This is the Best eSIM for Bali (After Years of SIM Card Struggles)

Bali is one of those destinations that I have returned again and again over the years. The beaches, the jungle vibes, the food, the people, to me it’s really no surprise it's such a huge hotspot for both vacationers and digital nomads. But let’s be real for a moment: staying connected in Bali has never been easy. Or at least, it wasn’t, until eSIMs entered the picture.

As someone who’s been travelling to Bali for years (and often working online while I’m there), I’ve had my fair share of SIM card drama. From overpriced tourist traps at the airport to questionable stops at the driver’s “cousin’s shop,” I’ve experienced it all. Once, I even paid for a SIM that mysteriously stopped working two days into my trip, and I was back to square one without signal, stuck relying on spotty Wi-Fi of the hotel.

That all changed when eSIMs became a thing. If you're new to eSIMs or unsure which provider to go with in Bali, this guide is for you.

What is an eSIM and Why It’s a Game-Changer in Bali

An eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital version of a SIM card. No plastic, no fiddling around with your phone using a paperclip, and no need to physically swap cards every time you travel.

You simply download a QR code, activate your data plan, and voilà you have instant mobile internet.

Here’s why that’s so useful for Bali:

• No more wasting time buying a SIM card after you land
• No risk of losing your physical SIM card (been there… not fun)
• You can activate it the second you land (I recommend you install it all right before you leave home)
• Perfect for digital nomads, long-stay travellers or any Bali holidays really

Why Physical SIM Cards in Bali Used to Be a Hassle

If you’ve ever tried to buy a local SIM in Bali, you probably know the struggle. Let me paint the picture:

Scenario 1: The Airport Trap

You get off a long flight, walk out of customs, and see shiny booths offering “tourist SIM cards” for what seems like a good deal. But surprise, they’re marked up 2–3x the local price. And you’re too tired to argue.

Scenario 2: The Taxi Detour

Your driver cheerfully offers to stop at his “friend’s shop” so you can get a local SIM. It feels convenient… until you realize it’s some unbranded shack with vague pricing, unclear inclusions, and zero guarantee it will work properly.

Scenario 3: The Spam Nightmare

Even when you do get a working local SIM, get ready for an onslaught of promotional text messages—in Bahasa Indonesian. I’ve literally received dozens per day with Telkomsel, and no way to unsubscribe.

Plus, physical SIM cards require:

• Showing your passport
• Sometimes needing to register at a shop
• Risking a card that deactivates or has poor signal coverage

Honestly? It’s a headache.

Enter: eSIMs in Bali

I started using eSIMs a few years ago, and it was like night and day. I could finally set everything up before I even boarded the plane and avoid any awkward shops or language barriers. Huge bonus also to be connected the moment I landed to order a Grab car or text my Airbnb host.

Over time, I’ve tested multiple eSIM providers in Bali, from well-known names to some lesser-known services. And after several trips, including working from Ubud cafés, coworking spaces in Canggu, and even the more remote Nusa Islands two providers stood out.

My Top eSIM Picks for Bali

🥇 1. Airalo: Best Value for Most Travellers

Airalo has quickly become my go-to eSIM provider, not just for Bali, but for travel worldwide. Their plans are affordable, easy to install, and reliable and if your accommodation or coworking space has solid Wi-Fi and you just need a data boost on the go.

Why I like it:

• Plans from just US$5
• Quick setup, just scan the QR code
• Option to top up your data without changing the eSIM
• Works well for light-to-moderate users (maps, email, browsing, some social media but not full on streaming)

Perfect for you if:
You’re staying somewhere with good Wi-Fi and don’t plan to stream or tether your laptop 24/7. It’s affordable, efficient, and reliable in most parts of Bali.

Tip: Set it up at home before your trip. You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection to scan and activate the QR code.

➡️ Use code “BREATHINGTRAVEL10” to get 10% off your Airalo eSIM

🥈 2. Holafly: Best for Unlimited Data & Heavy Use

Holafly is a great choice if you’re going to be using your phone a lot whether for hotspotting, uploading Reels, or streaming Netflix by the pool. It offers unlimited data for a flat daily rate, which takes the pressure off constantly checking your usage.

Why I like it:

• Truly unlimited plans (no surprise top-ups, however, speed may be throttled!)
• Easy to install and activate via the app
• Great and fast customer support
• Good coverage across Bali, even in more remote areas

Perfect for you if:
You work online or need unlimited data for peace of mind, especially if you plan to hotspot to a laptop or travel off the beaten path.

➡️ Use code “BREATHINGTRAVEL” to get 5% off your Holafly eSIM

eSIM vs. Physical SIM in Bali: Comparison

Feature	Physical SIM	eSIM
Setup Time	20–60 min (in-person)	5 min (from your couch)
Price	Often overpriced	Transparent, fixed prices from $5 USD
Spam SMS	Yes	None
Risk of Issues	High	Very low
Works Immediately?	No	Yes

FAQs About Using eSIMs in Bali

💬 Do I need a local phone number?

No. eSIMs like Airalo and Holafly offer data-only plans, which are perfect if you just need internet access. Use WhatsApp, Messenger, or iMessage to call and text.

💬 Is my phone eSIM compatible?

Most newer iPhones (XS and up), Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy models are eSIM-ready. You can double-check here or check your phone settings.

💬 Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

Yes! Your WhatsApp account stays the same, even with a different or no phone number on your eSIM.

Tips for Using eSIMs in Bali

✔️ Buy and install before you fly
This saves so much stress. You’ll need a stable Wi-Fi connection to download and activate the eSIM.

✔️ Keep your primary SIM active for emergencies
Most phones allow you to keep both SIMs active, great for receiving 2FA codes or texts on your regular number while using data from the eSIM.

✔️ Top up or switch plans easily
Both Airalo and Holafly let you extend or renew your plan straight from their apps.

✔️ Download offline maps (just in case)
While I found coverage is generally great across Bali, some remote areas can be spotty. Always have a backup.

Final Verdict: What’s the Best eSIM for Bali?

If I had to choose just one? Airalo wins for price, convenience, and reliability. It’s the best choice for most travellers, especially if you have decent Wi-Fi where you're staying.

But if you’re someone who’s always online, working, uploading, sharing content or just want zero worries about running out of data, then Holafly is a fantastic upgrade.

Either way, ditch the physical SIM. Life’s too short for dodgy card stalls and spammy text messages.

Ready to Try It?

✈️ Heading to Bali soon? Here are my go-to links to get started:

👉 Get Airalo eSIM for Bali (affordable, reliable) – Use code: ”BREATHINGTRAVEL10” to get 10% off
👉 Try Holafly with Unlimited Data (heavy use, no limits) – Use code: ”BREATHINGTRAVEL” to get 5% off

Don’t forget to check if your phone supports eSIM before you buy. Here's to no more airport scams, no more spam texts and no more lost connections.