Indonesia
Before arriving in Indonesia, I wanted an eSIM that was easy to set up, worked reliably across multiple islands, and meant I could skip the long airport SIM queues altogether.
After using it every day for everything from ordering Grabs and checking ferry schedules to working from cafés and navigating unfamiliar cities, I can honestly say it made my trip much smoother.
In this guide, I'll share my honest experience using Sim Local eSIM throughout Indonesia, explain why I chose it, who it's best suited for, and everything you need to know before your own trip.
Whether you're backpacking across Southeast Asia, planning a relaxing Bali holiday, working remotely from Canggu, or island hopping around Lombok and the Gili Islands, having reliable mobile data will make your travels far easier.
Ready to stay connected throughout your trip?
Click the link to purchase your Sim Local eSIM and use my exclusive discount code TRAVELINGRID at checkout to receive 5% off your purchase.
Why Should You Get an eSIM Before Traveling to Indonesia?
Indonesia is one of those countries where every few days can feel like a completely different adventure.
One moment you're navigating through the bustling streets of Jakarta, the next you're watching lava flows on Mount Merapi, wandering ancient temples near Yogyakarta or relaxing on the beach while watching the sunset on the Gili Islands.
Whether you're booking a Grab, checking ferry schedules, navigating Google Maps, finding your next café, translating a menu, or simply letting family back home know you've arrived safely, you'll probably reach for your phone dozens of times every day.
Without reliable mobile data, all of those simple tasks suddenly become much more difficult.
That's exactly why I believe buying an Indonesia travel eSIM before you arrive is one of the smartest things you can do.
Instead of spending your first hour in Indonesia searching for a SIM card shop or trying to figure out which provider offers the best value, you can walk straight out of the airport already connected.
Why Is Reliable Internet So Important When Traveling Around Indonesia?
I also run this blog while I'm on the road. So for me it’s extra important to have reliable internet access at all times.
During my two months in Indonesia I regularly uploaded hundreds of travel photos, researched new destinations, wrote blog posts and posted content on social media..
Some days I did it from the hotel, and some days I worked from a beach bar on Gili T before watching the sunset, or at a cute coffeeshop in Jakarta.
I also love getting lots of work done on long travel days.
Exploring Indonesia will most likely mean that you'll have some days with long train rides, ferries or flights. And for me it was really nice being able to work while moving between destinations.
That meant I could completely relax once I arrived instead of needing to search for good Wi-Fi before getting anything done.
Even if you're not working remotely, having reliable internet throughout your trip makes traveling around Indonesia significantly easier.
Should You Set Up Your Indonesia eSIM Before You Fly?
One thing I never want to do after a long international flight is stand in another queue.
After immigration, baggage claim, customs, and everything else that comes with arriving in a new country, the last thing I feel like doing is comparing SIM card prices at the airport.
Even worse is arriving without internet and suddenly realizing you can't book transport, message your accommodation, or even check where you're supposed to go.
That's one of the main reasons I stopped buying physical SIM cards years ago.
Nowadays I use an eSIM everywhere I travel.
Just in the last two years I’ve visited 26 countries across 4 continents, without ever buying a physical SIM card.
Before leaving for Indonesia, I bought my Sim Local eSIM online and installed it in just a few minutes.
The best part is that the installation and activation are separate.
That means you can install everything comfortably at home while you still have reliable Wi-Fi, and your plan only starts once it connects to a supported local network in Indonesia.
You don't lose valuable days before your trip even begins.
As soon as I landed at Soekorno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta, I simply activated the eSIM and was online within minutes.
No searching for a SIM card shop.
No swapping tiny plastic SIM cards.
No wondering whether I was paying tourist prices.
Just internet from the moment I arrived.
Honestly, even after visiting almost 100 countries, I still find arriving somewhere new a little overwhelming.
So I do everything I can to make it as smooth as possible. And one of the best things I do is to have an eSIM already installed when I land.
Having one less thing to worry about always makes a big difference to me when I land in a new country.
