The Best eSIM for Indonesia: My Top 3 eSIMs I’ve Tried in 2026
One of the countries I have traveled to the most over the past few years is definitely Indonesia.
I just love everything about it, from the beautiful nature and amazing culture to the food and the surfing. Since I travel quite a lot, I find myself coming back to Bali very often, whether it’s to relax for a bit or to settle in for some remote work.
One huge “must” and a total non-negotiable for me whenever I’m in Indonesia is staying connected. I need to be able to reach my friends, navigate around foreign islands, and look things up on the go.
For years now, I’ve been using eSIMs because, honestly, it’s just the easiest and most seamless way for me to stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical cards. Currently I am using Sim Local and I’m super happy with them because they are just the most affordable and most reliable eSIM out of the ones I have tried so far.
Since I’ve been to Indonesia so many times, I’ve tested out several different providers. I figured it was finally time to put together this guide on ‘the best eSIM for Indonesia ’ for you guys to share the best eSIMs I’ve tested, which one I’m currently using, and my overall experience with them.
Do I Need an eSIM for Indonesia?
I can only speak from my personal experience, but as someone who has spent a total of over six months in Indonesia across multiple trips, traveling through Java, Bali, Lombok, Flores, and Sumatra, I can pretty confidently say: Yes, you need one.
I know everyone travels differently, but my number one reason for always having an eSIM is exploration. I love riding scooters and motorbikes all around Bali and Lombok, and having data means I never have to worry about getting lost. I can book accommodation on the go, find nearby restaurants, or reach my friends in an emergency.
For me, staying connected is a non-negotiable, especially in a country like Indonesia with so many remote regions and islands.
Then there’s the day-to-day convenience. Whether I need to call a Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent to Uber) to get home, find a cute cafe nearby, or just check in with friends and family back home, having an eSIM makes everything seamless.
Sure, you could get a physical SIM card once you land, but eSIMs in 2026 are so affordable and easy to set up that I honestly can’t be bothered with the hassle of finding a physical store just to save a couple of dollars.
What is the Best eSIM for Bali?
I’ve found that specifically for Bali, I’ve had the best experience using Sim Local. I’ve used them quite a few times now, including on my most recent trip to Bali, and I’ve been super happy with them every time.
For a start, I had an amazing connection and great speeds (4G & 5G) pretty much the whole time. Even when I traveled up to the more remote north of Bali, I never had any issues, which was a huge relief.
I even used the eSIM to hotspot my laptop to get some work done while hanging out in a cute little coffee shop, and it worked seamlessly.
I actually had a couple of setup issues on my last trip (totally my own fault!), but their customer service was spot on. They handle support right through WhatsApp, which is so convenient, and the team helped me solve everything literally within seconds.
After using them so much recently, I can really say that Sim Local is my go-to. I’ll definitely be using them again whenever I’m back in Bali, it’s just been a great, stress-free experience.
▶︎ Check Out Here: Pricing & Plans for Sim Local
The 3 Best eSIM for Indonesia
1. Sim Local (This is the eSIM I currently use)
Data: 1GB up to 20GB (Multiple Plans Available)
Speed: 4G/5G
Plans: 7–3 days
Price range: $4-$36
I’ve been traveling around the world for years now and have visited Indonesia many times, and Sim Local is easily the eSIM I’ve used the most. I’ve tried others that were good, too, but Sim Local is consistently my favorite.
The main reason I stick with them is that they just make everything easy. Their app is super intuitive, the pricing is fair, and their customer service always has been great too. Most importantly, the connection speed is always great, I’ve never had a reason to complain, which means I never have to worry about my data while I’m on the move.
On my most recent trip to Indonesia, I was actually surprised by just how well it worked. I did some pretty cool trips, including riding a motorbike all the way around Lombok, and I had service almost everywhere on the island. I did a similar trip in Bali, driving all the way up to the much more remote north coast, and the signal was amazing there as well.
For this specific trip, I went with their 20GB plan for 30 days, which was only 36 USD. I thought that was a great deal, but I’ve also used their “Asia” plan before. That one also gives you 20GB but covers almost every country in Southeast Asia. That was a lifesaver when I was backpacking and hopping between countries every couple of weeks!
▶︎ Click Here to Check Out the Best Prices & Plans for Sim Local
2. Saily
Data: 1GB up to Unlimited Data (Multiple Plans Available)
Speed: 4G/5G
Plans: 5–30 days
Price range: $5-$70
I actually used Saily last year when I went to Bali over Christmas and New Year’s. It was only a 10-day trip, so I wanted to try something new and decided to give them a go.
Since I spent most of my time in Uluwatu but also headed up to Ubud for a few days, I got a good feel for how it handled both the coast and the inland areas.
Overall, I had a great experience. The connection was reliable and the speeds were consistently good, so I never had any issues staying connected. Whether I was navigating the backroads of Ubud or just checking maps in Uluwatu, it worked exactly like it should.
The only minor downsides for me were that Saily felt a little bit on the pricier side compared to other options, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of their app interface. That might just be because I wasn’t used to it yet, though!
