Skip to main content
YuSMP Travel

Best eSIM for Bali: What We Checked and How to Choose

Travel eSIMs work in Bali: confirmed on September 29, 2026. We compared 4 providers' plans, a local SIM and your carrier's roaming. A 10-day trip usually needs 3 to 6 GB; size yours below.

eSIM coverageworks
US card paymentaccepted
Setupbefore you fly
For 10 days3–6 GBaverage use

Checked September 29, 2026 · How we check

Size my data plan

On this page
  1. Coverage
  2. Compare options
  3. Data calculator
  4. How to install
  5. Paying from the US
  6. FAQ
  7. How we check

eSIM coverage in Bali: what's confirmed

eSIM status: yes Airalo · September 29, 2026

Coverage is solid in populated and tourist areas; on remote islands, in the mountains, rainforests and at sea it can be weak or drop out. Holafly · September 29, 2026

XL sells an eSIM Tourist online to foreign passport holders (5 plans, all valid 30 days, non-refundable). A regular Telkomsel eSIM for foreigners requires a KITAS stay permit, so it is not available on a tourist passport. xl.co.id · September 29, 2026

  • IMEI registration: for stays up to 90 days on a local SIM, your phone's IMEI is registered at the operator's store when you buy the SIM (max 2 devices per person). Roaming on a foreign SIM or a travel eSIM needs no IMEI registration. Stays over 90 days require registration with Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai), or the phone gets blocked on local SIMs.Indonesian Customs · September 29, 2026

Coverage can differ between a provider’s plans, since they may use different partner networks. Check the provider’s coverage map before you buy.

Bali eSIM vs. local SIM vs. roaming

OptionPrice per GBPassportWhere to buyWhen it worksUS card paymentChecked
eSIM Airalo (opens in a new tab)from $2.1010 GB for $21not neededbought onlineonline, website or appYou can install the eSIM at home before the trip; the package starts once it connects to a network in the country.yesSeptember 29, 2026
eSIM Holafly (opens in a new tab)unlimited $27.507 daysnot neededbought onlineonline, website or appinstall before you fly, works on arrivalyesSeptember 29, 2026
eSIM Saily (opens in a new tab)from $2.2010 GB for $21.99not neededbought onlineonline, website or appinstall before you fly, works on arrivalyesSeptember 29, 2026
eSIM Ubigi (opens in a new tab)from $1.6010 GB for $16not neededbought onlineonline, website or appYou get the QR code right after purchase and install before the trip; with Smartstart the plan turns on automatically when you land.yesSeptember 29, 2026
Local SIMTelkomsel, XL (XLSMART), Indosat (IM3)≈ 4,000 IDRTelkomsel tourist SIM (SIMPATI) pre-order: IDR 100,000 for 25 GB, 25 local minutes and 25 international minutes, valid 30 days.requiredTourist SIMs are sold only against a foreign passport, and the phone's IMEI is recorded at registration.Telkomsel: pre-order online and pick up on arrival at GraPARI stores in Bali and Mandalika (Lombok), or buy at selected GraPARI stores. XL: at retail outlets with passport and IMEI registration. We found no official confirmation of an operator booth at Ngurah Rai airport.after you buy and register it thereon the spot: card or cash, depends on the storeSeptember 29, 2026
Your home carrier roamingAT&T International Day Pass covers Indonesia: $12/day with talk, text and data from your domestic plan ($6 per extra line the same day). T-Mobile and Verizon: country terms not verified.not neededturn on with your carrierright away, if roaming is on—September 29, 2026

eSIM plans we checked

ProviderDataValidPriceSource and date
Airalo1 GB3 days$4.50$4.50 per GBAiralo · September 29, 2026
Airalo5 GB30 days$13.50$2.70 per GBAiralo · September 29, 2026
Airalo10 GB30 days$21$2.10 per GBAiralo · September 29, 2026
Airalounlimited30 days$69Airalo · September 29, 2026
Holaflyunlimited7 days$27.50Holafly · September 29, 2026
Holaflyunlimited15 days$50.50Holafly · September 29, 2026
Holaflyunlimited30 days$73.90Holafly · September 29, 2026
Saily1 GB7 days$4.79$4.79 per GBesimdb.com · September 29, 2026
Saily10 GB30 days$21.99$2.20 per GBesimdb.com · September 29, 2026
Sailyunlimited30 days$71.99esimdb.com · September 29, 2026
Ubigi3 GB15 days$7$2.33 per GBUbigi · September 29, 2026
Ubigi10 GB30 days$16$1.60 per GBUbigi · September 29, 2026
Ubigiunlimited30 days$59Ubigi · September 29, 2026

Plans that cover your calculator result are highlighted in green. Prices are as of the check date and may vary by the buyer’s country.

For a short trip, an eSIM is the easy option: you install it at home, it works as soon as you land, and your US number stays on the phone. The cheapest gigabyte among the plans we checked: $1.60 with Ubigi (10 GB for $16, September 29, 2026). We don't convert currencies; each provider quotes its own. A local SIM makes sense if your phone lacks eSIM or you need a local number; you'll need your passport to buy one. Your carrier's international plan is the fallback: compare its price in the row above.

Coverage details →

How much data do you need in Bali?

Tick how you use your phone when traveling and the calculator gives a range in gigabytes. Your settings are saved in the link, so you can share it.

Example

10 days: maps and rides, messaging, social media at a medium level, 15% buffer.

