Planning your trip to Bali and wondering how and where to buy a tourist sim card? Don't get stuck with high roaming charges or slow overseas data roaming plans. This is a complete guide for finding the best prepaid sim card for your trip to Bali.
In this guide you find everything you need to know about Bali tourist sim cards. Up to date prices and info as per February 2025, my recommendation, the best 4G/5G network coverage, info about eSIMs for Bali and more.
Table of Contents
- My recommendation
- Why buying a sim card for Bali
- Where to buy a sim card for Bali
- Registration Process
- Prices for Bali Prepaid Sim Cards in 2025
- Best 4G/5G network in Bali in 2025
- Best Prepaid sim card for Bali in 2025
- Best eSIMs for Bali
- Order a prepaid sim card for Bali online
- Local prepaid sim cards vs. eSIMs
- Vlog about buying a prepaid sim card in Bali
- My experiences buying a sim card for Bali
After using almost 400 different sim cards worldwide over the last 10 years I figured buying a local prepaid sim card is in general the cheapest way to stay connected. But times are changing... nowadays I mostly only use eSIMs.
Find on Traveltomtom also a complete guide on how to buy a prepaid sim card in Indonesia and a comparison of the best eSIMs for Bali in 2025.
Some links in this article about the best prepaid sim cards for Bali are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!
RELATED: 11 Best Bali Bamboo Houses for a Romantic Getaway.
My recommendation
Traveltomtom recommends a Telkomsel prepaid sim card for Bali. Telkomsel has the most advanced 4G/5G mobile data network in Bali and offers big data plans for tourists.
As per 2025 you can now also get eSIM at Denpasar Airport in Bali. Telkomsel sells eSIMs for tourists, but at tourist prices. The cheapest Telkomsel eSIM at Bali Airport is $26 USD.
So why not order an eSIMs for Bali on the internet? A Jetpac eSIM for Indonesia with 20 GB data is only $21 USD.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM for traveling to Bali in 2025, including a comparison of the best eSIMs and an answer to all FAQ about eSIMs.
If you are traveling to multiple different countries on your trip to Bali then look into an international travel sim. Have a look at Traveltomtom's comparison of the best international sim cards for traveling in 2025 for more info.
Make sure your phone is unlocked if you want to use a prepaid sim card or an eSIM. If you are unsure about this then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.
Why buying a sim card for Bali
Both prepaid tourist sim cards and eSIMs save you from excessive high roaming charges and slow overseas data plans. Trust me these travel data roaming plans from your provider in your home country reduce your internet speed. If you think you are good with using your sim card from home on your trip to Bali you might end up with 3G data speed when there is already is 5G in Bali.
No need to tell you that your phone is pretty useless these days without a working data connection. Imagine looking for direction on Google Maps but you don't have internet, or finding nearby restaurants, info about traveling or ordering a taxi through an app. Or what about emergencies like opening your banking apps or using WhatsApp to inform your relatives or finding friends or simply keeping up with all social media.
Having data on your phone when traveling to Bali makes life much easier!
Also don't rely on public WiFi, not everywhere it is available or as fast as you hoped it would be and also another reminder that public WiFi is through an unsecured network. The use of a VPN is recommended to protect your data.
Local prepaid sim card, international sim cards and eSIMs for Bali use a secured network and your data is protected. That said, many travelers still use VPN services for extra data protection.
As a full time world traveler and nomad I am constantly on the road visiting new countries. I am passionate about writing sim card guides for every destination I visit and I am also trying to visit every country in the world.
On Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world on Traveltomtom: Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Dubai, Turkey and many more.
So when planning your next adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your next destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money when traveling abroad.
Where to buy a sim card for Bali
Online
You don't need to wait till you get to Bali. Simply order your sim card for Bali on the internet!
There are international sim cards that you order online, a physical prepaid sim will be delivered to your home address before your Bali trip.
eSIMs are a much easier choice and you arrange everything online within a couple minutes. Check out Traveltomtom's Bali eSIM guide for the best eSIMs for traveling to Bali.
Denpasar Bali Airport - DPS
If you rather buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Bali there is no easier place than at Denpasar Airport. Straight after you got your passport stamped you walk through duty free and at the end of the duty free you will already see a couple tables where they sell sim cards for Bali. You can't miss it!
It is the first thing you see when you walk in to the baggage claim area. Next to luggage belt 4 they sell Telkomsel prepaid sim cards. It is the first place where you can buy a sim card for Bali on arrival.
Buying a sim card for Bali at Denpasar Airport is much more expensive than in a phone store around the island. At Denpasar Airport they sell tourist sim cards for tourist prices!
The cheapest sim card at the luggage belt shop cost 400K IDR which is around $26 USD and that is very expensive for Bali. But when you keep walking it already gets cheaper after passport control.
