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Internet in Bali: What’s the best way to stay connected?
Using an eSIM or a travel SIM card are the best ways to stay connected in Bali, with other options only viable for very specific users.
Not having mobile internet in Bali is a bit like leaving your glasses at home when you go out. You can kind of find your way around, but you’re never really sure where you are or what you’re looking at.
Mobile internet gives you non-stop access to apps like Google Maps for navigation or Google Translate to communicate with the locals. In other words, it gives you peace of mind and complete freedom whenever you visit Bali.
Follow along for a detailed look at some of the best options for staying connected in the tourist hotspot of Indonesia.
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eSIM cards
If you’re looking for an affordable and convenient way to stay connected, using an eSIM might be your best bet. It’s cheaper than pretty much any other option, and it’s completely digital, which means you won’t need to visit any customer centres or look for a stand at the airport. You can simply buy, set up, and activate your eSIM online within minutes.
You do need an eSIM-compatible device to use it. That said, it shouldn’t be an issue, as most modern phones support eSIM technology. Other than that, you simply need to choose an eSIM provider for Bali that suits your needs and enjoy having good internet connection wherever you go.
Holafly eSIM for Bali
The Holafly eSIM for Bali makes internet connection in Indonesia a breeze. All plans include unlimited mobile data, so you won’t have to worry about picking from a long list of different internet packages. Simply choose a plan duration that suits your needs and enjoy non-stop internet access.
The Bali plan includes coverage in all of Indonesia and works on three of the largest mobile networks on the island — Telkomsel, Indosat, and Excelcom. Your eSIM will automatically connect to the network with the best coverage in your area, ensuring the best internet speed in Bali at all times.
When it comes to coverage, 5G is only really available around Denpasar and Kuta. That said, 4G is widespread all around major motorways on the island, so the connection is pretty solid overall unless you get into the really remote areas.
The Holafly eSIM allows up to 500 MB of data sharing daily. This means that you can turn your phone into a mobile hotspot and share internet access with your travel mates or to other devices.
The plan choices range from 5 to 90 days, with options covering both short and extended stays in the region.
- 5 days of unlimited data for $20.90
- 10 days of unlimited data for $36.90
- 15 days of unlimited data for $50.90
- 20 days of unlimited data for $61.90
- 30 days of unlimited data for $74.90
- 60 days of unlimited data for $106.90
- 90 days of unlimited data for $138.90
Advantages of using Holafly in Bali
- Quick delivery and activation. You’ll receive a QR code in your email as soon as you buy your eSIM. Scan it and follow the prompts to activate your eSIM in just a couple of minutes.
- Flexible plan choices. With plans ranging from 1 to 90 days, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
- Data sharing. Share up to 500 MB of data daily to keep multiple devices connected at once.
- Best coverage. Holafly’s network includes three of the biggest mobile internet providers in Indonesia, ensuring that you always have the best coverage possible.
- Keep your regular card. An eSIM doesn’t take up a SIM card slot, so you can keep your regular card in and use your regular phone number on WhatsApp throughout your stay.
- 24/7 customer support. Holafly has 24/7 live chat support in multiple languages, so you can get help and answers to your questions at any time of day.
Disadvantages of using Holafly in Bali
- No local phone number. Holafly plans only offer mobile data and don’t include a local phone number for calls or messages. That said, you don’t lose your WhatsApp phone number, so you can stay in touch with your friends using mobile internet from the eSIM.
- Only works on compatible devices. Just like any eSIM, Holafly only works on devices that support eSIM technology.
Travel SIM card for Bali
If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, you can opt for the ol’ reliable travel SIM card for Bali. You should be able to find them in dedicated stands at the airport, as well as many corner shops or larger stores around the island.
Local providers such as Telkomsel or Indosat offer prepaid SIM cards, though there are also international options from providers such as SimCorner Maya Mobile.
Typically, you’ll have a few data package options, so you can pick up one that you think should cover your trip. That said, most travel SIM cards only offer limited data plans, so you’ll have to monitor your data usage to make sure you don’t lose connection.
If you don’t have a dual SIM phone, you’ll have to remove your primary SIM card and replace it with the physical travel SIM. This means that you won’t be able to use your regular number, which means your WhatsApp may not function properly and you won’t be able to receive or make calls if needed.