Get connected before you land
Click the link to purchase your Sim Local eSIM and use my exclusive discount code TRAVELINGRID at checkout to receive 5% off your purchase.
Why Did I Choose Sim Local for My Indonesia Trip?
I've tested quite a few travel eSIMs over the years, but for Indonesia I decided to use Sim Local eSIM.
There are plenty of companies selling Indonesia eSIMs these days, and many of them looked like they would work perfectly well.
However, Sim Local stood out to me for several reasons.
First, it offers local Indonesian data at local prices, so you're not paying inflated tourist SIM card prices.
Second, it connects through trusted local Indonesian networks, including Telkomsel and Smartfren, which provide strong coverage across many of the destinations travellers visit most.
I also liked that there wasn't just one plan.
Instead, there are flexible options depending on how you travel.
If you only need data for maps, messaging, and social media, you can choose a smaller prepaid data plan.
If you're constantly uploading photos, streaming videos, working remotely, or using your phone as a hotspot, there are also Unlimited and Unlimited Pro plans available.
Another thing that gave me confidence was knowing that if I ever needed help, I could contact real people through WhatsApp or email instead of dealing with an automated chatbot.
Fortunately, I never needed customer support during my trip because everything worked exactly as expected, but it's reassuring to know it's there.
I've used several different travel eSIMs over the years in other countries, so before my trip to Indonesia I spent some time comparing the different options available. Since I hadn't used an eSIM in Indonesia before, I didn't want to recommend something I hadn't tested myself.
For me, though, Sim Local ticked the most important boxes: local network partnerships, flexible data plans, easy top-ups, and clear information about what was included.
Those were the things that mattered most for the way I travel.
What Was My Experience Using Sim Local Across Indonesia?
After travelling across Java, Bali and the Gili Islands, one thing stood out more than anything else.
I almost never thought about my mobile connection.
That might sound like a strange compliment, but I actually think it's the highest praise you can give any travel eSIM.
It quietly worked in the background while I focused on exploring Indonesia instead of worrying about whether I'd be able to get online.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the speeds I experienced. In larger cities like Jakarta, I was connected to 5G most of the time, while in places like Yogyakarta, Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands I mostly used 4G, but occasionally 5G here as well.
A couple of times on Gili Meno I experienced it just being E, but only for a short amount of time. And I guess that's to be expected on such a small island.
In general I had no trouble using Google Maps, booking Grabs, uploading photos and videos, answering emails, or working on my blog while travelling around Indonesia.
For me, that's exactly what the best eSIM for Indonesia should do.
After spending two months travelling around Indonesia, it's genuinely the Indonesia eSIM I'd choose again for my next visit, and the one I'd recommend to friends planning their own adventure here.
How Did Sim Local Perform While Traveling Around Java?
I spent time exploring Jakarta, wandering around the beautiful streets of Yogyakarta, visiting the incredible Borobudur Temple and hiking Mount Merapi to see the lava flow.
Every single day I found myself relying on my phone.
Google Maps quickly became my best friend while trying to find hidden cafés, local restaurants, viewpoints, and attractions.
I also used Grab constantly. While many people rent scooters in Indonesia, I personally don't enjoy driving in the busy traffic, especially in larger cities like Jakarta and Yogayakarta.
Instead, I booked almost every ride through Grab or Gojek, which meant having reliable mobile data wasn't just convenient, it was essential.
I also found myself checking opening hours, booking tickets, translating menus, reading reviews, looking up ATM locations and booking some last minute excursions.
Because my connection stayed reliable, I never felt like I had to plan everything before leaving my hotel.
Instead, I could make spontaneous decisions throughout the day.
For me, that's one of the biggest luxuries when travelling.
How Well Does Sim Local Work in Bali?
After Java, I continued to Bali, where my phone became just as important.
Whether I was wandering around Ubud, visiting beach clubs in Seminyak, exploring local cafés, or simply trying to find the best sunset viewpoints, I constantly relied on mobile data.
