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ToggleBali eSIM Problems: When โIsland Timeโ Also Applies to Your Internet Connection
So, you landed in Baliโsunset in one hand, coconut in the otherโand your eSIM? Dead.
Classic.
You bought that “instant connectivity” dream sold by global eSIM providers. “Scan, activate, and surf like a local!” they promised. Yet here you are, sweating under a warung umbrella in Seminyak, frantically Googling “Why wonโt my Bali eSIM work?!” while your Grab driver cancels on you for the third time.
Hereโs the reality they donโt advertise:
Baliโs internet infrastructure hates surprises. Local telcos like Telkomsel and XL prioritize physical SIMs, and foreign eSIMs often get throttledโor just ghost you in places like:
- Ubudโs jungle cafesย (where your Zoom call dies mid-“Om”)
- Cangguโs co-working spacesย (where your upload speed rivals a dial-up modem)
- Kutaโs backstreetsย (where your Gojek verification SMSย neverย arrives)
Worse? Many global eSIMsย donโt support Indonesian phone numbers, which means:
โ No Gojek/Grab verification
โ No WhatsApp registration
โ No warung WiFi logins (yes, even that hipster smoothie bar demands an OTP)
Why This Guide Exists
After watching one too many tourists beg for hotspot passwords at The Lawn, we dug into theย realย issues wrecking eSIM experiences here. No fluffโjustย 10 problemsย (with fixes) thatโll save you from:
- Paying double for “unlimited” data that throttles after 5GB
- Losing service mid-Google Maps search in Tegallalang
- Getting scammed by airport kiosks selling “Bali-ready” eSIMs (spoiler: theyโre not)
Bottom line: Baliโs internet game is different. This guide patches the gaps between what eSIM companies promise and what actually works on the ground.
Ready to stop buffering and start solving? Letโs go.
(P.S. If youโd rather skip the drama, weโve got a cheat sheet for where to buy Bali eSIMs that actually work without the tourist traps.)
๐ง Read: How to Use eSIM in Bali: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
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10 Bali eSIM Problems That Will Ruin Your Trip (And Exactly How to Fix Them)
Before you blame “Bali WiFi” for that failed Instagram upload, check this list. These are theย realย eSIM headaches tourists face hereโplus local-tested fixesย to keep you online.
1. “My Phone Doesnโt Support eSIM!” (Device Compatibility Fails) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
You bought a fancy eSIM online, but Bali says nope. Why?
- Your phone isnโt eSIM-compatible (common with older models).
- Your device is region-locked (e.g., U.S. carrier-locked iPhones).
- Youโre trying to use it on a cheap local burner phone (spoiler: most donโt support eSIM).
How to Fix It:
โ Check compatibility FIRST:
- Apple: Settings > General > About > “Digital SIM” = eSIM support.
- Android: Check manufacturerโs site (e.g.,ย Googleโs list).
– Unlock your phone: Contact your home carrierย beforeย flying.
– Plan B: Grab aย physical Telkomsel SIMย at the airport (or readย where to buy non-scam eSIMs in Bali).
Pro Hey Bali Tip:
Even if your phone supports eSIM, dual-SIM phones (e.g., Xiaomi) often prioritize the physical SIM slot in Bali. Switch manually in settings!
๐ง Read: ESIM Bali : The Complete Guide & How to Save Up to $20 per eSIM!ย
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2. “My eSIM Shows Bars But Nothing Loads!” (The Bali Signal Shuffle) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
You did everything right – activated your eSIM, saw those beautiful signal bars… yet your Gojek app won’t load and Google Maps is stuck searching. ๐ค Here’s why:
โข Your phone auto-connected to XL Axiata when Telkomsel has better coverage (happens constantly in Seminyak/Canggu)
โข It’s stuck on 3G even when standing next to a 4G tower (Ubud specialty)
โข The eSIM profile defaults to “auto-rotate” networks which fails miserably in Bali’s patchy coverage
How to Fix It:
โ Manually select Telkomsel:
iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Network Selection > Turn off “Automatic” > Choose “Telkomsel”
Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators
โ Force 4G/LTE:
Disable “Auto” in network settings and select LTE/4G only
โ Nuclear option:
Toggle airplane mode for 30 seconds when changing locations (especially helpful when moving between Canggu and Ubud)
Pro Hey Bali Tip:
โข South Bali (Canggu/Seminyak/Kuta): Telkomsel always wins
โข Ubud/Lovina: Try switching to XL Axiata if Telkomsel struggles
โข Nusa Islands: Telkomsel works best near main areas, but expect dead zones
Why This Matters:
Bali’s networks don’t play nice with foreign eSIMs’ auto-connect features. Taking 2 minutes to manually select networks can mean the difference between:
โ๏ธ Hailing a Gojek in 10 seconds
โ Standing roadside for 30 minutes watching 15 drivers cancel
๐ง Read: 25 Interesting Facts About Bali SIM Cards and eSIMs You Should Know Before Traveling!
