eSIM travel tips for Bali

Bali is an exciting tourist destination with turquoise water, lush green jungles, beautiful temples and stunning sunsets to create unforgettable moments.

Planning and capturing those moments when travelling around Bali is a lot easier and smoother when you have seamless mobile connectivity. eSIM technology connects your smartphone to local cellular networks, allowing you to access the Internet and use your essential navigation apps.

In this story we’ll dive into how eSIM technology provides access to mobile connectivity, so you can learn how to activate eSIM service upon arrival and use it to get around in Bali.

Preparing your device for eSIM use

Before packing your bags to visit Bali, ensure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. Some smartphones have an embedded SIM (eSIM) working similarly to a physical SIM. The chip stores your subscriber information, like identity and network settings.

• eSIM compatibility: Smartphones like Samsung, iPhone, and Google Pixel support eSIM. Other recent brands also support eSIM.
• Check for locked devices: Your smartphone might be locked to a specific network carrier, which may not allow you to use an eSIM service. Ensure your smartphone isn’t locked.
• Update your OS: The latest operating systems offer better support for eSIMs. Ensure you’ve updated your device operating system for the best user experience.
• Download the app: Some eSIM services require you to download a mobile app. You’ll download the app from the Play Store or the App Store, depending on your OS.
• Activate eSIM plan: Go to the eSIM website or app and purchase a plan. Then enter your email address to receive a QR code after your purchase.

Scan the QR code at the airport in Bali, and your smartphone will connect to a local mobile network.

Activating your eSIM upon arrival

eSIM companies often send a QR code to the email you provided when purchasing a plan. You’ll scan the code to activate your eSIM plan. However, scanning the code requires internet connection so it’s better to do this before you leave home, or you will need to use Wi-Fi at the airport or your accommodation.

Your smartphone will connect to the local cellular network after activating the eSIM plan. You’ll then enjoy seamless connectivity in Bali.

Holafly eSIM

Holafly offers eSIM services for Bali travellers. Their eSIM service gives you access to the internet, allowing you to power navigation tools like Google Maps, as well as the ability to book hotels and connect with friends on social media through the eSIM internet.

• Unlimited data: Holafly eSIM has plans from one day to 90 days. Each plan comes with unlimited data, ensuring you don’t run out of internet connection. However, Holafly eSIM travel for Bali has a fair usage policy governing its unlimited data plans.
• Hotspot functionality: To make things even easier on your travels, Holafly eSIM data is sharable with other portable devices like a tablet via a hotspot. Simply create a mobile hotspot with your Holafly eSIM-enabled smartphone and share the internet with your laptop and tablet.
• Extensive coverage: Holafly eSIM connects your smartphone with a local mobile network to provide internet services. By connecting to lots of local networks it gives you to access the internet across Bali.

Managing data usage while exploring

eSIM data usually comes with a fair usage policy. eSIM carriers like Holafly allocate data thresholds to every plan, ensuring users don’t overuse the internet. Therefore, you may want to manage your data for  while on a trip to Bali.

Managing eSIM data allows you to avoid depleting the threshold so you can experience fast internet. You’ll use the tips below to manage an eSIM data:

• Use available Wi-Fi: You can switch a Wi-Fi hotspot in your hotel room to minimize your eSIM data usage. You can also use Wi-Fi hotspot in public lounges.
• Disable background consumption: Social media apps like Facebook use eSIM data to refresh in the background. Many such apps will increase data consumption in the background. Disabling background refresh reduces eSIM data consumption.
• Reducing streaming quality: YouTube and streaming apps show content in a given resolution measured in pixels. The higher the resolution, the higher the data consumption. Consider selecting lower resolution to stream content more economically.
• Set data limit: You can also set a limit for each mobile app on your smartphone in Settings. You’ll save eSIM data and avoid depleting the allocated data volume for your plan.

Accessing travel apps with eSIM

Accessing the internet in Bali can be expensive without an eSIM plan. Your home carrier will charge expensive roaming charges to connect to a local cellular network in Bali. An eSIM plan allows your smartphone to connect without paying for expensive charges.

Using an eSIM provides internet data to essential mobile apps for exploring Bali, including:

• Google Maps: This mobile app allows you to travel on winding roads and find your way around Bali. You’ll also locate the best warung in your area, making it ideal for exploration.
• Grab: You can catch a ride to your favorite destination via this mobile app. It allows you to book motorbikes and cars. You can even book a food delivery service.
• GoJek: Order haircut services to your room with this app. Additionally, you can buy groceries and book massage sessions on the very app.
• Google Translate: Communicate with the locals via this handy translation app which allows you to easily translate English to Balinese.

Staying connected in remote areas

An eSIM data provides internet anywhere, whether you’re staying in the Shangri-La Hotel in SIngapore or Viceroy Bali in Ubud. eSIM carriers like Holafly work with many local mobile networks, ensuring foreigners access the internet even in remote areas.

An eSIM carrier allows your smartphone to connect to Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat mobile networks. Since these cellular networks cover the entire country, your eSIM will provide internet even in a remote location. When choosing an eSIM keep in mind…

• Choose multi-network eSIM: You want to choose an eSIM connecting to multiple cellular networks for efficient connection in remote areas. Holafly is one of the eSIM carriers providing multi-network support.
• Offline services: You can also stay connected in a remote area by downloading apps providing offline services. Google Maps is a prime example of an app with an offline service.
• Signal boosters: Some smartphones have signal boosting modes to help you get covered in low-coverage zones. Use these smartphones in remote areas of Bali.

Travellers need an eSIM carrier like Holafly to navigate Bali and find exciting destinations and sites. An eSIM provides internet data at an affordable price, and when an eSIM works with multiple networks for extensive coverage it’s an even more essential travel tool.