Getting a Bali SIM card as a tourist is often one of the first things visitors arrange upon arrival, and for good reason! Staying connected easily and affordably makes exploring the island, using helpful apps, sharing moments with loved ones back home, and accessing information much simpler. While free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes, having your own mobile data provides crucial connectivity on the go.
Navigating the options – local physical SIM, eSIM, roaming – and understanding the registration process can seem a bit confusing at first. Don’t worry! As your friendly guides here at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you choose the best option for your needs and get set up smoothly for your Bali adventure.
Why You Should Choose a Local Connection Over Roaming
While using your home mobile plan via international roaming is possible, opting for a local Indonesian SIM card (physical or eSIM) often offers significant advantages for most visitors:
-
Cost-Effectiveness: International roaming charges, especially for data, can be extremely expensive from many home countries. Local Indonesian prepaid data packages are generally affordable, offering large amounts of data at a fraction of the cost.
-
Generous Data Allowances: Tourist packages often come with substantial data quotas (20GB or more for 30 days), allowing you to use maps, social media, video calls, and apps freely without constantly worrying about exceeding expensive limits.
-
Better Speeds: Local networks generally offer better and more stable data speeds compared to roaming via partner networks.
-
Local Phone Number: Having an Indonesian phone number can be handy for local bookings (some tours or restaurants may ask for one) and essential for fully verifying and using apps like Gojek or Grab.
Your Connectivity Options in Bali
You have several ways to stay connected while in Bali. Let’s take a look at your choices:
-
Local Physical SIM Card: This is the traditional option. You purchase a small plastic SIM card from a local provider and insert it into your phone (replacing your home SIM card). Your phone must be ‘unlocked’ (not restricted to your home carrier) to accept a foreign SIM.
-
eSIM (Embedded SIM): This newer technology downloads a digital SIM profile directly onto your phone. There’s no physical card swapping needed. It’s convenient, environmentally friendly, and allows you to keep your home SIM active for calls or texts if needed (on dual-SIM phones). However, your phone must support eSIM technology.
-
International Roaming: Using your existing SIM card from home is an option. It’s the most convenient, but often much more expensive for data than local options. Be sure to check your provider’s international roaming rates before you travel.
-
Pocket Wi-Fi Device: These devices create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot using a local SIM card inside. They can connect multiple devices, which is ideal for groups, but can sometimes be more expensive than a SIM card.
Meet the Major Providers in Bali
There are three main mobile network providers you’ll encounter in Bali:
-
Telkomsel: Known for the widest and most reliable network coverage across Indonesia, especially in remote areas like Nusa Penida. They offer specific “Tourist Prepaid Card” deals.
-
XL Axiata: Strong coverage in popular tourist areas like South Bali and Ubud. XL frequently offers competitive pricing and data allowances.
-
Indosat Ooredoo (IM3): A solid provider with good coverage in populated areas and attractive pricing for data packages, including specific tourist options.
If you’re mostly staying in tourist areas like Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, any of these providers should work well for you. If you plan to travel to more remote areas, Telkomsel might be a better choice.
Tourist SIM Packages & Costs
SIM card package prices can change quickly, so here’s a rough guide to what you can expect:
-
Typical Tourist Offers: Most providers offer tourist SIM packages with a decent data allowance (15GB-50GB) valid for 30 days. Some packages also include a few local call minutes.
-
Example (Telkomsel): The “Tourist Prepaid Card” usually costs around IDR 150,000 ($10 USD) and offers roughly 25GB of data for 30 days.
-
General Price Range: For a 30-day package with 20GB-35GB of data, expect to pay around IDR 100,000-200,000 ($7-13 USD).
Note: Prices vary by provider, and packages change frequently. Always check the current offers at the point of purchase.
Where to Get Your SIM or eSIM in Bali
You can obtain your local SIM or activate your eSIM in several places:
-
Airport Kiosks: Located in the arrivals hall at Ngurah Rai Airport. These are very convenient but might be slightly more expensive than elsewhere.
-
Official Provider Stores: Available in major towns and shopping malls, these stores often offer the best prices and packages.
-
Smaller Shops: These can be found everywhere. However, be sure they correctly register your passport information, as unregistered SIMs might stop working.
If you prefer the convenience of eSIM, you can either purchase one from international providers like Airalo or Holafly before your trip, or from local providers like Telkomsel or Indosat once you’re in Bali.
The Registration Process
When purchasing a SIM card (physical or eSIM), you’ll need to complete two types of registration:
-
Passport Registration: This is required for all local SIMs. The seller will scan or take a photo of your passport. Make sure this is done to ensure the SIM activates.
-
IMEI Registration: If you’re staying in Indonesia for more than 90 days, you’ll need to register your phone’s IMEI number with Customs. However, for most tourists with official tourist SIM packages (less than 90 days), the passport registration is sufficient.
Conclusion: Stay Connected with Ease
Staying connected during your Bali trip is easy with the right approach. A local Tourist SIM card or eSIM typically offers the best value and data allowances. Remember to purchase from reputable sources and ensure proper registration. For most tourists, the passport registration will be enough to ensure your SIM works smoothly.
At Merusaka Nusa Dua, we also offer reliable Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected while enjoying our resort. If you need assistance with getting connected during your stay, our friendly concierge team is always available to help.
Enjoy your Bali adventure and share your experiences with friends and family back home!
