Need For Your Bali Trip

  • Affordable airport pickup – Klook
  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Accommodation – Agoda or Booking
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Private driver – Klook
  • Fastboats – 12Go Asia

eSIM vs physical local SIM in Bali

Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind if you’re deciding whether to get an eSIM or a physical SIM for Bali. I usually recommend an eSIM for convenience and if you want to save time.

Local prepaid SIM cards are technically more affordable, but many tourist shops mark up the prices significantly, making you overpay even if you’re good at haggling. Or, you can get one delivered to your hotel or villa, which is a good option.

Once you’ve got your SIM card, though, you’ll be able to recharge it online, which can be extremely affordable. I usually pay IDR 70,000 for 40GB with Telkomsel. That means a local SIM might be more convenient for longer stays in Bali, but an eSIM is better for shorter Bali trips.

eSIMPhysical local SIM
Pros-Easy to purchase online
-No need to take out your regular SIM
-Less plastic waste
-Can’t be removed if your phone is stolen, providing added safety
-Fixed price
-Usually more affordable
-Compatible with almost every device
Cons-Can be more expensive
-Not supported on older phones
-Need to purchase at a store or get delivered, which can take time
-Have to take out your regular SIM card
-Can be removed if your phone is stolen, which can pose a security risk
-Might be lost or damaged
-Usually need to haggle for a good price

Best eSIM for Bali and Indonesia

If you want to have internet as soon as you land in Indonesia, want to avoid standing in line at a mobile shop and want to keep your regular phone number active during your travels, you should definitely get an eSIM for Bali.

Here are the best eSIM card providers for Bali and all of Indonesia.

1. Jetpac – the best eSIM for Bali

Jetpac is a newer eSIM provider that has quickly become a favourite among many travellers. It’s now my number one recommendation when friends and family ask me which eSIM to get for Bali, and I’ve had nothing but good experiences with them.

Firstly, their prices are always the lowest when comparing different plans for Indonesia, and even the most established network providers can’t keep up with their competitive rates.

They also have fantastic customer service, and offer a great selection of plans for different travel durations and even regional options that allow you to use your eSIM in several different countries.

They’re not only my top choice for Bali but also quickly becoming my go-to for many places around the world.

Installation of the SIM is very quick and easy, so it’s perfect on the go. Plans start at just US $1 for 1GB, or you can choose 10, 20 or 40 GB packages. If you run out of data, you can quickly top up more GBs through the app with just a few clicks.

What I also love is that their eSIMs are actually valid for one whole year if you don’t activate them overseas. That means you can have peace of mind if your trip dates change or something comes up.

They also include something called SmartDelay in their eSIMs, which I’ve recently used for the first time. If you register your flight at least two hours before departure and it ends up being delayed you will get complimentary lounge access while you wait. It’s a bonus that no other eSIM providers I’ve come across offer at the moment, and will make your trip so much more comfortable should there be a delay.

Check out Jetpac’s different plans and purchase your eSIM here.

2. Airlo

Airlo is a very well-known eSIM company that offers different eSIM options depending on the country. I’ve used them in several places, and they’re always reliable and very convenient.

However, for Indonesia and Bali specifically, their prices are unfortunately quite high, so I wouldn’t recommend them as my first eSIM choice.

If you’ve used them before and already have the app on your phone, check out their plans for Bali, but if you’re looking for the best value for money, consider other options.

Airlo esim packages

Best Hotel Deals In Bali

Here are our absolute favourite hotels in Bali – hand-picked and tested by us.

Alaya Resort Ubud

Alaya Resort Ubud

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel

3. SIM Options

SIM Options is another large eSIM provider that I’ve used quite frequently when travelling. Their prices are usually mid-range, but they often have considerable discounts on their eSIM plans for Indonesia, so they’re definitely worth checking out.

Depending on the plan, some of their eSIMs even support 5G, although the data cannot be topped up, which is inconvenient.

SIM Options is a reliable choice when it comes to eSIMs for Bali and Indonesia, and if they’re currently running a sale, their prices can be very affordable.

SIM Options eSIM packages and prices

The Best Private Drivers In Bali

The most comfortable way to get around Bali is with a private driver. Read our complete guide or book instantly at the lowest prices with no need to haggle.

4. Nomad eSIM

Nomad is another popular eSIM provider and I’ve had good experiences with them in the past. They have options for a variety of different countries, including Indonesia.