Local SIM card for Bali
Getting a local SIM card in Bali can be a good option if you’re a digital nomad in Indonesia and plan to stay for a while. The biggest issue with such cards is that they require long-term commitment, which can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.
On the plus side, the plans are fairly affordable and all include a local phone number, as well as call minutes and SMS messages. You can typically choose from a decent list of data packages, ranging from as little as 1 GB/month up to unlimited data.
Here are a few good options to consider if you decide to go with a local SIM:
- Telkomsel — The most popular provider in Indonesia that also has the largest coverage area in the island. If you plan on visiting many remote areas, Telkomsel will provide the best chances of not losing connection.
- Indosat — Known for offering plenty of features and flexible plan choices, Indosat also has solid coverage throughout Bali.
- Tri Indonesia — Tri has a smaller field of coverage throughout Indonesia, but it’s a good choice for those on a tight budget as it offers some of the cheapest plans in the island.
If you don’t want to commit to a long-term contract but still want to enjoy the coverage provided by Indonesia’s top providers, you can simply use an eSIM from Holafly. Not only does Holafly’s eSIM for Bali work on the vast Telkomsel network, it also incorporates Indosat and Excelcom into the mix wherever their coverage works best.
Paying for data roaming in Bali
Don’t want to spend time looking for another service or card to buy? You can use the international roaming possibilities with your current cellular provider, but keep in mind that it’s usually the most expensive option available.
Many providers offer international roaming plans for an extra fee onto your monthly payment. Others provide the option to buy a prepaid data plan for Indonesia before your trip. Both of these are much better choices than enabling data roaming without a plan, as the costs for that can be astronomical. Let’s take a look at some examples.
| Operator | Roaming price |
| Verizon | $2.05 (AUD$3.10)/MB |
| Telstra | $2.70 (AUD$4.10)/MB |
| O2 | $9.30 (AUD$13.80)/MB |
If you take a quick peek at our app data usage research, you’ll see that a 5-minute DuoLingo session can cost you up to $640 (AUD$973) with data roaming turned on. Not a price you’d want to pay just to learn how to order a meal in Indonesian.
Pocket WiFi Bali
Pocket WiFi rentals used to be one of the most popular connection options back before eSIMs took over. Despite a shift to more convenience and affordable options, it’s still a viable option for larger groups of travellers as it allows you to keep multiple devices connected at all times.
It’s more expensive than an eSIM or a travel SIM card if used by one or two people, but can be cheaper if you split the costs in a group.
Expect to pay around $70/week for the rental itself, but keep in mind that there are extra costs attached to using a pocket WiFi. First of all, you’ll have to pay for the delivery and return of the actual device. Second, insurance, although optional, can be quite expensive. Third, you’ll have to pay a fine of up to $250 if you damage or lose the device.
Unless you need to share WiFi connection to multiple devices at all times, other options will be more convenient. For example, the Holafly eSIM for Bali allows up to 500 MB of data sharing daily, so you can turn your own phone into a mobile hotspot for a limited amount of time every day.
Free WiFi
In general, free WiFi should only be your last resort for connecting to the internet. You won’t have free WiFi access on the go and will only be able to use it at a select few restaurants, coffee shops, or hotels that do offer this option.
It’s popular amongst digital nomads who gather in cafes or form their own coworking spaces. Free WiFi is definitely convenient if you need to sit down and do some work, but if you want to explore Bali, you’ll lose connection as soon as you get off your seat, which is not perfect for travellers.
Internet in Bali: Overview
Still haven’t made up your mind on which internet option you’re going to go with for your trip to Bali? Let’s take a side-by-side look at what they have to offer and help you make your choice before you pack your bags for Bali.
| Characteristics | eSIM cards | Travel SIM | Local SIM | Roaming | Pocket WiFi | Free WiFi |
| Easily accessible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Good coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Unlimited data | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Additional costs | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Data sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Easy to use and install | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
Which internet option should you choose?
As it stands, using an eSIM is the best way to stay connected in Bali. It’s the cheapest and most convenient option out there, and the only one to offer 24/7 customer support in case you encounter any issues.
Pocket WiFi does offer a solid alternative for bigger groups of travellers, while using a travel SIM card is a good option if you don’t have an eSIM compatible device. Data roaming is generally too expensive to even consider, while local SIMs require long-term commitment, something most travellers won’t want.
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I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