Bali has plenty of cafés and coworking spaces with Wi-Fi, but I still preferred having my own connection available all the time.
Public Wi-Fi isn't always reliable, and it's nice knowing you can continue working, upload content, or navigate around without having to ask for a password every time you stop somewhere.
Does Sim Local Work on the Gili Islands?
I was especially interested to see how well my connection would work once I reached the Gili Islands.
Smaller islands sometimes have weaker infrastructure, so I expected internet speeds to be noticeably slower than on Bali and Java.
I spent almost a month exploring the three Gili Islands, which gave me plenty of time to test the connection properly.
Thankfully, I was still able to do everything I needed.
Overall, I mostly had a reliable 4G connection during my time on the Gili Islands, and it was more than fast enough for everything I needed.
I regularly uploaded photos, answered emails, researched my next destinations, checked ferry schedules, ordered food, and even tethered my laptop when I wanted to work from a café.
That said, I did occasionally notice my phone switching to E (Edge) while I was on Gili Meno. It never lasted very long, but it's worth mentioning if you're expecting the same speeds you'd get in Jakarta or Bali.
To be honest, I wasn't surprised. Gili Meno is a tiny island with much less infrastructure than Indonesia's larger destinations. Even the Wi-Fi at some cafés and hotels was sometimes slow, so I don't think this was specific to Sim Local. It's simply part of visiting smaller islands.
The important thing is that everything worked. It just occasionally took a little longer to load than it would in Jakarta or Bali.
Who Is Sim Local Best For?
After spending two months travelling around Indonesia, I think Sim Local eSIM is especially well suited for travellers like me.
It's a great choice if you're:
- Backpacking around Indonesia and want affordable prepaid mobile data.
- Travelling between multiple islands.
- Visiting Bali for a holiday.
- Working remotely from cafés or coworking spaces.
- Creating content while travelling.
- Travelling as a family and need reliable internet for everyone.
- Using an eSIM for the first time and looking for a simple setup process.
One thing I particularly like is that you're not forced into paying for more data than you actually need.
Whether you only need a few gigabytes for maps and messaging or you're a heavy user who uploads videos every day, there are flexible plans to suit different travel styles.
Stay connected throughout your Indonesia adventure
Click the link to purchase your Sim Local eSIM and use my exclusive discount code TRAVELINGRID at checkout to receive 5% off your purchase.
Why Do I Recommend Sim Local as the Best eSIM for Indonesia?
After using Sim Local eSIM throughout my travels in Java, Bali and the Gili Islands, I completely understand why so many travellers recommend it.
Reliable coverage was one of the biggest reasons I was happy with it, but it certainly wasn't the only one.
What really impressed me was how easy the whole experience was, from buying the eSIM before my trip to staying connected every day without having to think about it.
When I'm travelling, I don't want technology to become another thing I need to worry about. I want to focus on exploring new places, trying local food, meeting people, and enjoying the experience.
That's exactly what this eSIM allowed me to do.
Can You Really Get Local Data at Local Prices in Indonesia?
One of the things I liked most about Sim Local is that you're getting access to local Indonesian networks at local prices, rather than paying inflated tourist prices at airport kiosks.
If you've ever arrived somewhere after a long-haul flight, you've probably experienced the rows of SIM card stands trying to sell tourists expensive packages.
Buying before you travel means you can skip all of that.
Instead of comparing prices while you're tired and jet-lagged, everything is already set up before you even board your flight.
How Good Is Sim Local's Coverage Across Indonesia?
Another reason I chose Sim Local eSIM is because it connects to trusted local Indonesian networks, including Telkomsel and Smartfren.
These are well-established local providers with strong coverage throughout many of Indonesia's most visited destinations.
Throughout my journey, I had reliable internet for everything I needed, from navigation and transport to uploading content and answering emails.
For the destinations that most travellers visit, including Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, I found the coverage consistently reliable.
I mainly experienced 5G in larger cities and 4G in most other tourist destinations. While it did occasionally drop to E (Edge) for short periods on Gili Meno, that wasn't something that had a noticeable impact on my trip and is fairly typical for a small island with more limited infrastructure.
