Can’t Receive SMS OTP in Bali? Here’s Why & What to Do

Local Indonesian eSIMs are designed for data and domestic services and do not support international SMS, which is where most OTP messages are sent from.

As a result, not receiving OTPs on a local eSIM is normal behavior, especially if you’re using Telkomsel as the provider, and not a defect or signal issue.

For a smooth experience in Bali, it’s best to always keep a separate number (your home SIM or a roaming eSIM) for verifications.

Why You Can’t Receive SMS OTP on a Bali Local eSIM

1) Local eSIMs Do NOT Support International SMS

Local Indonesian eSIMs (including Telkomsel eSIM by BaliEasy) are optimized for:

• Local mobile data
• Domestic calls and SMS within Indonesia

Most OTP messages, however, are sent from international servers or overseas phone numbers. These cannot be delivered to a local-only eSIM.

Even if the app or bank is “global,” the OTP route is usually international.

2) Local SMS Only Works After Full Registration

In Indonesia, local phone numbers must be fully registered before SMS features are enabled.

Before registration:

• SMS may be blocked or limited
• OTP messages will fail
• Incoming texts may never arrive

Even after registration, SMS is domestic only.

3) OTP Providers Rarely Send Messages Domestically

Banks, WhatsApp, Google, Apple, and most global platforms:

• Send OTPs from foreign gateways
• Do not reroute SMS through local Indonesian networks

So even a perfectly active local SIM cannot receive these messages.

Best Solutions Receiving SMS OTP in Bali

Solution 1: Keep Your Main SIM for SMS (Most Recommended)

Use a dual-SIM setup:

• Home country SIM → Calls & SMS (OTP only)
• Bali local eSIM → Mobile data

You don’t need to use data on your home SIM, just keep it active to receive OTPs.

This is the safest setup for banking and account security.

Solution 2: Use a Roaming eSIM That Supports SMS

Some international roaming eSIMs:

• Support incoming SMS worldwide
• Are designed for verification messages

This is useful if:

• You rely heavily on OTPs
• You can’t keep your home SIM active

Note: roaming eSIMs usually cost more and may have slower data than local options.

Solution 3: Switch Apps to Non-SMS Verification (If Available)

Some services allow:

• App-based authentication
• Email verification
• Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.)

This is more reliable while traveling, especially for long stays.

Real-World Example

A traveler arrives in Bali:

• Internet works perfectly
• WhatsApp suddenly asks for re-verification
• OTP never arrives

Cause: WhatsApp OTP is sent from an international number → blocked on local eSIM.

Fix: Enable home SIM → OTP arrives instantly.

Recommended Phone Settings

• Set local eSIM as Mobile Data
• Set home SIM as Default for Calls & SMS
• Turn Wi-Fi calling OFF (can interfere with OTP routing)
• Do not disable your home SIM completely

Need Help with Your Bali eSIM?

With BaliEasy, help is available when you actually need it. We provide 24/7 human customer support, so if you run into issues like not receiving SMS OTPs or aren’t sure how to set up your SIMs correctly, a real person can guide you step by step.

The goal is simply to make sure you stay connected in Bali without confusion or unnecessary stress.