How to Get a Local eSIM When Travelling in Indonesia and Bali -

Indonesia, and especially Bali, has become a digital nomad and adventure travel hub. Reliable, affordable mobile data is almost as essential as a good pair of hiking shoes. Whether you’re navigating jungle roads, booking last‑minute ferries, or sharing sunrise shots from Mount Batur, having a local eSIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a local eSIM for Indonesia and Bali: how it works, when to buy, what you’ll need, costs, coverage, and practical tips. It’s written for independent travellers who want a smooth, hassle‑free setup so they can focus on exploring.

Also Read: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Bathtub

What Is an eSIM and Why Use One in Indonesia?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lives inside your phone. Instead of buying a plastic SIM card and swapping it into your phone, you simply scan a QR code or enter an activation code to download a mobile plan.

Using an eSIM in Indonesia has several advantages:

No physical swapping – Keep your home SIM in the phone and add a local data plan digitally.
Instant activation – Many providers let you activate your eSIM within minutes, without visiting a shop.
Keep your home number – Stay reachable on your usual number for banking codes, 2FA, or family.
Better local rates – Local Indonesian data prices are usually far cheaper than roaming.
Flexibility – Add, pause, or switch plans without hunting for a physical SIM kiosk.

If your phone supports eSIM, this is usually the best balance of price, convenience, and reliability when travelling around Indonesia and Bali.

Check If Your Phone Supports eSIM Before You Travel

Before planning anything else, make sure your device can actually use eSIMs.

Most recent smartphones from Apple, Google, Samsung, and other major brands support eSIM, but not all models sold in every country do. Check:

On iPhone: Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add eSIM. If you see this option, your phone is eSIM‑ready.
On Android (general): Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs or eSIM. Look for an option to “Add eSIM” or “Download SIM”.

Also verify that your phone is unlocked. A network‑locked device may not allow you to use overseas eSIM plans. Contact your home carrier if you’re not sure.

If your phone does not support eSIM, you can still easily use a physical Indonesian SIM card—most of the information in this article (coverage, plans, and providers) will still apply.

Indonesia’s Mobile Network Overview

Indonesia is a huge archipelago, and coverage can vary significantly between big cities, smaller islands, and remote trekking areas.

The main operators include:

Telkomsel – The broadest coverage, including many rural areas and outer islands; usually the most reliable choice for travellers.
XL Axiata – Strong coverage in cities and popular tourist areas; often very competitive on data packages.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison – Good in major urban centres and tourist spots; plenty of data‑heavy bundles.

In Bali, most major tourist areas (Canggu, Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Dua) have strong 4G/5G coverage. More remote areas—like rural North Bali, parts of Nusa Penida, or small islands off Lombok and Flores—can be patchy. For treks, surf missions, and long‑distance scooter rides, Telkomsel is often the most reliable, but XL and Indosat can work well too.

When to Buy: Before You Arrive vs On Arrival

You have two main options for getting your Indonesian eSIM:

Buy and set up your eSIM before you land
Buy and activate it after you arrive in Indonesia

Each has pros and cons.

Buying an eSIM Before You Arrive

Pros:

You have data the moment you land for maps, ride‑hailing (Grab, Gojek), and messaging.
No need to queue at airport kiosks or search for a local shop.
You can test that the eSIM downloads correctly while you still have your home network.

Cons:

You may pay slightly more per GB compared to local‑only packages.
Some plans start counting validity from the activation date, so don’t activate too early.

This option is ideal if you’re arriving late at night, going straight to more remote areas, or just want a stress‑free landing.

Buying an eSIM (or SIM) After You Arrive

Pros:

Access to fully local plans, which can be very cheap for large data bundles.
Staff at reputable shops can help with installation if you’re not tech‑comfortable.

Cons:

Airport kiosks can be more expensive and sometimes push tourist plans.
You might spend extra time setting everything up before you can get online.

This option works well if you’re comfortable navigating without data for a bit or if you’re staying in Bali for a longer period and want to fine‑tune your plan in person.

Where to Get a Local Indonesian eSIM

There are three typical ways to get a local eSIM for Indonesia and Bali:

Directly from local mobile operators (via supported eSIM plans)
Through third‑party eSIM providers that partner with Indonesian networks
Through travel‑focused SIM/eSIM resellers who specialise in Indonesia and Bali

1. Direct from Local Operators

Some Indonesian mobile networks have started offering eSIMs on certain plans and in selected stores or via online portals. Availability can depend on your device and where you’re buying.

Pros:

Local‑grade pricing and promotions.
Direct support from the network itself.

Cons:

Staff may not always be familiar with eSIM setup for foreign travellers.
Websites and apps may be partly or mostly in Bahasa Indonesia.
You might need an Indonesian ID (KTP) for certain post‑paid or advanced services; prepaid travel eSIMs are usually easier.

If you’re comfortable navigating local language interfaces or you’re staying long‑term, going direct can be cost‑effective.

2. International eSIM Marketplaces

Many global eSIM brands sell Indonesia‑specific or Asia‑regional data packs that work instantly via QR code.

Pros:

Very easy setup and clear instructions in English.
You can buy and install before flying.
Good for short‑term trips and simple needs.

Cons:

Usually pricier per GB than a truly local plan.
Some packages might use partner roaming agreements and not always the fastest local network available.