Which Sim Local Plan Is Best for Your Trip to Indonesia?
One thing I really appreciate is that Sim Local doesn't force everyone into the same plan.
Some people barely use their phones while travelling.
Others, like me, rely on them constantly.
Whether you're spending a long weekend in Bali, backpacking across Indonesia for several months, or working remotely while exploring Southeast Asia, there's a plan designed to suit your travel style.
You can choose between standard prepaid data plans if you only need internet for maps, messaging, and browsing, or upgrade to one of the Unlimited plans if you're a heavier data user.
They have plans available for:
- 3 days
- 7 days
- 15 days
- 30 days
I also like knowing that if I underestimate how much data I'll need, topping up is incredibly simple through the Sim Local app.
I actually experienced this myself.
One evening I accidentally uploaded a large number of videos while my phone wasn't connected to Wi-Fi.
I woke up the next morning wondering why my remaining data had disappeared.
Thankfully, buying additional data only took a minute, and I was back online immediately without needing to install another eSIM or change any settings.
Should You Choose Sim Local Unlimited or Unlimited Pro?
One of the biggest updates from Sim Local is its upgraded Unlimited plans.
Both Unlimited plans continue working even after you've used your daily high-speed allowance.
Instead of your connection stopping completely, your speed is simply reduced (up to 1 Mbps) until your high-speed allowance automatically resets 24 hours later.
That means you're never suddenly left without internet while travelling.
Who Should Choose the Unlimited 5GB/Day Plan?
I think this option will be perfect for the majority of travellers.
Five gigabytes every day is plenty for things like:
- Google Maps
- Social media
- Messaging
- Booking transport
- Browsing the web
- Streaming some music
- Uploading holiday photos
Who Is the Unlimited Pro 10GB/Day Plan Best For?
If you're someone like me who works while travelling, uploads lots of photos and videos or regularly uses your phone as a hotspot, then Unlimited Pro is probably worth considering.
The additional daily high-speed allowance provides much more flexibility for heavier users.
Can You Use Your Phone as a Hotspot with Sim Local?
One feature that's surprisingly easy to overlook is that hotspot and tethering are included on all Sim Local plans.
This was particularly useful whenever I wanted to work on my laptop somewhere without reliable Wi-Fi.
Being able to connect my laptop to my phone without paying extra made working on the road much easier.
It's also incredibly useful if you're travelling with friends or family and need to share your internet connection.
What Happens If You Need Help While Travelling?
Let's hope you never need customer support while you're travelling, but if you do, you'll want it to be easy to reach.
One of the biggest reasons this company stood out to me is its 24/7 customer support.
If you run into any questions or issues, there's a real support team available through WhatsApp and email, no matter where you are or what time it is.
That might not seem like a huge selling point before your trip, but when you're in a different time zone or moving between destinations, knowing you can speak to an actual person provides real peace of mind.
Fortunately, I never had to contact support during my trip because everything worked smoothly, but it was reassuring to know help was always available if I needed it.
Is Sim Local a Company You Can Trust?
Whenever I'm buying something for a trip, I always read reviews first.
One thing that reassured me was seeing that Sim Local has an impressive 4.6-star rating on both Trustpilot and Google.
Many of those reviews mention the same things I appreciated myself: reliable service, an easy setup process, and responsive customer support.
Sim Local has over 15 years of experience helping travellers stay connected around the world and has connected more than 4 million users during that time.
When you're buying something as important as your travel SIM, it's reassuring to know you're choosing a company with a proven track record.
Instead of wondering whether I was taking a chance on a newer provider, I knew I was choosing a company that has spent years refining its service and supporting travellers in destinations across the globe.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Sim Local eSIM for Indonesia?
By this point, you hopefully have a good idea of why I chose Sim Local eSIM for my trip and why I wouldn't hesitate to use it again on my next visit to Indonesia.
If you're ready to stay connected from the moment you land, here's everything you need to know before buying and activating your eSIM.
