SIM cards & eSIM
Telkomsel has the best island-wide coverage; XL is cheaper and just as good in the tourist belt. Airport counters register a SIM to your passport in five minutes but charge a markup — official operator stores in town are cheaper for the same packages (IDR 100–200k for 20–50 GB). If your phone supports eSIM, buy one before flying via operator apps or travel aggregators and land connected.
Internet for remote work
Villas and complexes in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur and the Bukit run fibre at a genuine 50–300 Mbps — but the specific property matters more than the area, so ask for a speed-test screenshot before booking (we'll provide one on request). 4G/5G delivers 20–100 Mbps in populated areas and makes phone tethering a solid backup. Mind the quotas: Indonesian 'unlimited' plans usually cap daily or per-app data.
Coworking & power cuts
Canggu and Ubud are world-class coworking hubs: day passes, meeting rooms and zoom booths, with monthly memberships around IDR 1–1.5 million. Power cuts happen — usually minutes, occasionally hours, more often in rainy season. The working setup: charged laptop + mobile data backup + a coworking space with a generator for the critical calls. Bali is UTC+8, which lines up European mornings with your afternoon.
FAQ
Telkomsel or XL?
Telkomsel for island-wide trips and the east; XL to save money if you stay in the southern tourist belt. Many long-stayers carry both.
Is it fast enough to work?
Yes — fibre in villas plus 4G/5G backup handles video calls fine. The real risk is power cuts, solved by tethering and a power bank.
Cost for a month?
IDR 100–200k for a 20–50 GB package; villa Wi-Fi is normally included in rent.
Sorted the logistics? Now the home.
Direct apartments and villas across Bali — free cancellation, English manager.
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