The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Local eSIM for Your Bali and Indonesia Adventure: A UK Traveller’s Handbook

Ellie Green
Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Tuesday, January 13th, 2026

Indonesia, with its sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands, offers everything from the lush jungles and spiritual heart of Bali to the volcanic landscapes of Java and the pristine diving spots of Raja Ampat. For any modern British traveler, staying connected is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Whether you are navigating the winding streets of Ubud using Google Maps, booking a Gojek to get across Jakarta, or sharing a sunset over the Gili Islands on Instagram, a reliable data connection is your best travel companion.

While international roaming is an option, for UK travellers, it is often prohibitively expensive. Major UK networks like EE, O2, and Vodafone often charge upwards of £6 per day for a meager data allowance, or worse, charge by the megabyte, which can lead to a "bill shock" of hundreds of pounds upon your return to London or Manchester. For the savvy traveler, getting a local eSIM is the most efficient, cost-effective, and convenient way to stay online. This guide provides everything you need to know about securing a local eSIM for your travels across Indonesia and Bali, ensuring you spend less time hunting for Wi-Fi and more time exploring.

Why Choose an eSIM for Indonesia?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. It allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without having to insert a physical chip into your device. For travelers in Indonesia, the benefits are significant:

  1. Instant Connectivity: You can often purchase and install your eSIM before you even land in Denpasar or Jakarta, allowing you to hit the ground running.
     
  2. Keep Your Home Number: Since the eSIM is digital, your physical SIM slot remains free. This means you can keep your home SIM active for receiving important SMS verification codes or emergency calls while using local data for everything else.
     
  3. No More Tiny Tools: You won't need to fumble with paperclips or SIM ejector tools in a crowded airport.
     
  4. Cost Savings: Local rates are significantly cheaper than international roaming packages offered by UK providers. While a UK "Roam Abroad" pass might cost you £25 for a week, a local eSIM can provide 20GB of data for less than £10.
     

Understanding Indonesia’s SIM Registration Laws (IMEI)

Before diving into how to get an eSIM, it is crucial to understand Indonesia’s unique regulations regarding mobile devices. To combat the black market for electronics, the Indonesian government requires all mobile devices using a local SIM card to have their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) registered in a national database.

For tourists staying less than 90 days, there is a "Tourist SIM" exception. Most local providers offer specific tourist packages that include a temporary IMEI registration. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you will need to go through a more formal registration process at a customs office (Beacukai) and potentially pay import taxes on your device. However, for the vast majority of holidaymakers, the 90-day tourist registration handled by the provider is perfectly sufficient.

Top Network Providers in Indonesia

Indonesia has several major telecommunications companies (Telcos). When choosing an eSIM, you are essentially choosing which network's infrastructure you will be using.

  • Telkomsel: The state-owned giant. It has the most extensive coverage across the entire archipelago, including remote islands and mountainous regions. If you are heading off the beaten path, Telkomsel is usually the best bet.
     
  • XL Axiata: A strong competitor with excellent coverage in Bali, Java, and Lombok. They often offer very competitive pricing for high-data packages.
     
  • Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison: Known for fast speeds in urban areas and popular tourist hubs.
     
  • Smartfren: Often the most budget-friendly, but their coverage can be spotty outside of major cities.
     

How to Purchase and Activate Your Local eSIM

There are three primary ways to get your hands on a local eSIM for your Indonesian trip.

1. Pre-Purchase Online via International Providers

Several global eSIM marketplaces like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad offer Indonesian data plans.

  • Pros: Extremely convenient; you can set it up in the UK before you leave; no need to provide passport details to a local shop.
     
  • Cons: Often more expensive per GB than local Indonesian brands; you usually get a data-only plan without a local phone number (which you might need for some local apps).
     

2. Pre-Order Local Tourist eSIMs

Many local Indonesian providers now allow you to pre-order a "Tourist Prepaid eSIM" through their official websites or dedicated travel partner sites.

  • Pros: Local prices; includes the necessary IMEI registration; often comes with a local number.
     
  • Cons: You may still need to verify your identity (passport photo) via an app or website during activation.
     

3. Purchase Upon Arrival at the Airport

At major gateways like Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali or Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) in Jakarta, you will find numerous kiosks for Telkomsel, XL, and others.

  • Pros: Staff will handle the registration and activation for you on the spot; you can verify it works before leaving the counter.
     
  • Cons: Prices at the airport are slightly higher than in town; queues can be long after a long-haul flight.
     

Step-by-Step Activation Guide

Once you have chosen your provider and purchased your eSIM, the activation process generally follows these steps:

  1. Check Compatibility: Ensure your phone is carrier-unlocked and supports eSIM technology (generally iPhone XS/XR or newer, and most flagship Androids from the last 4 years).
     
  2. Receive the QR Code: You will receive a QR code via email or on a physical voucher.
     
  3. Scan and Install: Go to your phone's settings (Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM) and scan the code.
     
  4. Registration: For local Indonesian SIMs, you will likely need to provide your passport number and IMEI. If you bought a tourist-specific eSIM, the provider usually has a portal where you upload a photo of your passport and a "selfie" with your passport to comply with government regulations.
     
  5. Restart and Connect: Once the registration is processed (which can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours), restart your phone. Ensure "Data Roaming" is turned ON for the new eSIM line.
     

Essential Apps for Your Stay

Once your eSIM is active, make sure to download these essential apps. Note that you should ideally download these while still on your home Wi-Fi in the UK to save your local data for when you arrive:

  • Gojek or Grab: The "everything apps" for Indonesia. Use them for motorbike taxis, car rides, food delivery, and even grocery shopping. They are the Indonesian equivalent of Uber and Deliveroo combined.
     
  • WhatsApp: Unlike the UK where iMessage or SMS is common, WhatsApp is the primary mode of communication for businesses, hotels, and tour guides in Indonesia.
     
  • Traveloka: Great for booking domestic flights and ferries between islands.
     

Tips for Staying Connected in Remote Areas

While Bali has excellent 4G and 5G coverage in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud, Indonesia is vast. If you are trekking in North Sumatra or exploring the Komodo National Park, keep these tips in mind:

  • Download Offline Maps: Use Google Maps' offline feature for the area you are visiting.
     
  • Telkomsel is King: In remote areas, Telkomsel is often the only network with a signal.
     
  • Power Banks: Constant GPS usage and searching for signals in low-coverage areas will drain your battery quickly.
     

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • No Signal: Ensure your IMEI registration has been processed. If you bought it at a shop, go back and ask them to check the registration status.
     
  • Slow Data: Check if you have exhausted your "FUP" (Fair Usage Policy) limit. Some "unlimited" plans throttle speeds after a certain amount of daily usage.
     
  • Cannot Send SMS: Some eSIM plans are data-only. If you need to send SMS, ensure your plan includes credit (Pulsa).
     

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Indonesian telecommunications might seem daunting at first with IMEI registrations and various providers, but opting for an eSIM simplifies the process immensely. By securing your connection early, you free yourself to focus on the incredible experiences Indonesia has to offer—from the sunrise over Mount Bromo to the crystal-clear waters of the Nusa Islands.

For those looking for a seamless experience without the hassle of navigating complex local websites, we highly recommend checking out balisim.com. They stand out as one of the best value companies providing specialized tourist eSIMs and physical SIM cards specifically tailored for travelers in Bali and across Indonesia. Their service includes pre-registered options that bypass many of the common technical hurdles, ensuring you have high-speed data from the moment you touch down, all at very competitive local rates.

 

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