Bali SIM Card & eSIM Guide: IMEI Rules, Airport Tax & Best Providers
Updated: Aug 31
This guide will help you understand the difference between eSIMs and traditional SIM cards, how to check if your phone is unlocked, what an IMEI number is, and how to manage your phone plan and taxes in Bali for a smooth, connected trip.
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What Is the Difference Between eSIM and SIM?
A SIM card is a small physical card you insert into your phone to connect to a mobile network. It stores your phone number and carrier information. When you travel, you often swap your home SIM for a local one to get better rates.
An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. It is built into your phone and can be changed to use different mobile carriers without needing to replace a physical card. This allows you to switch carriers or plans easily through your phone settings or an app.
Key Differences:
Physical vs Digital: SIM cards are physical; eSIMs are digital.
Convenience: eSIMs allow instant switching without visiting a store or waiting for delivery.
Compatibility: Not all phones support eSIMs yet, so check your device first.
Multiple Profiles: eSIMs can store several profiles, useful for frequent travelers.
Physical SIM Card Limitations: You are restricted to using just one cellular connection at a time, unless your device is equipped with dual SIM slots, which is the maximum capacity.
Advantage of Esims:
You can have multiple eSIMs, making them particularly advantageous for frequent travelers. Users can switch between esims without needing to physically swap SIM cards, providing convenience and flexibility while on the go.
Popular eSIM Providers
You'll come across numerous videos and content suggesting these popular eSIM providers. While they do work, they are not inexpensive. I typically consider them only as a last option because popular eSIM providers are often pricier than local alternatives.
Common eSIM Providers:
Airalo: https://airalo.go.link/bhy4E (ELKY9852 - $3 off your first purchase)
Nomad: https://www.nomadesim.com (QWJJJOPHWTQA - $5 discount code: )
Holafly: http://rwrd.io/zy6azxt (5% discount)
Saily: https://saily.onelink.me/ymzx/referrals (ELKYGO4277 - $5 discount code)
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My Bali eSIM Recommendations:
This is the one thing almost every Bali guide leaves out:
If you're staying in Indonesia for more than 90 days, you'll likely need to register your phone's IMEI and pay the import tax to keep using local sim cards. Otherwise, your phone may stop connecting to the Indonesian mobile network.
I explain exactly how the IMEI tax works, how much it costs, and how to register your phone, so make sure to read that section if you're planning a long-term stay.
BaliEasy vrs Ubigi Which one should you choose?
BaliEasy eSIM
Choose BaliEasy if you're visiting Bali for up to 2 months and you want a local Indonesian phone number for calls, SMS, Grab, and deliveries, this is still my #1 recommendation.
https://esim.balieasy.com/ref/elkyramirez/
10% Discount: 64PL0WAEIT
Ubigi
Choose Ubigi if you're staying long-term and mainly need mobile data. Because it's a data-only international eSIM, it isn't tied to an Indonesian phone number, making it the most reliable and affordable option I've found for longer stays.This is the eSIM I personally use now since I've been staying for longer than 4 months. It costs about $16 USD/month for 10 GB and is the cheapest long-term digital option I've found.
go.ubigi.com/elky
10% Discount: WELCOME10
Why I switched to Ubigi
After living in Bali long-term, I discovered one frustrating issue with most local tourist eSIMs is that they are connected to the Indonesian mobile system and typically work for around 2 months, sometimes up to 4 months. After that, many foreign phones stop connecting unless the device has been properly registered through Indonesia's IMEI system.(aka paying a tax)
Ubigi works differently.
Because it's a data-only international eSIM, it isn't tied to an Indonesian phone number or local SIM registration, making it a much better option for digital nomads staying in Bali for several months.
BaliEasy vs Ubigi
Feature | BaliEasy | Ubigi |
Best for | Tourists | Long-term stays |
Price | $14 / 12GB / 30 Days | $16 /10 GB / 30 Days |
Data | ✅ | ✅ |
Indonesian number | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Calls & SMS | ✅ | ❌ |
✅ | ✅ | |
Physical SIM needed | ❌ | ❌ |
Choose Ubigi if...
