Staying Connected in Bali : International Roaming, eSIMs, or a Local SIM?

When you’re heading to Bali, staying connected by phone is essential for everything from finding your way around to keeping in touch with family back home. But with so many options for mobile service, it can be tricky to know what will work best for your trip. In this post, we’ll compare three popular options: international roaming (using Telstra, Optus, and Boost Mobile as examples), using an eSIM, and buying a

local SIM card on arrival in Bali.

1. International Roaming: Telstra, Optus, and Boost Mobile

If you’re using an Australian carrier, you might be tempted by the convenience of international roaming. While it’s easy to activate, roaming can be costly compared to other options. Let’s compare what Telstra, Optus, and Boost Mobile offer for Bali.

Telstra International Roaming

Telstra offers a Day Pass for international roaming in many countries, including Indonesia.

• Price: $10 per day.

• Inclusions: Unlimited standard national and international calls and texts, plus 2GB of data per day (excess data $10/2GB with 31day expiry)

• Pros:

  • Easy to use without switching SIM cards.

  • Keep your current number for calls and texts.

• Cons:

  • Expensive for longer stays (e.g., $70 for a week).

  • Only 2GB of data per day, which might not be enough if you use data heavily.

Optus International Roaming

Optus offers a Travel Pass with competitive rates for Bali.

• Price: $5 per day.

• Inclusions: Unlimited calls and texts, plus 5GB of data per day.

• Pros:

  • More affordable than Telstra.

  • More data per day (5GB) for a lower cost.

• Cons:

  • Like Telstra, costs rise for longer trips, and you might forget to turn off roaming after your trip.

Boost Mobile International Roaming

Boost Mobile, which uses Telstra’s network, is a great prepaid alternative to the major carriers. They offer a small, medium or large roaming pack.

Price:

Small pack $20 

Medium pack $30

Large pack $40

Inclusions:

Small - 1GB of data, 15 minutes of calls and 15 texts, 3 days expiry

Medium - 3GB of data, 30 minutes of calls and 30 texts, 7 days expiry

Large - 5GB of data, 60 minutes of calls and 60 texts, 14 days expiry

Pros:

• A good value for light data users on shorter trips.

• Cheaper upfront cost than Telstra and Optus if you’re not using a lot of data.

Cons:

• Only 5GB of data for 14 days; not ideal for heavy data usage.

• Limited call and text inclusions compared to Telstra and Optus.

2. eSIM: Affordable and Easy to Use Mobile Data

Image from vecteezy.com

For budget-conscious travellers, an eSIM is a great alternative. You can buy one online and activate it before or during your trip without removing your regular SIM card.

Telkomsel eSIM

Telkomsel is an Indonesian network with great coverage in even the most remote areas we've travelled to. They offer eSIM packages, or the option to buy a physical sim online to be delivered to your accommodation in Bali. See all their eSIM options here:

Telkomsel eSIM plans

Airalo is another popular provider, with plans for many different countries

Airalo Indonesia eSIM Plans:

• 1GB for 7 days: $9.00 AUD

• 2GB for 15 days: $12.50 AUD

• 3GB for 30 days: $17.50 AUD

• 5GB for 30 days: $22.00 AUD

• 10GB for 30 days: $34.50 AUD

Pros:

• Affordable: A fraction of the cost of roaming with Telstra, Optus, or Boost.

• Instant activation: No need to wait until you land to get connected.

• No SIM card swap: Keep your home SIM in your phone while using Airalo for data.

Cons:

• Data-only: You’ll need to rely on apps like WhatsApp, Messenger or Skype for calls and texts.

• Compatibility: Not all phones are eSIM compatible, so check before purchasing.

3. Buying a Local SIM Card for Your Mobile Phone in Bali

For those planning a longer stay or needing more data, buying a local SIM card in Bali is the most cost-effective option. You can pick one up at the airport or arrange for one to be delivered to your hotel when you arrive by clicking here:

Telkomsel Sim Delivery

Price and Inclusions:

• Price:

  21GB: $19.89 AUD

  36GB: $29.89 AUD

  63GB: $39.89 AUD

• Inclusions: data only

Pros:

• Best value: For longer trips or heavy data use, local SIM cards provide the most data for the lowest cost.

• Widespread availability: You can easily buy a SIM at the airport or a convenience store in Bali, or there are even sellers who will come to you and set it up in your hotel room or villa.

Cons:

• Inconvenience: You’ll need to swap out your home SIM card and may lose access to your regular phone number.

• Registration: Due to government regulations, local SIMs require passport registration, which can add a small hassle when purchasing.

Each option has its strengths, so think about how long you’ll be in Bali and what your data needs are.

Safe travels, and happy exploring!

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