For a Bali road trip, your GPS needs to work the moment you leave the airport. Two options compete: an international eSIM set up before you leave, or a local SIM card (usually Telkomsel) bought on arrival. Both work well; the right one mainly depends on how long you stay and whether you need an Indonesian number.
The comparison
| 📲 International eSIM | 🇮🇩 Local SIM (Telkomsel…) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Before you leave, in a few minutes | On arrival: airport counter or shop, with your passport |
| Ready on landing | Yes, as soon as you land | After 20–40 minutes at the counter |
| Price (ballpark) | Slightly more expensive for the same data | Cheaper in town; airport "tourist" packs often cost more |
| Indonesian number | No: data only (calls via WhatsApp) | Yes, handy to receive a text or call a rental shop |
| Phone | eSIM-compatible and unlocked | Unlocked, with a free SIM slot |
| Your usual number | Stays active alongside | Replaced if your phone has only one slot |
Good to know: an international eSIM runs on Indonesian mobile networks. Coverage is good in the south and around Ubud, but signal can drop in the mountains whatever you choose: always download the offline map.
When to choose an eSIM
- You're going for a few days to around three weeks.
- You want GPS and WhatsApp from landing, without queuing.
- You keep your home number active for banking and verification codes.
- Your phone is recent (most recent iPhones and Android phones support eSIM).
When to choose a local SIM
- You're staying a long time and use a lot of data.
- You need an Indonesian number (rental shop, landlord, deliveries).
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM.
For long stays, look into IMEI registration: Indonesia requires foreign phones used long-term with a local SIM to be registered. For a short tourist stay it's generally not an issue.
Before you leave
- Check your phone is unlocked and, for an eSIM, compatible.
- Install the eSIM at home over Wi-Fi and switch it on when you land.
- Create your Grab and Gojek accounts before you leave: sign-up needs an SMS code. See Grab or Gojek.
- Download the offline map of Bali on Google Maps.
Money, cards and useful apps: see our SIM, money & apps guide.
❓ Frequently asked questions▾
eSIM or SIM card: which is best for Bali?
For a stay of a few days to three weeks, an eSIM is simplest: it works from the moment you land. For a long stay or if you need an Indonesian number, a local SIM is better value.
Where to buy a SIM card in Bali?
At the Telkomsel counter in the airport arrivals hall, or at a carrier shop in town, which is often cheaper. Your passport is required for registration.
How much does a SIM card cost in Bali?
At the airport counter, expect roughly IDR 100,000–200,000 depending on the plan, sometimes more for "tourist" packs; carrier shops in town are often cheaper. Ballpark figures as of March 2026.
Does an eSIM give you an Indonesian phone number?
Usually not: international travel eSIMs are data-only. You call and message via WhatsApp.
Practical information here is provided for guidance only and can change without notice. Always check current rules, prices and conditions before you travel.
📚 Sources▾
Information cross-checked on 8 October 2026. Carrier prices and terms change often: check them before buying.