You're staying in Bali for 2+ months
You don't need to make calls or send SMS
Keep BaliEasy if...
You need an Indonesian phone number
You want to make local calls or receive SMS verification codes
You're visiting Bali for a shorter trip ⚠️IMPORTANT
How to Check If Your Phone Is Unlocked for Using Different SIM Cards
Before you buy a local SIM or activate an eSIM, you need to make sure your phone is unlocked. A locked phone only works with the carrier it was originally purchased from.
Steps to Check if Your Phone Is Unlocked:
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and look for “Carrier Lock” or “Network Provider Lock.”
On Android: This varies by manufacturer, but some phones show SIM status in Settings > About Phone > Status.
Contact your carrier: They can confirm if your phone is locked and may unlock it upon request.
Use online IMEI checkers: Some websites provide unlocking status based on your phone’s IMEI number. Dial *#06# to see your device IMEI https://imeicheck.com/imei-check
What Is an IMEI and How Does It Work?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device. It identifies your phone on mobile networks worldwide.
Why IMEI Matters:
It helps carriers track devices and block stolen phones.
It’s used to register your phone with local networks.
Some countries require IMEI registration for long-term use.
You can find your IMEI by dialing #06# on your phone or checking in Settings > About Phone*.
How Long Does an IMEI Last in Bali?
In Indonesia, IMEI registration is a security measure. It prevents foreign-purchased phones from using local SIM cards unless registered with Customs and the required tax is paid. This applies to any device brought from abroad and used for more than 90 days, aiming to curb illegal phone imports.
How the System Works:
The Blocking Mechanism: Without registration, your device may eventually lose access to Indonesian cellular networks.
Registration Timing: It is advisable to register upon arrival at the airport to qualify for a tax exemption of up to USD 500. If you miss registering your phone on the day of arrival, the tax will be calculated based on the full cost of the device.
Procedure: You need to fill out a form on the official Customs site or app, obtain a QR code, and verify it at a Customs booth before exiting the airport terminal. In Bali, the office is located right in front of the Customs X-Ray area, before leaving the airport. They handle all the registration and you will receive a confirmation via email. (Activation reflects in about two or three hours.)
Costs:
IMEI registration for mobile phones and tablets valued under 500 USD is free of charge.
Only 2 phones or tablets per person are allowed.
IMEI registration for mobile phones valued over 500 USD will incur a cost of 40% of the remaining value after deducting 500 USD. For instance, if a mobile phone costs 900 USD, you will need to pay 40% of 400 USD (900 minus 500 USD), which amounts to approximately 160 USD for Customs to register your mobile phone.
For those with a KITAS (residence permit) and an Indonesian tax number ID (NPWP), the fee is reduced to 30% instead of 40%.
Alternatives:
You can also register your phone in Bali at the Office of Taxes and Duties, but in this case, the tax will be applied to the full cost of the device. To do this, you must provide a ticket to Indonesia or your boarding pass and the QR code received during registration.
Bring a cheap phone to avoid tax at the airport or buy a cheap phone in Indonesia and use Wifi Hotspot to share the internet with your other phone.
For short trips (under 90 days), registration may not be necessary if using roaming, but for longer stays, it is mandatory.In Bali, your phone’s IMEI remains valid as long as your device is registered and not blacklisted. However, Indonesia has regulations requiring foreign phones to register their IMEI numbers for long-term use.
IMEI Registration Rules:
Foreign phones must be registered within 30 days of arrival.
Unregistered phones may lose access to local networks after this period.
Registration is done through the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
If you plan to stay in Bali for more than a month, registering your IMEI is essential to keep your phone working with local SIM or eSIM plans.
Final Thoughts on Using eSIMs in Bali
Before you travel, check if your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Know your IMEI number and be prepared to register it if you plan to stay longer than a month. Paying the required tax at the airport ensures uninterrupted mobile service.
By understanding these details, you can stay connected in Bali without surprises and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
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