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3. “My eSIM Works… Until I Leave My Hotel!” (Baliโs Dead Zone Dilemma) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
Your eSIM was flawless at your Canggu villaโbut the moment you hit:
- Ubudโs rice fields ๐ฑโ
- Nusa Penidaโs cliffs ๐ฑโ
- Lovinaโs beaches ๐ฑโ
โฆyouโre suddenly offline with no warning. Why? Many global eSIMs donโt properly roam on Baliโs smaller local towers outside tourist hubs.
How to Fix It:
โ
ย Pre-download offline mapsย (Google Maps > type “OK Maps” in search bar)
โ
ย Carry a Telkomsel physical SIM as backupย (works in 90% of dead zones)
โ
ย Use WhatsApp for callsย (works on weaker signals than regular cellular)
Pro Hey Bali Hack :
If youย mustย have coverage in remote areas:
- Buy aย Telkomsel Orbitย portable WiFi device (available at their stores)
- Useย XL Axiataย for East Bali/Nusa Islands (sometimes better than Telkomsel)
๐ง Read: Why Choose a Bali SIM Card or eSIM for Your Vacation?
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4. “Why Won’t My eSIM Activate?!” (The Outdated OS Trap) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
Youโve scanned the QR code, but your eSIMย wonโt install. Why?
- Your phoneโs OS isย too oldย (common with Android 10/iOS 13 and below)
- The eSIM providerย requires newer security patches
- Carrier settingsย arenโt updated
How to Fix It:
For iPhones:
– Update toย iOS 16+ย (Settings > General > Software Update)
– Reset network settingsย if activation fails (Settings > General > Reset)
For Android:
– Upgrade toย Android 12+ย (Settings > System > System Update)
– Enable “Developer Options”ย > Check “Mobile Data Always Active”
Universal Fixes:
– Check provider requirementsย before buying (e.g., Airalo needs iOS 14+)
– Use a physical SIMย as backup if your OS canโt be updated
Pro Hey Bali Tip:
Older phones (bought 2018 or earlier) oftenย canโt support eSIMsย at all. Test compatibility at aย Telkomsel GraPARI storeย before relying on it for your trip!
๐ง Read: How to Save Internet Data While Traveling in Bali: A Complete Guide
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5. “My ‘Unlimited’ Data is Slower Than a Bali Traffic Jam!” (The Throttling Trap) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
You bought an eSIM with “unlimited data,” but after a few days:
- Your Instagram stories take 5 minutes to upload
- Google Maps freezes mid-route (usually when you’re lost in a rice field)
- YouTube buffers at 144p quality (might as well be a flip phone)
Why?
Most “unlimited” eSIMs in Baliย throttle speeds after just 5-10GBโeven if they advertise “no limits.”
How to Fix It:
โ ย Forget ‘unlimited’โbuy based on your actual needs:
- Light userย (WhatsApp + maps + social media):ย 21GBย (Rp190k โ Buy From Hey Bali) is enough forย 10 days
- Heavy userย (Zoom, Netflix, etc.):ย 50GB+ย
- Can top-up at any mini market if you run out
โ Check the fine print before buying:
Look for “high-speed data cap” (the real limit before throttling kicks in)
โ Switch to WiFi when possible:
- Co-working spacesย (Dojo, Tropical Nomad)
- Cafรฉs with good WiFiย (The Lawn, Milk & Madu)
Pro Hey Bali Reality Check:
As of July 2025, even Telkomsel’s best eSIM package starts from a minimum of 21GB for 30 days (~Rp190k Hey Bali Price). True “unlimited” data doesnโt exist in Baliโso buy what youโll actually use!
๐ง Read: Bali SIM Card: Without It, Your Vacation Might Turn into a Soap Opera!
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6. โI Need Help… But No Oneโs Answeringโ (The Ghosted by Support Syndrome) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
Youโve hit a wall. Your eSIM wonโt activate, the signalโs dead, or the QR expiredโand the only โsupportโ you get is an automated email that says, โThank you for your patienceโ (followed by complete silence).
Worse?
Youโre in a different time zone, stuck in Bali traffic, and your only WiFi is a cafe that asks for an OTP you canโt receive.
Good luck explaining that in Bahasa Indonesia to a bot.
How to Fix It:
- Pick providers with real 24/7 supportโnot โweโll get back to you in 3-5 working daysโ
- Choose one with WhatsApp or live chat, not just email tickets that vanish into the void
- Better yet, go local:
โก๏ธ Hey Bali eSIM works with Bali-based support, so you can chat in English or Bahasaโand actually get help when you’re lost in Ubud with 2% battery and no signal
โ Save your activation instructions and support links in your Notes app (just in case you go offline)
Pro Hey Bali Tip:
If the only contact method they offer is a form on their website? ๐ฉ
Real providers give you real humans, especially in Baliโwhere digital stress should never be part of your itinerary.
