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Getting internet access right after landing at an airport can be extremely convenient for travelers. A local SIM card allows you to use mobile data on your phone, helping you get around the destination and stay connected. For those arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS), there are several options for purchasing a SIM card.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Bali Airport for Tourists
One of the most important tasks when arriving in a foreign country is ensuring you have a local SIM card to stay connected. If you’re flying into Bali, one of the most convenient places to purchase a SIM is directly at Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Bali-Denpasar Airport.
Located just past customs and baggage claim, you will find kiosks operated by Indonesia’s major cellular providers like Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat Ooredoo. Telkomsel has a kiosk right next to the luggage belts that makes it extremely easy to grab a SIM on your way out of the airport. You’ll also find SIM vendors in the arrival hall outside of customs.
The airport SIM kiosks do tend to be a bit more expensive than local shops in towns and cities. However, for the convenience of having data access from the moment you land, it’s worth the higher price point. Shop clerks at the airport kiosks also speak English so communication is not a barrier.
When purchasing at the airport, make sure to bring your passport for registration purposes, as they will need to photocopy your information. Most kiosks accept both cash and credit cards for payment. The major providers offer multi-GB data packages valid for 30 days, making airport SIMs a great option for short-term travelers.
Don't feel pressured to purchase a SIM card at the airport. You can easily get SIM cards at much better prices once you exit the airport in tourist areas like Kuta. Or buy yourself a Bali esim at indonesiaesim.com
II. SIM Card at Bali Airport for Tourists – Options and Costs
The main telecom providers at DPS airport are Telkomsel, Indosat IM3, XL Axiata and Smartfren . Here’s an overview of what’s available from each:
| Network | Plan | Indonesian Price | USD Price* | Data | Validity | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telkomsel | SimPATI Tourist “Wonderful Indonesia” | ~Rp100,000 | ~$6.75 | 25 GB | 30 days | 25 mins domestic calls, 25 mins international calls to G20 countries |
| Telkomsel | Pulsa Rp100,000 | ~Rp100,000 | ~$6.75 | 2.5 GB | 30 days | 2 GB 4G/night, 5 GB Videomax |
| Telkomsel | Pulsa Rp150,000 | ~Rp150,000 | ~$10.12 | 4.5 GB | 30 days | 2 GB 4G/night, 7 GB Videomax |
| IM3 | TravelOn Rp100,000 | ~Rp100,000 | ~$6.75 | 15 GB | 10 days | 8 GB night data, 120 mins domestic calls, 60 mins international calls |
| IM3 | Unlimited Pack 1 GB 7 days | ~Rp12,000 | ~$0.81 | 1 GB | 7 days | Unlimited social media, YouTube, Spotify |
| IM3 | Freedom Combo 8 GB | ~Rp150,000 | ~$10.12 | 8 GB + 15 GB night + 12 GB 4G | 30 days | Unlimited on-net calls+texts, unlimited social media |
| XL Axiata | XL Strong 50 GB | ~Rp100,000 | ~$6.75 | 50 GB | 30 days | 50 GB night data |
| Smartfren | Premier 95 | ~Rp95,000 | ~$6.40 | 30 GB | 30 days | 10 GB reserve data |
*Currency exchange rate: 1 USD = Rp14,800. Rate is approximate and may vary.
All these visitor SIM packages will come with enough data and call time for short Bali holidays. Prices range from ~Rp 100k to 250k ($7-$17 USD). Be sure to compare packages across providers to pick one that suits your needs and budget.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Bali Airport
Telkomsel, Indonesia's largest network, now has a self-service SIM card registration machine. This makes the process much quicker and more convenient. You just need to insert your passport, take a photo and make payment on the machine. Within minutes the activated SIM card is dispensed.
Here are some things you need to prepare for getting a SIM card at Bali airport:
Expect to pay significantly higher prices
Compared to getting a SIM card elsewhere in Indonesia, prices at Bali airport stores are often 4-10 times higher than standard retail prices.
Bring your passport for registration
All SIM cards in Indonesia require registration, which involves showing your passport to the seller.
Be sure to ask detailed questions
Airport SIM card packages often come with restricted data (only for social media apps) or much less data than advertised. Be sure to ask detailed questions about data allowance and validity period.
Expect limited choices
There may only be Telkomsel or IM3 tourist SIMs available at inflated prices. You won’t find the full range of options available elsewhere.
Double check data allowance
Make sure to carefully check how much airtime/data is included before purchasing to avoid overpaying unnecessarily at Bali airport stores. Ask for a receipt that details the package purchased.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Bali Airport
For many international travelers arriving at Bali Airport, the first priority upon landing is to purchase an Indonesian SIM card in order to stay connected during their vacation. Traditionally, travelers would need to wait in long queues at mobile stores located in the airport terminal to activate a physical SIM card.
However, there is now a more convenient and hassle-free option for tourists – the Indonesia eSIM from indonesiaesim.com.
What is an eSIM? It is a digital SIM card that can be directly installed on compatible smartphones and devices, without the need to insert a physical nano-SIM card.
As a tourist, you can totally pre-purchase affordable eSIM data packages from indonesiaesim.com before your trip. Upon arrival at Bali Airport, you simply need to turn on international roaming on your device, scan the eSIM QR code that was emailed to them, and you will instantly be connected to the best 4G mobile network in Indonesia.
Indoesiaesim.com offers a variety of Bali eSIM plan options to suit every traveler’s needs. Ranging from 5 days up to 30 days packages, starting at under $5. Providing travelers with 1GB – 3GB of daily data allowance. More than enough for navigating your way around the island, social media, online booking and more.
Plans that may interest you
For coverage across a wider region, consider indonesiaesim.com’s exceptional value Asia eSIM. Priced similarly from $5-89.50, it offers 5-30 day plans with 1GB-50GB data valid in 8 major Asian countries – Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Macau. Networks include XL, Indosat and more.
V. FAQs about Buying SIM Card at Bali Airport
How does the SIM card registration system work in Indonesia?
All SIM cards must be registered by presenting a valid identity document such as Indonesian ID card (KTP) for citizens or passport for foreigners. Registration can only be done at the operator’s official stores.
How much are the basic Indonesia Tourist SIM cards priced at?
Basic Telkomsel SIM cards start from IDR5,000, while Indosat IM3 SIMs are commonly IDR2,000 but often sold with a small partnership fee.
How long does it take to get a SIM card at Bali Airport?
If you go straight to a provider counter, getting your SIM card should take 10-15 minutes including purchase, registration, and setup. Expect longer waits at peak arrival periods. Vending machine SIMs take just a few minutes to purchase and activate yourself.
Can I buy an eSIM at Bali Airport?
No, you cannot buy an eSIM directly from Bali Airport. However, you can purchase a Bali eSIM online from https://indonesiaesim.com/ before your trip. We provide eSIM plans that work in Bali and other parts of Indonesia.
Is it easy to activate the SIM card bought from Bali Airport?
Yes, activating the SIM card is straightforward. You only need to insert the SIM, turn on the phone’s mobile data and you can start using it. Some SIMs may require registration via texts but the airport kiosks will guide you.
Can I recharge the SIM card at Bali Airport later if I run out of data?
Yes, you can easily top-up your SIM card bought from Bali Airport via e-wallet apps, convenience stores or by visiting the mobile operator stores once you’re in city areas of Bali. Top-ups usually happen within minutes.