Their prices are very similar to Airlo, and there usually isn’t a huge difference between the two. Again, they’re not the cheapest option, but they do offer the choice between Telkomsel and Smartfren networks, which can be a bonus if you’re travelling to very remote areas.

Nomad eSIM deals

5. Telkomsel

Telkomsel is Indonesia’s largest network provider and a go-to for most tourists when it comes to purchasing physical SIM cards. They also offers prepaid eSIM cards for tourists, but tthey unfortunately cannot be purchased online, only in store. This takes away from the convenience of having an eSIM, so I wouldn’t really recommend this option.

You can now buy eSIM cards right at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, before you go out to the taxi area, so it can be convenient to be connected right away if you forgot to purchase an eSIM before.

Telkomsel eSIMs also allow you to add phone and text credits, which most other eSIMs on this list do not. Luckily, almost everyone exclusively uses WhatsApp in Indonesia, so there is no real need for a local phone number.

Line at the Telkomsel shop at Bali airport
Line at the Telkomsel shop at Bali International airport arrivals

Best Deals For Unmissable Bali Experiences

  • Make your own silver jewellery
  • Balinese cooking class
  • Day trip to Nusa Penida
  • ATV & rafting tour
  • Kecak Fire Dance
  • Sunrise at Mount Batur
  • Swim with manta rays

6. Holafly

Holafly is one of the few eSIM providers that offer unlimited data packages for Bali and Indonesia. They are quite pricey, but you can select the exact number of days you will need the eSIM, which is convenient.

However, unlimited eSIMs are unfortunately usually a disappointment in my experience. They always have a Fair Usage Policy, which limits your daily data considerably. Holafly doesn’t specify how much you’re able to use per day, but unlimited plans of other SIM providers like Nomad only have 2 GB available per day, and my experiences with Holafly would lead me to believe it could be a similar number.

After that, your internet speed will be slowed down considerably, limiting your use to simple apps like WhatsApp or emails.

Unfortunately, that usually means that Holafly’s eSIMs aren’t worth it, and it’s actually more convenient and affordable to pay for a larger eSIM with a fixed data package from another provider.

Holafly unlimited esim

The Best Way To Experience Bali

Group tours are an incredibly underrated way to travel and you’ll get to experience Bali with new friends without any of the stress of planning. Compare the best tours here or check out my all-time favourite below.

Who should get an eSIM for Bali?

I would recommend getting an eSIM for Bali if you’re hoping to keep your regular SIM card in your phone during your travels. This could be for a number of reasons like needing to receive calls or texts to that number abroad, needing it for two-factor authentification for banks, or just wanting to avoid losing it.

You should also get an eSIM if you are short on time and don’t want to wait around in a SIM card shop, having to worry about haggling and overpaying. ESIMs are definitely the most convenient way to stay connected abroad since you can just purchase them online.

Can I use an eSIM with any phone?

Befoore getting an eSIM, you need to check if your phone is compatible, otherwise you will not be able to use it. The good news is that almost all modern smartphones support the use of eSIM cards, so unless you have an older phone, it should be no problem. Still, it’s recommended to look up your phone type, just in case.

To use an eSIM card you also need to have an unlocked phone, so double-check that as well before you make a purchase. Most phones are unlocked, so it should be fine, but double-check just in case.

What’s the best eSIM for Bali with unlimited data?

Unfortunately, the concept of unlimited data for eSIMS doesn’t really exist in Bali, and all of Indonesia. Companies like Holafly and Nomad have unlimited data plans for their eSIMs, but they cap your internet use at a certain level every day, and if you go over, your speed will be significantly slower for 24 hours.

This is very inconvenient when you’re travelling, and in my experience, it’s very easy to reach the Fair Usage Point if you use your phone a lot.

Unlimited eSIMs are also quite expensive usually, so it’s almost always smarter to just buy a SIM with a large data package instead and top it up if needed.

What’s the cheapest eSIM for Indonesia?

Jetpac offers the cheapest eSIMs for Indonesia at the moment, with plans starting at as little as US $1 for 1GB. They have great customer service and are overall highly recommended if you’re looking for the best value for money.

Where can you buy an eSIM for Bali?

You can purchase your eSIM online before you depart on your trip. Since most eSIMs are sent out via email in only a few hours or less and are valid for up to a year, you can decide for yourself how far in advance you want to purchase a card.

ESIM cards from local network providers like Telkomsel are only available in-store, unfortunately, so they’re far less convenient.

Does an eSIM for Bali have a phone number?

