Best Bali eSIM Recommendations for Dutch Travelers

For Dutch visitors to Bali, the easiest and most efficient way to stay connected is by purchasing and activating a local Indonesian eSIM before arriving.

Setting up your eSIM ahead of time guarantees you can access mobile data the moment you land, avoiding long airport lines and high international roaming charges.

A local eSIM also provides a +62 Indonesian phone number, which is invaluable for using local services such as transportation, food delivery, and communication with accommodations.

Installing the eSIM in advance ensures a seamless arrival, with instant connectivity once you’re in Bali.

Read the Dutch version: De beste aanbevelingen voor eSIM’s op Bali voor Nederlandse reizigers

Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy

For Dutch travelers seeking a reliable and seamless mobile experience, the Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy is an excellent choice.

Unlike roaming eSIMs, this option connects directly to the local Telkomsel network, ensuring you get stronger, more stable coverage throughout Bali and beyond, including less touristy regions.

Recognized as Indonesia’s most dependable mobile network, Telkomsel ensures a smooth experience whether you’re navigating, working remotely, or staying in touch.

The eSIM comes with an Indonesian +62 number, essential for accessing local apps like Grab and Gojek for transport and food delivery.

Since it’s a local Indonesian eSIM, it is only valid for use within Indonesia and cannot be switched to other countries.

Holafly (Roaming eSIM)

Holafly offers a roaming eSIM service, commonly preferred by travelers looking for unlimited data packages during their stay.

While the plans are marketed as “unlimited,” they often come with Fair Usage Policies (FUP), meaning your speeds may be throttled once you exceed a certain data threshold. Hotspot sharing is usually capped, too.

Although Holafly’s packages are simple and provide predictable pricing, the reduced speeds after hitting data limits may be frustrating for heavy data users.

Yesim (Roaming eSIM)

Yesim supports both fixed data and “unlimited” plans, making it a versatile option for travelers using multiple devices.

Its setup process is straightforward, and it delivers reasonable performance for casual usage.

However, as a roaming eSIM, speeds can fluctuate, and the Fair Usage Policy may limit your data speeds after prolonged use.

For longer stays or heavy data usage, Yesim is not the most cost-effective option, as its prices tend to be higher compared to local providers, providing less data for more money.

Airalo (Roaming eSIM)

Airalo is a convenient option for Dutch travelers touring multiple countries during their trip. It allows you to switch between destinations and manage your eSIM plans via an easy-to-use app.

However, in Indonesia, Airalo’s network connectivity can vary depending on the specific plan you choose, so it’s important to check the supported networks inside the app before purchase.

Some plans offer fixed data, while others advertise “unlimited” data. Just remember that these plans may include speed limits or other restrictions based on Fair Usage.

Jetpac (Roaming eSIM)

Jetpac is another roaming eSIM provider that works well for travelers visiting multiple destinations.

It’s a good choice for short trips or multi-country itineraries, offering flexible plans and simple activation.

In Indonesia, Jetpac connects with multiple local operators, including Telkomsel, which helps maintain connectivity as you travel around different regions.

If you plan on using hotspot features, it’s essential to confirm the hotspot policy for your plan, as restrictions vary.

Understanding Unlimited vs. Fixed Data for eSIMs

When choosing an eSIM, you’ll often come across two types of data plans: unlimited and fixed data. Here’s what you need to know:

Unlimited Data Plans

Some eSIM providers offer “unlimited” data, which sounds great at first. However, there’s usually a catch.

These plans come with something called a Fair Usage Policy (FUP), which means that once you use a certain amount of high-speed data (often just a few gigabytes), your internet speed will slow down.

This can make activities like streaming videos, using maps, or making video calls very frustrating.

• What happens: Once you hit the limit, your internet speed gets slower (sometimes as low as 1 Mbps), making it difficult to use data-heavy apps.
• Why it’s not great: Even though it’s advertised as “unlimited,” you’ll experience slower speeds when you need data the most, like while navigating or streaming your favorite shows.

Roaming eSIMs like Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, and Jetpac usually follow this approach, which means you may end up with slower speeds after using a small amount of data.

While these plans are convenient, they often leave you with poor performance when you need it the most.

