Internet access in Bali: eSIM, SIM Card, roaming, pocket and free wifi

How to have mobile data on the island of Bali?

Taking any trip abroad is a fun and enriching experience. But beyond the possibilities that await you at your destination, you probably have the same concern as all of us: being able to connect to the internet. Don't worry, because we'll detail all your options with prices, advantages and disadvantages.

After all, having mobile data in a city like Bali is more than advisable, whether it's to keep in touch with your loved ones or to make any travel arrangements easier. Not to mention the enormous convenience when it comes to booking hotels, restaurants or any guided tour in the Indonesian city.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's a table to help you check out all your options for internet access in Bali at a glance:

How much does internet cost in Bali?
Service	Price/Days	Data
eSIM Bali	From £19/5 days	Unlimited
SIM Card in Bali	From £15/month	25GB
Wifi in Bali Pocket Public	From £7/day Free	1GB/day Unlimited
Roaming in Bali	From £6/1 day	From 1GB

eSIM Bali: the best of your options

As you will have seen, the options for mobile data in Bali are very varied, but we think there is one that stands out above the rest: eSIMs. These are virtual prepaid cards that you will receive in your email as soon as you buy them and that you can activate with a simple code as soon as you land at your destination.

This is precisely the main value of an eSIM card: convenience. And if we add a cheap price, we will understand why these digital alternatives are gaining more and more ground over the traditional SIM cards.

Another great advantage of eSIM Holafly for Bali is that it will save you time. You won't have to waste your first few hours of your trip searching the city for a SIM card. With Holafly, you can just activate your internet access from your mobile and that's it.

eSIM in Bali
Company	Price/Days	Data
Holafly	19€/5 days £29/10 days £44/15 days £49/20 days £59/30 days £77/60 days £87/90 days	Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
UP	From £30/7 days	From 1GB
Maya Mobile	From £35/30 days	From 1GB
Airalo	£5/7 days	1GB

You wouldn't be the first traveller to take advantage of their trip to Bali to visit other countries in Southeast Asia. If you are thinking of doing so, we recommend you check the conditions of eSIM Holafly for Asia, because their plans include up to 12 countries in the subcontinent.

Best SIM Card in Bali

It may be the case that your phone is not compatible with a virtual card. However, you can also buy a prepaid card with mobile data. In fact, you can buy them in any supermarket or specialized shop on the island of Bali.

You can also buy the SIM card online, although it is true that you will have to do it in advance. After all, you will have to wait until you receive it at your hotel or home to be able to enjoy internet connection.

On the other hand, you should keep in mind that there are different sizes of cards: regular SIM, microSIM and nanoSIM. Make sure you know which one your mobile phone needs in order to avoid compatibility problems.

Here are the main telephone operators that operate in the Asian country:

• Telkomsel: although it is the most expensive option in the country, the truth is that it offers outstanding service and coverage. After all, it is the main operator in Indonesia.
• XL Axiata: this company reaches Bali and the rest of the country's major cities, offering a comprehensive and very efficient service.
• IM3 Indosat: this is a more modest operator than the previous ones, but it is the most recommended for cities such as Sumatra, Borneo, Java or Sulawesi. It is not the best option to connect to the network on the island of Bali.

Wifi in Bali: pocket or free?

You probably have in mind to access a public wifi in some establishment in the city. This is not a bad option, as it is a completely free service, but you should be aware that these connections are not recommended for any internet activity.

A public wifi network can be an interesting alternative when you need to send a message or check the weather forecast for the evening. In other words: for very specific activities.

Renting pocket wifi in Bali

A better option is to use a pocket wifi or portable wifi in Bali. This is a device that you can rent to have mobile data abroad. This way, you'll be able to connect to the net whenever you need to, with certain limitations.

Here are the main companies from which you can request this service:

• Wifivox: you can connect up to five devices with 1GB of data per day for £7/day.
• MioWifi: For £8/day, you'll get a robust 4G connection with unlimited data. You can also connect up to five devices.
• Klook Wifi: from £7/day, you can choose from a range of plans from 500MB to 4GB.
• XOXO Wifi: you can choose from a range of plans up to 10GB per day from £8/day.
• Travel Wifi: you will have a maximum of 1GB of mobile data for £9/day.

The great advantage of these devices is that they offer a very good internet connection speed. The main disadvantage is that they are not very cost-effective from a financial point of view.

How much does roaming cost in Bali?

Although roaming is a very convenient option with which you will have to do practically nothing, we warn you that it can cost you an arm and a leg. Especially if you are travelling to a city outside the European Union, such as Bali.

Of course, you can simply activate the service with your operator, regardless of whether it is Vodafone, O2, EE or Three. The problem is that these companies can charge you for each MB consumed.

The best network for data roaming

If you are one of those travellers who use a lot of apps for commuting, watch videos or need to use email to send documents or emails, the cost will be excessive.

So keep an eye on the Holafly eSIM for Bali. In terms of cost-benefit, you'll appreciate knowing how much you'll be paying from the start of your trip.

Internet quality and speed in Bali

It is true that Indonesia is lagging somewhat behind in the expansion of broadband internet connections. Only 62% of the population has access to the internet, while only 5% of them have their own fast connection ⁽¹⁾ . That said, there is nothing to stop you from accessing the internet as normal when you need it.

The good news is that the country has seen a significant increase in speed over the last 15 years. Even so, the average download speed for broadband internet in Indonesia is only 22.78Mbit/second ⁽²⁾ . If you want to download an application, you will be able to do so, although it may take a little longer than usual.

Find out how to get internet in Indonesia

Reasons why you should have mobile data in Bali

It's clear that when travelling abroad, it's always best to have access to the internet. Here are the top reasons and conveniences why you should have mobile data in Bali:

• Make WhatsApp calls: you'll most likely have a hard time calling from your usual number, but you can always do it from your messaging app without paying a single euro.
• Check the weather: you know that, apart from Bali, Indonesia is made up of a multitude of islands. And this means you'll be at the mercy of the changing weather.
• Buy a boat ticket: if you want to visit the many other islands of the archipelago, you will find it easier to book tickets directly from your mobile phone.
• Get your bearings with Google Maps: you're going to an unfamiliar place, so having an app to help you find your way around is always appreciated.
• Know the value of the currency: when you arrive in Bali, you will have to exchange your money for the country's currency, which is the rupiah. It's a good idea to be able to check the value of the currency at the moment you make the exchange, so you know exactly how much money you should be given.

Beyond all these conveniences, having mobile data in Bali will allow you to make the most of your trip. You can book a diving session from your mobile to admire the coral reefs, design your route to the top of Mount Batur or even hire a guide to take you to the top of the volcano.

If you are lucky enough to be able to visit other cities or countries during your trip, here is some information that may be interesting to know how to have internet on your mobile while traveling: