The Role of eSIM in Enabling 5G Access in Bali

Once, I landed in Bali late afternoon, luggage in tow, eyes still adjusting to the surf-salt air. I had one simple wish: stay connected. Not just for Instagram-worthy beach shots, but for maps, payments, calls home, and yes, for working a little while I watched the sunset over Seminyak. What I discovered during my stay is that in Bali today, getting and staying connected means more than just WiFi in your hotel, it means being ready for 5G, and that’s where something like ORA eSIM quietly made all the difference.

Why 5G matters (and how Bali is catching up)

When I visited Bali a couple of years ago, everywhere you went you were reminded: “Bring spare cash,” “Make sure your SIM works,” “WiFi may be slow in the rice fields.” Fast-forward to now, and things are changing. Telkomsel announced in August 2024 that they've deployed 225 “Hyper 5G” sites across South Bali (Denpasar City and Badung Regency) to ensure continuous 5G coverage in key tourist zones like Kuta, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur. For a traveler like me, that means fewer buffering videos, faster uploads, smoother video-calls, and it means more freedom to work remotely or stream quickly. But the catch is: you must be ready. A 5G-capable phone helps, but you also need a hassle-free way to connect when you land. That’s where eSIM comes in.

How eSIM simplifies getting onto Bali’s 5G network

Here’s the traveler reality: you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport after a long journey, your phone is a bit low on battery, you don’t want to queue for a local SIM, you want to get your ride, check into the villa, maybe book a night-club or a sunset dinner, all while using streaming, maps and chat. If your connection is slow or unreliable, you’re playing catch-up. With an eSIM like ORA eSIM, you can have your data plan ready before you land. Instantly connect to the best available network (whether it’s 5G or 4G) without swapping SIM cards, without hunting for an outlet, without relying on shared airport WiFi. Because Bali’s 5G network is already rolling out in tourist hubs, having a plan you can activate on your device means you’re not left behind. And moving between different parts of the island? Whether you’re in Ubud’s forest café or surfing in Canggu, you’re already on a strong network and not starting from scratch.

What this means for digital nomads, remote-workers and wanderers

I met a freelance designer in Uluwatu who is based full-time in Bali. He switched to an eSIM before arriving and told me he no longer worries about losing signal when he moves between co-working spaces, cafés and beach bars. He said one of the reasons he chose Bali is precisely because the connectivity now works.

Because with 5G:

You can join a video meeting while on a beach café WiFi fallback.
You can upload or download large creative files without waiting.
If you’re presenting or live-streaming, low latency matters.

So an eSIM that works with Bali’s rolling-out 5G infrastructure means less hassle for you, and more time doing what you came to Bali for: experience, explore, create, relax.

Let me walk you through one night: After checking into my villa in Seminyak, I grabbed a scooter, headed to a sunset viewpoint, live-streamed a short clip for friends back home, ordered dinner via Gojek app, then hopped into a taxi with the driver using a map app that needed constant refresh. At all those moments, my mobile data was solid. The next morning I headed to Ubud and even in the rice-field view café I still had signal for calls and uploads (though slightly slower). Every time I changed location I didn’t have to worry: “Will I need a new SIM? Will I need WiFi?” I was just connected.

Why you might choose this route (and how to make it smooth)

If you’re headed to Bali and want to make your stay smooth, here are a few thoughts:

Check that your device is 5G-capable (and unlocked) so you can enjoy the fastest speeds.
Consider activating your eSIM plan before departure (so you land already connected).
Decide whether you’re mostly staying in tourist hubs (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu) where 5G is already more available, or venturing into remote areas (where maybe 4G is all you’ll get).
Use that connectivity to your advantage: booking rides, streaming experiences, managing work or creative projects seamlessly while travelling.

And if you’re already using ORA eSIM or something similar, the convenience means you don’t need to think about connectivity, it just works, while you think about Bali.

Given Bali’s current trajectory, I fully expect:

5G availability to expand beyond the primary resort zones into more remote villages and interior spots.
More support for eSIMs and easier activation for international travellers.
Bundled offers where your stay, rides, tours and connectivity come together in one package (your connectivity becomes part of the travel experience).
Digital-nomad-friendly infrastructure: coworking spaces, villas and cafés that expect you to be online, working, streaming, living globally while being based in Bali.

So when you plan your next Bali trip, think of connectivity as part of your packing list,not just “What to wear?” but also “How will I stay connected?” Because in a place where 5G is becoming the norm, being offline means missing out.

FAQs

Does Bali have 5G coverage and will I be able to use it?
Yes! Major tourist hubs such as Denpasar City and Badung Regency already have many 5G sites deployed (225 sites by one operator) and more expansion is underway. If you have a 5G-capable device and activate a compatible plan you should be able to access 5G in many resort areas, though coverage may vary in remote spots.

What is an eSIM and why is it useful for Bali?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card. You activate it on your phone without swapping physical SIMs. For Bali it means: you land connected, no SIM queue, easy top-up, immediate access to data networks (4G or 5G) and less hassle when moving around.

Do I need a special plan or device to use 5G in Bali?
You’ll need three things: a 5G capable device (phone/tablet) that’s unlocked; a network/plan that supports 5G in Bali; and you’ll benefit from being in a 5G-served area. Bali’s operators have started tourist-friendly packages and some eSIM support included.

Is staying connected via eSIM expensive compared to local SIM cards or WiFi?
It depends on your usage. For convenience (no lines, no swapping, no unknown local carrier issues) the value is high. You may pay slightly more than a local budget SIM, but the trade-off is less hassle and better readiness, especially if you’re working remotely or moving around.