A SIM card for Bali: Where to buy one, prices, and best options

Why do you need a SIM card for Bali?

While you don’t necessarily need a SIM card to travel in Bali, getting one might be a great idea. With a SIM card for Bali, you can easily access mobile internet and use GPS without having to search for free Wi-Fi. Not to mention, 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 enjoying Bali’s remote beaches or trekking through the lush jungles. Getting a SIM card for Bali is a great way to ensure you have access to mobile internet, no matter where your adventure takes you.

Best Indonesian SIM card providers 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 more popular with travelers 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 a worthy investment.

For travelers, Telkomsel offers a 30-day Bali tourist SIM card with 25 GB of data and 25 minutes of voice calls for just IDR 150,000 (~US$9.68). You can pick up your SIM card at designated spots in Bali and Mandalika in 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. If you choose pickup, remember to bring your confirmation email, passport, and IMEI number.

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 days, starting at just IDR 10,300 (or ~US$0.62).

XL Axiata offers a wide variety of SIM plans for different data needs.

• Xtra Combo Mini 1.5GB: 1.5 GB for 7 days (IDR 10,300/~US$0.62)

• Xtra Combo Mini 2.5GB: 2.5 GB for 7 days (IDR 15,300/~US$0.92)

• Xtra Combo Mini 4GB: 4 GB for 7 days (IDR 19,300/~US$1.16)

• Xtra Combo Mini 6GB: 6 GB for 7 days (IDR 25,300/~US$1.52)

• Xtra Combo Flex S+: 7 GB and 5 minutes of calls to all operators for 28 days (IDR 37,000/~US$2.22)

• Xtra Combo Flex M: 10 GB and 5 minutes of calls to all operators for 28 days (IDR 50,000/~US$3.00)

• Xtra Combo Flex M+: 14 GB and 5 minutes of calls to all operators for 28 days (IDR 60,000/~US$3.60)

• Xtra Combo Flex L: 18 GB and 5 minutes of calls to all operators for 28 days (IDR 70,000/~US$4.20)

Heavy data users can choose XL Axiata’s Xtra Combo VIP Plus plans, which include 10-52 GB of data for 30 days, ranging from IDR 73,000 (~US$4.38) to IDR 195,000 (~US$11.70).

Not sure which XL Axiata plan is the right one for you? Use a data usage calculator to figure out how much data you’ll need on your trip.

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 a cheap and convenient way to stay connected. 

IM3’s signature prepaid SIM plan, Freedom Internet, offers a starter pack with 3 GB for IDR 35,000 (~US$2.10). Larger data usage is covered under the IM3 Platinum plan, which requires a monthly contract, so it’s not practical unless you’re planning to stay in Indonesia for a long time.

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.

Smartfren offers four main prepaid SIM card data plans for tourists:

• 3 GB for 30 days (IDR 35,000/~US$2.10)

• 5 GB for 30 days (IDR 45,000/~US$2.70)

• 45 GB for 30 days plus 10 minutes international calling (IDR 150,000/~US$9.00)

• Unlimited for 14 days (IDR 200,000/~US$12.00)

 If you’re planning to explore more remote spots in Bali, like the northern regions or hidden beaches, you might notice weaker coverage with Smartfren. To avoid that, we’d recommend sticking with Telkomsel SIM cards because Telkomsel has the best coverage across the island, even in more rural areas.

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 plan 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.

How much does a SIM card cost in Bali? 

Your SIM card price will depend on your Indonesian mobile provider and your data plan. Use this table to compare the cost of Bali SIM cards at a glance: 

Note: This data was collected in December 2025. Prices and terms may change.

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. 

Use our international travel checklist for more helpful tips on how to prepare for your Bali trip!

Where to buy a SIM card in Bali 

You can buy prepaid SIM cards in Bali at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, at an official provider store, or from a convenience or electronics store. If you plan ahead, you can even get your SIM card delivered straight to your hotel.

Buy a SIM card for Bali at the airport 

You can buy a SIM card at the airport right after you land. Once you pass customs at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar Airport and Bali Airport), you’ll find kiosks for Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Smartfren that sell SIM cards. While getting your prepaid SIM card at the Bali airport is fast and convenient, prices there are usually higher than they are in town.

Buy a SIM card for Bali from official provider stores

Getting a prepaid SIM card from an official provider store in Bali is a great way to make sure 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 the Bali airport kiosks and often have more competitive prices. Also, you can ask staff to help you set up your SIM or activate the right data plan for your stay.

