Heading to Bali real soon? Before you go on your island getaway and grab your bucket of Bintangs, make sure you have everything on your Bali tourist checklist, including getting a SIM card for your trip!
Do I need a SIM card in Bali?
Stay connected even when you’re away from home. Photo by Uriel Mont on Pexels
For sure! While on vacay in Bali, staying connected is a must for booking scooters or taxis, staying in touch with mates, and searching for the location of your next stop. Not to mention all the pics you have to post while you’re on your trip.
Make your Bali holiday hassle-free by staying connected with either an eSim or a local prepaid Bali SIM card. SIM cards, wether electronic or the traditional physical one, are very affordable and reliable.
Getting a Bali SIM card is the most reliable and affordable way to access the internet anytime and anywhere on the island. Let's start with how to get eSims for your Bali trip then move on to the prepaid and physical ones.
Are there Bali eSIMs available?
Yes! An eSIM functions just like the traditional SIM card ust without needing to actually insert a physical one. Not needing a physical sim card means you don't need to swap sim cards (rejoice for those of us without a physical dual-sim compatible phone)!
Where and how to get your Bali eSim
You can easily get your eSim on your Klook app or the website. After purchase, here are the super simple steps to install it:
1. Find your purchased eSIM order under “My Orders”
2. Before your trip, install the eSIM by scanning a QR code provided in the booking details OR activate it directly on the Klook app.
3. When you arrive at your destination, head to your phone settings and switch to your eSIM. The eSIM is only activated after you connect to the local network.
The Klook eSIM is valid for your selected duration after activation on a 24-hour basis. For example, if you purchased a 3-day eSIM and activated it on 1 October at 9PM, it will be valid until 4 October 9PM.
Once activated, you can switch between different networks without needing to physically insert a new SIM card. This flexibility is great for frequent travelers or individuals who require multiple network options. If your phone isn't compatible with eSims and you're looking for the physical ones, here's where you can get them.
Where can you buy prepaid SIM cards in Bali?
For tourists in Bali, prepaid cards are also available at airports or in mobile phone shops along the main tourist streets or even small phone shops in non-touristy areas.
Klook Tip: You can book your Bali SIM card before your trip, so you won’t have to worry about it when you land! With Klook, you can easily pick up your SIM card at the International Arrival Hall of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport or have your SIM card delivered directly to your hotel in Bali.
Since both are reliable and hassle-free options, what's the difference between SIM card airport pick-up and SIM card hotel delivery in Bali?
Bali SIM card airport pick-up
If you want phone data as soon as you arrive in Bali then this option is for you.
When you arrive, you can easily pick up your SIM card at XL Axiata Booth at the International Arrival Hall of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport which is open 24 hours every day of the week for SIM card pick-ups.
The Indonesian Government requires some personal info as a requirement to activate SIM cards in Bali. If you're feeling confused, the friendly staff at XL Axiata will help you register and activate your SIM on the spot so that you'll be good to go before you even depart Bali Airport.
The only downside is that there might be a slight queue at the XL Axiata Booth for SIM card pick-ups.
Bali SIM hotel delivery
The other easy option is getting your SIM card for Bali delivered straight to your hotel on your day of choice. If you're thinking about delivery fees then this option is actually cheaper by up to 20%.
However, for SIM card hotel delivery, you'll need to submit extra personal details required by the Indonesian government to the SIM card operator at least one day before your delivery date. This information includes a photo of your passport, a photo of a selfie with your pass, phone type, and IMEI number and is needed to activate a tourist SIM card in Bali.
What is the best Physical SIM Card in Bali?
There are heaps of SIM card options in Bali, how would you know which Bali SIM card is best to buy for your trip?
Here are the three best SIM card options in Bali:
This is a travel SIM card from one of Indonesia's top mobile service providers with reliable wide network coverage in Bali.
Data package options: 8GB, 18GB, 25GB, 44GB, 65GB, 83GB
This is a travel SIM card from one of Indonesia's top mobile service providers with reliable wide network coverage in Bali.
Data package options: 16GB and 32GB
Telkomsel is the largest network provider in Indonesia. Telcomsel travel SIM covers the whole of Bali, Sumatera (including Aceh), Java, Lombok, Sumbawa, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua and is valid for 30 days.
Data package options: 7GB, 25GB, 35GB
Telkomsel is the largest network provider in Indonesia. Telcomsel travel SIM covers the whole of Bali, Sumatera (including Aceh), Java, Lombok, Sumbawa, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua and is valid for 30 days.
Data package options: 7GB, 18GB, 25GB, 35GB, 51GB, 70GB
Javamifi travel SIM cards provide coverage across all of Indonesia, not just Bali, so it is a great option if you're planning on travelling outside Bali and is valid for 30 days.
Data package options: 7GB, 18GB, 25GB, 51GB, 70GB
What are the most reliable mobile networks in Bali?
Give your mates back home FOMO instantly
We know there are a lot of mobile operators in Bali. Here’s the TL:DR on Bali’s most trustworthy SIM card providers:
- Telkomsel has the best coverage among the rest but is considered to be the most expensive SIM card. They even have a dedicated SIM card for Bali tourists called Wonderful Indonesia! Its signal works great in Nusa Penida and Lembongan areas, where WiFi isn’t as stable as expected.
- Getting a Smartfren SIM card is an excellent idea if you visit Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Badung during your trip.
- XL Axiata is perfect if you’re frequenting the Denpasar and Badung areas. It has limited internet coverage in Ubud.
- Indosat works best in the South Bali area.
How do I use an internet package with my Bali prepaid SIM card?
Be ready to post your Insta pics while on vacay! Credits: @iputuandrepratamaa
Using an internet package for your Bali SIM Card is easy with Klook. All you need to do is choose your mobile operator, and the mobile data packages are already predetermined for you.
If you’re buying your Bali SIM card from an airport booth or a mobile phone store, the local vendor will assist you in activating your SIM card. They could offer you a package similar to the ones above or ask how much money you want to top up as phone credit, or what they call PULSA in Bali, if you don’t want to opt for an internet plan or package.
Klook Tip: We recommend you opt for internet packages rather than PULSA! You might find yourself using Whatsapp, Facetime, or any other social media network to communicate, and these would use more internet data than emails or text messages.
Are there other ways to stay connected in Bali?
Yes, there are other ways to stay connected besides getting a Bali SIM card. You can always connect via your hotel’s WiFi. Restaurants and cafes also offer free WiFi—don’t expect super-fast internet, though, since you’ll be sharing access with other customers.
On a work-cation? There are also coworking spaces all over Bali, just like Zin Cafe in Canggu. This cafe on Nelayan Street is just a few steps away from the beach, so you can quickly chill after meetings and deadlines.
Written by: Elle David
🇮🇩 Bali Travel Essentials 🇮🇩
Top things to do in Bali
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Getting around
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