Best eSIM For Bali Travel In 2024 (Most Reliable)
Traveling to Bali? Over the last 6 years we’ve used a number different eSIMs in Bali. After testing each one of them, we have a clear winner for the best one.
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Matthew Metcalfe
September 30, 2024
Landing at Bali airport is overwhelming…
One of the first things you will be confronted by is aggressive sellers trying to get you to buy a SIM card.
That’s why we use eSIMs every time we visit Bali. Over the last 6 years, we’ve used several different eSIM providers in Bali to see which one has the best speeds and most reliable network.
The best eSIM for Bali is Holafly. They are our go-to provider and we’ve found them to be super reliable all over Bali, including Ubud, Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur.
They also have a 5G eSIM, which works in some parts of Bali (not all).
In this blog, we’ve listed the top 5 best Bali eSIM providers, including all of our speed test results when using each of them.
Let’s dive in!
Top 5 Best eSIM Providers For Bali
The 5 best eSIM Providers for Bali are:
- Holafly – Best Bali eSIM Overall
- Airalo – Reliable And Flexible
- Yesim – For Traveling To Multiple Countries
- Nomad – Great Range Of Affordable Plans
- Gigago – Excellent Budget eSIM Option
The right eSIM for Bali depends on your own travel needs and where you will spend the most time on the island.
That’s why we put together a summary table that compares each of the eSIM brands so you can see which is right for you:
Holafly | Airalo | Yesim | Nomad | Gigago | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.2/5 |
Speed Test Results | 28mpbs | 32mbps | 26mbps | 26mpbs | 15mbps |
Number Of Plans | 8+ Plans | 6 Plans | 8 Plans | 6 Plans | 8+ Plans |
Plan Durations | 1 to 90 Days | 7 to 30 Days | 7 to 30 Days | 1 to 45 Days | 5 to 30 Days |
Data | Unlimited | 1 to 20GB | 3GB to Unlimited | 1GB to Unlimited | 3GB to 50GB |
Data Sharing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Phone App | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
24/7 Live Support | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
eSIM Prices (USD) | $19 to $99 | $5.50 to $40 | $13 to $50 | $6 to $39 | $5 to $89.50 |
The best eSIM for Bali overall is Holafly. They have great speed test results, offer unlimited data, and you can choose the exact number of days you need the plan for
Holafly also offers the fastest customer support of all the eSIM providers we use and a great app for managing your eSIM on the go.
1. Holafly
Holafly only offers unlimited data plans for Bali.
If you are a data-hungry user (which we totally understand), then Holafly will be a great option for you.
Holafly
Here's why we recommend Holafly for Bali:
The unlimited data plans are as low as $20.90 for 5 days, which is really good value for money. Holafly also offers a huge range of durations, which makes their eSIM perfect whether you are visiting Bali for a week or staying for a few months.
Cool, right?
But where Holafly really stands out is customer support.
They offer the most efficient and helpful 24/7 live customer service of all the eSIM providers we've used. We've contacted them a few times and they've always responded in less than 2 minutes.
Holafly also offers a simple and easy-to-use phone application.
While it's not quite as good as the Nomad and Airalo apps, it's still a allows you to do everything you need on the go. It's one of the main reasons we continue to use Holafly for eSIMs in Asia.
Are there any downsides to Holafly?
Yes, there is one significant downside to Holafly...
Data sharing and tethering are limited to just 500MB per day.
That means you won't be able to use your full unlimited plan for hotspots on your Holafly eSIM.
Even as digital nomads, it's not a deal breaker for us. You should be able to get decent wifi pretty much anywhere in Bali and we love the fact that you don't have to worry about running out of data.
But it's just something to keep in mind.
Holafly does have a fair usage policy on its eSIMs. That means that the network operator may throttle your speed if you use an extensive amount of data.
But it's up to each individual network provider, not Holafly themselves.
Make sure you check out our complete Holafly eSIM review to learn more about why we love Holafly so much.
Holafly Bali eSIM Plans
Data Included | Days Valid | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
Unlimited | 5 Days | $20.90 |
Unlimited | 7 Days | $28.90 |
Unlimited | 10 Days | $36.90 |
Unlimited | 15 Days | $50.90 |
Unlimited | 20 Days | $61.90 |
Unlimited | 30 Days | $74.90 |
Unlimited | 60 Days | $106.90 |
Unlimited | 90 Days | $138.90 |
This is just a sample of Holafly's plans and prices. You can actually customize your plan for as many days as you need. The minimum is 1 day, and the maximum is 90 days.
That means you don’t overpay for days you don’t need! Cool, right?
