Staying connected during your Bali vacation is easy with a local SIM card. Whether you need to check your emails, navigate the island, or share your adventures on social media, a prepaid SIM card offers affordable and reliable internet access. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Bali, including where to find them, which providers to choose, and how much they cost.
In this article
Yes, getting a Bali SIM card is highly recommended for tourists.
A local SIM card provides reliable internet access, affordable communication, and the ability to use essential services like ride-hailing apps and navigation.
A Bali SIM card offers several benefits:
By investing in a Bali SIM card, you can enhance your travel experience and ensure a smooth and connected journey.
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card in Bali at various locations, including Ngurah Rai International Airport, official provider stores, convenience stores, and electronics shops.
As soon as you clear customs, you’ll find the telecom provider kiosks conveniently located in the arrival hall of the airport. They are usually situated near the baggage claim area with some providers such as: Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat.
Opening hours:
The kiosks at the airport typically operate from early morning to late night, aligning with the airport’s operating hours. However, it’s advisable to check the specific opening hours of each provider’s kiosk, as they may vary slightly.
Prices and plans:
Prices for SIM cards and data plans can vary, so it’s recommended to compare offers from different providers. However, generally, you can expect to pay around IDR 50,000 to IDR 200,000 for a SIM card and a basic data plan.
Activation process:
The activation process is usually straightforward. You’ll need to provide your passport and purchase the desired SIM card and data plan. The staff at the kiosk will assist you with the activation process, which typically involves inserting the SIM card into your phone and following a few simple steps.
Language:
The staff at the airport kiosks are generally fluent in English, making it easy to communicate your needs and ask any questions you may have.
By purchasing a SIM card at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you can ensure connectivity throughout your Bali adventure.
To ensure you get the best deal and personalized assistance when purchasing a SIM card in Bali, consider visiting an official provider store. These stores, located in popular tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar, offer a wide range of plans from major providers such as Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat Ooredoo, and Smartfren.
You can find these stores in shopping malls, convenience stores, and dedicated telecommunications centers. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right plan based on your specific needs, activate your SIM card, and answer any questions you may have.
For a quick and easy way to stay connected during your Bali trip, consider purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local convenience store like Indomaret or Alfamart. These stores are widely available throughout the island, especially in popular tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar.
You can typically find SIM cards from major providers such as Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Smartfren, often bundled with affordable data packages. The process of purchasing and activating a SIM card is usually straightforward.
While convenience stores offer a convenient option, it’s important to note that they may have a more limited selection of plans compared to official provider stores, especially for long-term stays.
Tips for Purchasing a SIM Card at a Convenience Store:
Tourists can buy SIM cards electronic stores in Bali
To purchase a SIM card in Bali, you’ll need your passport. For stays under 90 days, a tourist SIM card is sufficient. However, for longer stays, you’ll need to register your phone’s IMEI number with customs. Ensure your phone is unlocked, and if you prefer an eSIM, check your device’s compatibility.
If you opt for home delivery, be prepared to provide additional information to the SIM provider. Activating your SIM card typically involves sending a photo of your passport, a selfie with your passport, your phone model, and the IMEI number.
Bali offers a variety of SIM card options from major providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat, Smartfren, and Tri Indonesia.
Good to know: $1 USD = 15,500 IDR; 10,000 IDR = $0.65 USD(as of January 2024)
Telkomsel is Indonesia’s largest mobile network provider, offering reliable and fast internet coverage across Bali, including remote areas like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. For travelers, Telkomsel provides a convenient Bali Tourist SIM card, priced around IDR 150,000 (approximately $9.68 USD). This SIM card offers 25GB of data and 25 minutes of calls.
You can purchase this SIM card online or at a Telkomsel GraPARI store. However, remember to bring your passport and IMEI number for activation. While Telkomsel might be slightly more expensive than other providers, its strong network and extensive coverage make it a popular choice for many travelers.
XL Axiata is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers in Bali. They offer a variety of prepaid SIM card plans with competitive prices and reliable coverage, especially in popular tourist areas.
Popular XL Axiata Prepaid Plans:
XL Axiata offers a range of prepaid plans, including the Xtra Combo Flex series. These plans provide generous data allowances and are valid for 30 days. Here are some of the popular options:
By choosing XL Axiata, you can enjoy affordable internet access and stay connected throughout your Bali trip.
IM3 is a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers in Bali, offering affordable data plans. While it may not have the same extensive coverage as Telkomsel, especially in rural areas, IM3 is a good option for those who will primarily be in urban areas or relying on Wi-Fi.
Popular IM3 Prepaid Plans:
Smartfren is a good choice for budget-minded travelers, offering affordable data plans. It works well in popular tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. However, coverage might be weaker in more remote parts of Bali.
Smartfren offers various prepaid SIM card plans, including daily, weekly, and monthly options. Smartfren offers a range of prepaid SIM card data plans, including Daily Unlimited options that provide a set amount of data per day, ranging from 700 MB to 4 GB, with validity periods from 1 to 30 days. It also offers Unlimited Nonstop plans, which allow continued access after the main data quota is used, as well as large data quota plans that range up to 500 GB.
Before purchasing a Smartfren SIM card, consider your travel plans and ensure that their coverage is sufficient for your needs.
Tri Indonesia offers affordable prepaid SIM cards, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. Their plans include data, calls, and SMS, providing everything you need to stay connected during your Bali trip.
Tri Indonesia’s AlwaysOn Data packages are perfect for travelers exploring Bali. These plans offer various data sizes, up to 40GB, valid for 30 days.
While Tri Indonesia offers affordable plans, their website may not be very user-friendly for English speakers. It’s recommended to do some research beforehand or ask a local for assistance.
SIM cards in Bali are relatively affordable, typically costing between IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000 (approximately $3 to $10 USD). The exact price depends on the chosen provider and data package.
For a simple and affordable way to stay connected during your trip to Indonesia, consider purchasing a prepaid eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be activated on your phone without needing a physical SIM card.
With an Indonesia eSIM, you can enjoy reliable, high-speed internet from major providers like Telkomsel, Indosat, and XL Axiata. These plans are often cheaper than traditional roaming plans and offer flexible data packages to suit your needs.
To activate your eSIM, you simply need to follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider. It’s a quick and easy process that can be done from anywhere, even while you’re on your trip.
Indonesia SIM cards from Gigago
Can I buy a data-only SIM card for Bali?
Yes, you can purchase unlimited data SIM cards from local providers like Smartfren and Tri Indonesia. However, be aware that these plans often have fair usage policies (FUP), which may limit your high-speed data after a certain usage threshold.
Is an eSIM or a physical SIM card better for Bali travel?
Both eSIMs and physical SIM cards are viable options for staying connected in Bali.
The best choice depends on your personal preferences and device compatibility.
Do you need an international SIM card for Bali?
No, you don’t need an international SIM card to stay connected in Bali. Local SIM cards from providers like Tri, Telkomsel, and XL Axiata offer affordable data plans and reliable coverage.
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