However, for a quick 10-day trip to Bali, it was totally fine and did the job well.
3. Airalo
Data: 1GB up to Unlimited Data (Multiple Plans Available)
Speed: 4G/5G
Plans: 3–31 days
Price range: $5-$40
I actually tested Airalo on my very last trip to Indonesia alongside Sim Local. That’s one of the perks of two of us running this travel blog, we can try out different products at the same time to see how they really stack up against each other.
I have to say, my experience with Airalo was also really solid. I had 4G or 5G most of the time, and the connection was pretty much flawless. We took it on that same loop around Lombok and Bali, and it held up beautifully even when things got a bit more remote.
If I’m being totally honest, I have the same “it’s fine” feeling about their app as I do with Saily, it does the job, but it’s not my favorite interface.
I’ve just spent so much time using Sim Local that I’m probably biased toward their setup! But honestly, for a shorter trip to Indonesia, Airalo is a totally reliable shout and you won’t have any issues.
▶︎ Check Out Here: The Best Prices & Plans for eSIM in Indonesia
Who is Sim Local Best For?
I personally fall into the digital nomad, solo traveler, and budget traveler categories, and for me, Sim Local is perfect.
I just love the convenience of having data the second I land in a new country. Getting a plan with them is so affordable, too and honestly, affordability and convenience are the two big reasons why I like it so much. There is nothing I find more frustrating than having to hunt down a physical SIM card at an airport right after a long flight.
However, I can also totally see how Sim Local would be great for families. When you’re already stressed after a long flight with kids, having service and internet immediately once you land is a game-changer. Being able to call a Grab or an Uber and just get to the hotel as soon as possible makes life so much easier.
Overall, I’d say Sim Local is best for anyone (myself included!) who wants to make their life a little more stress-free and less hectic, especially when traveling to a foreign country.
Book Here: Sim Local eSIM for Indonesia
FAQs About the Best eSIMs for Indonesia
What is the cheapest eSIM for Indonesia?
In my experience, I usually find the best deals with Sim Local. They’re generally the most affordable for the amount of data you get, and they often run specials where you can snag a 10–20% discount, which I always try to look out for.
Should I get an eSIM for Bali?
Absolutely. I always have an eSIM whenever I’m traveling, it’s just the easiest way to stay connected from the second I land until the moment I leave. Honestly, I just don’t have the energy anymore to go hunt down a physical SIM card just to save a couple of dollars.
Should I get a normal SIM card or an eSIM?
Back when I was a backpacker on a super tight budget, I used to always buy physical SIM cards. But nowadays, I only use eSIMs. They’re just so much better, you get English-speaking customer service, instant connection, and they’re only slightly more expensive than a physical card. For the convenience, it’s a no-brainer.
Where can I buy an eSIM Indonesia?
I always buy mine directly through the app. Since I use Sim Local, I just download their app and buy the eSIM right in there. It’s literally “idiot-proof”, even I could do it, haha! Just make sure your phone is carrier-unlocked before you buy one, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts: What is the Best eSIM for Bali?
All in all, I can’t recommend having an eSIM enough. I travel pretty much full-time, and during my months spent exploring Indonesia, hopping between Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok, having internet at all times was a lifesaver.
Being able to text my driver while on a ferry or letting a hotel know I’m running late just makes the whole experience so much less stressful.
There are plenty of great eSIMs out there, and I genuinely recommend any of the ones on this list. But if I had to pick a favorite, it’s Sim Local. I’ve used them the most, I’ve never had an issue, and I think they offer the best value for money for how I travel.
I hope this guide gave you a better idea of how eSIMs work and why they’re worth it. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! Otherwise, have an amazing trip and enjoy every second of Indonesia.
Check Out My Other Lombok Guides
Is Lombok Worth Visiting? My Honest Review
The Best Cafes in Kuta Lombok: My Favorite Coffee Shops in Kuta
The Best Restaurants in Kuta Lombok: My Top Places to Eat in Lombok
Beaches in Kuta Lombok: My Favorite Beaches in Kuta
Best Time to Visit Lombok Island: My Seasonal Guide
Best Things to Do in Kuta Lombok: My Favorite Activities in Kuta
Places to Stay in Kuta Lombok: My Top Areas in Hotels in Kuta Lombok
Where to Stay in Lombok Island: My Favorite Areas & Hotels
Best Things to Do in Lombok Island: My Favorite Activities in Lombok
Check Out My Other Indonesia Guides
Is Indonesia Worth Visiting? My Honest Review
Indonesia Itinerary 3 Weeks: How I Spent 21 Days in Indonesia
Best Time to Visit Indonesia: When I Would Go Again
Check Out My Other eSIM Guides
Best eSIMs for Travelling Asia: My Honest Comparison
Best eSIM for Asia Sim Local: My Honest Review
Best eSIM for Japan: My eSIM Comparison for Japan
Best eSIM for Thailand: My Favorite eSIM for Thailand
