Nomad 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 number can significantly affect your travel experience. In this article, we compare Nomad 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: Nomad
• Best for human help + offline support: Telkomsel by BaliEasy

 

1) Network & Coverage

Nomad

Nomad is a travel eSIM that works in Bali through partner networks rather than as a direct local SIM. In real-world use, Nomad generally works well in main tourist and coastal areas such as Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, and Uluwatu. However, as with most travel eSIMs, coverage consistency can vary depending on routing and location.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy uses a local Telkomsel carrier eSIM, which is widely regarded as the strongest network in Bali. Telkomsel offers broad and reliable coverage across both popular tourist areas and harder-to-reach locations, including Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Denpasar, Tanah Lot, Bedugul, Kintamani, Amed, Lovina, Sidemen, Munduk, Nusa Penida, and Tulamben.

Because it operates as a true local network, BaliEasy delivers more consistent signal strength when moving around the island and fewer coverage surprises in inland or less-developed areas. This makes it a safer choice for travelers who plan to explore beyond Bali’s main tourist hubs or rely heavily on mobile data throughout the day.

 

2) Speed & Stability

Nomad

Based on Facebook user feedback, Nomad generally delivers good and usable speeds for everyday travel needs.

“We use Nomad and I’m using a 15 pro max. Never had a problem using it here in Asia or over in Canada”

See full discussion: Facebook

This suggests that for common activities like Google Maps, messaging, and light browsing, Nomad performs reliably.

However, as a travel eSIM, real-world speed can still vary depending on location, time of day, and how the partner network is routed. In busy areas or during peak hours, performance may be less consistent compared to a local carrier SIM.

BaliEasy

Telkomsel is widely known for fast, stable mobile data in Bali for everyday use, Maps navigation, WhatsApp calls, video calls, and uploads.

Users can typically rely on stable performance for Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp voice and video calls, social media, and file uploads, even while moving between different parts of the island. During peak hours, speeds generally remain more predictable compared to many travel eSIM options.

BaliEasy plans are fixed-data (no “unlimited” FUP model), so there’s no Fair Usage Policy throttling coming from the plan itself.

 

3) Hotspot / Tethering

Nomad

Nomad users generally report that hotspot functionality is available.

“I use an e-sim from Nomad and I can even use my phone to hotspot.”

See full discussion: Facebook

This suggests that tethering works in real-world use, although performance and consistency may still depend on the underlying partner network and the specific plan used.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy’s Telkomsel eSIM fully supports hotspot and tethering, with no fixed daily hotspot limit set by the service. You can easily share your mobile data with a laptop, tablet, or another device whenever you need to.

Since it works as a local Telkomsel eSIM, hotspot usage follows normal Indonesian network rules instead of the restrictions often found on international travel eSIMs. This means more stable connections and more consistent speeds, which is especially helpful for video calls, file uploads, and remote work.

If you regularly use more than one device during the day, BaliEasy provides a more reliable and work-friendly hotspot experience, making it a better option for longer stays and productivity-focused travelers.

 

4) Pricing & Data Plans

Nomad

Nomad can be a cheap and convenient option for short trips, especially if you only need a small amount of data for maps, messaging, and light browsing. However, for longer stays, its value drops quickly when you compare data per dollar. For example, Nomad’s ~USD 17 plan typically includes only 10GB, while BaliEasy offers 36GB for USD 18, more than double the data for nearly the same price.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy provides transparent, fixed-data plans built specifically for use in Bali, with clear pricing that increases in line with higher data allowances. Options start from 12GB at $14 and go up to 83GB at $30, making them suitable for everything from light browsing to heavy hotspot use, uploads, and extended stays.

Each plan works on a simple model: you buy a defined data quota and use it freely until it’s fully consumed. There are no “starting from” prices, no hidden fees, and no fair-usage throttling, so the total cost is clear and predictable from the start.

 

5) Activation Process

Nomad

Nomad follows a self-service activation model. Users typically install the eSIM via QR code and wait for it to activate once they reach the destination network. However, this can cause confusion for some travelers.

