FlexiRoam eSIM Bali vs Telkomsel by BaliEasy
Choosing the right eSIM in Bali matters because coverage quality, speed stability, customer support, and access to a local Indonesian
Choosing the right eSIM in Bali matters because coverage quality, speed stability, customer support, and access to a local Indonesian number can significantly affect your travel experience. In this article, we compare XL Axiata eSIM vs Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy across key factors including network coverage, speed, hotspot use, pricing, activation, local number availability, support, refunds, and offline presence in Bali. This is a neutral, practical comparison focused on real travel needs in Bali.
Quick Summary
XL Axiata eSIM
“Telkomsel is the best coverage, but we’ve used XL before at it was also fine…”
See full discussion: Facebook
This aligns with many user experiences: XL Axiata can work well in major tourist areas and urban zones, especially along the coast. However, coverage consistency may vary depending on location, time of day, and indoor environments.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy uses the Telkomsel network, which is widely regarded as the strongest and most reliable mobile network in Bali.
Coverage is consistently reported across both popular destinations and harder-to-reach inland areas, including Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Denpasar, Tanah Lot, Bedugul, Kintamani, Amed, Lovina, Sidemen, Munduk, Nusa Penida, and Tulamben.
Because BaliEasy provides a direct local Telkomsel line, performance tends to be more predictable, particularly inland, in hilly regions, and during peak hours when networks with lighter infrastructure may struggle.
This makes it a safer option for travelers who plan to move around Bali extensively or rely heavily on stable internet for navigation, work, or hotspot use.
XL Axiata eSIM
Real-world feedback from Bali expat Facebook groups suggests that speed consistency can be an issue, even when signal strength appears strong:
“…My XL signals is full bars with plenty of data but completely slows as is the wifi at the hotel we are at ( I would normally just assume it’s just normally had hotel wifi).
We also tried paying a bill at a restaurant today and their card machine wouldn’t connect to the internet.”
See full discussion: Facebook
This type of experience highlights a common theme in XL Axiata feedback: signal availability does not always translate into usable data speed. Sudden slowdowns can impact everyday tasks such as online payments, navigation, messaging, or video calls, especially in busy areas or during peak usage times.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy operates on the Telkomsel network, which is widely recognized as the most stable and reliable mobile network in Bali, particularly for consistent, real-world usage rather than short speed bursts.
Users can typically rely on steady performance for:
Even while moving between different parts of the island, speeds tend to remain more predictable, including during peak hours when congestion affects other networks.
Importantly, BaliEasy’s Telkomsel eSIM does not apply a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). There is no hidden throttling after an unspecified usage limit, users simply consume their data at full speed until the quota runs out.
As a result, BaliEasy is better suited for travelers who need reliable speed and stability for work, navigation, and regular online communication, without the frustration of sudden or unexplained slowdowns.
XL Axiata eSIM
Some long-term users report that hotspot functionality on XL Axiata works well for everyday needs:
“I used (XL Axiata) already for 6months .. im happy with it , for youtube, hotspot and mobile data”
See full discussion: Facebook
This suggests that XL Axiata hotspot can function reliably for general use cases such as streaming, basic tethering, and mobile browsing. However, experiences may still vary depending on the specific plan, location, and network load, as XL offers multiple variants with different usage rules.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy’s Telkomsel eSIM supports hotspot and tethering, allowing users to share their mobile data connection with laptops, tablets, or other devices whenever needed. There is no separate daily hotspot limit applied by BaliEasy itself.
As a local Telkomsel-based eSIM, hotspot usage follows normal domestic carrier rules. This leads to more consistent performance, especially for tasks such as video conferencing, file uploads, and remote work.
For travelers who depend on multiple devices throughout the day, BaliEasy offers a stable and practical hotspot solution, designed for sustained use rather than occasional connectivity.
XL Axiata eSIM
On the XL Axiata official site, tourists can technically buy an eSIM, but in practice the only usable option for travel within Indonesia is the eSIM Perdana 3GB priced at Rp 35.000 (around USD $2.09).
While this is very cheap, it also means tourists have only one data option available when purchasing directly from XL. The other plans shown on XL’s site, such as the Haji & Umrah packages, are intended for use outside Indonesia and are not suitable for regular Bali travel.