≈ 3–6 GB

Turn on JavaScript to size a plan for your own trip.

You need about 10 days≈ 3–6 GB

The per-day figures are our editorial estimate, not measurements of specific apps. See How we check for the formula.

How to install an eSIM for Bali before you fly

  1. Buy a plan. Pick a provider and a data size that fits your trip (use the calculator below), and make sure your destination is covered by the plan.
  2. Get the QR code. After payment the provider emails a QR code or link, or shows an install button in its app.
  3. Install it at home on Wi-Fi. Scan the code: iPhone, Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM; Android, Settings → SIMs → Add eSIM. Do this before you fly: installing needs a connection, and roaming data is expensive or unavailable. You often can install a profile only once, so don't delete it.
  4. Turn on the eSIM data line. When you land, set the eSIM as your cellular data line and turn on Data Roaming for it. Keep your home line for calls and texts, and turn off data on it to avoid roaming charges.
  5. Check the APN. No connection? Compare the APN (access point) with the provider's instructions and enter it manually if needed.
Not working after you land? Check this
  • Data Roaming is on for the eSIM line.
  • The eSIM, not your home SIM, is selected for cellular data.
  • The APN matches what the provider lists.
  • Toggle airplane mode or restart the phone.
  • The plan is active: with some providers the validity starts at the first connection in a covered country.

Paying from the US

Every eSIM provider has its own card policy, and it changes. Below is what each provider itself states, with the date we checked. Confirm on the provider's site before you buy.

ProviderTakes US cardsOther payment options (per provider)Source
Airaloyes—Airalo · September 29, 2026
Holaflyyes—Holafly · September 29, 2026
Sailyyes—Saily · September 29, 2026
Ubigiyes—Ubigi · September 29, 2026

Bali eSIM FAQ

Do I need an eSIM for Bali?

You don't strictly need one, but it's the easiest way to get data in Bali. Travel eSIMs for Bali are sold and supported, confirmed on September 29, 2026. Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked.

What's the best eSIM for Bali?

There is no single best one: it depends on how much data you need and for how long. Starting prices we verified: Airalo from $4.50 (1 GB, 3 days); Holafly from $27.50 (unlimited, 7 days); Saily from $4.79 (1 GB, 7 days); Ubigi from $7 (3 GB, 15 days). Cheapest per gigabyte: $1.60 with Ubigi (10 GB for $16, September 29, 2026). Size your trip with the calculator, then compare the plans table. Providers don't pay for position here.

Do I need a passport to buy a local SIM in Bali?

Yes. You need your passport to buy and register a local SIM. Tourist SIMs are sold only against a foreign passport, and the phone's IMEI is recorded at registration.

Can I pay for a Bali eSIM with a US card?

Confirmed to accept US cards: Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Ubigi. Some banks flag foreign online payments, so keep your banking app handy for a 3-D Secure prompt.

eSIM or local SIM: which is cheaper in Bali?

An eSIM is simpler: set it up at home, it works on landing, and no passport check. A local SIM wins if your phone lacks eSIM or you need a local number.

Does an Indonesia eSIM work in Bali?

Yes. Bali is part of Indonesia, so any Indonesia plan covers it. Check the provider's coverage map for the islands you plan to visit.

How we check

  • Data calculator. For each use you tick: days × daily use. The sum is the base, then we add your buffer (0 to 30%). The low end is base × 0.8, the high end is (base + buffer) × 1.15, rounded to whole gigabytes. Daily GB for light / medium / heavy: maps and rides: 0.03 / 0.06 / 0.12; messaging: 0.02 / 0.06 / 0.2; social and photos: 0.1 / 0.3 / 0.7; video: 0.3 / 0.7 / 1.5; work: 0.1 / 0.4 / 1.0. These are editorial estimates, not measurements of specific apps.
  • Plans and coverage. Taken from the provider's official country page, with the link, date and a quote saved. Providers often vary prices by the buyer's country and promos, so checkout may differ.
  • Card payment. We say yes or no only when the provider states it in its help center or on its payment page. Otherwise: no confirmed data.
  • Rechecks. Prices and card payment every 30 days, coverage every 90 days. If data is older than 45 days, the page shows a warning.
  • No ratings, no paid placements. Providers don't pay for position in these tables and there are no affiliate links right now: links go to the official sites.

A guide, not a guarantee that a given number will work on a given network.

Sources for this page

FactSourceDate
Bali: Airalo, 1 GB / 3 daysAiraloSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Airalo, 5 GB / 30 daysAiraloSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Airalo, 10 GB / 30 daysAiraloSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Airalo, unlimited / 30 daysAiraloSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Airalo, US card paymentAiraloSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Holafly, unlimited / 7 daysHolaflySeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Holafly, unlimited / 15 daysHolaflySeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Holafly, unlimited / 30 daysHolaflySeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Holafly, US card paymentHolaflySeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Saily, 1 GB / 7 daysesimdb.comSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Saily, 10 GB / 30 daysesimdb.comSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Saily, unlimited / 30 daysesimdb.comSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Saily, US card paymentSailySeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Ubigi, 3 GB / 15 daysUbigiSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Ubigi, 10 GB / 30 daysUbigiSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Ubigi, unlimited / 30 daysUbigiSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: Ubigi, US card paymentUbigiSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: passport for a local SIMTelkomselSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: local SIM priceTelkomselSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: roamingMTSSeptember 29, 2026
Bali: eSIM availabilityAiraloSeptember 29, 2026

Read next