Bali eSIM: Land With Data

The quick answer

Buy a BNESIM eSIM for Indonesia before you fly, install it at home, and switch it on when you land. You'll have data for Grab, Gojek, maps and your bank's SMS codes before you reach the baggage belt.

Why get it before you fly

• Data from the moment you land. Book your Grab at the airport, message your driver, open your bank app.
• Skip the airport SIM booths. They've been charging around Rp 300,000–400,000 for a tourist SIM. unverified
• No phone-registration hassle. Indonesia blocks phones that aren't registered (the IMEI rule), but an eSIM like BNESIM runs on an international profile, so a holiday phone just works.

Setting it up (5 minutes)

1. Check your phone takes an eSIM and is unlockedMost iPhones from the XS on and recent Samsung and Pixel phones do. A phone locked to Telstra, Optus or Vodafone won't take another carrier's eSIM; ask them to unlock it before you go.
2. Buy and install at home, on Wi-FiYou'll get a QR code by email. Scan it in Settings → Mobile → Add eSIM.
3. Leave it switched off until you landTurn it on, turn on data roaming for that line only, and make it your data line.
4. Keep your Aussie SIM on for texts onlySee below. That's how your bank codes still reach you.

Keep your Aussie number alive (for bank codes)

• Dual SIM: Aussie line on for calls and texts, mobile data off. Bali eSIM on for data.
• Roaming charges: receiving texts while roaming is usually free or cheap, but check your carrier's overseas rates before you go. unverified
• App approval: where your bank offers in-app approval instead of SMS, switch it on before you fly. unverified

Staying a month or more?

For long stays, a local tourist eSIM from an Indonesian carrier is cheaper per GB, and it registers your phone for up to 90 days. It needs an Indonesian number and a bit more setup, so it suits people staying a while rather than a two-week holiday. You'll also want a local number for GoPay. Pay by phone unverified