Tourists may find additional XL-based eSIM plans on third-party eSIM marketplaces, which offer more data sizes and “unlimited” options. However, these are sold by resellers, not directly by XL, and often come with different policies such as fair usage limits or varying performance.
In terms of overall value, XL’s 3GB plan works well for very short trips or light usage, but can feel limiting for navigation, social media, and hotspot use.
For bigger data, BaliEasy’s larger data options and easy top-ups provide more flexibility and predictability, especially for travelers who rely heavily on mobile data during their time in Bali.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy offers a wide range of clearly priced data plans designed for travelers. Plans start at 12GB for $14 and go up to 83GB for $30, covering short holidays, medium stays, and full 30-day trips.
If you run out of data before your plan ends, BaliEasy allows easy online top-ups without changing your eSIM or reinstalling anything, which makes it convenient for longer stays or unexpected high usage.
XL Axiata eSIM
While XL promotes its eSIM activation as simple, real user feedback on Facebook suggests that the experience can feel frustrating when something doesn’t work as expected. One comment on XL’s official Facebook page reads:
“boro boro mudah,,, mau beli paket juga kaga bisa, kaga ada metode pembayarannya….,,, padahal yang namanya beli paket kan ada pemasukan, namanya juga beuli… waduhhhhhhhhh….” (even buying a data package is impossible, there’s no payment method available. Buying a package should be easy, it’s literally a purchase. This is really frustrating.)
See full discussion: Facebook
This highlights a recurring issue mentioned by users: although the activation steps may look straightforward on paper, practical obstacles such as payment issues, unavailable options, or unclear flows can make the process feel far from “easy.”
When problems occur, users often have to troubleshoot on their own or wait for responses through official channels, which can slow down the time it takes to get fully online.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy follows a guided setup approach to make sure the eSIM is correctly activated on Indonesia’s local Telkomsel network.
After scanning the QR code and installing the eSIM, users are requested to submit a passport photo along with an IMEI screenshot from the phone where the eSIM is installed.
This verification process reduces common setup issues such as device mismatch, incorrect IMEI registration, or data lines that fail to activate properly.
If any problems arise, BaliEasy provides hands-on assistance through WhatsApp and email, walking users through the process until the connection is fully operational.
With support handled by a local team available 24/7, BaliEasy is particularly suitable for travelers who are unfamiliar with eSIMs or who prefer having immediate, human support available during arrival and setup.
XL Axiata eSIM
XL Axiata eSIM includes a local Indonesian +62 phone number. Because it is a local carrier eSIM (not data-only), users receive an active mobile number that can be used for calls, SMS, and local services where a +62 number is required.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy also provides a local +62 Indonesian number through its Telkomsel eSIM. Having a local number is useful for services such as Gojek, Grab, local OTP verifications (where applicable), and contacting drivers, hotels, restaurants, or tour guides while in Bali.
XL Axiata eSIM
Facebook feedback on XL’s customer support shows ongoing frustration, particularly around unresolved issues and slow handling. One comment on XL’s official Facebook page states:
“Udah 2 bulan berturut turut bonus nelpon paket akrab selalu kendala delay masuk, chat csnya pun hanya bikin laporan ngga diselesaikan langsung, lewat telpon sama aja.
Makin kesini XL makin busuk masa 1 masalah laporan sampai 5 tapi ngga ada penyelesaian”(It’s been two months in a row that the call bonus from the Akrab package is always delayed. When I chat with customer service, they only create a report but don’t resolve it directly. Calling support is the same. XL keeps getting worse, one issue turns into five reports with no solution.)
See full discussion: Facebook
This reflects a common theme in XL-related comments that issues are often logged as reports rather than resolved quickly, leading to repeated follow-ups and longer waiting times.
Users frequently describe the support experience as procedural and slow, especially when problems persist across billing cycles or packages.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy emphasizes direct, human support through WhatsApp and email instead of a ticket-only system. Customers communicate with a real support team in real time, which helps reduce delays and avoid repetitive troubleshooting steps.
Because BaliEasy operates locally, the team is familiar with Telkomsel network behavior, IMEI registration, and common device-specific issues faced by travelers. Support is hands-on and guided step by step, continuing until the connection is fully working.
This approach is particularly valuable for travelers who want fast, clear assistance and reassurance when issues arise during their stay in Bali.
XL Axiata eSIM
XL Axiata does not publish a clear, consumer-facing refund policy for eSIM products on its official website. There is no publicly stated money-back guarantee, refund eligibility section, or standardized refund timeline for prepaid or eSIM purchases.