Fixed Data Plans

On the other hand, fixed data plans offer a certain amount of data, but at full speed until you use it all. This means no slowdowns, even if you’re using a lot of data in one go.

• What happens: You get to use fast data (4G or 5G speeds) for everything, from checking maps to streaming, until your data runs out. Once you’ve used your fixed data, you can top it up and continue using it at full speed.
• Why it’s better: You get predictable and consistent service, so you know exactly what you’re getting, without the surprise slowdowns.

Unlike roaming eSIMs, Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy uses a fixed data plan, meaning you’ll have high-speed data until your data allowance runs out, without any unexpected slowdowns.

This ensures a more reliable, seamless experience during your travels.

Why Fixed Data is Better for Travelers

When you’re traveling, especially for important activities like working, navigating, or using transportation apps, you want to make sure your connection is stable and fast.

Fixed data plans ensure that you’re always connected at high speeds, with no surprises or slowdowns when you reach the limit.

Roaming eSIM vs Local eSIM

Roaming eSIM

Roaming eSIMs are services provided by international companies like Airalo, Holafly, Yesim, and Jetpac.

These eSIMs connect to local networks through foreign providers, rather than directly through the local network in your destination.

The service works by routing your data through international networks, which may offer convenience but come with several disadvantages:

• Higher latency: The connection may take longer to establish because it goes through multiple international networks.
• Limited speeds: The data speeds can be throttled, especially after a certain usage threshold, making it less suitable for high-demand activities like video streaming or video calls.
• Frequent switching between operators: Your connection might switch between different networks, leading to inconsistent service quality and possible interruptions in connectivity.

Local eSIM

In contrast, local eSIMs, such as the Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy, offer a more direct and efficient connection to the Indonesian network, which provides:

• More stable coverage across Bali and Indonesia, even in remote areas.
• Faster speeds and lower latency, ensuring smooth browsing, navigation, and communication.
• The added benefit of a +62 Indonesian number, which is vital for local services like transportation apps (Grab, Gojek), food delivery, and other communication tools.

BaliEasy’s eSIM operates as a local Telkomsel line, giving you a more reliable, stable, and faster mobile experience in Bali.

Unlike roaming eSIMs, it ensures fewer disruptions and consistent speeds, making it the best choice for travelers seeking seamless and uninterrupted connectivity.

This local connection eliminates the drawbacks commonly associated with roaming eSIMs, providing a much more practical solution for staying connected during your trip.

Tips for Dutch Travelers Using eSIMs in Bali

Ensuring a smooth connection in Bali is easy when you prepare your eSIM before departure. By purchasing your eSIM ahead of time, Dutch travelers can avoid long airport lines and get online as soon as they land.

• Use a local Indonesian number: A local +62 number makes it easier to use transportation apps like Grab, order food, and communicate with local businesses. It also facilitates verification and compatibility with local apps.
• Install your eSIM before arrival: For seamless activation, purchase and set up a Telkomsel eSIM a few days before your trip. Once installed, you can activate it the moment you land in Bali and enjoy immediate access to 4G/5G data without any delays.
• Check your phone’s compatibility: Before you travel, ensure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM technology. Once you receive your QR code, install the eSIM and keep it ready for activation upon arrival.
  Read more: eSIM Compatible Phones List
• Choose a network with strong coverage: If you plan to explore beyond Bali’s major tourist spots, such as Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, opt for a network with broad national coverage to ensure consistent internet access.

Additional Tips for Staying Connected

• Keep your Dutch SIM active: To receive banking notifications or SMS verification codes, it’s a good idea to keep your Dutch SIM active. Simply disable data roaming to avoid extra charges while maintaining SMS reception.
• WhatsApp is widely used in Bali: WhatsApp is commonly used in Bali for communication with businesses, drivers, accommodation providers, and customer service. With a local internet connection, messaging and calls on WhatsApp will be seamless.
• Troubleshoot weak signal areas: In some remote parts of Bali, signal strength can be weak. If you encounter issues, try turning airplane mode on and off, restarting your phone, or switching to 4G/LTE only.

By preparing your eSIM before your trip, you’ll have uninterrupted connectivity from the moment you land, making your time in Bali easier and more enjoyable.