There isn't any other Bali eSIM provider that offers a 90-day plan. And if you're only visiting Bali for a short trip - They still have you covered!
If you want unlimited data then Holafly is the way to go.
You can't beat the value for money they offer.
Holafly Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
2. Airalo
Airalo is one of the most well-known eSIM brands worldwide.
We like them because they provide reliable coverage and a good range of affordable Bali eSIMs.
Airalo
Airalo was actually the first eSIM that we ever used in Bali back at the end of 2019. We've used Airalo eSIMs in Europe, North America, Asia and even Latin America.
Overall we are super happy with their network coverage and performance.
But what about Bali specifically?
Airalo operates on the Telkomsel network in Bali. That means you will have decent coverage all over the island.
We took a weekend trip with some friends to Budugal which is in the far north part of Bali.
Even while there, we had 3 out of 4 bars of reception.
We were able to browse the internet, do a video call and use social media apps without any issues.
There was a clear drop in speed compared to being in Canggu or Seminyak, but the fact we had usable data was impressive!
The thing we love most about Airalo is their phone app.
It's the best application we've used! You can do everything - Including managing your data, buying a new eSIM, topping up your data or contacting customer support.
I even use their cool widget, which you can display on your phone to see how much data you have without opening the app.
Airalo also has the easiest eSIM installation process right now...
You can 1-click install the eSIM directly onto your phone from the Airalo app. No need to scan a QR code and go through the whole setup process.
It's simple, easy and efficient!
Are there any downsides to Airalo?
Yes - They do offer 24/7 support through chat on their app, but it isn't live.
When we contacted Airalo, it took time for them to respond compared to other providers. It's not bad, but it's also not great. This is probably the only major downside to them.
In saying that, Airalo is one of the most reliable eSIM suppliers in the world! It's very rare that we've needed to contact them.
Want to learn more about Airalo? Check out our complete Airalo review to see why we recommend them.
Airalo Bali eSIM Plans
Data Included | Days Valid | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
1GB | 7 Days | $5.50 |
2GB | 15 Days | $8.00 |
3GB | 30 Days | $11.00 |
5GB | 30 Days | $16.50 |
10GB | 30 Days | $24.75 |
20GB | 30 Days | $40.00 |
Airalo offers 6 really affordable eSIM plans for Bali. It's one of the reasons we use them so much!
Plans start at as little as $5.50 for 1GB for 7 days which is perfect for those who just need a little bit of data.
Need more?
They have longer 30-day plans offering up to 20GB. And all Airalo plans include data sharing, which we've used a couple of times and found to be super reliable!
The only downside is that if you need more than 20GB for your trip, you'll have to look elsewhere. Airalo doesn't have any larger or unlimited data plans.
But if you don't...
We would recommend Airalo as the top eSIM for Bali.
Airalo Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
3. Yesim
Yesim offers a slightly different approach to eSIMs.
And it's going to be much better for people who are visiting multiple countries and are just stopping into Bali as part of their trip.
Yesim
Here's what I mean:
Yesim's eSIM (tongue twister, I know) is an international eSIM that can be used in 160+ destinations around the world. You simply install 1 eSIM and then buy a data plan for each country you visit.
There's no need to constantly buy and install a new eSIM every time you land in a new country.
Why is this a benefit?
Think about it...
Every time you land in a new country you have to buy the new eSIM, install it, wait for it to activate and then you can use it.
With Yesim, you don't need to install a new eSIM in each country. Just choose the data you need before you leave, and you'll be good to go as soon as you land.
This makes Yesim perfect for people visiting multiple countries while also dropping into Bali as part of their trip.
The Yesim app also works really well.
You can manage your entire account and buy new eSIM plans all in one application. It's simple to use and makes managing data a breeze.
Yesim uses the Telkomsel network in Bali so you get decent performance across the Island.
Yesim Bali eSIM Plans
Data Included | Days Valid | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
3GB | 7 Days | $12 |
5GB | 15 Days | $15.60 |
10GB | 30 Days | $22.80 |
20GB | 30 Days | $50.80 |
Unlimited | 1 Day | $8.40 |
Unlimited | 7 Days | $30 |
Unlimited | 15 Days | $45.60 |
Unlimited | 30 Days | $62.40 |
Yesim offers 8 different eSIM plans for Bali - Including two unlimited plans.
It's a decent range of plans and you get the added bonus of convenience.
But with convenience comes cost...
This is a downside and might be a dealbreaker for some users. Yesim is more expensive than other eSIM providers but they are just as reliable.
The other thing you need to be aware of is the data throttling for the unlimited Yesim plans in Bali. While they aren't as bad as Nomad, they aren't amazing either.
