You need to book a Grab or Gojek from the airport (regular taxis will likely scam you), navigate to your hotel, find that warung everyone recommended (or open house if you're in "the know"), and probably message your Airbnb host because the address doesn't exist on Google Maps. If you're going to Bali for the first time, you will absolutely want to get data. The island is fine to navigate but you can easily make mistakes if you don't check your route or go with a local taxi. Taxis will absolutely scam you, often by 5-7x the price you would pay by using the rideshare apps.
An eSIM solves this so get right to it my friend. You can install it before your flight, land in Bali or Jakarta, and you're online immediately headed to your villa or beachside hotel.
What is good to understand while you're in Indonesia is the network choice. Not all eSIMs use the same network, and unlike most countries where this barely matters, in Indonesia it's the difference between having signal on your ferry to Nusa Penida or being completely offline. Given its ridiculous amount of islands, you'll want to be considerate of what provider you choose.
From the research I've done across user reports and network data, here's what you need to know.
Image of Indonesia
Indonesia Networks: The 30-Second Version
Indonesia has three main networks:
Telkomsel - Biggest and best. 97%+ coverage. Works on ferries, smaller islands, remote areas. The one you want if leaving tourist zones.
XL Axiata - Good in cities and Bali. Cheaper. Gets spotty on smaller islands and ferries.
Indosat - Budget option. Fine in Jakarta/Bali/major cities. Weak everywhere else.
In Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Jakarta - all three work great. But ferries to Gili Islands, Komodo, Nusa Penida or remote Sumatra or Raja Ampat? You want Telkomsel.
That's it. That's the network breakdown.
Image of Canggu, Indonesia
The Comparison: Which eSIM for Indonesia?
Here's how the main providers stack up.
The Comparison Table
| Feature | Globie | Airalo | Nomad | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Networks | Telkomsel (5G), XL (4G), + others | Indosat | Telkomsel | Various |
| Best For | Budget + islands | Bali/Jakarta only | Reliability | Heavy data users |
| 5GB Price | $5-7 | €12-12.50 | $10 | N/A (unlimited only) |
| 10GB Price | $9-11 | €18-20 | $17 | N/A |
| Unlimited | No | No | No | €64.90/month |
| 5G | Yes (Telkomsel) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Island/Ferry Coverage | Excellent (Telkomsel + XL) | Weak (Indosat) | Excellent (Telkomsel) | Depends |
| Support | Business hours | 24/7 chat | 24/7 chat | 24/7 chat |
| Top-Up | Coming soon | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Currency | Yes | No | No | No |
What This Means
Globie uses Telkomsel (the best network) plus XL and several others, giving you solid backup options. At $5-7 for 5GB, it's cheaper than Airalo (€12-12.50) or Nomad ($10) while offering better or equal network coverage. If you're island hopping or going beyond Bali's tourist areas, this makes sense.
Airalo uses Indosat which works fine in Seminyak, Canggu, Jakarta, Ubud. But ferries, smaller islands, remote areas? Signal drops. It's the "safe" choice everyone knows, but you're paying €12-12.50 for 5GB on a weaker network. Only makes sense if you're staying in tourist zones.
Nomad uses Telkomsel like Globie, but costs $10 for 5GB vs $5-7. You're basically paying extra for brand trust and 24/7 support. Same network, same coverage, just more expensive.
Holafly is unlimited data at €64.90/month. Only makes sense if you're streaming video constantly or working remotely with heavy usage. Fair use policy applies so "unlimited" has some limits.
When Globie Wins
- Price: $5-7 for 5GB vs €12-12.50 (Airalo) or $10 (Nomad)
- Networks: Telkomsel + XL + others for maximum coverage
- Multi-currency: Pay in USD, EUR, IDR - no conversion fees
- Island hopping: Gilis, Nusa Penida, Komodo, Lombok all need good coverage
When Globie Loses
- Support: Business hours only vs 24/7 for Airalo/Nomad
- Brand trust: Newer company, fewer reviews
- Top-ups: Can't add more data yet (coming soon)
When Others Make Sense
Airalo - If you're only in Bali (Seminyak/Canggu/Ubud) and Jakarta and not leaving tourist areas. Works fine there, well-known brand. Just don't try to use it on ferries or smaller islands.
Nomad - Same Telkomsel network as Globie, but costs $10 vs $5-7 for 5GB. You're paying for 24/7 support and an established brand. If those matter more than saving a few bucks, go for it.
Holafly - Working remotely or streaming video constantly? Unlimited data at €64.90/month makes sense. Otherwise you're overpaying for data you won't use.
Image of Globie eSIM Pricing (updated March, 26, 2026)
Setup Tips
Before Your Trip
- Install eSIM at home on WiFi
- Download offline maps (Google Maps for Bali, Jakarta, etc)
- Check compatibility (iPhone XS+, most flagship Androids)
Apps You'll Need
- Gojek or Grab - Transportation (essential, taxis scam tourists)
- WhatsApp - Everyone uses this in Indonesia
- Google Translate - Helpful outside tourist areas
- Google Maps - Navigation
Data Usage Guide
- Light (maps, messaging, Instagram): 3-5GB for 2 weeks
- Medium (photos, some video, remote work): 8-10GB for 2 weeks
- Heavy (streaming, constant video calls): 15-20GB+ or go unlimited
Indonesia has great WiFi in cafes and hotels, so you'll use less data than you think.
Image of Grab Driver in Indonesia
My Honest Take
Island hopping (Bali → Gilis → Nusa Penida → Lombok)?
Get Globie or Nomad (both have Telkomsel). Globie if price matters ($5-7), Nomad if you want 24/7 support ($10).
Bali only (Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud) and not leaving?
Any of them work fine in tourist areas. Globie's cheapest at $5-7.
Remote Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Flores, Komodo, Sumatra)?
Need Telkomsel network. Globie's the cheapest option at $5-7 for 5GB.
Working remotely with heavy data needs?
Holafly unlimited (€64.90/month) or buy 15-20GB from Globie/Nomad.
The real answer: for typical Indonesia travel (Bali + some island hopping), get whichever Telkomsel eSIM is cheapest. That's Globie at $5-7 vs Nomad at $10. Same network, different price and support level.
If you're staying in Seminyak/Canggu and never leaving, any provider works, but Globie's still cheaper.
That's the breakdown. Network matters in Indonesia more than most places, but once you know that, the choice is pretty straightforward.
Get Globie for your Indonesia trip - Telkomsel + XL coverage at the best price.
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