Best eSIM for Bali: Top plans compared for UK travellers

Planning a trip to Bali? Whether you're relaxing on the beaches of Seminyak, exploring the rice terraces around Ubud, visiting temples such as Tanah Lot, or island-hopping between Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, having reliable mobile data can make travelling around much easier.

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying a local SIM card when you arrive, you can download an eSIM plan before you travel and activate it when you land. Your UK number stays active for calls and texts, while the eSIM handles your mobile data.

This guide compares some of the best eSIM providers for Bali to help you find the right option for your trip.

💳 Learn more about the Wise card

Best eSIM providers for Bali: Quick look

Here is a quick overview of the top eSIM providers for Bali (Indonesia):

Prices and plan details may vary depending on your location, currency and promotions. Prices may also be shown in different currencies depending on the provider. Always check the provider's website for the latest information before buying.

Airalo

Airalo's Indonesia eSIM connects to two networks — 3 (Hutchison) and Telkomsel — providing access to multiple network partners across Bali and the wider Indonesian archipelago.¹ Plans start from $4.50, with a range of fixed data packages and unlimited options available across multiple durations.¹

Top-ups are available directly through the Airalo app if you need more data during your trip. Customer support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp, and the app supports multiple languages.¹ Airalo's Indonesia plans are data-only, so traditional phone calls and SMS are not included. You can still make calls and send messages using apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, or similar internet-based services.

Coverage and network availability may vary depending on your location. Having access to more than one network partner can provide additional connectivity options when travelling around Bali and other parts of Indonesia.¹

Good for: Travellers who want dual-network flexibility with a range of plan sizes and easy in-app top-ups.

Read more in our full Airalo eSIM review.

Nomad

Nomad's Indonesia eSIM connects to both Telkomsel and Smartfren, with 4G and 5G coverage across Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and beyond.² Plans start from $4.00, covering a range of fixed data packages and unlimited options.²

Hotspot and tethering are fully supported, and add-on plans are available that activate automatically when your main plan runs out, keeping you connected without any gap in service.² The Nomad app, available on iOS and Android, lets you track your data usage and manage your plan on the go.

Nomad's Indonesia plans are data-only. Calls and texts are not included, so you will use apps like WhatsApp for voice communication.

Good for: Travellers who want access to multiple network partners and automatic add-on plans.

Read more in our full Nomad eSIM review.

Saily

Saily is built by the team behind NordVPN, with online privacy central to its design. Plans for Indonesia start from $4.79 and explicitly confirm coverage in Bali alongside Jakarta and other top Indonesian destinations.³

A key advantage is that Saily uses a single eSIM for all supported destinations. Once installed, you simply add new countries to the same eSIM each time you travel, without reinstalling from scratch.³ Hotspot sharing is unlimited with no daily cap, and three built-in security tools are included: a virtual location feature, an ad blocker (which Saily states can reduce data usage by up to 28.6%), and web protection against malicious sites and trackers.³ You receive an alert when you reach 80% of your data, and top-ups can be added in the app.³

Saily does not specify which Indonesian network operators their plans use. If knowing the exact network matters to you, check with Saily's support before purchasing.

Saily plans are data-only and do not include calls or texts.

Good for: Security-conscious travellers who want one eSIM across multiple trips and unlimited hotspot sharing without any daily cap.

Read more in our full Saily eSIM review.

Holafly

Holafly sells only unlimited data plans for Indonesia (including Bali), which suits travellers who prefer not to track a data allowance. Plans start from $3.90 for a one-day plan, with longer durations available at lower daily rates.⁴ Holafly's Indonesia eSIM connects to XL (Excelcom) and Telkomsel, two of the country's largest mobile networks, with 4G and 5G coverage across Bali's tourist areas and main resorts.⁴

Hotspot sharing is available, capped at 1 GB per day.⁴ A fair use policy applies, with speeds potentially reduced above 90 GB of usage in a month — a threshold most holiday visitors would not reach. Every Holafly plan includes an "Always On" feature providing 1 GB of free backup data per month. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

Holafly plans are data-only and do not include traditional calls or texts.

Good for: Travellers who want unlimited data on XL and Telkomsel networks without monitoring a cap, at a very accessible starting price.

Read more in our full Holafly eSIM review.

How to choose the best eSIM for your Bali trip

Bali has strong 4G coverage across its main tourist areas, but there are some important things to consider:

• Network coverage: Telkomsel has the widest national coverage across Indonesia, including in Bali's more rural interior such as the highlands around Kintamani and Bedugul. If you plan to explore beyond the main beach resorts, a plan on Telkomsel (or one that includes Telkomsel) gives you more consistent signal.
• Gili Islands and Lombok: Because Bali eSIM plans are Indonesia plans, they work across the whole country including Lombok and the Gili Islands — handy if you are island-hopping.
• Remote areas: In very remote areas or on smaller islands, signal can be patchy or absent on any network. Download offline maps before heading to isolated spots.
• Fixed vs unlimited data: A fixed plan suits a short beach break or lighter usage. Unlimited plans are better for longer stays, heavy streaming, or tethering a laptop.
• Hotspot use: Saily has no daily hotspot cap. Holafly caps at 1 GB per day. Airalo and Nomad both support hotspot — check individual plan details.
• Plan duration: Plans typically run from a few days to 30–45 days. Match the length to your itinerary.
• Phone compatibility: Your phone must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Most iPhones from the XR onwards and many recent Android flagships support eSIM.

