Are you planning a trip to Bali but worried about staying connected with friends and family, also you will require access to the internet. You can use your phone in Bali by replacing the SIM card with a local one. However, you need to have an unlocked phone.
Most people don't understand the meaning of an unlocked phone. It means a device that is not associated with a particular career service provider. The user can choose to use a SIM card from any carrier as per convenience.
If you have a locked phone it is only usable with the carrier and will not function with other SIM cards. There are different methods that you can use to check whether your device is unlocked. There are tons of resources on the Internet that can guide you through the process of unlocking your phone before getting a Local Sim Card in Bali.
Now that your phone is compatible with SIM cards from other carriers, you need to check which reliable option is and find the best available deal in the market. Read this article till the end to know the best places to find pocket-friendly prepaid plans and SIM cards in Bali.
Best SIM card in Bali
There are quite a few options when it comes to SIM card scary carriers in Bali. However, only a few are popular among visitors from outside.
At present all of the major carriers in Bali are unknown for offering quality service. However, out of all Telkomsel offers excellent speed and coverage.
The company is known for having an expensive network of towers spread across the island. You are likely to get good coverage in remote areas like Gili islands and Nusa Penida.
The overall service is worth the slightly higher pricing. So for your upcoming trip to Bali, you can consider Telkomsel for staying connected.
Procedure for getting a SIM card in Bali
There are different ways visitors can get a Local Sim Card in Bali. While some of them are quick and easy others may seem a bit difficult and lengthy.
The quick way of getting a SIM card
After landing in Bali you will find the numerous booths. As you exit the vendor you will come across vendors along the way.
Just look for a reliable carrier as discussed previously in this article. One major downside of these booths is that they charge a higher price for SIM cards as well as data packages.
Purchasing from local vendors
Another option for getting a Local Sim Card in Bali is from kiosks present on the streets of Bali. Here you will find pocket-friendly prices. The SIM cards are available for as low as $1-$2.
The prepaid plans are also quite cheap in comparison to the booths outside the airport. However, you need to be aware of dishonest sellers that try to charge tourists more than what a local pays. Despite all these, it will still be a lot cheaper than purchasing a SIM card outside the airport.
Official way of getting a SIM card
If you need a relatively safer option for purchasing a SIM card and prepaid data. You must look for authorized offices present outside the airport premises. Here you will have a hassle-free experience and also the prices are genuine.
SIM card prices in Bali
The prices for prepaid data pack and SIM cards are much higher at the airport than at the kiosks outside. Hence it is best to get a SIM card from an authorized store or local vendor.
How to find the cheapest mobile internet in Bali?
If you are running tight on your budget, then the following section should help you in finding the most affordable options. You need not necessarily burn a hole in your pocket to stay connected in Bali. You can get reasonably priced internet packs and other prepaid benefits just as the locals.
You can get access to low-priced internet in Bali by using affordable data packs. For this, you need to use your phone credit. Following are the steps you need to follow.
- Always remember the majority of the transactions in Bali are done in cash.
- Go outside the airport and find an authorized Telkomsel outlet.
- Purchase a SIM card
- Get registration for the SIM card; take help from the staff when necessary.
- Dial *363# or *888# to check validity and balance
- Remember to turn off mobile data to prevent excess usage. It will reduce the credit before purchasing a new data plan.
- Buy data plans using credit by dialing *363# or *888#. Choose the data plan you wish to purchase. This is how the locals in Bali purchase data plans.
How can you access mobile data with a locked phone?
If the phone is locked by a particular carrier, but you need internet access in Bali. There are three ways you can do it.
Get a portable Wi-Fi
It is one of the most effective ways if you wish to keep your internet expenses low. You can purchase one from an authorized carrier office it will be significantly cheaper than a prepaid data plan available outside the airport.
Use roaming services
If the phone carrier uses roaming services you can use it for having a call and internet access. However, your expenses will be relatively higher.
The charges of using roaming services mostly depend on the carrier service provider. However, some offer roaming at no extra cost.
Use an Android phone
If you are unable to get a portable Wifi in the first place. Look to get yourself a cheap Android device and use it as a WiFi hotspot.
It is very simple, first buy a phone and get a Local Sim Card in Bali with a data plan. In Bali, the entry level devices cost around $50-$100. Alternatively, you can look for used devices and reduce your expenses.
So to sum it up if you are planning a trip to Bali these are some of the hassle-free and affordable ways of staying connected. The above discussion covers everything that you need to know before getting a Local Sim Card in Bali. Enjoy your trip!
Local Sim Card in Bali
