SIM card for Bali: How to buy one, prices, and the best options

Do you need to get a Bali SIM card for tourists?

While you don’t NEED a SIM card to travel in Bali, we highly recommend getting one. With a Bali SIM card, you can easily access mobile internet, make local calls, and use GPS without having to search for free Wi-Fi. With a SIM card for Bali, you can stay connected to local services like ride-hailing apps and avoid expensive international roaming fees.

Although you could get by just by using public Wi-Fi, it’s not always safe or reliable — especially when you're exploring Bali’s remote beaches or trekking through the lush jungles. Getting a Bali SIM card is the best way to ensure you have affordable, anytime access to the mobile internet no matter where your adventure takes you.

What do you need to buy a SIM card in Bali?

To buy a SIM card in Bali, you’ll just need your passport. If you’re staying for more than 90 days, you’ll have to register your phone’s IMEI number with customs. For trips under 90 days, you can skip the registration and simply use a tourist SIM card. Make sure your phone is unlocked, and if you prefer an eSIM, double-check that your device supports it.

If you’re planning to get your Bali SIM card delivered to your hotel, you might need to provide some extra info to the SIM provider in advance. To activate your SIM, you'll likely be asked to send a photo of your passport, a selfie with your passport, your phone model, and the IMEI number.

Best Indonesian SIM card providers to use in Bali

Bali, famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and laid-back lifestyle, offers plenty of SIM card options to keep travelers connected. However, a few Indonesian SIM card providers are favored by travelers more than others.

Telkomsel

Telkomsel is Indonesia’s largest mobile network provider, offering the widest coverage, even in remote areas like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. With Telkomsel prepaid SIM cards, you’ll enjoy reliable, fast internet across Bali, Java, Sumatra, Lombok, and Papua. While Telkomsel might be a bit pricier than other providers, its strong signal and extensive coverage make it worth the investment.

For travelers, Telkomsel offers a Bali Tourist SIM card with 25 GB of data and 25 minutes of voice calls for just IDR 150,000 (~$9.68 USD). You can pick up your Bali SIM card at designated spots in Bali and Mandalika Lombok.

Choose between pre-ordering online via the Telkomsel website for pickup upon arrival or buying directly at a Telkomsel GraPARI store (customer service center) or booth. Just remember to bring your confirmation email, passport, and IMEI for pickup.

XL Axiata

XL Axiata offers a great range of options for travelers looking for competitive prices and reliable coverage, especially in Bali’s popular tourist spots. Its prepaid SIM plans provide various call and internet packages, all valid for 30 days, with prices starting at just IDR 38,000 (~$2.45 USD) for 60.5 GB of data.

As of November 8, 2024, the available XL Axiata prepaid SIM plans include:

• Xtra Combo Flex M — 60.5 GB for IDR 38,000 (~$2.45 USD)

• Xtra Combo Flex L — 125 GB for IDR 55,000 (~$3.55 USD)

• Xtra Combo Flex XL — 175 GB for IDR 75,000 (~$4.84 USD)

• Xtra Combo Flex XXL — 264 GB for IDR 90,000 (~$5.81 USD)

• Xtra Combo Flex XXXL — 510 GB for IDR 120,000 (~$7.74 USD)

• GOLD Package — Unlimited data for IDR 100,000 (~$6.45 USD)

IM3 (Indosat Ooredoo)

IM3 stands out for its low-cost, high-data plans, which are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. However, its weakness lies in its coverage in more rural parts of Bali, where it might not perform as well as competitors like Telkomsel. Still, for most tourists sticking to urban centers or relying on free Wi-Fi, IM3 provides an affordable and convenient option to stay connected. 

As of November 8, 2024, the available IM3 prepaid SIM plans include:

• Freedom Internet — 4 GB for IDR 25,000 (~$1.61 USD), 18 GB for IDR 50,000 (~$3.17 USD), 45 GB for IDR 75,000 (~$4.75 USD), 70 GB for IDR 100,000 (~$6.45 USD)

• Freedom Internet Kita — 100 GB for IDR 100,000 (~$6.45 USD)

Smartfren

Smartfren offers affordable data plans with competitive pricing, making it a popular choice for travelers in Bali. If you plan to stay in well-known areas like Kuta, Ubud, or Seminyak, Smartfren’s local network should keep you connected without issues.

However, if you’re planning to explore more remote spots in Bali, like the northern regions or hidden beaches, you might notice weaker coverage. In that case, we’d recommend sticking with Telkomsel SIM cards because Telkomsel has the best coverage across the island, even in less developed areas.

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.

Tri Indonesia

Tri Indonesia offers excellent prepaid SIM card plans for tourists in Bali. These plans are perfect for staying connected without breaking the bank. They include data, calls, and SMS, providing everything you need while exploring Indonesia.

The AlwaysOn Data packages cover all of Indonesia, including Bali. You can choose from various data sizes, up to 40 GB, depending on your needs. Typically, these internet package plans last for 30 days before they need to be renewed, though the exact duration can vary based on the internet package you pick. 

One thing to keep in mind: the website isn't very user-friendly for English speakers, which can make it a bit challenging to find the right plan.

TL;DR: Which SIM card provider should you choose?

A Telkomsel SIM card is your safest option for the best coverage across Bali and beyond. If you’re sticking to urban areas and want affordable data, XL Axiata and IM3 offer Bali SIM cards that provide excellent value. For heavy data users who need more than just Google Maps, Smartfren’s unlimited plans are a good choice.

How much does a SIM card cost in Bali?

The cost of prepaid SIM cards in Bali can vary quite a bit, making it tricky to keep up with the latest prices. Depending on the provider and the data package you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere between IDR 50,000 to IDR 150,000 (around $3 to $10 USD).

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card in Bali

You can buy prepaid SIM cards in Bali at Ngurah Rai International Airport, at an official provider store, or from a convenience or electronics store. 

Get a SIM card at Ngurah Rai International Airport

Getting a SIM card at Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport) is one of the easiest ways to get connected right after landing in Bali. Once you pass customs, you'll find kiosks from major providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Smartfren that sell SIM cards. While getting your prepaid SIM card at the Bali airport is fast and convenient, this option can be a bit pricier than buying from official shops in town.

Get a SIM card from an official provider store in Bali

Getting a prepaid SIM card from an official provider store in Bali is a great way to ensure you’re getting the best deal and the exact plan that suits your needs. Stores from major providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, IM3, and Smartfren are scattered all across the island in popular tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud.

Official stores usually offer a wider selection of internet packages compared to Bali airport kiosks and often have more competitive prices. Plus, you can ask staff to help you set up your SIM or activate the right data plan for your stay.

Get a SIM card from a convenience or electronic store in Bali

You can easily grab a prepaid SIM card at convenience stores like Indomaret and Alfamart, which are widespread across Bali. These stores sell Bali tourist SIM cards from popular providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Smartfren, often bundled with prepaid data packages.

Getting a SIM card from a convenience or electronic store in Bali is a quick and easy option if you want to stay connected while picking up snacks or other essentials. Prices are usually more affordable than at the airport.

The best way to stay connected in Bali: Get an eSIM for Indonesia

An eSIM for Indonesia eliminates all the time and hassle of dealing with traditional prepaid SIM cards — no need to hunt for a store, carry your passport for registration, or swap out your physical SIM. You can simply buy an eSIM online before or after you arrive.

Using an eSIM is also better than relying on public Wi-Fi because you won’t need to search for hotspots or worry about security risks. eSIM data plans are especially convenient for long stays since they don’t require IMEI registration, allowing you to avoid the potential costs and hassle of registering your phone.