How to install and activate an eSIM for Bali travel

Setting up a Bali eSIM is straightforward. Here is what to do before you fly:

1. Check compatibility: Confirm your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked. On an iPhone, go to Settings and look for an option to add a mobile plan. On Android, check under SIM settings or network settings.
2. Buy your plan: Visit the provider's app or website and select an Indonesia data plan. Purchase before you leave the UK.
3. Receive your QR code: After purchase, you will receive a QR code by email or directly in the app.
4. Install the eSIM: Go to your phone settings, select "Add mobile plan" (or the equivalent on your device), and scan the QR code. You need a Wi-Fi connection during installation.
5. Enable data roaming: In your phone settings, turn on data roaming for the new eSIM profile.
6. Activate on arrival: Most plans activate automatically when your phone connects to an Indonesian network. You can install the eSIM at home before you fly — it stays inactive until you land.

A practical tip: install your eSIM one or two days before departure while you are on stable home Wi-Fi. This gives you time to check everything is set up correctly before you travel.

Why use an eSIM for travelling to Bali?

Here are the main reasons a Bali travel eSIM is worth considering:

• Avoid high UK roaming costs: Many standard UK plans do not include Indonesia in their roaming allowances, or charge significant daily fees. A prepaid travel eSIM gives you a clear, fixed cost.
• Keep your UK number active: Your physical SIM stays in your phone, so you can still receive bank verification texts, calls, and two-factor authentication codes on your UK number throughout your trip.
• Buy before you fly: Everything is set up at home and you are connected the moment you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport — no hunting for a SIM stall after a long-haul flight.
• Flexible top-ups: Most providers let you add more data through their app without visiting a local shop.
• Covers all of Indonesia: Your Indonesia eSIM works across the whole country — handy if you are visiting Lombok, the Gili Islands, or Java as part of your trip.
• Security: Using your own mobile data is more secure than connecting to unknown public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, beach clubs, or cafés.

Make your spending go further in Bali with the Wise card

Sorting your data before you fly is one part of trip preparation. Having the right card for spending in Bali is another.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies across 150+ countries, converting your pounds to Indonesian rupiah (IDR) at the mid-market exchange rate. There is only a small, transparent conversion fee* and no foreign transaction fees.

The card costs a one-time fee of £7 to order. Free ATM withdrawals are available up to £250 per month, with a 2.69% fee on any amount above that. Additional charges may apply from independent ATM networks.

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FAQs about using an eSIM in Bali

Is a Bali eSIM the same as an Indonesia eSIM?

Yes. Bali is a province of Indonesia, so any Indonesia eSIM plan covers Bali, including all its main tourist areas — Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Lovina. The same Indonesia eSIM also covers other islands you might visit as part of your trip, such as Lombok and the Gili Islands.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Most iPhones from the XR onwards support eSIM, as do many recent Android devices including Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked. The quickest way to check is to go into your phone's settings and look for an option to add a new mobile plan, or search your phone model followed by "eSIM compatible".

Will my eSIM work in Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta?

Yes. All four providers in this guide offer coverage across Bali's main tourist areas, including Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, and Nusa Dua. Coverage is generally available in these urban and resort areas on Indonesia's major networks. Signal may be weaker in more remote interior villages, jungle treks, or on smaller surrounding islands.

Can I keep my UK phone number while using a Bali eSIM?

Yes. Your eSIM handles mobile data while your UK physical SIM stays active for calls and texts. Set your UK SIM as the default for calls and SMS, and set the eSIM as your data source. This means you can still receive bank two-factor authentication codes and calls on your UK number throughout your trip.

How much data do I need for a trip to Bali?

For a typical two-week holiday using maps, messaging, and occasional browsing, a plan of 5–10 GB is usually enough. If you plan to stream videos by the pool, work remotely, or use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop, a larger or unlimited plan is worth considering. Bali has decent Wi-Fi in most hotels and villas, which can reduce how much mobile data you actually need.

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Sources used:

1. Indonesia eSIMs - Airalo — Starting price from $4.50 USD, networks 3 (Hutchinson) + Telkomsel, fixed data and unlimited plans, top-up availability, 24/7 WhatsApp support. Checked 02-06-2026.
2. Indonesia Travel eSIM - Nomad — Starting price from $4.00 USD, Telkomsel / Smartfren networks, 4G/5G, Bali coverage confirmed, hotspot/tethering support, automatic add-on plans. Checked 02-06-2026.
3. Indonesia eSIM - Saily — Starting price from $4.79 USD, unlimited hotspot (no cap), Bali coverage explicitly confirmed, security features (ad blocker up to 28.6% data saving, virtual location, web protection), one eSIM for all trips. Checked 02-06-2026.
4. eSIM for Indonesia - Holafly — Starting price from $3.90 USD (1-day plan), XL (Excelcom) / Telkomsel networks, unlimited data only, 1GB/day hotspot cap, Always On feature, FUP above 90GB/month. Checked 02-06-2026.

Sources last checked on date: 02-06-2026