Indonesia & Bali eSIM
Bali, Java, Lombok and the rest of Indonesia.
Network: Telkomsel, Indosat (4G/5G)
- Hotspot works. As it should.
- QR code in your inbox within minutes of paying.
- Your days start when the eSIM first connects at your destination.
- Full refund as long as the eSIM is not installed.
- Data only. Your own number keeps working for calls and texts if you leave it on. Not sure your phone works with eSIM? Check it first
Details
- Coverage
- Indonesia & Bali. Networks: Telkomsel, Indosat (4G/5G). Uses several local networks and switches automatically when one has no coverage.
- Validity
- 3 to 30 days, depending on the plan. The days start when the eSIM first connects at your destination.
- Hotspot
- Allowed. Share your data with a laptop, tablet or travel partner.
- Top-up
- Need more? Top up on the same eSIM.
- How it works
- Buy, install at home on wifi and switch on after landing. Read the guide
How much data do you need?
Set your trip length and how many hours a day you use each type of app. We suggest a plan that fits.
These numbers are estimates. Video quality, app settings and background updates change how much you use.
Travelling in Indonesia: the quick facts
Indonesia is temples and rice terraces on Bali, volcano sunrises on Java and Komodo dragons in the east. Below you find what helps to know before you land, and how our Indonesia eSIM with hotspot keeps you and your laptop online. It works as a Bali eSIM and covers Java, Lombok and the other islands too.
- CurrencyIndonesian rupiah (IDR, Rp)
- PlugsType C and F, 230 V, as in Germany and FranceSame as EU
- LanguageBahasa Indonesia, English in tourist areas
- Emergency112 (police 110, ambulance 118 or 119)
- Ride-hailingGrab, Gojek and Bluebird taxis
- NetworksTelkomsel and Indosat, 4G and 5G
- Time zonesBali UTC+8, Jakarta UTC+7, Papua UTC+9
Most visited places in Indonesia
Most trips start on Bali, and many add Lombok, Java or the islands further east.
Ubud, Bali
Rice terraces, temples and the Sacred Monkey Forest in central Bali.
Uluwatu, Bali
A cliff-top temple with a Kecak fire dance at sunset, and surf beaches below.
Nusa Penida
A short boat ride from Sanur, known for Kelingking Beach and manta rays.
Lombok
Bali's quieter neighbour, with Mount Rinjani, surf beaches and the Gili Islands just off the coast.
Labuan Bajo and Komodo
The harbour town on Flores where boat trips start to the Komodo dragons and coral reefs. On the boat between the islands, expect to be offline for a while.
Mount Bromo, East Java
An active volcano in a sea of sand, best known for sunrise. Check the alert level before you go.
How do we compare?
Often cheaper, especially on fixed data, with hotspot included on every plan.
| Feature | Best choiceArrivalSIM | Airalo | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|
Hotspot on every planChecked per country before a plan goes online | Yes | Depends on network | Max 1 GB/day |
Often cheaper10 GB from €12,49 | Yes | No | No |
Multiple networksTelkomsel first, for the best coverage | Telkomsel + Indosat | Telkomsel + Indosat | Telkomsel + XL |
Personal contactHelp from a real person when you need it | Yes | 24/7 chat | 24/7 chat |
Money-back guaranteeFull refund as long as the eSIM is not installed | Within 14 days if not installed | Within 14 days if unused | Within 6 months if unused |
Top up the same eSIMAdd data when you run low | Yes | Yes | Days only |
Fixed GB and unlimitedPick a plan that fits your trip | Yes | Yes | No |
Checked on each provider's own website.
eSIM vs Bali SIM card
You can also buy a local tourist SIM card in Bali, and per GB it is often the cheapest data. Here is how it compares with our eSIM.
| Topic | ArrivalSIM eSIM | Local SIM card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you get it | Online, install at home | Telkomsel shop or airport counter |
| Online when you land | Straight away | After buying and setup |
| Price | More per GB, no extra fees | Rp 100–150k for 25 GB; airport Rp 250–400k |
| Passport | Not needed | Needed |
| IMEI registration | Not needed | Works 90 days without |
| Keeps your own SIM | Yes | Comes out (unless dual SIM) |
| Local number for calls | Data only | Calls included |
Staying a month and happy to visit a counter? Then a local SIM gives you the cheapest data. If you want to be online when you land and keep your own SIM in place, the eSIM is the easier choice.
Money in Indonesia: rupiah, cards and ATMs
Indonesia uses the rupiah (IDR). Prices are in rupiah, and notes go up to Rp 100,000. Lots of zeros, so the rough converter below helps.
- Cards work in hotels, malls and most restaurants. However, warungs, markets and drivers often want cash.
- QRIS is the national QR payment. Apps from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan can also pay with it.
- Use ATMs inside a bank or mall. When a terminal offers to charge you in your own currency, choose rupiah.
- Change cash only at licensed money changers with a Bank Indonesia logo.
- Bali charges a one-time tourist levy of Rp 150,000 per person. Pay it online through Love Bali or at the airport.
