eSIM travel for Indonesia: the ultimate island hack

Years back, tourists visiting Indonesia would have to write postcards to the people back home whenever they wanted to connect with them. This was then followed by costly international phone calls before the advent of tiny internet cafes where people could go to send emails.

Today, WiFi and 4G connectivity are readily available across the country, making it easier for business travelers and tourists to get online and share their experiences. But still, the cost of international travel data packages remains high for many visitors and digital nomads.

Enter eSIMs. eSIM technology has made a big impact on the travel scene, making it possible for Indonesian visitors to break free from the hassle of switching physical SIM cards whenever they visit remote locations. Read on to learn more about how you can stay connected while island hopping.

Photo by Rashel Ochoa| Unsplash

Landing in Bali with zero roaming fees: skip airport sim lines and start exploring

eSIMs are changing the way travelers communicate with the people in their lives by simplifying communication and eliminating international roaming fees. You can order one online in just a couple of clicks, helping you skip airport SIM lines and start exploring immediately after you land in Bali.

What you need to do is go online, search for an eSIM travel for Indonesia provider, make payment, and scan the QR code that will be emailed to you. It typically takes less than five minutes to activate your travel profile and get connected.

One of the best reasons to activate your eSIM before travel is that it makes it easier to find a taxi once you land. If you decide to go the car rental route, you can use your eSIM data plan to find your way around the bustling streets of Bali.

At the same time, this will ensure that you don’t waste your hard-earned money on expensive roaming charges that can easily eat into your travel budget.

Island hopping made easy: stay connected while sailing from Lombok to Flores

Island hopping is every traveler's dream come true – sea turtles, turquoise waters, and sunsets that melt your soul. But in between the spontaneous detours and remote islets, one thing can be a nightmare for you and your travel buddies: connectivity.

To ensure that you won’t miss out on what’s happening around you and in the world, the following are the available options:

Public WiFi

This is a free but limited option. Public WiFi hotspots are available at most restaurants, bars, boats, and hotels.

Pros

• Sufficient for basic needs

• Widely available in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas

• No additional costs

Cons

• Often slow and unreliable

• Inconvenient for real-time communication

• Security risks on public connections

• Not available in most diving locations

Traditional tourist SIM card

Physical SIM cards are the old-school approach to remaining connected while island hopping.

Pros

• Local phone number included

• Good coverage with the major providers

• Relatively affordable

Cons

• You’ll need to visit a store or kiosk on arrival

• Risk of losing the original SIM card

• Language barrier during the purchase process

• Need to swap physical cards

eSIMs

Embedded SIM cards are the smart traveler’s choice for internet connectivity.

Pros

• Instant activation before arrival

• Avoid language barriers and long airport queues

• No need to swap traditional SIM cards

• You get to retain your original number

Cons

• Requires an eSIM-compatible device

• Slightly more expensive than a traditional SIM card

Digital detox or digital nomad?: flexible data plans for every travel style

The eSIM for international travel is among the most modern and widespread connection options for digital nomads. This innovative mobile technology allows you to connect to Indonesian network carriers without having to buy a local SIM.

And the best part, you can get an eSIM for Indonesia with an unlimited data plan for as low as $6.90. Other advantages include:

• Customize your data plan: Your eSIM provider will allow you to decide how long you’ll need the eSIM when choosing your destination. This ensures you never run out of data while island hopping.

• Unlimited data plans: Say goodbye to running out of data unexpectedly when in Indonesia. Every eSIM comes with an unlimited data plan, allowing you to communicate with friends whenever you want.

Navigating local transport apps: Use Grab, Gojek, and more with reliable data

Modern apps like Gojek and Grab make it easier to get around Indonesia with ease. The Island of the Gods, as Bali is called by some, has spread out attractions and, at times, significant traffic, making it vital for travelers to consider ride-sharing apps.

Understanding how to use these two popular options can save you money and time, leaving you free to enjoy the country’s incredible sights and experiences. You can think of Gojek and Grab as the local version of Uber or Lyft.

And while booking transport is the app's main function, please note that they offer much more, including:

• GoRide

• GoCar

• Food delivery

• Additional services such as package delivery and grocery shopping

As with all other online apps, you’ll need to have an active data plan to use the two.

Snorkeling by day, uploading by night: share your underwater adventures instantly

With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia ranks as one of the leading snorkeling destinations on Earth. It has thousands of snorkeling locations spread over its many lagoons, drop-offs, and bays.

Top among these are:

• Bali and the Gili Islands: Bali is the top snorkeling destination in the country. And while its coral reefs may not be the most amazing around, they still allow you to observe the fascinating ocean life. Some of the most famous spots include the USS Liberty Wreck and the Jemeluk Bay.

• Sulawesi: Also known as Celebes, Sulawesi is located 310 miles east of Bali. Its reefs are covered with a blend of both soft and hard corals and are home to hundreds of reef fish species. If you want to see turtles, make your way to Bunaken’s southern shore.

Remember to use your unlimited eSIM data plan to share your snorkeling adventures instantly with friends back home.