KnowRoaming eSIM Bali vs Telkomsel by BaliEasy

KnowRoaming vs BaliEasy reviews

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 KnowRoaming 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

  • Best for Bali coverage: Telkomsel by BaliEasy
  • Best for multi-country travel: KnowRoaming
  • Best for human help + offline support: Telkomsel by BaliEasy

 

1) Network & Coverage

KnowRoaming

KnowRoaming’s official website does not disclose a specific local network partner for Indonesia.

The service is presented as a global roaming eSIM that connects to available local networks, but without naming which carrier is used in Bali, making coverage expectations less transparent.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy operates on Telkomsel, which is widely regarded as the strongest and most reliable network in Bali, covering both major tourist areas and more remote regions such as Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, and northern Bali.

Because it’s a direct local Telkomsel line, performance tends to be more predictable, especially inland and during peak hours, compared to roaming-based travel eSIMs.

 

2) Speed & Stability

KnowRoaming

On its official website, KnowRoaming states support for 4G/5G connectivity and notes that its fixed-data plans are not subject to speed throttling.

However, there is limited publicly available user feedback specifically discussing real-world speed consistency in Bali, making on-the-ground performance harder to evaluate in advance.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy operates on the Telkomsel network, which is widely recognized for delivering fast and stable data across Bali, especially for consistent day-to-day use rather than short speed bursts.

Travelers can typically rely on smooth performance for navigation, voice and video calls, social media, and file uploads with more predictable speeds during peak hours compared to many travel eSIMs.

Importantly, BaliEasy’s Telkomsel eSIM does not apply a Fair Usage Policy (FUP), meaning speeds aren’t intentionally reduced after a hidden threshold, you simply use your data until it runs out, making it a stronger option for work, navigation, and regular online communication.

 

3) Hotspot / Tethering

KnowRoaming

KnowRoaming supports hotspot usage, but the experience may depend on the specific plan and how the network performs in a given location.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy’s Telkomsel eSIM fully supports hotspot and tethering without a fixed daily cap imposed by the service itself.

Users can comfortably share their connection with laptops, tablets, or other devices, following standard local Telkomsel network behavior rather than typical travel-eSIM restrictions.

This results in more stable speeds and predictable performance, making BaliEasy especially suitable for video calls, file uploads, and remote work setups.

 

4) Pricing & Data Plans

KnowRoaming

KnowRoaming offers both fixed-data and unlimited eSIM plans, with fixed plans typically valid from 7 to 60 days, making them flexible for both short and longer trips.

However, when comparing value for Bali specifically, KnowRoaming tends to be more expensive.

For example, KnowRoaming lists a 5 GB plan for 15 days at USD 13.89, while BaliEasy offers 12 GB for 30 days at USD 14, providing significantly more data and longer validity for nearly the same price, making BaliEasy the better value for travelers staying in Bali.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy offers clear, Bali-optimized data plans with transparent validity and no hidden fees, designed for short trips, medium stays, and longer periods in Bali.

The plans provide generous data allowances and longer validity, making them practical for everyday use, remote work, and hotspot needs.

If data runs out early, easy online top-ups are available without reinstalling or changing the eSIM, which is especially convenient for extended stays.

 

5) Activation Process

KnowRoaming

On the official guide, KnowRoaming instructs users to install the eSIM before travel using a QR code, then keep it turned off until reaching a supported country.

Upon arrival in Indonesia, activation happens by turning the eSIM on, selecting it for mobile data, and enabling data roaming in the phone settings.

If activated outside a supported location, the eSIM may show an activation error, so KnowRoaming recommends activating only after arrival.

Many travelers also share positive activation experiences, with one noting:

“…Always works well with no activation issues…” Truspilot

BaliEasy

BaliEasy follows a guided activation process designed to ensure the eSIM works correctly on Indonesia’s local Telkomsel network from the start.

After installing the eSIM via QR code, users submit a passport photo and an IMEI screenshot from the device where the eSIM is installed, helping prevent issues such as incorrect IMEI placement or inactive data lines.

If any problem occurs, the local team provides direct, human-assisted activation via WhatsApp and email, guiding users step by step until the connection is fully working, especially helpful for first-time eSIM users or anyone wanting immediate reassurance on arrival.

 

6) Local +62 Number Availability

KnowRoaming

Local +62 number: No

KnowRoaming is offered as a data-focused travel eSIM, and a local Indonesian phone number is not included.

BaliEasy

Local +62 number: Yes

BaliEasy includes a local Indonesian (+62) number, which is useful for everyday needs in Bali such as ride-hailing apps, local calls, and certain verifications.

