A road trip in Bali runs on GPS, so staying connected matters as much as choosing your route. Here's how to sort out your internet, your cash and your essential apps before you set off.
eSIM or local SIM card?
Two main options exist. An eSIM installs in a few minutes before departure and activates automatically the moment you land in Bali — no counter to find at the airport, no need to touch your regular number. A physical local SIM card, bought at the airport or in a phone shop, is often slightly cheaper but requires an unlocked phone with a spare SIM slot, plus the hassle of finding a shop and setting it up on arrival. For a road trip where you'll want GPS working the second you leave the airport, the eSIM is generally the smoother option.
Prices, setup, local number: see our detailed eSIM vs local SIM comparison.
Cash, cards and how to pay
- Bring some cash for warungs, small shops, parking, temple entry fees and fuel bought by the bottle — many small vendors don't accept cards.
- ATMs are widely available in towns; withdraw larger amounts less often to limit per-withdrawal fees, and use ATMs attached to a bank branch when possible for better security.
- Hotels and established restaurants generally accept cards, contactless payment is spreading fast but isn't universal yet.
- Notify your bank before departure to avoid a card being blocked for 'suspicious activity' on your first payment in Indonesia.
Essential apps for a road trip
- Google Maps: download the offline map for Bali before you leave, since signal can weaken in the mountains — Munduk and Kintamani in particular.
- A translation app with offline mode, useful for reading signs and menus outside the main tourist areas.
- WhatsApp: the standard way hotels, activity providers and rental agencies in Bali communicate with travellers.
- Grab: a ride-hailing and food delivery app, handy for evenings out without the scooter or for a taxi if the weather turns bad.
Internet from the moment you land
No need to hunt for a local SIM card at the airport: with Saily, the eSIM installs in a few minutes before departure and switches on automatically the moment you land in Bali. Handy for following the GPS map of your route and staying reachable, without touching your usual number or paying roaming fees.
Check before ordering that your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked (most recent iPhones and Androids are).
Sponsored link Saily — data volumes, validity, coverage and eSIM compatibility depend on your phone model and country of residence.
Browse securely on public wifi
Hotel, warung and co-working wifi in Bali is convenient but rarely secure, and some banking or streaming apps get fussy once you're abroad. NordVPN encrypts your connection on these public networks and lets you keep browsing as if you were still at home.
Install it before departure and connect in one tap: handy for checking your bank, booking your next stop, or accessing your usual programmes with peace of mind.
Sponsored link NordVPN — plans, prices and number of devices vary depending on subscription length and country of residence.
Routes to try with your new setup
❓ Frequently asked questions▾
eSIM or physical SIM card for Bali?
The eSIM is generally more convenient: it installs before departure and activates automatically on landing, with no airport counter to find.
Can you pay by card in Bali?
In tourist areas, established hotels and restaurants accept cards, but warungs, small shops and fuel stations mostly run on cash.
Do you need a VPN in Bali?
It's not mandatory, but a VPN secures your connection on the public wifi of hotels and warungs, especially for online banking.
What currency is used in Bali?
The Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Prices have lots of zeros: check the day's exchange rate before you go and pay in rupiah, as local rules require.