Traveling around Indonesia is so much easier with an eSIM. You need it to call Grab/Gojek rides, book lush jungle villas, and navigate the ancient streets of Ubud or rugged roads around East Java. Long gone are the days of relying on dodgy open Wi-Fi networks (or using Internet Cafes, if you’re old enough to remember that) as an eSIM gives you a more secure, reliable connection. There are a lot of options out there, so here’s everything you need to find the best eSIM for Indonesia.
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What to look for in the best eSIM for Indonesia
Here are some of the top things to consider when finding the best eSIM for Indonesia.
- Data packages. Do you need unlimited access or are you a low data user? (Check out a data usage calculator if you’re not sure.)
- Tethering/hotspot rules. Are you going to use it for internet on your laptop or tablet?
- Validity lengths/amount of GBs. Some eSIM companies/destinations have more options than others.
- Price comparison. You want to get the best value!
- Customer support: Consider refund policies, how easy it is to top-up, and whether you can ahold of a real human 24/7.
- Travel style considerations: Are you visiting Bali as a digital nomad, for a few days on a stopover, or staying 1–2 weeks?
Top eSIMs for Indonesia
Here are the best eSIMs for Indonesia based on different providers’ unique features and my personal experience. The right one for your trip will depend on you!
Saily — price & security
Saily is one of the best-value eSIM options for Indonesia with flexible plans and security features you don’t get with other providers. Most Saily plans have a set number of days and GBs, though some unlimited options exist.
Chesney used a Saily eSIM during our Indonesia trip and it worked everywhere we went. The Saily Ultra recurring subscription option includes 30 GB per month, plus perks like NordVPN and airport lounge access.
What really makes Saily the best eSIM for Indonesia is the built-in security: ad-blocking, web protection, and location controls. The added security is nice when accessing your banking apps abroad and is more secure than using public Wi-Fi. Saily offers a 5% discount to my readers, so make sure you use NAOMI5 at checkout.
Read more: Saily eSIM Honest Review
Holafly — unlimited data
Holafly is the best eSIM for Indonesia if you want unlimited internet access. It’s perfect for heavy phone users and apps that suck data — Google Maps, WhatsApp, TikTok, Netflix — without worrying about running out. You can pay for as many days as you want, rather than choosing from 7, 14, or 30-day plans like most other providers have.
I used my Holafly Plans subscription across Bali, Lombok, and the Komodo Islands and had strong coverage almost everywhere. It even worked on boat trips close to shore, but I lost reception when we got further out. (As did everyone else on the boat, though.)
Like Saily, Holafly offers 5% off to my readers! Use NAOMILAI in the promo box.
Jetpac might be the best eSIM for Indonesia if you fly often. Its main perk is free lounge access (for you and a travel buddy!) when your flight is delayed. Something you hope will never happen, but it’s nice to know you’ll have somewhere cushy to wait if it does.
You might not really benefit from this at small regional airports. But Bali (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), and others have a few lounges that are part of the LoungeKey network affiliated with Jetpac. If you’re bouncing between countries or flying all over Indonesia and spending lots of time transiting through airports, Jetpac could be the one.
Jetpac offers a 10% discount on eSIMs over 10 USD. Use RUNAWAY10 when you check out.
I think aloSIM is one of the top eSIMs for Indonesia because of its unique feature: an international phone number. It works with Hushed so you can text and call like a normal phone. By getting an aloSIM package you automatically get a free Hushed phone number and some credit for making calls.
You’ll find most eSIMs out there are data-only. And everyone in Indonesia uses WhatsApp, so you can definitely get away with only having internet access. But having an actual number can come in handy.
And you know I wouldn’t deprive you of a discount. aloSIM offers 15% off with the code RUNAWAY15. Thanks for reading!
More eSIM options for Indonesia
I put together this detailed spreadsheet with literally everything you could ever possibly need to know about major eSIM companies. But if you hate spreadsheets, here’s a friendly list of other options out there:
FAQs about Indonesia eSIMs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about getting an eSIM for a trip to Indonesia. Let me know if you have more questions in the comments!
Does an eSIM work everywhere in Indonesia?
Nah. But no SIM card will. Rural villages like Wae Rebo, for example, don’t have any service at all. (Fun fact, they did just get StarLink for the locals though!)
eSIMs work with the local network, so you should get the same service as someone using a physical Telkomsel SIM chip card. It’ll work in cities, major towns, some villages, but not when you’re out at sea or hiking through the jungle.
How do I decide between an eSIM vs. physical SIM card in Indonesia?
If you’re still tossing up between an eSIM and traditional SIM card, they’re both good options. But eSIMs are by far the easiest way to get data for your trip around Indonesia. Install it before you leave home, switch it on as soon as the plane lands, and that’s that — you’re online. You can top it up in the app if you need more data or decide to extend your trip. You don’t have to worry about scams or haggling. The convenience is kinda unbeatable.
However, local SIM cards are very affordable in Indonesia and the physical chip will work with any phone. (That said, an eSIM should work if your phone is reasonably new; like an iPhone 11 or Samsung made in the last 5 years.) But be warned, tourist shops often mark up the prices so prepare to do a bit of research and/or haggle for a good price.
In my opinion, the tiny savings aren’t worth the hassle. And an eSIM just makes the whole arrival experience smoother.
Can I get one eSIM for several countries in Asia?
Heck yes you can! Nearly every eSIM company does regional plans (and some even have global plans). So if you’re visiting Bali then heading to Brunei before flying to Bangkok, there’s an eSIM for that.
However, every provider’s regional package looks a bit different. Some cover Asia Pacific, Oceania, or South East Asia, and two “Asia” packages might cover slightly different countries. So make sure you double check that all your locations will be covered before you commit!
Here are some eSIM packages that cover Indonesia and other parts of Asia:
- Saily: 19 countries in Asia & Oceania
- Holafly: 16 countries in Asia
- ETravelSim: 11 countries in Asia
- Jetpac: 17 countries in Asia Pacific
- Nomad: 14 -21 countries in Asia Pacific
Singapore is a great place for an extended layover on the way to Indonesia.