Tips for Staying Connected in Bali - SIM Cards, Wi-Fi, and Offline Options

Bali might feel like a dreamy island escape—but that doesn’t mean you want to go completely off the grid. Whether you're here to work remotely, keep in touch with loved ones, or just avoid getting lost in a rice field with no signal, having reliable connectivity in Bali is key.

And while the sunsets and ceremonies might feel timeless, Bali’s digital world is very much alive—just with its own quirks, rhythms, and options.

This isn’t just a guide to tech. It’s a practical, friendly walk-through of how to stay connected in Bali, without losing your mind—or your signal.

First Things First: Should You Get a Local SIM Card?

If you’re staying longer than a few days and want reliable data wherever you go, the answer is yes.

Buying a local SIM card in Bali is easy, affordable, and usually faster than hopping between café Wi-Fi spots.

Here’s what you need to know:

Best Providers:

• Telkomsel – Best overall coverage, especially in rural and remote areas like Ubud, Sidemen, or Amed.

• XL Axiata – Good value and solid signal in south Bali (Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu).

• Indosat Ooredoo – Affordable packages but less consistent in hilly or remote zones.

For digital nomads or those needing stable access, Telkomsel is your best bet.

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Bali

You have two main options:

1. Airport Booths (Convenient, but Pricier):

As soon as you land, you’ll see SIM card stalls in the arrival area. They're fast and speak English, but expect to pay a little more. The tradeoff? You're connected immediately.

2. Local Shops (Cheaper, More Flexible):

Once you settle in, head to a cellular store or mini market. Some staff may not speak fluent English, but you'll get better deals and more control over your data plan.

Bring your passport, as registration is now required by law. Most sellers will register the SIM for you in 5–10 minutes.

How Much Does It Cost?

A basic data plan in Bali can range from:

• IDR 75,000–150,000 for 10–25 GB of data (approx. $5–10 USD)

• Packages valid from 7 to 30 days

You can top up credit (pulsa) at almost any minimart. Some apps like MyTelkomsel let you manage everything from your phone.

For most travelers, this is a cheap and stress-free way to stay connected anywhere on the island.

What About Wi-Fi? Is It Reliable in Bali?

The short answer: yes… in the right places.

Bali has a well-developed Wi-Fi ecosystem—especially in tourist-friendly areas like Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Sanur. If you're in:

• A modern villa or hotel → Speeds are usually 10–100 Mbps

• A co-working space → Speeds often exceed 100 Mbps

• A beach café → Variable. Expect 5–30 Mbps, and occasional drops

But once you get into remote villages, mountains, or beachfront towns like Amed, Wi-Fi can be slow or patchy. That’s where your local SIM becomes your best friend.

Best Places for Reliable Wi-Fi in Bali

If you need to upload files, join Zoom meetings, or just binge YouTube:

• Dojo Bali (Canggu) – Legendary coworking hub with fast Wi-Fi and an engaged community

• Outpost (Ubud & Canggu) – Great for digital nomads, with backup power and solid tech

• Hub Bali (Sanur) – Peaceful and productive

• Tropical Nomad (Canggu) – Big space, fast speeds, and social events

Many cafés in Ubud and Canggu proudly advertise their Wi-Fi speeds on the menu. Yes, Bali knows its market.

Power Cuts and Backup Plans

Even the best setups have their off days. Rainy season especially can cause:

• Short power cuts

• Wi-Fi drops

• Signal fluctuation

Always have a mobile data backup. Also:

• Carry a power bank

• Download offline maps and documents (Google Maps, Google Translate)

• Use offline-friendly apps for peace of mind (we’ll list some below)

It’s not about paranoia—it’s about travel smarts.

Roaming: Should You Use Your Home SIM?

In most cases, international roaming in Bali is expensive and unreliable.

Unless your plan includes free Asia roaming, you’ll pay $10–$15 USD per day, often with limited data. That adds up fast.

If you're only staying 1–2 days or have an urgent work call on arrival, roaming can be a temporary fix. Otherwise, stick with a local SIM card or eSIM (see below).

eSIM in Bali – A Digital Alternative

Some travelers now use eSIMs—virtual SIMs embedded in your phone. No plastic card, no shop visit.

Providers like:

• Airalo

• Nomad

• GigSky

• Holafly

…offer Bali data packages starting at $4–$20 USD.

Pros:

• Install before arrival

• Easy to top up

• No physical SIM swap needed

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than local cards

• Some phones don’t support eSIM

If convenience matters more than price, eSIMs for Bali are a great choice.

Offline Options – When You Need to Disconnect Smartly

Even with all this tech, sometimes you’ll be out of range—on a hike, a boat trip, or deep in a rice field. That’s okay. Offline doesn’t mean unprepared.

Here’s how to travel smartly offline in Bali:

1. Google Maps Offline:

Download maps of your area beforehand. Works perfectly for driving, walking, and navigating small towns.

2. Google Translate Offline:

Download Indonesian and English to help with menus, signs, or casual chats. Especially helpful outside tourist zones.

3. XE Currency App:

Use offline to check conversions on the go when shopping or haggling.

4. Booking Screenshots:

Take screenshots of hotel names, confirmations, or tour info before leaving Wi-Fi zones.

5. Offline Entertainment:

Spotify playlists, Kindle books, or Netflix downloads will save your sanity during long transfers or rainy days.

Offline travel in Bali is totally doable—and sometimes, it’s where the best moments happen.

Staying Connected Emotionally, Too

Connection isn’t just digital. While it's great to be reachable, part of Bali’s magic is its ability to pull you inward.

So consider these moments:

• A sunrise with no phone in hand

• A meal eaten without Googling every ingredient

• A slow walk through a village with no headphones

Sometimes the best way to stay connected in Bali—is to disconnect for a while.

Because not everything needs a signal to be felt.

Connection Is a Tool, Not a Chain

Bali will challenge you to be present. But that doesn’t mean you have to go dark. With the right SIM, some Wi-Fi know-how, and a few offline tools, you can stay connected—on your own terms.

So take the Zoom call. Post the photo. Text your family. But then… maybe put the phone down. Watch the light change. Feel the wind shift. Be in the moment, because Bali is best experienced in real-time.

And that? No SIM card required.