Mobile connection and internet in Bali: SIM cards, providers, home internet

Mobile SIM and eSIM basics

Indonesia's main mobile operators include Telkomsel, XL and Indosat. All of them are available in Bali.

• Registration is required. You need your passport to register a SIM. Some providers also ask for your phone's IMEI number. Keep your passport and phone details with you when you buy.
• eSIMs are registered too. A traveller who tested a Telkomsel eSIM reported that registration was still required even though they were the only customer. Expect an ID step even when you buy online.
• Where to buy. Buy at an official operator outlet or from a reputable eSIM seller, and have the SIM registered in your own name. Airport kiosks and street stalls are convenient, but check what is being registered and under whose passport.

The sources above are tourist-oriented guides, so treat them as practical experience rather than official rules.

Phone compatibility and IMEI

Because IMEI details are requested, check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM-capable before you travel. Rules on foreign phones, IMEI registration and how long a foreign phone can be used with a local SIM are set by Indonesian authorities and can change. Check them with the operator and the Indonesian customs and communications ministry sites before bringing a new phone.

Home internet

Home internet in Bali is mainly fibre. IndiHome (Telkom) and XL SATU are the main options, and Starlink and eSIM data are alternatives for places without fibre.

• Typical prices. A 2026 community guide lists official plan prices of about Rp 229,000 per month for XL SATU (a 250 Mbps promo) and about Rp 230,000 for IndiHome. Promo prices, installation fees and speeds vary by address and by month.
• Coverage depends on the exact address. Fibre availability differs between villas, apartments and rural areas. Before signing a lease, ask the landlord which provider is already connected, and ask for a speed test.
• Contract and paperwork. Providers usually want ID and a local address. Ask about contract length, installation fees and cancellation terms before you commit.

Common mistakes

• Buying a SIM without checking that the phone is unlocked or supports eSIM.
• Assuming a villa has fast internet because the listing says "WiFi". Ask for a speed test, and ask whether the connection is shared.
• Relying on a tourist SIM for a long stay without checking its validity and top-up rules.

Check current plans and prices on the operators' own websites or in their outlets before you buy.