These are a solid option if you prioritise convenience over chasing the lowest price.

3. Indonesia‑ and Bali‑Focused SIM/eSIM Specialists

There is a growing group of providers focused specifically on Indonesia and Bali travel, offering both eSIMs and physical SIM cards.

Pros:

Tailored plans for visitors to Bali and wider Indonesia.
Clear English‑language support, often with WhatsApp or email help.
Local insight on which networks and packages perform best in specific regions.

Cons:

A bit more niche—availability varies by season and demand.

For travellers who want a “set it and forget it” solution with good local value, these specialists often hit the sweet spot between price and ease of use.

Typical Costs and Data Allowances

Prices fluctuate, but Indonesia remains relatively budget‑friendly for mobile data.

For short‑ to medium‑term travellers, you can expect roughly:

5–10 GB for 7–15 days – Good for basic maps, messaging, emails, light social media.
15–30 GB for 15–30 days – Better for hotspot use, remote work, and frequent video calling.
Unlimited or high‑cap plans – Useful if you’re streaming, uploading lots of content, or working full‑time online.

Compared to roaming packages from many home carriers, even generous Indonesian data bundles are often significantly cheaper.

How to Set Up an Indonesian eSIM Step by Step

The exact steps vary slightly by phone, but here’s the general flow.

Step 1: Purchase Your Plan

Choose a provider (local operator, marketplace, or Bali/Indonesia specialist).
Select your data amount and validity period based on your trip.
Complete the purchase; you’ll receive a QR code or activation code via email or on a website page.

Step 2: Make Sure You Have Wi‑Fi

You usually need an internet connection to download the eSIM profile. At home, use your home Wi‑Fi. On arrival, use airport Wi‑Fi, hotel Wi‑Fi, or tether from a travel companion.

Step 3: Add the eSIM to Your Phone

On iPhone (general steps):

Go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular).
Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan.
Choose Use QR Code and scan the QR provided.
Follow on‑screen prompts until the plan is installed.

On Android (general steps):

Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs or similar.
Tap + or Add eSIM.
Select Use QR code and scan the QR.
Confirm installation and wait for the setup to complete.

If your provider gives you a numeric activation code instead of a QR, there should be an option like Enter details manually where you can paste in those settings.

Step 4: Set Data Preferences

Once the eSIM is installed, configure how your phone uses it:

Set the Indonesian eSIM as your primary data line.
Keep your home SIM for calls/SMS only (or disable its data entirely to avoid roaming fees).
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM profile if your provider requires it (many do).

Then toggle mobile data off and on to help the phone register on the local network. Within a minute or two, you should see a local carrier name and a 4G/5G symbol.

Step 5: Test Everything

Open a web page or map app to confirm data is working.
Send a quick message on WhatsApp or your preferred chat app.
If speeds feel slow, try a quick restart of your phone or check if you’re in a low‑signal area.

Using Your eSIM While Travelling Around Indonesia

A few practical tips once you’re up and running:

Use offline maps as backup – Download regions in Google Maps for offline use in case you lose coverage in mountains, jungles, or on ferries.
Monitor data usage – In your phone settings, reset your data counter at the start of the trip and check occasionally, especially if you hotspot your laptop.
Keep some credit/payment option handy – Topping up or extending validity is often possible online.
Wi‑Fi is common but variable – Cafés and homestays usually have Wi‑Fi, but speeds and stability can fluctuate; your eSIM is your most reliable backup for calls, navigation, and bookings.

For multi‑island itineraries (Java → Bali → Lombok → Flores, for example), choose providers and plans that are known to roam or work well across multiple islands.

eSIM vs Physical SIM in Indonesia

Both eSIMs and physical SIM cards work well in Indonesia. Which is better for you depends on your device and style of travel.

Choose an eSIM if:

Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
You want data active immediately on landing in Bali or Jakarta.
You prefer not to deal with tiny SIM tools and physical cards.
You like the idea of keeping your home number active in the background.

Choose a physical SIM if:

Your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
You plan to stay long‑term and want the broadest range of local plans.
You’re comfortable visiting a shop or kiosk to set everything up.

Many travellers actually use both at different times—for example, starting with an eSIM for instant connectivity, then switching or supplementing with a local physical SIM once settled in.

Final Tips for a Smooth Experience

Check compatibility early – Confirm eSIM support and unlock status before leaving home.
Keep a copy of your QR code – Save it in your email and in a secure cloud folder in case you need to reinstall.
Don’t delete an eSIM mid‑trip – Removing the profile can make it hard or impossible to restore without support.
Have a backup plan – In very remote areas, don’t rely solely on mobile data for navigation or safety.

With a little preparation, getting a local eSIM for Indonesia and Bali is straightforward and makes a huge difference to how smoothly your trip runs—from ordering food delivery in Ubud to booking boat tickets between islands.

Recommended Provider: balisim.com

When it comes to combining good value, local expertise, and flexible options, one provider worth highlighting is balisim.

They specialise in serving visitors to Bali and wider Indonesia providing both eSIMs and physical SIM card solutions, offering clear, English‑language support and plans tailored to how travellers actually use their phones—heavy data for maps and social media, stable connectivity for remote work, and reliable coverage for multi‑island itineraries. If you’re looking for an easy, cost‑effective way to get connected before or right after you land, balisim is one of the best value options to consider for your Indonesian adventure.