After you collect your luggage and you pass the customs baggage check you come out in a huge spacious arrival hall. At first you will see ATM's and money exchange but if you follow the path you will find an XL Axiata and another Telkomsel store on your left and right hand side.
These are two of the main mobile internet operators in Indonesia and they sell prepaid sim cards for tourists. Nowadays all mobile internet providers have eSIMs for tourists as well as physical prepaid sim cards.
Opposite the XL store there is also a small kiosk of Smartfren they also sell prepaid sim cards for tourists and eSIMs.
When you continue there is a kiosk from IM3, a prepaid sim card brand from the merger Indosat/Ooredoo and Three. The IM3 store is next to the Starbucks. IM3 sells physical sim cards as well as eSIMs.
Then next to IM3 there is the Tourist Information Center and they also sell Telkomsel sim cards. As you continue your way out of the airport you will stumble upon a Three store that also sells physical and eSIMs for tourists.
All of these sim card shops are open for every incoming International flight from very early morning till late at night and they all accept credit card payments as well as Indonesian Rupiahs. There are multiple ATM's all around.
There are lots of places to buy a local prepaid sim card at Denpasar Airport for your trip to Bali.
Phone store around Bali
As I said the prices for sim cards at Bali Airport are tourist prices. You can get much cheaper sim cards outside the airport in any random phone store. If you want an eSIM then it gets a little more complicated as not all phone stores offer eSIMs.
Buying a Bali sim card in a phone store across the island can be as much as 50% of the price on the airport. is in fact is much cheaper. If you are backpacking to Bali I totally understand you don't want to buy a sim card at the airport. I have backpacked all around the world and wrote blog like: 8 Tips to Travel the Word on a Budget.
Registration Process
When buying a new Bali sim card you need to bring your passport. Without a passport foreigners can't register a sim card in Indonesia! In the store a copy of your passport will be taken and your new Bali sim card will be registered under your name and passport number.
Bali sim cards are free! Which means you do not need to pay for registration of the sim card. Some operators advertise with free Bali sim card, but all prepaid sim cards in Bali are free. Some local phone shops do charge a couple dollars for the registration as they are resellers and somehow need to make money too.
Be aware that if you are staying in Bali longer than 60 days your phone will automatically be blocked from using any available mobile network until you pay an import tax for bringing your phone to Indonesia. If you are staying shorter than 60 days the registration is for free. Your phone will be blocked based on your unique identification number: EMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
Prices for Bali Prepaid Sim Cards in 2025
All prices and info are updated as per February 2025. Prices are in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR): $1 USD = 16,300 IDR and 100,000 IDR = $6.1 USD.
Below are the prices for prepaid sim cards at Denpasar Airport. If you buy a sim card in a local phone store in Bali you will find significantly cheaper prices.
Smartfren
- 25 GB data for 30 days = 200K IDR - $13 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = 230K IDR - $15 USD
- 45 GB data for 30 days = 275K IDR - $18 USD
- 60 GB data for 30 days = 500K IDR - $32.5 USD
Calling and texting is not included and will need to be added separately.
Smartfren offers physical prepaid sim cards as well as eSIMs for tourists.
Which means when buying a Smartfren prepaid sim card you can choose to get an eSIM set up on your phone or put a physical prepaid sim card in your phone.
IM3
IM3 is prepaid sim card brand of the merger of Indosat/Ooredoo and Three. You will find them at Denpasar Airport next to the Tourist Information.
- 18 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR - $16 USD
- 42 GB data for 30 days = 400K IDR - $26 USD
- 64 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR - $29 USD
- 80 GB data for 30 days = 550K IDR - $36 USD
- 170 GB data for 30 days = 750K IDR - $49 USD
These are data-only sim card plans and credit for calls are not included. You will have to add credit separately to make phone calls.
IM3 also offers eSIMs for tourists in Bali, physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are also available.
Three/Tri
On top of IM3, Three also has its own prepaid sim cards:
- 29 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR - $16 USD
- 45 GB data for 30 days = 350K IDR - $23 USD
- 65 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR - $29 USD
Compared to other providers, Three/Tri prepaid sim card packages are very good value for money.
These are data-only sim card plans and credit for calls are not included. You will have to add credit separately to make phone calls.
Three/Tri also offers eSIMs for tourists in Bali, physical prepaid sim cards for tourists are also available.
XL Axiata
At the XL store in the arrival hall they sell the following XL Bali tourist sim cards:
- 34 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR - $16 USD
- 43 GB data for 30 days = 350K IDR - $23 USD
- 60 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR - $29 USD
- 75 GB data for 30 days = 550K IDR - $36 USD
- 120 GB data for 30 days = 650K IDR - $42 USD
When buying an XL prepaid sim card you will also need to add extra credit if you want to make phone calls. XL Axiata offers tourist eSIMs as well as physical prepaid sim cards for tourists.