In product listings and reseller descriptions, XL eSIMs are commonly stated as non-refundable once the eSIM QR or profile has been issued or activated. This suggests that refunds are generally not guaranteed, especially after delivery.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy has a clearly stated refund policy with defined eligibility conditions. Per policy, BaliEasy offers a 100% refund in cases where the customer’s device is not compatible with the eSIM or when connection issues occur that cannot be resolved, provided troubleshooting steps are followed.
Because activation is assisted and device compatibility is verified early (via passport and IMEI checks), most issues are identified quickly.
Refund requests are handled directly through WhatsApp or email, without a ticket-only escalation process, and decisions are made based on documented activation results. This makes outcomes more predictable for travelers who want certainty before and after purchase.
XL Axiata eSIM
XL Axiata does have official XL Center outlets in Bali, mainly located in Denpasar and the wider Kuta/Badung area. These centers provide general XL customer service rather than tourist-focused eSIM assistance, and availability may depend on location, operating hours, and queue conditions.
In practice, many travelers staying in popular areas such as Canggu, Ubud, or Uluwatu may find XL Centers less convenient to reach, and support typically follows standard carrier procedures rather than fast, walk-in troubleshooting designed for short-term visitors.
BaliEasy
BaliEasy offers real offline assistance in Bali, with physical support locations in Canggu, Pererenan, and Seseh. Travelers can walk in for help with eSIM installation, activation checks, IMEI-related issues, or general troubleshooting.
Because the team focuses specifically on travelers and Telkomsel-based services, support is practical and solution-oriented rather than procedural.
This local presence is particularly valuable for visitors who are new to eSIMs, experiencing issues upon arrival, or simply prefer knowing there is a place they can visit if something goes wrong.
| Feature | Telkomsel by BaliEasy | XL Axiata eSIM |
| Network / provider | Telkomsel (local carrier) | XL Axiata (local carrier) |
| Coverage in Bali | Strongest and most consistent coverage across coastal and inland areas (including Ubud, Bedugul, Kintamani, East & North Bali) | Works well in many urban/coastal areas; coverage can be less consistent inland or in hilly/remote locations |
| Speed consistency | Generally stable for everyday use; predictable performance during peak hours; no FUP throttling | Mixed user reports; full signal doesn’t always translate to usable speed, especially at peak times |
| Hotspot / tethering | Supported as standard; follows local Telkomsel rules with stable performance for work use | Supported on many plans; experience varies by plan/location |
| Plan value | Wide range of tourist-friendly plans (12GB–83GB) with easy top-ups | Very cheap official 3GB option; limited choice unless buying via third-party marketplaces |
| Activation difficulty | Guided setup with passport + IMEI verification; assisted via WhatsApp/email | Self-serve QR install; users report payment/flow issues when problems occur |
| Local +62 number | Yes, included | Yes, included |
| Support quality | Direct human support via WhatsApp/email; step-by-step until resolved | Mixed feedback; issues often logged as reports with slower resolution |
| Refund clarity | Clear policy; 100% refund per policy if device incompatible or unresolved connection issues | No clear public refund policy; commonly non-refundable after QR/profile issuance |
| Offline stores in Bali | Walk-in help in Canggu, Pererenan, Seseh | XL Centers mainly in Denpasar / Kuta–Badung; not tourist-focused |
Choose Telkomsel by BaliEasy if you:
Choose XL Axiata eSIM if you:
Both options provide a local +62 number, but they are designed for different types of travelers. Telkomsel by BaliEasy stands out for coverage reliability, stable speeds, hotspot support, clear refund policy, and real human assistance, including offline help in Bali.
XL Axiata eSIM can work for short stays and light usage, but plan choice, support experience, and predictability are more limited.
For most travelers, especially those who care about coverage, stability, and fast help when something goes wrong, Telkomsel by BaliEasy is the safer, Bali-optimized choice.
Get Started with BaliEasy
Check plans: https://esim.balieasy.com/
Chat on WhatsApp: +6281 365 626 111
Email support: esim@balieasy.com
Choosing the right eSIM in Bali matters because coverage quality, speed stability, customer support, and access to a local Indonesian
Choosing the right eSIM in Bali matters because coverage quality, speed stability, customer support, and access to a local Indonesian
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