Buy a SIM card for Bali from convenience stores

You can easily grab a prepaid SIM card at convenience stores like Indomaret and Alfamart, which are widespread across Bali. These stores sell 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, and their prices are usually lower than at the airport.

Buy a SIM card for Bali from street vendors

You may see street vendors selling Bali SIM cards. However, these sellers do not have the same oversight as official retail locations, and you run some extra risks. You may get overcharged, or the vendor may not fully complete Indonesia’s required registration process. If you do buy a SIM card from a street vendor, we recommend paying in cash so that your credit card information doesn’t get compromised.

Buy a SIM card for Bali online before arrival

If you don’t want to worry about tracking down a place to buy a SIM card on your vacation, you can get one online before you arrive. Some providers will allow you to pick up your SIM card at the arrival hall at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, or you could even get your SIM card delivered directly to your hotel.

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

So which SIM card is the best for Bali? 

The best SIM card for Bali will depend on your travel plans, data needs, and the duration of your trip. A Telkomsel SIM card will offer the best coverage, no matter where you are in Bali, but if you’re on a budget and planning to stay mostly in urban areas, XL Axiata offers a lot of affordable plans. If you need unlimited data, Smartfren might be the way to go.

However, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to rely on a physical, prepaid SIM card. You have other options for getting the data you need in Bali.

Alternative ways to stay connected in Bali 

If you don’t want to fumble with a physical SIM card, you’ve got other options to stay connected in Bali:

• Roaming. International roaming is the easiest way to access data in Bali, but that convenience comes with a hefty price tag. Roaming is an agreement between your home mobile provider and a local Indonesian carrier to allow you to get data abroad. While being easy, international roaming is often much more expensive than other alternatives.

• Public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi seems an attractive option for using your phone overseas without roaming. After all, it’s free! However, public Wi-Fi connections are insecure, and you can expose yourself to hackers just by connecting. Not to mention, it can be difficult to find a free Wi-Fi network when you need it.

• Pocket Wi-Fi. Pocket Wi-Fi is a device that tourists can rent to access the internet. It works like a private hotspot, generating a personal, secure Wi-Fi network. However, pocket Wi-Fi rentals can get quite pricey, and you also have to make sure your pocket Wi-Fi device is charged if you want to use it.

• eSIMs. An eSIM is a cost-effective and simple virtual alternative to physical SIM cards. eSIMs use technology pre-built into your smartphone. All you have to do is download your provider’s app, activate your plan, and you’re good to go!

Why is an eSIM better than a SIM card for Bali?

An eSIM for Indonesia eliminates all the time and hassle of dealing with traditional prepaid SIM cards. You don’t 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, and you never have to worry about your eSIM being lost, damaged, or stolen. eSIM data plans are especially convenient for long stays because they don’t require IMEI registration, allowing you to avoid the potential costs and hassle of registering your phone.

If you’re unsure whether an eSIM is right for you, let’s compare the benefits of an eSIM vs. a traditional, prepaid SIM card:

When it comes to flexible plans, affordable rates, and reliable coverage, Saily is a great choice. Saily’s plans for Indonesia start at just US$4.79 and offer you the data you need, no matter where you are in the country!

Tips for using SIM cards in Bali 

Whether you choose an eSIM or a physical SIM card for Bali, these tips will help you avoid unexpected complications on your vacation:

• Make sure your phone is unlocked. Double-check that your phone isn’t country- or provider-locked. Your device will need to be able to connect to a new provider to work in Bali.

• Check SIM/eSIM compatibility. Make sure that your phone is compatible with both the local Indonesian network and your SIM card or eSIM of choice.

• Familiarize yourself with your provider’s coverage map. While you’ll probably get a strong signal in urban areas, service may be more difficult to find if you want to witness the beauty of remote areas like Nusa Penida. Confirm that your provider has coverage in your destination before your trip.

• Monitor your data usage. Most Bali tourist SIM cards have data limits, so it’s important to keep an eye on how much data you’re using. eSIM users can easily check data usage and top off their plan through the app. If you choose a physical SIM, you may have to contact your provider. 

Whether you want to find the best local restaurants, stay connected with friends and family back home, or call a rideshare, you’re going to need data in Bali. Download an eSIM app to get reliable, high-speed coverage.