The amount of high-speed data you get is:
- 15 GB for 7 days
- 30 GB for 15 days
Your unlimited data speed drops to 512kbps after reaching those thresholds.
As I've previously mentioned this is really slow - Like maybe unusable. So you need to keep that in mind.
Personally, we really like what Yesim brings to the table. And we were super impressed with their speed and performance in Bali.
I also love how they are extremely transparent about what's included in each plan.
If you are looking for a convenient option as you travel to multiple countries, Yesim is for you!
Yesim Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
4. Nomad
Nomad is a super reliable eSIM provider for Bali.
They have an extensive range of plans, and we found them to offer good data speeds all over the island.
Nomad
We've used Nomad now in more than 7 countries around the world. Each time, we've been impressed with their value for money and reliability.
You can check out our complete Nomad eSIM review to learn more about our experience with them.
What about performance and results?
Nomad had really good data speeds in Bali, comparable to Airalo and Holafly. They use the Telkomsel network (which is the best) in Bali, so it means we had good coverage across the island.
Nomad also has one of the best eSIM apps. Even as we were traveling around Bali, it was easy to manage our plan on the go, top up data and even buy a new eSIM.
The only downside to Nomad is they don't offer live customer support.
You need to submit a ticket through the app to contact support. But we have contacted their customer service on two different and they responded in about 15 minutes both times.
Nomad Bali eSIM Plans
Data Included | Days Valid | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
1GB | 7 Days | $6.00 |
3GB | 30 Days | $12.00 |
5GB | 30 Days | $16.00 |
10GB | 30 Days | $23.00 |
15GB | 30 Days | $35.00 |
20GB | 45 Days | $39.00 |
Nomad offers a solid range of 6 plans which is why they are one of the best eSIM providers for Bali.
The truth is that Nomad offers something for everyone.
Their plans are most geared towards shorter stays in Bali. So if you are in Bali for a 1 to 2-week holiday, Nomad is a great option.
But there are also some longer plan durations if you are spending more time on the Island.
As Digital Nomads in Bali, we typically spend 1 to 2 months there at a time.
That's why we purchased a 30-day data plan and then just topped it up as we needed it!
Nomad Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
5. Gigago
Gigago is a newer SIM company that brings some much-needed flexibility to the Bali eSIM market.
We are impressed with the customisation they offer in their plans and the value for money they offer.
Gigago
We first used Gigago when we needed an eSIM for Vietnam. Since then we've gone on to use them on multiple occasions - Usually for shorter trips.
Here's what we like:
The data speeds that Gigago offers in most main areas in Bali were decent. We found their network coverage to be solid in the primary tourist areas of Bali.
But where Gigago really shines is the plan customisation.
Let me explain:
You can choose to have a specific amount of data per day instead of over a set number of days.
For example, you could have 1GB/day for 15 days. Or you could 10GB for 15 days. It's up to you and your needs. Just choose the days you need and then the data you want.
It doesn't get much easier than that, right?
The downside of Gigago is it operates on the XL and Indosat networks. These aren't bad by any stretch but don't offer as good coverage as the Telkomsel network.
That means if you are heading to more remote parts of Bali, Gigago might not offer the coverage you need.
In saying that, the amount of plan options you have means they will suit almost anyone on any budget. And we didn't run into any issues using Gigago in Bali!
Gigago Bali eSIM Plans
Data Included | Days Valid | Price (USD) |
---|---|---|
1GB/day | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $7.50 to $37.50 |
2GB/day | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $12 to $65.50 |
3GB/day | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $16 to $89.50 |
3GB | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $5 to $6.90 |
5GB | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $8 to $10 |
10GB | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $14.50 to $17.90 |
20GB | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $27.50 to 33.50 |
50GB | 5, 7, 15, 30 | $67.50 to $77.50 |
Gigago offers 8 core plans for Bali, but customization means they actually have more options.
One thing you'll notice is that prices are very affordable compared to other eSIM suppliers. Gigago actually offers the cheapest option for Bali eSIMs overall - 3GB for just $5, valid for 5 days.
This is one of the biggest benefits of Gigago eSIMs.
And because you can customize the plan based on your own needs in Bali, you won't overpay for days you don't need.
Cool, right?
Gigago Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
eSIM vs Physical SIM Card In Bali
eSIMs are generally more expensive than physical SIM cards.
But for the extra costs, eSIMs offer more convenience as a tourist, are safer to use and have similar performance results.
We decided to buy a physical Telkomsel SIM card in Bali to see how the eSIMs performed.
To be honest we were pretty shocked with the results...
