Travel Smart: Why You Should Consider an eSIM for Your Trip to Indonesia

1. Instant Internet Connectivity

Have you ever arrived at the airport and realised that there are no open SIM card kiosks around? Whether you arrive at the dead of night or if the airport is just lagging behind in amenities, there are various risks involved in leaving things up to chance.

If you don’t want to take that risk, then you’re in luck: You don’t have to. Many eSIM providers can be accessed online and can be activated upon landing in Indonesia. And the good news is that you can activate your eSIM before you even step off of the aircraft.

With instant eSIM connectivity, you can get your pre-arrival task list done more efficiently. Think things like updating relevant contacts of your whereabouts, filling pre-arrival forms, and setting up your rideshare app.

Airport WiFi is never guaranteed to work properly, even in Jakarta and Bali. As such, having instant access to the internet with Saily's eSIM for Indonesia or other eSIM plans before clearing immigration, can help give you both Internet access and peace of mind long before the flight.

2. Don't Have to Buy a SIM Card

Having instant Internet connectivity is one thing; getting to avoid the frustrating ordeal of registering and installing a SIM card on your phone is another hurdle altogether.

Airport counters selling SIM cards tend to have inflated prices, long queues, or a combination of both. The kiosk operator may also not be entirely fluent in English or may urge you to spend more than you need to, which can feel like extra pressure on top of the whole thing.

The process of registering for a SIM card can also be quite hectic. You will need to undergo a back-and-forth of showing ID proof like your passport, choosing an available SIM card, paying for the purchase, and putting it inside your phone. In short, it can take quality time away from you enjoying your holidays.

With an eSIM registered in your phone, you don’t have to go through the hassle of securing a SIM card or pocket wifi device at the airport. You can get an Internet connection right away without dealing with these things. You also don’t have to worry about paying an exorbitant amount for your current phone’s plan's roaming charges, which can be quite expensive.

3. It Comes With Flexible Data Packages

Another reason why an eSIM is a great addition to your travel is that it can be suited to match your browsing style.

Do you need a strong Internet connection with a high data cap? Many eSIM providers offer plans with unlimited data caps to allow users to browse the web all they want.

Are you looking for something more budget-friendly? There are cheap options available as well that cap fast Internet browsing at 500 MB or 1 GB a day, then switch to slower modes once the user has exceeded that limit.

Indonesia’s internet connectivity can be quite spotty, especially in rural areas. As this is the case, having a reliable and flexible data package from your eSIM provider can help you overcome these challenges and stay connected regardless of where you are in the country.

If you want to switch between two different pricing points, or top-up your existing data limit, that’s also a possibility with some eSIM providers—particularly those with apps.  Many global providers like Simify even allow you to seamlessly queue up profiles for completely different regions, such as Japan, if your itinerary includes multiple international stops. In any case, the flexibility offered by eSIMs makes them a great addition to your phone before you head out to Indonesia.

4. It You Can Keep Your Primary Number Active

One downside of using a physical SIM card in Indonesia as your primary source of data coverage is that it means removing your home SIM card.

Unless you have a dual SIM plan, you will have to manually insert and remove SIM cards whenever you need to do things with your original SIM card. This includes accessing important messages, getting authentication codes for banking apps, or answering important calls.

With an eSIM plan, you don’t have to worry about missing out on important messages or calls since you can keep your home SIM inside your phone.

In fact, most modern phone models allow you to customise how you want your two SIMs to function. You can get your physical SIM to be active for calls and texts, while your eSIM handles data, for instance.

Given this dual function, having an eSIM is a practical way for travellers to remain accessible to the people back home even if they’re away, while still benefiting from a fast internet connection. In short, it’s a win-win.

5. It's Safer Than Public WiFI

While the risk of getting hacked is technically low, it’s not non-zero in Indonesia. There are risks involved if you’re connected to open networks, especially in public settings like restaurants, airports, and guesthouses.

If you want to keep your sensitive files from getting compromised, then consider protecting your device by using an eSIM as your sole Internet coverage option while overseas. Hackers won’t be able to exploit your files or bypass your login credentials as an eSIM carrier’s mobile network tends to be heavily reinforced and secure.

That said, it’s important to choose reputable eSIM providers in the first place. Check whether they have an official website or app, well-known network partnerships, clear pricing plans, and a 24/7 customer support hotline to gauge whether the data provider is reliable for your needs.

Another way to tell if the eSIM provider is trustworthy is by looking at third-party review sites and reading through user reviews.

If they have an app, for instance, take a look at the Play Store or App Store and see the general sentiment of the app and see if it fits your needs. In doing so, you can be confident in assuming that the eSIM provider you’re selecting is safe and can meet your needs as you travel around Indonesia.

We hope these tips can help you navigate Indonesia with greater connectivity and confidence. All the best in your journey!