One thing I really appreciate is that the whole process is incredibly straightforward. Even if you've never used an eSIM before, it only takes a few minutes to get everything set up.
Set up your Indonesia eSIM in minutes
Click the link to purchase your Sim Local eSIM and use my exclusive discount code TRAVELINGRID at checkout to receive 5% off your purchase.
How Do You Choose the Right Sim Local Plan?
The first thing you'll need to do is decide which plan suits your trip.
If you're unsure, Sim Local has a really helpful Find My Plan tool.
It asks a few simple questions, including:
- Where you're travelling.
- How long you're staying.
- How much mobile data you usually use.
- Your travel style.
Based on your answers, it recommends the most suitable plan, making it much easier than trying to compare dozens of different options yourself.
I honestly wish more travel companies did this because it removes so much guesswork.
How Do You Buy Your Sim Local eSIM?
Once you've chosen your plan, simply complete your purchase online.
Within a few minutes you'll receive your installation instructions by email.
Everything is clearly explained, making the process surprisingly simple, even if it's your very first eSIM.
When Should You Install Your eSIM?
I always recommend installing your eSIM before leaving home.
It takes less than five minutes and means one less thing to worry about once you've landed.
Don't worry though. Installing your eSIM doesn't activate it immediately.
Your data only begins when your phone connects to one of Sim Local's supported Indonesian partner networks.
That means you can prepare everything days, or even weeks, before your flight.
How Do You Activate Your eSIM in Indonesia?
As soon as you arrive in Indonesia, simply switch on your eSIM and follow the activation instructions.
For me, everything worked almost immediately after landing.
One small tip from experience...
If your internet doesn't start working straight away, double-check that data roaming is switched on for your eSIM.
I forget this surprisingly often whenever I travel, and it's almost always the reason things aren't working.
If you do run into any other issues, support is available via WhatsApp and email, so you're never left trying to figure things out on your own.
Does Sim Local Have Good Coverage In Indonesia?
Based on my own experience, I had reliable connectivity throughout my travels in Java, Bali, and the Gili Islands.
Of course, Indonesia is an enormous country made up of more than 17,000 islands, so coverage can naturally vary in extremely remote areas.
If you're planning to visit isolated national parks or very remote islands, it's always worth checking the latest coverage information before your trip.
For the destinations that most travelers visit, including Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, I found the connection more than reliable for everyday travel.
What Should You Know Before Buying an Indonesia eSIM?
After using an eSIM throughout my trip in Indonesia, there are a few things I'd recommend before you travel.
- Install your eSIM while you're still at home with a stable internet connection. It only takes a few minutes and means everything is ready to go once you arrive.
- I also recommend downloading apps like Grab, Gojek, Google Translate, and your accommodation booking app before you arrive. Having everything set up in advance makes those first few hours in Indonesia much smoother.
- If your phone supports dual SIM functionality, keep your regular SIM card installed. That way, you can continue using your existing WhatsApp account and receive important text messages from home while using your eSIM for data.
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM technology. I personally don’t know anyone who hasn't been able to use it, but it’s always good to double check if it’s your first time using an eSIM.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using a Sim Local eSIM in Indonesia
If you're still deciding whether a Sim Local eSIM is the right choice for your trip, these are some of the most common questions travellers ask before visiting Indonesia.
What is the best eSIM for Indonesia?
After using Sim Local eSIM throughout two months of travelling around Java, Bali, and the Gili Islands, it's the Indonesia eSIM I personally recommend.
For me, the biggest advantage wasn't just the reliable connection, it was how easy everything was. I installed it before leaving Vietnam, activated it after landing, and never had to think about finding a local SIM card shop or swapping physical SIM cards.
If you're looking for the best eSIM for your trip to Indonesia, I genuinely think it's an excellent option.
Is Sim Local's data really unlimited?
Yes. Sim Local's Unlimited Plans include generous daily high-speed data allowances while ensuring you never lose your connection.