It also makes it easier to communicate with Gojek and Grab, villas, restaurants, and local businesses, especially when a quick voice call is more practical than messaging.

 

7) Customer Support

KnowRoaming

Some users have shared less-positive experiences, with one commenting:

“One star is too nice for this kind of service…” Truspilot

This suggests that support may feel slower or less effective for travelers when issues require extended troubleshooting.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy emphasizes direct, human support via WhatsApp and email rather than a ticket-only system.

With a local team familiar with Telkomsel network behavior, IMEI registration, and common device issues, assistance is practical and step-by-step until the connection is working, offering more reassurance when help is needed quickly.

If you want to see how helpful this support experience looks in practice, BaliEasy’s customer feedback is publicly available on Google Reviews and Trustpilot, where travelers share their own experiences with activation, troubleshooting, and support.

 

8) Refund Policy

KnowRoaming

On its official policy, KnowRoaming states that a full refund is only available if the eSIM has not been installed, or if it is installed but not activated, and the request must be made within 90 days of purchase, with no refunds after plan validity expires.

However, a real Trustpilot user reported frustration, saying:

“…They keep making you try different settings on your phone and in the end they don’t refund you!!!…” Trustpilot

While the official policy is clearly defined, it is strict and activation-sensitive, which means travelers who run into issues after activation or near expiry may find refunds difficult, sometimes leading to frustration during extended troubleshooting.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy offers a clearer, traveler-friendly refund approach. Per policy, customers are eligible for a 100% refund if the device is not compatible, or if connection issues occur and cannot be resolved after troubleshooting.

Refund requests are handled directly with the team via WhatsApp or email, with clear guidance on what details are needed, making the process more transparent and less stressful.

 

9) Offline Stores in Bali

KnowRoaming

Offline presence: No

KnowRoaming operates as a fully digital travel eSIM, purchased and activated online without any advertised walk-in locations in Bali.

If issues arise, assistance is provided remotely through online support channels rather than in-person help.

BaliEasy

Offline presence: Yes

BaliEasy has physical stores in Canggu, Pererenan, and Seseh, allowing travelers to get direct, face-to-face assistance.

This is helpful for on-the-spot activation, troubleshooting, or added peace of mind, especially for first-time eSIM users or anyone needing quick support.

 

10) Comparison Table (Feature-by-Feature)

Feature Telkomsel by BaliEasy KnowRoaming
Network / provider Telkomsel (direct local line) Not disclosed on official site (connects to available local networks)
Coverage in Bali Excellent coverage across tourist areas and remote regions Coverage depends on partner network; not clearly specified
Speed consistency Stable, predictable speeds with no FUP Supports 4G/5G; real-world consistency in Bali less documented
Hotspot / tethering Fully supported, no fixed daily cap imposed by service Supported, but experience may vary by plan/location
Plan value High value for Bali stays (more data + longer validity) Generally higher cost per GB for Bali
Activation difficulty Guided, human-assisted activation Self-service activation via device settings
Local +62 number Yes No
Support quality Direct human support via WhatsApp & email Online support only; some users report slower resolution
Refund clarity Clear, traveler-friendly policy Strict and activation-sensitive
Offline stores in Bali Yes (Canggu, Pererenan, Seseh) No
 

11) Who Should Choose Which

Choose Telkomsel by BaliEasy if you:

  • Want the most reliable coverage across Bali, including inland and remote areas.
  • Need predictable speed and hotspot stability for work, navigation, or daily use.
  • Prefer human support, optional in-person help, and the convenience of a local +62 number.
  • Want clearer refunds and reassurance if something goes wrong on arrival.

Choose KnowRoaming if you:

  • Are traveling across multiple countries and want one global eSIM.
  • Prefer a fully self-serve, app-based setup without document checks.
  • Don’t need a local Indonesian number or in-person assistance in Bali.

 

12) Summary

Both KnowRoaming and Telkomsel by BaliEasy can keep you connected in Bali, but they are designed for different travel needs.

KnowRoaming works well as a multi-country travel eSIM, while BaliEasy is optimized specifically for Bali with stronger coverage transparency, local Telkomsel performance, and hands-on support.

For most travelers, especially those who value stable speed, hotspot reliability, human help, and peace of mind, Telkomsel by BaliEasy is the safer, Bali-focused choice.

Get Started with BaliEasy

Check plans: https://esim.balieasy.com/
Chat on WhatsApp: +6281 365 626 111
Email support: esim@balieasy.com

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