Planning your trip to Bali and wondering what is the best way to get connected? Don’t get stuck with high roaming costs or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Bali.
Find out everything you need to know about Bali sim cards. Where to buy a sim card for Bali, up to date prices as per March 2024, and some experiences getting sim card at Bali Airport, the best sim cards for Bali, the best 4G/5G network coverage, a comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for Bali, info about international sim cards and more.
Our Recommendation
We will give it straight to the answer. The best sim card you can get is Telkomsel Sim Card. Most of our real estate agents are using Telkomsel SIM Cards. There are many variants of Telkomsel SIM Cards such as Simpati, Kartu AS, or Kartu Halo (post-paid).
The reason we recommend Telkomsel as the best SIM card in Bali is because of its exceptional connectivity. Telkomsel boasts the most advanced 4G/5G mobile data network in Bali, ensuring that you stay connected reliably and seamlessly throughout your trip. Whether you’re browsing social media, streaming videos, or navigating the island, Telkomsel’s extensive coverage and high-speed data will keep you connected without any hassle.
The Internet Data price may be a little bit expensive, but in a world of Free WiFi, all you need is the connectivity. When you are in small area of Bali, you need to be connected through phone call too, not just internet.
Also telkomsel prepaid sim card price is quite confusing. Your friend could get more data on the same price as you, or you could get more expensive package data price if you are in Bali’s remote area.
Prepaid vs Postpaid
For tourists visiting Bali for shorter stays, it’s usually more convenient to opt for a prepaid SIM card from Telkomsel. Prepaid SIM cards allow you to top up credit as needed and typically come with various data, call, and text packages that suit short-term usage.
On the other hand, if you are staying in Bali for an extended period and hold a KITAS (Limited Stay Permit Card) or KITAP (Permanent Stay Permit Card), you may find it more suitable to choose a postpaid SIM card from Telkomsel. Postpaid plans often offer more flexibility in terms of usage and billing options, making them a better choice for long-term residents or expatriates.
SIM Card Providers in Bali
Let’s keep going in this guide to give you some options:
XL Axiata
XL Axiata is indeed a decent provider, particularly excelling in areas like Badung and Denpasar within Bali. While they are expanding their network and striving to compete with Telkomsel, their coverage in places like Ubud may still be inconsistent.
One notable advantage of XL Axiata is their user-friendly app, which simplifies tasks such as checking data usage, account balance, and topping up credits.
However, compared to Telkomsel, XL Axiata’s package options may be more limited, reflected in their lower price point. It’s essential to consider your specific needs and priorities when choosing between providers in Bali to ensure you get the best value for your requirements.
Indosat Ooredoo
Indosat Ooredoo offers reliable 4G internet service on the island of Bali, although they don’t provide 5G connectivity. While their coverage may not be extensive, they compensate with competitive pricing and excellent value top-up packages.
If you’re seeking a backup SIM card for occasional use and plan to rely on free WiFi as your primary internet source in Bali, Indosat Ooredoo could be a suitable option due to its affordability and decent service.
Where to buy a sim card in Bali?
There are numerous options for purchasing a Bali SIM card directly on the island. You can conveniently obtain your new SIM card from any of the following locations:
- Provider Online Shop: With Telkomsel, you have the option to pre-order their Tourist SIM Card on their website. This allows you to arrange everything in advance and simply pick up your SIM card at Ngurah Rai Airport upon your arrival. It’s a convenient way to ensure you’re connected as soon as you land in Bali.
- Ngurah Rai Airport: As per March 2024, the two providers that have a booth in the Ngurah Rai Airport is Telkomsel and XL. You can just stop there and buy your new sim card.
- Street Vendors: Buying from street vendors might save you some money, but ensure that the registration process is completed before leaving. It’s advisable to pay in cash and be cautious about potential security risks, such as compromised card machines.
FAQ
Now let’s move onto the guide, the FAQ, where most tourists are looking for on how to utilize their sim card:
Yes you can, there are many providers for you to choose such as Telkomsel, or XL. One thing to note is you need to show your ID/passport for sim card registration.
For foreigners/tourist, the best way to add credit to your telkomsel sim card is to buy credit directly at street vendors (pay with cash) or indomart/alfamart where you can pay with Card too. Just tell the staff what credit package you want and they will top up. If you are a tech savvy, you can use TokoPedia app to buy the package or Telkomsel Phone App.
Dial *888# from your Telkomsel mobile phone and press the call button. This will display a menu with different options. Select the option for checking your balance, usually labeled as “Check Balance” or “Cek Pulsa.” Follow the on-screen instructions to view your remaining credit balance.
Submit a copy of the main page of your passport along with the registration form. The store staff may also ask to see the original passport for verification purposes. Please note that for Telkomsel,you can use 1 passport for a maximum of 3 SIM cards.
As of March 2024, the price of a Telkomsel prepaid SIM card in Bali typically ranges from IDR 10,000 to IDR 25,000, depending on the type of SIM card and any ongoing promotions or special offers. This price usually includes the cost of the SIM card itself and some initial credit balance for usage.
Yes but very limited. You need to use Telkomsel SIM card to enjoy better 5G coverage in Bali.
