How I Got a SIM Card in Bali (2025)
When we landed in Bali, having some data to get us to our hotel and find restaurants was a must.
To start off, we opted for a small 1GB plan with Ubigi (use my code 1WL27APU to get 20% off your first order**!), which worked perfectly for the first day. We use Ubigi for our trips to the US, Japan, etc., and we generally find that their plans work really well and is super convenient after you sign up and get the app.
Here’s a breakdown of how we chose our data plan and what worked best for us during our stay.
Why We Didn’t Choose Maya Mobile or Airalo
Both Maya Mobile and Airalo are popular options according to Reddit, but we realized they simply use local providers, and their bigger data packages were more expensive than what we could get locally. If you’re looking for a small data plan or only staying for a short time, these options could work, but for larger data needs, we found better value by going local.
Why We Didn’t Buy at the Airport
We skipped buying a SIM or eSIM at the airport. The packages weren’t great for larger data plans, but they could work if you need something quick and temporary. However, for a longer stay or if you need more data, there are better deals outside the airport.
SIM vs eSIM
Here’s why you might opt for an eSIM over a physical SIM:
- eSIM: No need to physically insert a SIM, so there’s no worry about keeping your local SIM card safe. If your phone supports eSIM, it’s a great option—though eSIM tends to be slightly more expensive (~50K IDR more).
- SIM: Physical SIM cards are slightly cheaper, and there are plenty of local stands to choose from in Bali.
Best Provider: Telkomsel
After some research, it became clear that Telkomsel is the best provider in Bali and across Indonesia. I found the pricing at Telkomsel stands varies by around 50K IDR depending on the location, but you’ll see plenty of them around.
The Process of Getting an eSIM
Here’s how I got my data plan at a Telkomsel stand:
- Pick the Plan: I chose a 60GB data-only + hotspot plan (good for Bali) for 320K IDR. There are plans that cover all of Indonesia and plans that include phone calls too.
- Scan the QR Code: In your phone’s settings, activate eSIM and scan the QR code provided by the Telkomsel agent.
- Provide Your Passport: They need your passport to register the eSIM in their system.
- Photo for Registration: They’ll take a picture of you with your passport and the QR code for verification.
- Wait for Activation: After registering, you’ll either wait for up to 20 minutes for activation or they’ll tell you to turn on airplane mode in 20 minutes to restart the connection.
- Voila, You Have Data!
Final Tips
Both my fiancé and I went to two different Telkomsel stands, and the process was the same at both locations. Just make sure to bring exact cash and your passport to speed things up.
** This is an affiliate link. You’ll get 20% off your purchase, and I’ll receive a discount code too if you sign up using my link. It’s a great way to support the blog, and I appreciate your help!