“Nomad won’t activate, sat in departure in Heathrow…”

See full discussion: Facebook

This is exactly where human-assisted guidance becomes important, especially for travelers who want reassurance and immediate help, like the guided support provided by BaliEasy.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy follows a guided activation approach to make sure the eSIM connects properly to Indonesia’s local Telkomsel network from the beginning. After installing the eSIM using a QR code, users are asked to submit a passport photo and an IMEI screenshot from the phone where the eSIM is installed.

This verification process helps avoid common problems such as IMEI mismatches, incorrect device registration, or data lines that don’t activate properly. If any issue comes up, the BaliEasy team offers direct, human support via WhatsApp and email, assisting users step by step until the connection is fully active.

With a dedicated local team available 24/7, BaliEasy is ideal for travelers who are new to eSIMs or who want the reassurance that immediate help is available if something doesn’t work as expected on arrival.

 

6) Local +62 Number Availability

Nomad

Local number included? No

Nomad’s Bali/Indonesia eSIM is data-only and does not include a local +62 Indonesian phone number.

In practice, this means Nomad works well for internet access, browsing, maps, messaging apps, but cannot be used for local calls or SMS.

BaliEasy

Local number included? Yes

BaliEasy comes with a local Indonesian (+62) phone number, which can be very helpful while staying in Bali. Having a local number makes it easier to use ride-hailing apps such as Gojek and Grab and can support certain local verification processes, depending on the service.

A +62 number also allows you to make and receive local calls from drivers, tour guides, villas, restaurants, and other businesses. This is especially useful when a quick voice call is needed or when messaging apps like WhatsApp aren’t practical. For travelers who want a smoother, more local experience in Bali, having a local number adds extra convenience and flexibility.

 

7) Customer Support

Nomad

“Does anybody at Nomad actually exist? I have tried phone, no luck of course. I have tried text, no luck. I have created tickets, no responses. Oh, I did get one a week or so after I posted saying since they have not had any replies the ticket was closed. (Like I was sitting breathless by my phone 24/7 for a week!
I tried pausing my RV nomad subscription – when I finally got into the web page – and the pause button does not work. What is advertised as easy internet, is actually impossible.
Ready to send the white box back, but doubt the address would work or anybody would notice it was returned.”

See full discussion: Facebook

Nomad’s customer support experience is described as difficult to reach when issues occur. One customer shared a detailed complaint about trying multiple channels, phone, text, and support tickets, without getting timely help. The only response they eventually received came much later, stating that the ticket had been closed due to no reply, which added to the frustration.

The same post also highlights problems with account management (such as pausing a subscription not working as expected), reinforcing the perception that support is heavily ticket-based and slow to respond. When problems arise, the lack of real-time assistance can make troubleshooting stressful, especially for travelers who need their connection to work immediately.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy focuses on direct, human support via WhatsApp and email rather than a ticket-only system. Customers can communicate with a real support team in real time, reducing delays and avoiding repetitive troubleshooting steps.

Because BaliEasy operates locally, the team understands Telkomsel network behavior, IMEI registration, and common device-related issues. Support is hands-on and step by step, continuing until the connection is fully working, an important advantage for travelers who want fast help and reassurance when it matters most.

 

8) Refund Policy

Nomad

Nomad’s refund policy is mainly determined by whether the eSIM has been used and when the refund request is submitted. If the eSIM has not been installed or activated, a refund is usually possible as long as the request is made within the allowed time window, typically up to 30 days from purchase.

Once the eSIM has been activated, a full refund is no longer guaranteed. In some cases, a partial refund for unused data may be considered, but this usually requires verification of a technical or network-related issue.

If activation fails due to device incompatibility or a carrier-locked phone, refunds may be approved after review. These refunds can be issued either back to the original payment method or as Nomad Points, which function as store credit.

Certain situations are commonly excluded from refunds, such as plans that have been deleted after installation, heavily used plans, purchases made with discount codes, or specific “unlimited” plans that follow different terms. Refund requests are handled through in-app chat or email support, and processing can take several business days depending on the payment method and approval timeline.

BaliEasy

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

Refund requests are handled directly with the BaliEasy team via WhatsApp or email, with clear guidance on what information is needed. This human-assisted approach makes the refund process more transparent and less stressful.

