When I first arrived in Bali, my top priority was getting a reliable Bali SIM card. I thought it would be a simple task, but I learned some valuable lessons along the way! For anyone visiting Bali, here are five things to watch out for when purchasing a SIM card—and how I eventually found the best deal.
1. Avoiding the Airport Markup
Like most travelers, I wanted to grab a SIM card at the airport right away, but the prices—around $20 for a basic Bali SIM card—gave me pause. Bali is known for being affordable, so paying that much felt off. I learned that airport kiosks typically charge double or triple what I ended up paying elsewhere. So, if you’re looking for a cheap Bali SIM card, skip the airport and check out other options.
2. Shopping Around for Better Prices
After leaving the airport, I looked for SIM card vendors near my hotel in Kuta. Prices varied wildly; one kiosk offered a 24 GB Bali SIM card for $20, while another was willing to go down to $15. Although bargaining is possible, the process was a bit exhausting. It turns out you can save a lot by checking prices at multiple vendors or finding a reliable online provider with consistent rates.
3. Finding Bonus Local Call Options
One thing I hadn’t considered was the need to make local calls, for things like restaurant bookings and tour arrangements. Unfortunately, not all Bali SIM cards include call minutes, and adding a call package can get pricey. I finally found a provider that included 180 minutes of free local calls—this small addition saved me a lot of trouble and made it easy to stay connected for reservations and other needs.
4. The Convenience of Delivery
After a long flight, the last thing I wanted was to spend hours searching for a Bali SIM card. Later, I learned that some providers actually deliver SIM cards directly to the airport, hotels, or popular areas like Kuta and Jimbaran—some even offer free delivery! Knowing this would’ve saved me a lot of hassle. Next time, I’d definitely opt for a SIM card service that delivers straight to where I need it.
5. Avoiding Online Travel Apps
I thought about buying a Bali SIM card through a travel app for convenience, but prices on these platforms were still quite high. My friend used an app and ended up paying $15, while I eventually found a SIM card locally for just $9. Although apps offer convenience, I found that direct purchases, especially through local or Bali-based sites, gave me a much better deal.
My Best Solution: Ordering from Hey Bali
After some trial and error, I found an affordable and reliable Bali SIM card provider online. I ordered my SIM card through a website called Hey Bali, which offers great rates (starting at just $9! For 24 GB Valid For 30 Days), free delivery to the airport, and even 180 minutes of local calls. Ordering through Hey Bali made the whole process easy, affordable, and stress-free.If you’re planning a trip to Bali and need a SIM card, I highly recommend checking out Hey Bali’s website. It’s an affordable, convenient way to stay connected from the moment you land—no airport markups, no hassle, just reliable service and great savings.