Telkomsel
These are several Telkomsel prepaid sim card deals at Bali International Airport in Denpasar. Be careful, some prepaid sim cards for tourists are not valid nationwide.
The following plans are only available in physical prepaid sim cards and only in Java, Bali and Lombok:
- 18 GB data for 30 days = 250K IDR - $16 USD
- 51 GB data for 30 days = 450K IDR - $29 USD
- 70 GB data for 30 days = 550K IDR - $36 USD
The following plans are available as physical prepaid sim card as well as eSIM and are valid nationwide:
- 25 GB data for 30 days = 400K IDR - $26 USD
- 35 GB data for 30 days = 500K IDR - $32.5 USD
- 60 GB data for 30 days = 600K IDR - $39 USD
- 100 GB data for 30 days = 850K IDR - $55 USD
- 200 GB data for 30 days = 1,250K IDR - $81 USD
All the above packages are data-only plans and calling and texting is not included. They will try to sell you a calling package for 150K ($10 USD) but you can easily add calling credit yourself via the Telkomsel app or simply top up at any random convenience store with $2 USD and get more than 1 hour of calling credit.
Best 4G/5G network in Bali in 2025
Lets zoom in on the network coverage maps for Bali and compare the 4G/5G network coverage maps of the mobile internet operators Xl Axiata, IM3, Three, Smartfren and Telkomsel to find the best mobile data network in 2025.
It will show you why Traveltomtom recommends Telkomsel sim cards.
Is there 5G in Bali?
Yes, there is. Telkomsel was the first mobile internet operator to offer 5G in Bali. The other Indonesian mobile internet operators now also started to roll out 5G in Bali but as per 2025 the 5G network in Bali is still very limited.
In fact, on my recent trip to Bali I barely experienced 5G on my Telkomsel sim card.
5G is only available around Denpasar, Kuta and Nusa Dua area and not yet in other popular Bali tourist spots like in Canggu and Ubud.. But I am sure that will improve rapidly! Let me show you the Bali 4G/5G coverage maps.
Telkomsel 4G/5G network coverage map
XL 4G/5G network coverage map
Smartfren 4G/5G network coverage map
IM3 and Three 4G/5G network coverage map
Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2025 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Bali in 2025.
We can clearly see that Telkomsel has the most advanced mobile data network in Bali in 2025. XL Axiata is a good second best and they are expanding their 5G network rapidly.
The Smartfren 5G network is still very limited as well as the 5G network of IM3 in Bali.
That said, all mobile internet operators cover all Bali tourist attractions and the best places to visit in Bali with at least a 4G/LTE signal. However, it also comes down to the capacity of the network as the more users on the same line the more it slows down your data speed.
Because the data network of Telkomsel is the most advanced and the strongest they can guarantee the fastest data speed in Bali.
Best Prepaid sim card for Bali in 2025
If you really want the cheapest Bali sim card deals you should not buy a sim card at Denpasar Airport, but at a mobile phone shop near your hotel. Go where the locals go and save a couple dollars.
And what about eSIMs? Well, it is no secret that I strongly recommend a Jetpac eSIM for Indonesia with 20 GB data for only $21 USD. It is the same price as an eSIM from Telkomsel at Bali Airport.
Check out my guide with the best eSIMs for traveling to Bali in 2025 for more detailed info and answers to FAQ about eSIMs.
Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Telkomsel is the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Bali in 2025. They have great tourist sim card deals and the best 4G/5G network.
Buying a sim card for Bali on arrival at Denpasar International Airport is the fastest and most convenient place to get connected when arriving in Indonesia. But for that convenience you pay a couple dollars extra!
The Telkomsel eSIMs at Bali Airport start from $26 USD. Definitely not cheap and another reminder to simply order your eSIM on the internet before your trip.
Best eSIMs for Bali
The most convenient way to get instantly connected on arrival in Bali is an eSIM. You can arrange everything online within just a couple minutes.
If you buy an eSIM online then forget about buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Bali.
You order an eSIM for Bali on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have an Indonesia eSIM installed on your phone.
Upon arrival in Bali it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.
Want to know more about using eSIMs when traveling to Indonesia then click on the link and read my complete guide including all FAQ.
Here are some recommendation.
Jetpac
Jetpac is a Singapore based eSIM provider and they clearly know the Indonesia eSIM market very well. Not only does Jetpac have the best and cheapest eSIM deals for Indonesia, their eSIMs also operate on the Telkomsel network.
Click here to read our independent Jetpac review.
