Best eSIM for Indonesia: Which One to Choose?

Indonesia saw strong travel growth in 2025. The first eight months recorded over 10 million international visitors, rising about 10.4% year-on-year, according to Indonesia’s official tourism statistics.

With more people visiting Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and nearby islands, staying online helps with maps, hotel check-ins, ride apps, and sharing your day. Choosing the best eSIM for Indonesia lets you activate data before you land. No airport queues. No changing tiny SIM cards. Just scan, turn on data, and start your trip.

If you are comparing eSIM to portable WiFi devices for travel, this short guide explains the difference clearly: How does portable WiFi work

This blog will show how eSIM works in Indonesia, how to check if your phone supports it, which plans fit different travel styles, and how to install it step by step.

What is an eSIM and How It Works in Indonesia

An eSIM is a digital SIM built inside your phone. There is no plastic card to insert or remove. You buy a plan, scan a QR code, and the network starts within a few minutes. It works like a normal SIM, just without the small chip.

If you want a simple explanation of how eSIM works while traveling, see this short guide on how eSIM works for travel.

For technical standards, you can check the GSMA eSIM overview which explains how phone makers and mobile networks support eSIM worldwide.

You can install the eSIM before you leave home. Then when you land, your phone connects right away. No airport shop search. No paperwork. No waiting.

Just scan, switch on data, and start your trip.

Why Use an eSIM for Your Indonesia Trip

Travel in Indonesia often means moving between islands. Bali to Labuan Bajo. Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Lombok to Gili. WiFi can be slow, and airport SIM shops are crowded or close early. An eSIM makes the trip smoother.

You can set it up before you fly. So when you land, your phone connects instantly. No waiting in line at the airport. No small plastic SIM to keep safe. Just open your phone and start the day.

Using an eSIM also keeps your home number active. This helps for bank OTPs, work messages, or calls from family. You use your regular SIM for calls and the eSIM for data.

If you want a simple explanation of how this helps during travel, see the benefits of using eSIM while traveling. It shows why many travelers now skip physical SIM cards.

For most trips, eSIM is easy, clean, and quick. It is just better for moving around, especially if you are planning to see more than one place.

Quick Comparison — Best eSIM for Indonesia in 2025

There are many eSIM providers in the market. Some are strong in Bali and Jakarta. Some work better if you travel across islands. The right one depends on how long you stay, how much data you use, and whether you need unlimited plans.

This quick look will help you choose faster.

Provider	Best For	Data Options	Works Across Islands	Top-Up Available
Baztel	Most travelers	Small to large data packs	Yes, good in Bali, Java, Lombok	Yes
Holafly	Heavy data users	Unlimited plans	Yes, varies by area	No
Nomad	Short stays	Small packs	Yes in major cities	Yes
Airalo	Light users	Low-cost micro plans	Yes in main city areas	Yes
Local Providers (Telkomsel / XL / Indosat)	Long trips or digital nomads	Local data rates	Yes, strongest in Indonesia	Yes

If you want to compare global eSIM brands across different countries, here is a full global eSIM comparison guide. It shows which brands work best in Asia, Europe, and North America.

For local networks and coverage, you can check Indonesia’s official tourism board at https://www.indonesia.travel/. It gives region maps and travel routes to help plan where you may need stronger data.

When choosing the best eSIM for Indonesia, the main questions are: How long are you staying, how much data do you use per day, and will you travel beyond just Bali?

Answer those, and the choice becomes simple.

Baztel – Best eSIM for Indonesia for Moving Between Islands or Cities

Baztel is often considered the best eSIM for Indonesia because it works smoothly across Bali, Jakarta, Lombok, Yogyakarta, and nearby islands. It is easy to set up before your flight, so your phone connects the moment you land. You do not need to visit a store or swap plastic SIM cards. Data plans are flexible, so you can start small and top up if needed. The network stays steady for maps, ride apps, hotel check-ins, and sharing photos. Travelers like it because it feels simple and dependable.

Who Should Choose It

• First-time travelers who want a quick setup
• People moving between islands or cities
• Families who want one plan for all days
• Remote workers who need steady maps and messaging
• Travelers who prefer installing the eSIM before the trip

Holafly – Best eSIM for Indonesia for Only Main Islands and City Areas

Holafly is often chosen when people want unlimited data during their trip. It is not always the cheapest, but it is simple. You buy the plan, scan the QR code, and start using data right away. Many travelers pick Holafly because they do not want to worry about running out of data while checking maps, calling rides, or uploading photos. As part of choosing the best eSIM for Indonesia, Holafly is the option for those who want steady data use without thinking about limits. Speeds can slow during crowded times, which is normal, but general travel tasks work smoothly.

