Let’s get started!

1. Bali Wi-Fi Quality:

it is fast and reliable,

but -attention- not everywhere!

Just in 2023, the country rolled out public Wi-Fi at over 2, 000 spots on the island.

This alone has greatly opened up the country’s potential to welcome new visitors and improve its internet connectivity!

Said that, still the Wi-Fi quality depends on where you are located on the island.

Some rural areas, like East Bali, are more likely to have spotty connections with speeds of about 2–20 Mbps.

Tourist-friendly areas like Canggu and Ubud offer much more stable connections and faster speeds of 20–200 Mbps for fixed broadband at cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodations.

2. Free Wi-Fi

Thankfully, it’s not hard to find free Wi-Fi in Bali!

You can get decent connectivity at the airport, from many eateries, from beach bars and most hotels too!

Some public spaces, like malls and markets, may also offer connectivity.

Said that, the Wi-Fi you can find around is great for casual travelers (for Maps, checking emails, or posting a story…), but hardly ever ideal for most digital nomads

That is especially true if you work with content or you need to upload bigger files… also blogging was no joke and I got stressed out many times by slow Wi-Fis!

Public spots like Beachwalk Mall or Ubud Market throw in free WiFi to anyone nearby.

However, don’t expect lightning-fast speeds, as it also has many users hooked to the same network.

As a rule of thumb, Free Wi-Fis are ok for light work, but not intense deep work sessions or important calls!

Last but not least, a little suggestion:

if you do connect to a free public Wi-Fi network, use a VPN to keep your data safe! Many people connect to Free Wi-Fis every day, and so being careful with security is key!

3. Local SIM Cards:

Cheap but outdated!

If you’re travelling in Bali on a budget, a cheap option to stay connected is to buy local SIM cards at the airport or official stores after you’ve registered your phone’s IMEI with their customer service.

You can simply look for kiosks titled Telkomsel or XL Axiata.

Getting data-heavy packages is your best bet, as they are pretty affordable and let you use social media, make data calls, and share photos without incurring roaming fees.

Said thaaaaat… absolutely not my cup of tea!

If you’ve been reading our blog for a while or following us on youtube, you probably know already how much I hate physical SIMs.

I hate having to look for a needle, I hate when it gets stucked in my nails, I hate switching SIMs because the chance of losing my old one, messy as I am, it’s too damn high!

Last but not least, using local SIMs often means that you can’t keep your original SIM connected, which could affect notifications, login codes, and two-factor authentication for bank transfers and apps. 

Cheap yes, but cmon…we live in 2026!

4. E-SIMs

An eSIM is a SIM card that you don’t need to physically install: you buy it, download it, install it on your phone and woilà, you’re online!

Personally, also home I don’t have a physical SIM, I use an E-Sim also in my country, so I was pleasurably surprised to find out that in Bali the E-Sim network is pretty developed and competitive!

Dedicated eSIM providers (like https://wonderconnect.com to quote a good one!) let you set up your eSIM even before you fly to Bali, and it simply requires a QR code to activate.

You can choose between data-only eSIMs (what most digital nomads go for!) or ones that include a phone number.

Pick a plan based on how long you’re travelling and how much data you’ll need.

Just like traditional SIM cards, you can top up if you run out. Since your original SIM stays connected, you’ll still receive login codes and two-factor authentication texts: yeiiiih! 🙂

5. Co-working Spots

Specifically designed for digital nomads, these shared environments offer everything a working tourist needs: a chill-out atmosphere, a social area, normal and Luwak coffee, comfortable postations and of course excellent Wi-Fi!

These places are usually concentrated in Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak, close to many of Bali’s must-see attractions!

Because of this, you won’t have a problem finding at least one coworking spot around the corner.

Personally, I found some of the best co-working spaces I’ve ever been, and the atmosphere in Bali is so relaxed that socializing comes very easy (and of course, there are so many activities to do after work too!!).

Practical Tips for

Staying Connected in Bali

Before jetting off to the white sand beaches of Nusa Penida, there are a few things to know before you go.

Unlock Any Network Restrictions

Make sure that your phone is unlocked before arriving in Bali.

Nothing is worse than doing all the necessary planning and buying everything you need, only to go out and find that none of the apps or SIM cards even work once you’re here.

To do this, simply go to your existing provider at home, ask them to remove the restrictions on its original network, and ensure it’s free to operate on any other network.

For extended stays, you may need to register your IMEI with Indonesian Customs.

Check Speeds

Once you’ve received your local SIM or eSIM, ensure the upload and download speeds match the advertised speeds.

This quick check can help avoid many cut-off work calls or missed client emails.

You can check speeds using an app like YouTube to see how fast (or slow) it buffers, or with Ookla Speed Test.

Choose Accommodation Wisely

While eSIMs imho are the best way to stay connected during your stay, choosing a hotel that offers fibre or business-grade internet can save you much more money.

Think of an eSIM as a convenient backup strategy rather than something you’ll always be using while travelling.

Look for recent updates on internet speeds in your accommodation neighbourhood, and ask your host for screenshots if needed.

Prepare for Surprises

Expect unexpected connection outages to happen now and then.

Have connectivity backups nearby, like mobile hotspots and flexible work windows, so you can make up missed hours if needed.

It’s also a good idea to download essential tools, such as maps and crucial data from apps, before landing to make navigating Bali’s vibrant streets easier.

Take screenshots of documents like boarding passes and identification, just in case you need them while you’re still getting connected.

Conclusion

And here we are at the end of this article 🙂

Getting connected in Bali doesn’t have to be a headache.

Nail it right, and you’re free to hit those Canggu sunsets or wander Ubud’s monkey forest without your feed freezing up!

Grab an eSIM, unlock your phone ahead of time, stash some coworking spots as backup, and you’re golden on the Island of the Gods! 🙂

Before going I’d like to ask you what you think about this article:

• Have you been to Bali before?
• How was your experience?
• Do you have some more tips to share with the other readers?

If yes, then let us know in the comments below! (we always like chatting and meeting new people!).

Thanks for reading, and I wish you a happy life!

See you in the next article…or in Bali! 😉

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