You can choose between:
- Unlimited: 5GB of high-speed data every day.
- Unlimited Pro: 10GB of high-speed data every day.
Once you've used your daily high-speed allowance, your connection continues at reduced speeds (up to 1 Mbps) until your allowance automatically resets 24 hours later.
That means you're never suddenly left without internet while your plan is still active.
I actually think this is a much better system than simply cutting your connection off completely.
What happens after I use my daily high-speed data?
Your internet doesn't stop working.
Instead, your speed is reduced for the remainder of the 24-hour period.
Once your allowance resets, your full-speed data automatically becomes available again.
For most travellers, this means you'll still be able to send messages, browse the web, check maps, and stay connected even if you've had a particularly data-heavy day.
Can I buy my Indonesia eSIM before I arrive?
Yes and I'd actually recommend doing exactly that.
That's one of my favourite things about using an eSIM. Instead of trying to figure everything out after landing, you can purchase and install it before your trip while you're still connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Your plan only starts once your phone connects to a supported Indonesian network, so you don't lose any days before arriving.
How do I activate an eSIM in Indonesia?
The setup process is surprisingly simple.
After purchasing your eSIM:
- Install it before you travel.
- Leave it inactive until you arrive.
- Once you land in Indonesia, switch on the eSIM.
- Make sure data roaming is enabled for that eSIM.
- Your phone will connect to a supported local network automatically.
Within a few minutes you'll be online and ready to explore.
Does Sim Local work in Bali?
Yes. I used it extensively while exploring Bali, including areas like Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu, and had a great experience staying connected.
Does Sim Local work on the Gili Islands?
Yes. I spent almost an entire month on the Gili Islands, giving me plenty of time to test it properly. As I mentioned earlier, internet speeds on the Gili Islands naturally aren't quite as fast as in larger cities like Jakarta or Denpasar at all times.
Even so, I found it more than reliable for everyday travel.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number?
Yes. Your WhatsApp account stays connected to your existing phone number, so you don't need to create a new account when using an eSIM.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot?
Yes. Every Sim Local Unlimited plan includes hotspot and tethering at no additional cost, provided it's within your daily high-speed allowance.
Can I top up my data if I run out?
Absolutely.
In fact, I had to do this myself after accidentally uploading a large number of videos overnight using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
Thankfully, topping up through the Sim Local app only took a minute. I didn't need to buy another eSIM or reinstall anything. I simply added more data and carried on using my phone as normal.
Is Sim Local a good choice for digital nomads?
If you're planning to work remotely while traveling through Indonesia, having reliable mobile data is incredibly useful.
I regularly worked from cafés, uploaded content, answered emails, and researched destinations while on the move, and having dependable internet made all of that much easier.
Is Sim Local the Right eSIM for Your Indonesia Trip?
If you're planning a trip to Indonesia and want a simple way to stay connected from the moment you land, I genuinely think Sim Local eSIM is one of the best options available.
After using it throughout Java, Bali, and the Gili Islands, it's the provider I'd happily choose again for my next trip.
What I liked most wasn't just the reliable connection, it was how easy the entire experience was.
Ready to stay connected throughout your trip?
Click the link to purchase your Sim Local eSIM and use my exclusive discount code TRAVELINGRID at checkout to receive 5% off your purchase.
I could buy my eSIM before leaving Vietnam, install it in just a few minutes, activate it after landing, and immediately start exploring without worrying about finding a local SIM card shop or paying expensive tourist prices.
Combined with flexible prepaid plans, Unlimited options with up to 10GB of high-speed data per day, hotspot and tethering included, simple top-ups through the app, and access to trusted Indonesian networks, it ticked every box I look for when travelling.
While I can't say how every Indonesia eSIM provider performs, I can say that Sim Local worked well throughout my own trip. Rather than trying to compare providers I haven't personally tested in Indonesia, I'd rather recommend the one I've actually used and had a positive experience with.
So if you're looking for the best eSIM for Indonesia, I genuinely recommend Sim Local eSIM based on my own experience.
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