The majority of eSIMS do not have a phone number attached to them as they are purely designed for data use. You will not be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages during your time in Indonesia. For messaging apps like WhatsApp, you will keep your regular phone number.

Only Telkomsel eSIM cards come with a local phone number, so consider getting one of these instead if you need to make local calls.

Best eSIM & Physical SIM For Bali

Did you know you can get the best SIM card for tourists delivered to your hotel in Bali at no extra charge? Or get an eSIM, so you’ll be connected from day one.

Can I keep my phone number with an eSIM for Bali?

Whenever you purchase and activate an eSIM, you’re keeping your own phone number and will still be able to receive calls or texts from that. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely be charged roaming charges from your home provider. You can still use WhatsApp with your usual phone number without any issues.

Most eSIMs do not come with a phone number and will not replace your old phone number during your time in Indonesia.

Best eSIM for Bali FAQ

Does Bali support eSIMs?

Yes, you can get eSIMs for Bali from multiple different providers.

Which eSIM is best for Indonesia?

We recommend Jetpac if you’re looking for an eSIM for Indonesia to get the best value for money.

Bali guide your travel blog

Before you go…

Now that you know all about the best eSIM for Bali and Indonesia, it’s time to start planning the rest of your trip. Check out these travel guides for popular places like Kuta in Lombok, Komodo National Park, and Yogyakarta.

If you’re headed to Bali, check out these popular group tours, the best ocean-front hotels in Uluwatu, or our favourite romantic restaurants.

You might also like our articles about swimming with turtles in Gili T, planting coral, or urban exploring.

Don’t forget to check out our review of the best SIM for Europe.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.

My Most Important Travel Resources

  • Insurance – Safetywing
  • Hotels – Agoda or Booking
  • Hostels – Hostelworld
  • eSIM – Jetpac
  • Flights – Skyscanner
  • Tours & Experiences – Viator & Get Your Guide
  • Transport in Asia – 12Go Asia
  • Rental Cars – Discover Cars
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
Picture of Victoria Heinz

Victoria Heinz

Victoria is the founder of Guide Your Travel and has been a travel writer for ten years. She has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics and is a managing partner at a marketing agency in Indonesia, giving her unique insight into local culture and customs. Originally from Germany, Victoria has been living abroad for eight years in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, she calls Bali her permanent home and helps over 200,000 people plan their trips around the world every month.

Welcome to Guide your Travel!

Hi! I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany and the author of Guide your Travel. I write about my favourite destinations in Europe, South East Asia and digital nomad life in Bali.

Click the icons below to follow us on social media

Join the family!

Enter your email below for our weekly newsletter and up-to-date news in Bali

Komodo things to do guide your travel
save money Indonesia budget guide Guide your Travel

3 thoughts on “Best eSIM Card For Bali & Indonesia”

  1. Hi, thank you for the best information I’ve found about eSim plans for Bali. I like the idea of using Jetpac Global (even though I see it hasn’t even been rated in the Playstore yet). My question is, if I buy the cheapest plan 1G, it only has 4 days, can this be extended by topping up every 4 days? Or am I better off getting a 30 day plan even though the holiday will be 16 days? I am planning on using hotel WiFi most of the time, only turning on my mobile data when I leave the hotel so I can use it for messaging and transport, google maps etc. Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.
    I will add that I have used Airlo earlier this year in Malaysia and it worked well, but they are more expensive for Indonesia, as you said.

    1. Hi Corrinne,

      Thank you for reading our post! As far as my experience goes, you will have to purchase a new eSIM every four days if you go for the 1GB plan. You can definitely do that, but of course the 30-day plan will be more convenient. I use a lot of internet and 1 GB is definitely gone very fast for me, but if you’ll mostly be connected via WiFi it should be fine I think.

      Hope that helps!
      Victoria

      1. Hi Victoria, thank you for answering me. So very helpful. I’m thinking the 5G for 30 days will be a good start and I can top up if I run out of data.
        Just one more question please. Is my information safe and secure with Jetpac? Do you use them yourself? Thank you for taking the time to write one of the best articles on the subject. Extremely helpful. Regards, Corrinne

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I'm Victoria

Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.

I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.

I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.

Instagram

Work with me!

Popular Posts

View Posts By Countries

Explore my favorite places by clicking one of the countries below

Scroll to Top

Weekly Bali News

Includes up-to-date information on:

➼ Happy hours and food discounts
➼ Nightlife guide for each day of the week
➼ Hotel deals and unique stays
➼ General Bali news and updates
➼ and much more 

Join our newsletter here for discounts and hot deals!