Best eSIM Providers for Bali Travel

In Bali, buying a physical SIM at the airport can be a huge pain. Prices are inflated, you’ll need to hand over your passport, and the setup can take 30 minutes or more.

eSIMs have thankfully made staying connected here way easier for frequent travelers and digital nomads. They’re fast to install, simple to top up, and you can choose exactly how much data you need, all without having to go to a store.

For most nomads, the “best” eSIM in Bali is the one that feels reliable day-to-day. That’s been Saily for me on several trips on the island. But let's break down all the options you might want to consider before you land in SE Asia.

Best eSIMs for Bali: Quick List

• Saily - Best Overall
• Jetpac - Best Perks
• Holafly - Best for Unlimited Data
• Airalo - Best Budget
• Nomad - Best for Short-Term Stays
• Ubigi - Best for Plan Flexibility

---

1. Saily - Best Overall

If you want one eSIM that ticks the full Bali checklist (stable coverage, quick setup, good value, and extra protection on public Wi-Fi) Saily is the best overall pick.

It’s backed by Nord Security (the team behind NordVPN), so you’re not just buying data but also getting built-in privacy tools like tracker blocking and other security features that come in handy when you’re working from cafés in Canggu or Ubud.

In Bali, Saily runs on Telkomsel’s 4G/5G network, which is exactly what you want here. Setup takes just a few minutes, the app is genuinely one of the smoothest we’ve tested, and their 24/7 support is fast, which matters a lot when you’re having issues in a different time zone.

One thing to keep in mind: Saily is data-only (no local number or SMS). And while the plan selection isn’t as massive as providers like Holafly or Ubigi, for most nomads it hits the sweet spot between value + reliability + peace of mind.

2. Jetpac - Best Perks

Jetpac is a great option for travelers who mainly use data for light browsing, social media, or messaging. It runs on Telkomsel’s 4G/5G network, covering most of Bali’s popular areas, though coverage in rural spots can be a bit patchy.

What makes Jetpac stand out is its SmartDelay feature, which gives you free airport lounge access if your flight gets delayed — a pretty awesome bonus for frequent flyers. Setup through the app is smooth, but customer support can be a little slow to respond at times. Plans start at just $4.50 for 1GB, with a solid range of budget-friendly options (though there’s no unlimited data plan available).

3. Holafly - Best for Unlimited Data

Holafly is still the go-to choice if your #1 priority is unlimited data in Bali, especially if you’re the type who doesn’t want to think about usage at all.

It connects to Bali’s most reliable networks, Telkomsel and Indosat, for strong 4G/5G coverage, which we tested in laptop-friendly cafés in Canggu and Ubud with consistently solid results.

Setup is quick via QR code or the Holafly app, and their 24/7 support team usually replies within minutes. Plans start at $4.18/day for 5 days, with better value for longer stays. Just note that speeds may temporarily slow if you exceed 90GB/month, and hotspot use is capped at 500MB/day.

So yes, Holafly is excellent for unlimited data. But compared to newer, more balanced options like Saily, it’s usually more expensive and less flexible for hotspot-heavy workdays, which is why it’s our #3 overall and #1 for unlimited.

4. Airalo - Best Budget

Airalo offers both limited plans (1–20GB) and a 10-day unlimited plan, making it a flexible option for light to moderate data users. Limited plans are also easily rechargeable through the app.

The app itself is clean and easy to use, and installation is straightforward. During testing, speeds were decent on the Indosat network, though customer support took about 22 minutes to respond, so it's not ideal if you need urgent help. The unlimited plan is also capped at 3GB/day before speeds are reduced to 1 Mbps!

5. Nomad - Best for Short-Term Stays

Nomad’s plans are some of the most competitively priced out there, especially the short-term options, which offer excellent value for money. It primarily connects to Telkomsel for strong coverage in most areas but may switch to Smartfren in rural regions, where performance can dip.

One standout feature is Nomad’s data calculator on its website, which helps you pick the right plan based on your usage. The app is clean and easy to use, though support is ticket-based and tends to be slower than other providers, so it’s best to plan ahead.

6. Ubigi - Best for Plan Flexibility

What really sets Ubigi apart is the wide range of plans. You’ll likely find something that fits, whether you’re staying for a weekend or a month.

Just don’t expect instant help if something goes wrong. Support is only available through a contact form and during limited hours, which can be a hassle if you need urgent assistance. Also, while their limited plans are quite affordable, the unlimited options come at a higher price than competitors like Holafly.

---

Why Choose an eSIM for Bali

Using an eSIM in Bali is hands down the most practical way to stay connected. You can buy your eSIM online before you land, and the moment you touch down, you're ready to order a Grab, check your immigration docs (if you applied for the Bali Digital Nomad Visa), or pull up Google Maps to find your accommodation.

We learned the hard way that relying on Wi-Fi at your accommodation can be... a gamble. Even with glowing reviews, “fast Wi-Fi” can mean anything! We stayed in highly rated spots where the signal was too weak for video calls, and our eSIM ended up saving the day more than once.

Here’s what we recorded for download speeds in Bali with various providers:

Based on these real-world results (and how these eSIMs behave day-to-day in Bali), we’ve named Saily as our best overall pick. It delivered consistently strong speeds in the areas where most nomads stay, runs on Telkomsel, and adds built-in security features that actually matter when you’re living on café Wi-Fi.

Holafly still wins if you specifically want unlimited data — and it was one of the fastest we tested — but the higher cost and hotspot limits make it a better “unlimited” pick than an overall one.

Key Features to Consider for a Bali eSIM

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, here are the key things we look at when picking the right eSIM for the trip, beyond just the price tag:

• Data plans: For most remote work days, 10–20GB + hotspot support is usually enough (Saily, Airalo). If you’re a heavy user (constant uploads, lots of tethering), unlimited can help (Holafly).
• Coverage: Prioritize eSIMs with Telkomsel (Bali’s best network) or Indosat. Avoid Smartfren, with spotty rural coverage.
• Validity period: Plans from 5 days (short trips) to 90 days (long stays). Make sure it covers your entire trip.
• Speed: 4G is standard (15-25 Mbps). 5G is available in busier areas but not in remote spots.
• Customer support: Bali’s time zone makes 24/7 support crucial for quick help.
• Compatibility: Make sure your device supports eSIM (iPhone: XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14 or later; Samsung: Galaxy S20, Note 20, Z Flip or later; Google Pixel: 3, 4, 5, 6 or later).

Ready to Get Connected and Start Traveling?