 

9) Offline Stores in Bali

Nomad

Nomad Bali eSIM operates as a fully digital, app-based eSIM provider. Nomad does not have physical walk-in stores or service counters in Bali. Customer assistance is handled online through in-app or website live chat, supported by setup guides and self-service troubleshooting instructions.

What this means? If you run into issues, support is handled remotely (online support flows), not via walk-in assistance.

BaliEasy

BaliEasy offers real offline help in Bali, with stores in Canggu, Pererenan, and Seseh.

Why it matters? This gives travelers the option to get in-person activation help and troubleshooting, which is especially useful if you’re new to eSIMs, need quick fixes, or want reassurance that everything is working correctly before you head out exploring.

 

10) Comparison Table (Feature-by-Feature)

Feature	Telkomsel by BaliEasy	Nomad Bali eSIM
Network/provider	Local Telkomsel carrier eSIM (true local network).	Travel eSIM using partner networks (not a direct local SIM).
Coverage in Bali	Strong, wide coverage across major + more remote areas (Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Denpasar, Tanah Lot, Bedugul, Kintamani, Amed, Lovina, Sidemen, Munduk, Nusa Penida, Tulamben).	Generally works well in main tourist/coastal areas like Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Kuta, Uluwatu; can vary depending on routing/location.
Speed consistency	Known for fast, stable everyday performance; tends to be more predictable even during peak hours. No “unlimited” FUP throttling model on BaliEasy fixed-data plans.	Usable speeds for everyday travel; can vary by time/place and routing, and may be less consistent during busy/peak hours vs local SIM.
Hotspot/tethering	Hotspot supported; no fixed daily hotspot limit set by the service; works under normal local Telkomsel rules (more stable for work/video calls/uploads).	Hotspot works (reported usable for tethering), but performance can depend on plan/network conditions.
Plan value	Fixed-data plans built for Bali with clearer value as data needs increase (12GB–83GB).	Can be convenient for short trips/small data, but value drops for longer stays (example: ~$17 for ~10GB vs BaliEasy 36GB for $18).
Activation difficulty	Guided activation: QR install + submit passport photo + IMEI screenshot; team helps step-by-step via WhatsApp/email.	Self-serve activation: QR install; may not activate until destination network (can confuse travelers).
Local +62 number	Yes, includes Indonesian +62 number (useful for local calls and some local app/verification needs).	No, data-only (no local calls/SMS).
Support quality	Human support via WhatsApp + email, local Telkomsel/IMEI knowledge, continues until working; plus offline help available.	Support can feel hard to reach when issues happen (reports of delayed/no ticket responses); mostly remote/digital support.
Refund clarity	Clear, traveler-friendly: 100% refund per policy for device incompatibility or unresolved connection issues after troubleshooting.	Conditional: typically refundable if not installed/activated within the time window; after activation, full refund not guaranteed (may be partial with verified technical/network issue).
Offline stores in Bali	Yes, offline help in Canggu, Pererenan, and Seseh.	No, fully digital; no walk-in counters in Bali.

 

11) Who Should Choose Which

Choose Telkomsel by BaliEasy if you:

• Want better value with strong speed and coverage across Bali
• Need reliable coverage not only in tourist areas, but also inland and remote regions
• Use hotspot regularly for a laptop or tablet
• Prefer real human support via WhatsApp and email, with optional in-person help
• Want a Bali-focused setup that includes a local +62 number for calls and local services

Choose Nomad if you:

• Need multi-country coverage for one trip
• Prefer app-based, self-serve activation without human assistance
• Already use Nomad in other countries and want to stay within the same ecosystem
• Don’t need a local Indonesian phone number

 

12) Summary

Nomad is a convenient travel eSIM and can work well for everyday Bali use, but it’s usually a more self-serve setup and doesn’t include a local +62 number.

Telkomsel by BaliEasy is the safer Bali-optimized choice for most travelers because it runs on a true local Telkomsel eSIM, tends to be more predictable for coverage and day-to-day stability, and includes direct human support (plus optional walk-in help).

If coverage and support matter, especially when you land and need everything working fast, BaliEasy is usually the more reliable pick.

Get Started with BaliEasy

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