Rough rupiah converter
About
| Rp 10,000 | ≈ €0.50 |
|---|---|
| Rp 50,000 | ≈ €2.50 |
| Rp 100,000 | ≈ €5.00 |
| Rp 500,000 | ≈ €25 |
| Rp 1,000,000 | ≈ €50 |
Approximate, rounded rate for a rough idea only. Your bank or card uses its own rate.
Weather and best time to visit Bali and Indonesia
Indonesia is warm all year, so the best time to visit Bali comes down to rain. This pattern is for Bali and most of Java, so check other regions separately.
-
Dry season
May to SeptemberThe least rain, so also the most visitors. July and August are the driest months.
-
Shoulder months
April and OctoberSome showers, but fewer crowds than in the dry season.
-
Wet season
November to MarchDecember and January are the wettest months, so keep a spare day for boat trips.
Grab vs Gojek: which taxi app to use in Bali
Grab and Gojek both offer cars and scooter taxis, and both show the price before you book. If you already use Grab elsewhere in Southeast Asia, your account works in Bali too. Gojek also lets you book Bluebird taxis. Install both and compare the price for each ride.
Grab
Cars, scooter taxis and food delivery. You can also pay by card in the app.
Gojek
The Indonesian app, with GoRide scooters, GoCar cars and GoBluebird for Bluebird taxis.
Bluebird
Metered taxis you can hail or book in the MyBluebird app. They are a good backup when app pickups are restricted.
Pickup zones in Bali
In parts of Ubud, Canggu and around Uluwatu, local transport cooperatives restrict pickups by app. Drop-offs, however, are usually fine. For a pickup, walk to a main road or ask your hotel for a driver. Install the apps at home, because sign-up sends a code to your own number.
Internet rules in Indonesia: IMEI, blocked sites and VPN
IMEI registration for foreign phones
A local SIM card only works in a foreign phone for 90 days unless the phone's IMEI is registered. Travel eSIMs like ours connect to local networks as a visitor, through international roaming. Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai) says visitors on international roaming do not need to register their phone's IMEI. Rules can change, so check the Customs page before you travel.
Blocked sites and apps
The government blocks gambling and adult sites, plus services that skip registration with the ministry (Komdigi). Reddit has worked again since July 2026. Vimeo and Grindr were blocked on at least one network in October 2026. WhatsApp, Google Maps, Instagram and TikTok work normally.
VPN
There is no general ban on VPN apps. However, the content rules still apply when you use one.
Sources: Indonesian Customs (Bea Cukai) IMEI rules and Komdigi announcements. Rules change, so we review this section regularly.
Internet in Bali for tourists: coverage and hotspot
With our eSIM you have mobile data in Bali, so you do not depend on hotel or cafe wifi. It covers all of Indonesia, including Java and Lombok, on 4G and 5G where available. It uses the Telkomsel and Indosat networks and switches automatically when one has no signal. Coverage is best in cities and tourist areas. In the mountains and on boats between the islands, expect gaps.
Using hotspot in Indonesia
- Install the eSIM at home on wifi and leave the line off.
- After landing in Denpasar or Jakarta, switch it on, set it for mobile data and turn on data roaming.
- Turn on Personal Hotspot (iPhone) or Hotspot and tethering (Android). Hotspot data counts towards your plan.
Step by step: iPhone install guide, Android install guide. Need more data later? Top up the same eSIM.
A note from our founder
I've lived in Bali for more than four years and travelled to many of Indonesia's islands. I've used local SIM cards and eSIMs, and put the best of both into one product made for your trip. One thing I've learned: Telkomsel has the best coverage, so it comes first on our Indonesia eSIM. On a boat between the islands, expect to be offline for a while. Enjoy the islands and the water, and see what wildlife you can spot. If you need to stay connected, some boat operators now offer Starlink on board. With ArrivalSIM you get affordable plans with hotspot on every plan, and you're online when you land. See you in Indonesia!
Peter, founder of ArrivalSIM
Indonesia eSIM FAQ
Do I need to register my phone's IMEI for this eSIM?
Usually not. Travel eSIMs like ours connect to local networks as a visitor on international roaming, and Indonesian Customs says roaming visitors do not need to register their IMEI. Registration applies to local SIM cards, which only work in a foreign phone for 90 days without it.
Does hotspot work with the Indonesia eSIM?
Yes. Hotspot is included on every plan, so you can share your data with a laptop, tablet or travel partner. Hotspot data counts towards your plan.
When do my days start?
When the eSIM first connects in Indonesia. Installing at home does not start your plan.
Which plan fits two weeks in Bali?
Light use, such as maps, messaging and some social media: the 20 GB plan. Streaming or laptop work: the 15-day unlimited plan. The data calculator above helps you choose.
Is ArrivalSIM cheaper than Airalo in Indonesia?
Often, yes, especially on fixed data: when we last checked, our 5, 10 and 20 GB plans cost less than Airalo's. For some unlimited lengths Airalo or Holafly cost less, and Holafly sells unlimited plans of up to 90 days.
Can I use Grab and Gojek with the eSIM?
Yes. Sign up at home, because the apps send a code to your own number.
Can I get a refund?
Yes, you get a full refund as long as the eSIM is not installed.
Ready for Indonesia?
Plans from €2,99 including VAT
Pick your plan, install it at home and you are online when you land. Travelling on? We cover 190+ countries.
Questions first? Reach us through our contact page.