Here's a recap of the speed test results for the eSIM providers vs Telkomsel's physical SIM card:
Airalo(eSIM) | Holafly (eSIM) | Nomad (eSIM) | Yesim (eSIM) | Gigago (eSIM) | Telkomsel (Physical) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Speed Test | 32mbps | 28mpbs | 26mbps | 26mpbs | 15mbps | 42mbps |
For the most part, we found that the speeds were very similar for Telkomsel vs the other eSIM providers.
What we did notice is that Telkomsel SIM often had slightly better network coverage in more remote parts of Bali. We spent some time with friends in Budugal and Telkomsel the best coverage up there.
But all of the eSIMs we used also had coverage - it just wasn't as strong!
The bottom line is we wouldn't trade the convenience of an eSIM for the slightly better coverage than the Telkomsel physical SIM card offered.
The benefit of being able to buy the eSIM before leaving your home country and installing it as soon as you land at the international airport is unbeatable.
What We Look For When Buying An eSIM For Bali
Ready to get your eSIM for Bali?
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Travel Medical Insurance For Bali
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If you are traveling to Bali, it’s worth checking out SafetyWing to protect yourself while on your trip.
With that in mind, here are some things to consider when choosing the right eSIM in Bali.
Network Provider
This is probably the most important aspect of buying an eSIM Bali. You want a good network provider so your eSIM data speeds will be as fast as possible.
The truth is that the overall mobile network infrastructure in Bali is pretty average. We encountered "dead spots" even in popular areas like Canggu and Kuta.
The best network provider is Telkomsel which is used by Airalo, Nomad and Yesim.
Amount Of Data
How much data will you use in Bali?
Think about what you'll be doing in Bali, where you'll go and how you use mobile data. If you stream content from your mobile device or spend a lot of time on social media - An unlimited plan might be best.
But if you just use your phone to look up restaurants or get directions, you can go for a small eSIM data plan. One of our best Bali Travel Tips is to ensure that you buy an eSIM even before you leave your home country and activate it at the airport.
That way, you'll have data while in the taxi on your way to your accommodation.
Keep in mind: Airalo, Nomad and Yesim allow you to "top-up" your data on the go.
Days Valid (Duration)
The amount of time you purchase an eSIM will affect the end price.
Choose an eSIM provider that offers a plan that matches the duration of your visit. That way you won't overpay for time you don't need.
Data Sharing/Hotspot
Not all eSIMs in Bali allow data sharing.
If you need to connect your phone to your laptop (or want the option), make sure you choose a provider that allows it.
Holafly Airalo, Nomad, Gigago and Yesim all allow data sharing and hotspots.
eSIM Pricing
The good news is that there are tons of Bali eSIM options that will suit different budgets.
But keep in mind that they all come with different plans and benefits.
If you aren't sure where to start, we recommend checking out Airalo first. They have a good range of affordable plans and fair eSIM pricing.
Customer Service
There's nothing worse than being stuck with an eSIM that doesn't activate.
Check out each provider's customer support options before you buy. Reliable customer service should be a priority - Especially in a foreign country.
Check If Your Phone Is eSIM Compatible
There are two things you need to know before buying an eSIM.
- Is your phone an eSIM compatible device?
- Is your phone unlocked?
The first one is easy...
Check out this complete list of eSIM compatible phones. If yours is on the list, you should be good to go.
Make sure you double-check with your phone provider if you still aren't sure.
How Do I Know If My iPhone Is Unlocked?
Follow these steps to quickly see if your iPhone is unlocked:
- Click on Settings > General > About
- Now scroll down until you see the “Carrier lock” section
- If it says “NO SIM restrictions” your phone should be unlocked
Remember to contact your current phone service provider or device manufacturer to confirm if your phone is unlocked.
How Do I Know If My Android Phone Is Unlocked?
Follow the steps below to see if your Android phone is unlocked:
- Open Settings, tap Connections (or network and internet) then click SIM Manager (or Mobile network)
- If you see “add eSIM” or “download SIM” or something similar, then your Android phone is likely unlocked.
Keep in mind while the process to check if your Android phone is unlocked will be similar, the labels in the settings might be different. Reach out to your local provider if you need help.
Wrapping It Up
eSIM technology has changed the way we connect online.
Since switching from physical SIM Cards to eSIM cards in Bali, our travel experience has only gotten better.
Not sure where to start?
Holafly is the best eSIM for Bali.
They offer an affordable range of plans and are extremely reliable, with wide coverage—even in more remote parts of the island. Buying an eSIM from their marketplace is a super smooth experience.
If you want unlimited data with great customer support, then we recommend Holafly.
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