Here are the Jetpac Indonesia eSIM plans:
- 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
- 3 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $8 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
- 15 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $21 USD
- 30 GB data for 30 days = $35 USD
- 40 GB data for 30 days = $50 USD
- 50 GB data for 10 days = $25 USD
Click here for more info or to order the Jetpac Indonesia eSIM.
Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% discount when using the code TOMTOM10 at check out.
Jetpac has now a crazy eSIM deal for Indonesia with 50 GB data for only $25 USD! That is only $0.5 USD per Gigabyte.
Airalo
Airalo is a reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue.
Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Indonesia for 2025:
- 1 GB data for 7 days = $5.5 USD
- 2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
- 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
- 5 GB data for 30 days = $16.5 USD
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.75 USD
- 20 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
- Unlimited data for 10 days = $35 USD
*3 GB high speed data per day, then reduced data speed at 1 Mbps.
Click here to order an eSIM for Indonesia via Airalo or find more info.
The Airalo data-only eSIMs from Indotel operate on the Indosat and Three 4G/5G network.
All the Bali eSIMs you buy online are data-only and they do not support local calls. Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM for Indonesia.
There are many more eSIM provider that offer Bali eSIMs. For more offers see my complete Bali eSIM comparison.
Order a prepaid sim card for Bali online
If your phone isn't compatible for eSIMs and you want to order a physical sim card for Bali then have a look at the following international prepaid sim cards for Bali that you can order directly online via SimOptions.
These physical pre-activated travel sim cards will be delivered to your home address before your trip and are automatically activated from its first use. It is plug and play.
Check out the following data-only international prepaid sim cards for Bali:
- 10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
- 10 GB data for 14 days = $49.90 USD
Click here to order an international sim card for Bali online via SimOptions.
Find more info in the link above. Keep in mind that these international prepaid sim cards are valid in up to 124 countries around the world.
Also a last reminder that if you phone is eSIM compatible you can order an eSIM for Bali directly online and arrange everything within just a couple minutes.
Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide with everything you need to know before buying an eSIM for traveling to Indonesia in 2025, including a comparison of the best eSIMs and an answer to all FAQ about eSIMs.
Local prepaid sim cards vs. eSIMs
With a local prepaid sim card you get more data for the same price, but also the fastest network connection and data speed possible. Reminder that with an eSIM for Bali you are basically a guest an another network. May be a bit too technical, but it basically means that your data speed is potentially lower, especially during peak hours when you are being put in the back of the line to use the available bandwidth.
Therefore in general Traveltomtom prefers local prepaid sim cards over eSIMs for traveling to Bali. That said, eSIMs for Bali you order on the internet and you don't have the hassle of buying a prepaid sim card on arrival.
As of 2025 you can get eSIMs in phone stores in Bali as well. Most of the local mobile internet providers now offer eSIMs for tourists. You can get an eSIM at Denpasar Airport from XL Axiata, Smartfren, Telkomsel, IM3 and Three.
Vlog about buying a prepaid sim card in Bali
Here is my vlog about my arrival at Denpasar Airport in Bali and my experiences buying a local prepaid sim card for Bali.
Lately I also posted a TikTok video about my arrival at Denpasar Airport as well as an updated version of where to buy a sim card at Bali Airport.
My experiences buying a sim card for Bali
Traveltomtom has visited Bali more than 10 times and tested several prepaid sim cards and eSIMs extensively. Here are some of my experiences.
On another trip to Bali I first visited Jakarta and to test out XL, I bought a physical prepaid sim card from XL at Jakarta Airport. In Jakarta I had little problems, but in Bali I experienced the weaker 4G/LTE network strength, especially indoors my XL sim card for Indonesia was a little disappointing. I still prefer and recommend a Telkomsel sim card for traveling to Bali.
Another time when landing in Jakarta I bought a Telkomsel sim card, which later turned out to be only valid in Java. When buying my sim card at Jakarta Airport I explicitly told them I need a sim card that is valid nationwide as I am traveling to Bali.
When I landed in Bali my sim card didn't work and it was a lot of hassle getting it also activated for Bali.
More info in my guide about how to buy a sim card at Jakarta Airport.
On another trip to Bali I tested a Jetpac eSIM with 20 GB data for just $21 USD. The Jetpac eSIMs for Bali operate on the Telkomsel network. I had little to none issues using my Jetpac eSIM in Bali and would totally recommend.
I am sure some of the above tips for buying a prepaid sim card for Bali and my tips about eSIMs and staying connected when traveling to Bali were helpful.
If you have any more questions then please leave me a comment below and I will do my best to instantly reply. On Traveltomtom you will find uncountable Bali travel tips. One of my favorite Bali blogs is about the best bamboo and treehouses in Bali. So when looking for unique places to stay this is a must-read.
Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.
Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of February 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.
Enjoy your trip to Bali!