Who Should Choose It

• Travelers who upload photos and videos often
• People who use Google Maps and ride apps the whole day
• Digital nomads who need continuous internet without checking usage
• Travelers visiting only main islands and city areas
• Anyone who prefers a single fixed plan with no top-ups needed

Nomad – Best eSIM for Indonesia for Popular Tourist Spots

Nomad is a good choice for short trips or weekend travel. It offers small data packs that are easy to buy and activate. You scan the QR code and start using data right away. Many travelers pick Nomad when they only need the internet for maps, chats, and basic searching. For those comparing the best eSIM for Indonesia, Nomad works well when you do not need a large plan. It keeps things simple without asking you to track big data use. You can top up if your trip extends or you run out sooner than expected.

Who Should Choose It

• Travelers on short vacations or weekend stays
• People who use data mainly for maps, chatting, and small uploads
• Budget travelers who want to spend only for what they use
• First-time eSIM users who want a simple setup process
• Travelers staying mostly in city areas or popular tourist spots

Airalo – Best eSIM for Indonesia with Lowest Starting Costs

Airalo is mainly used for light data needs. It offers small and low-cost data packs that work well for basic travel use. Many travelers choose Airalo when they only need the internet for checking hotel bookings, maps, ride apps, and simple messages. For those comparing the best eSIM for Indonesia, Airalo fits when you do not need large data or unlimited plans. It is easy to install, and you can top up if your data runs out, instead of buying a new profile. It works best in city areas and main tourist regions.

Who Should Choose It

• Travelers who want the lowest starting cost
• People who use very little data per day
• Tourists staying in Bali, Jakarta, Bandung, or main city zones
• Travelers who want a backup data plan on their phone
• Anyone who prefers paying only for what they use, not a full bundle

Local Providers (Telkomsel / XL / Indosat) – Best eSIM for Indonesia

Local providers like Telkomsel, XL, and Indosat are used widely across Indonesia. They offer strong coverage in most cities and many rural areas. For some travelers, this can make them feel like the best eSIM for Indonesia when staying longer than a week. These providers often have better signal in smaller towns, mountain areas, and remote beaches compared to international eSIM brands. However, setting them up may require more steps, such as visiting a store or registering your passport. Once activated, the connection is stable for daily travel needs.

Who Should Choose It

• Travelers staying in Indonesia for more than two weeks
• Digital nomads who want strong signal in less touristy places
• People visiting multiple islands with mixed city and rural stops
• Travelers comfortable doing setup at a local store after arrival
• Anyone who prefers local network strength over fast online setup

Summary

Indonesia has many places to explore, from Bali and Lombok to Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and small island towns. Staying online helps with maps, rides, hotel check-ins, and sharing your day. Choosing the best eSIM for Indonesia depends on how much data you use and how long you stay. Baztel is a steady choice for most travelers because you can install it before your flight and top up easily during the trip. Holafly works well if you need unlimited data, while Nomad and Airalo are fine for light use during short stays.

It helps to think about your route and phone habits. Start with a small or medium data pack, and add more only if needed. This keeps your trip simple and cost-friendly. If you are planning to visit Bali, you can also check this guide on the best time to visit Bali so your trip matches the weather and crowd levels.

When you are ready, you can view current travel plans here: Baztel Indonesia eSIM plans.

Enjoy your trip, one place at a time.

FAQs — eSIM for Indonesia

Can I make calls with an eSIM?

Most travel eSIM plans give data only, not voice calls. You can still call using WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, Telegram, or Google Meet. If you need regular voice calling, you can keep your home SIM active for calls while using the eSIM for data. Both can work together in the same phone.

Does eSIM work with 5G networks?

Yes, some eSIM plans support 5G in Indonesia, mainly in larger cities. In smaller islands, you may get 4G speeds instead. This is normal for all providers. If you want to learn how eSIM and 5G work together, here is a simple guide on eSIM and 5G that explains it in easy steps.

Can I switch providers easily?

Yes, you can switch by installing a new eSIM plan. You do not need to remove the first one. Just choose which eSIM handles data in your phone settings. This makes it easy to test different plans if you move to a new island or your data needs change.

Are there any hidden fees?

No extra fees if you buy from a trusted provider. The price you see is usually the price you pay. The only extra cost comes if you use more data than planned. In that case, you can simply top up or buy another small pack. You do not get surprise roaming charges when using an eSIM correctly.

How much data do I need for a 2-week trip?

Most travelers use 3–8 GB per week. If you check maps often, send photos, and use ride apps, a medium data pack is safe. If you watch videos or upload content daily, choose a larger pack. If you are unsure, start small and top up later. This prevents overspending and keeps your phone ready when you step outside.