If you're visiting Bali for a holiday or planning to stay for up to two or three months, I wouldn't recommend buying a local SIM card at the airport right away.
In my opinion, it's much more convenient to set up an eSIM before your trip.
I used an eSIM from Trip.com. You can purchase it before departure, activate it by following the instructions, and travel without worrying about your connection. Once you land, you'll have internet access immediately, making it easy to book a taxi, open Google Maps, message your family, or take care of any other essentials.
It removes one of the first tasks after arrival and allows you to buy a local SIM card later, once you've settled in.
If you haven't decided how you'll get to your accommodation yet, I recommend reading [How to Get a Taxi from Bali Airport](/en/id/article/how-to-order-a-taxi-from-the-airport-in-bali).
Mobile Operators in Bali
The most popular mobile providers are:
- Telkomsel
- XL Axiata
- Smartfren
We're currently using Telkomsel.
One interesting thing I've noticed is that there are places where Telkomsel loses signal, while the eSIM from Trip.com continues to work without any issues.
Where to Buy a Local SIM Card
You can buy a SIM card almost anywhere in Bali. Small mobile phone shops are easy to find, so there's no need to search for one in advance.
You can also buy a SIM card at the airport, but the plans there are usually more expensive. If you need internet immediately after landing, an eSIM is the more convenient option.
There's one important detail that many people only discover after moving to Bali.
If You're Planning to Stay Longer Than Three Months
Indonesia requires IMEI registration for phones brought into the country from abroad. If your device isn't registered, your mobile service may stop working after some time.
To keep using a local SIM card, you'll need to register your device. If you have an iPhone 14 or older, the registration can be completed free of charge. For newer iPhone models, a significant import tax applies.
This topic deserves its own article, so I'll explain how IMEI registration works, how much it costs, when you may not have to pay the tax, and other important details in a separate guide.
You may also like:
📱 Essential Apps for Living in Bali
🚖 How to Get a Taxi from Bali Airport
📄 Documents You Need to Enter Bali
📱 IMEI Registration in Indonesia (coming soon)
Officially, I'm an editor of city media around the world. But really, I'm just that traveling frog who chases adventures, connects people, and discovers new ways to make life a little more meaningful, exciting, and full of wonder every day
