Bali and Indonesia: preparation and choosing an eSIM or SIMでオンラインになる
For Bali and multi-island trips: uneven signal in remote areas, travel that relies on apps, and how to choose a SIM or eSIM to match your plan.
早わかり
- For Bali you choose between roaming on your Thai number, a local physical SIM, and a data-only eSIM. If your phone supports eSIM, install before flying and you are online on landing, with no SIM queue after immigration, which helps when you need to book a ride or contact your accommodation straight away.
- For entry, visa, fees and forms for Indonesia, rely only on official sources such as the immigration website or embassy, since these change. Signal in remote areas and across islands can be uneven, so keep offline maps.
Overview: how Bali and Indonesia differ for data
Indonesia is a large archipelago, and coverage differs a lot between Bali's main tourist districts and mountains, remote coastlines or small islands. Busy tourist areas are usually easier for data, but do not assume everywhere is the same. Real strength depends on operator, location and time.
This guide does not quote prices, data amounts or speeds as numbers, because they change often. See live prices on the product page and check conditions with the operator directly.
Comparing the three options
| 選択肢 | Suits you when | 注意点 |
|---|---|---|
| Thai-number roaming | You want only your own number and no extra set-up | Check conditions and charges with your operator first |
| 現地の物理SIM | A longer stay, or you need a local number | Registration rules, device compatibility and counter queues |
| Data-only eSIM | A short or medium trip where you want data at once and keep your Thai SIM | No phone number or SMS; needs a compatible, unlocked phone |
If your trip covers several countries, read our multi-country data guide. An option that suits one area may not suit another.
Multi-island trips and remote areas: uneven signal
Boat crossings between islands, mountain drives or remote beaches often mean patchy signal. This is not about which SIM or eSIM you use, so plan so the trip does not fall apart when data drops.
- Save your accommodation address and meeting points as screenshots or offline maps
- Book and confirm boats, transfers and activities in advance, with proof saved on your phone
- Tell your host or operator your expected arrival time
- Carry a power bank within airline rules, because searching for signal drains the battery
Preparing before you go to Bali
For Indonesia's entry rules, visa, any tourism levy and arrival forms, check only the official immigration website or the embassy. Beware of sites that look official but charge extra, and do not use old posts that may be out of date.
- Passport: check its validity against destination and airline rules
- Accommodation and return or onward ticket, digital and printed
- Travel insurance: check that it covers what you plan to do, such as riding scooters or diving
- Licence and documents needed if you will drive a vehicle; check the rules from official sources
For insurance and device cover, read our guide on device cover in travel insurance, and do not assume any outcome; check your own policy's terms.
Money, cards and payment in Indonesia
Tourist-oriented shops and accommodation often take cards, but small shops, markets and many local services may take mostly cash. Prepare two routes: a card that works abroad and a little cash. At terminals and ATMs, watch the currency choice and fees, and read your own bank's fee schedule.
- 1Enable the card for overseas use and set suitable limitsSome banks let you adjust this in the app; check the menu in the latest app version.
- 2When asked about currency, choose localCompare with your bank's rate before deciding.
- 3Use ATMs at reputable banks and inspect the machine before using itIf the machine looks odd, use another one.
Apps and ride-hailing to prepare
Getting around Bali often relies on ride-hailing apps or contacting drivers directly. Availability of each app differs by area, and some pick-up points may have restrictions. Check the app store before flying, install, log in and link your payment method at home, because it needs signal and may require an SMS verification code.
Verification codes are a limit of data-only eSIMs because they have no number. Use your Thai SIM for SMS, or another verification method. Read more in our SMS abroad guide.
Staying online in Bali with an eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked, install before flying and use it on arrival, with no need to remove your Thai SIM. Remember that an eSIM does not improve signal in remote areas; coverage depends on the network the eSIM uses. Check package details and live prices on the product page, and confirm device compatibility before buying.
Final checklist before Bali
- Re-check entry rules from official sources just before leaving
- Install and test your eSIM or prepare your SIM, and turn off data roaming on the Thai SIM if using an eSIM
- Download offline maps for your areas, including the route to your accommodation
- Install and log in to your ride-hailing app, with a backup verification method
- Card enabled for overseas use, and a little cash
- Check the plug type and bring an adapter if needed
よくある質問
What is the best way to get data in Bali?+
No single option is best. An eSIM suits people who want data at once and keep the Thai SIM, a local SIM suits longer stays or those needing a local number, and roaming suits those who want their own number with no extra set-up. Compare using live prices and real conditions.
Does a Bali eSIM work on other Indonesian islands?+
It depends on the package. Some cover the whole country, but signal strength varies by island. Check the product page details before buying.
Do I need a visa or form before going to Bali?+
Requirements can change. Check the official Indonesian immigration website or the embassy, and again just before departure.
Does an eSIM work with ride-hailing apps in Bali?+
Data works as normal, but each app's availability differs by area. Install and log in before flying and prepare a backup verification method.
What if signal drops on an island or boat?+
Have offline maps, screenshots of addresses and bookings, and tell relevant people your expected arrival time. Dropped signal is normal in remote areas whichever SIM you use.
Do I need cash in Bali?+
Some, in small amounts, for markets and shops that do not take cards. Use a card that works abroad for the rest, and check fees with your own bank.
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