๐ง Read: Cheap Bali Pocket WiFi Rental Only $7 With Internet Data 7GB
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7. โSignalโs There, But Nothing Worksโ (AKA: Ghost Network Mode) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
Your phone shows signal bars. You think youโre online. But… no data, no calls, no WhatsApp. Nothing. Just vibes.
This usually means your eSIM isnโt actually registered with any operator in Indonesia. Youโre connected to a ghost towerโvisible, but totally useless.
Why This Happens:
Many eSIMs bought abroad (especially from generic global platforms) piggyback on roaming partners who donโt have solid integration with Indonesian telcos. The result? You get partial accessโjust enough to tease you, not enough to use.
How to Fix It:
- Use eSIMs from official partners of Telkomsel, XL, or Indosat
- If you buy from platforms like Airalo, Nomad, or Holafly, double-check that they support roaming in Indonesia (some donโt by default)
โ Want to skip the risk entirely?
โก๏ธ Go with a local eSIM providerโespecially those integrated directly with Telkomsel or XL. No ghost signals, no mystery.
Pro Hey Bali Tip:
๐ If your eSIM shows bars but no data for more than 10 minutes after setupโitโs not your phone, itโs your provider.
Donโt waste your beach day debugging someone elseโs bad tech.
๐ง Read: Best Deal Package: Bali Airport Transfers + Free Portable WiFi Rental
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8. “Why Can’t I Use Hotspot?!” (Bali’s Tethering Trouble) – Bali eSIM Problems
The Problem:
Youโre at a Canggu cafรฉ, ready to workโฆ but your eSIM wonโt let you share data with your laptop or tablet. Why?
- Many foreign eSIMs block tethering (especially “data-only” travel eSIMs)
- Some providers charge extra for hotspot use (sneaky!)
- Even if it works, speeds may be throttled when sharing
How to Fix It:
โ Before Buying:
- Check if the eSIMย allows tetheringย (look for “hotspot supported”)
- Avoidย international data-only eSIMsย (most block sharing)
โ ย In Bali:
– Use a Telkomsel-based eSIMย (all Telkomsel plans allow tethering, no restrictions)
– Ask your provider directlyย before purchasing (screenshot their reply!)
โ Workarounds If Blocked:
- Wi-Fi Directย (some laptops can connect directly)
- Bluetooth tetheringย (slower but works in a pinch)
- Portable WiFi deviceย (buy at Telkomsel stores)
Pro Hey Bali Tip:
Digital nomadsย bewareโmany coworking spaces (like Dojo)ย block personal hotspotsย to sell their own WiFi. Always have a backup!
๐ง Read: Rent Portable WiFi in Bali With Unlimited Data Start From $14
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9. “Why Can’t I Register for Gojek/Grab?!” (The Indonesian Number Crisis)
The Problem:
You need to verify accounts for:
- Gojek/Grab (for transport)
- OVO/DANA (for payments)
- Tokopedia/Shopee (for shopping)
โฆbut your eSIM canโt receive Indone
โ Foreign eSIMs = No local number
โ Data-only eSIMs = No SMS capability
โ Some providers block Indonesian OTPs entirely
How to Fix It:
โ
For Tourists (Short Stay):
โค Dual-SIM Hack:
- eSIMย for data +ย physical Telkomsel SIMย (Rp50k) just for SMS
โคย Temporary Number: - Buy a cheap Telkomsel SIM, verify apps, then switch to eSIM
โ
For Digital Nomads (Long Stay):
โค Get a Registered Telkomsel eSIM (July 2024 Update):
- Now supportsย SMS verificationย (Gojek/Grab/etc.)
- Includesย 30 mins free callsย to other Telkomsel numbers
โคย Top-up Rp10,000ย to activate SMS if blocked
Pro Hey Bali Tips:
โขย Warung WiFi trick:ย Some cafes let you use their number for OTPs (ask politely!)
โขย Avoid airport SIMs:ย Many are pre-activated and canโt receive SMS
๐ง Read: Private Bali Airport Transfer From Hey Bali – Best Offers
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10. “Why Can’t I Access My Banking App?!” (The Geo-Blocking Headache)
The Problem:
Your eSIM makes it look like youโre inย Singapore, Germany, or even the US, so:
- Banking appsย block you (“Suspicious login!”)
- Netflix/Disney+ย shows different content
- Some Indonesian servicesย (like PeduliLindungi) wonโt work
Why This Happens:
Most travel eSIMs route data throughย foreign serversย to save costs.
How to Fix It:
โก๏ธย For Banking/Finance Apps:
– Use aย VPN set to your home countryย (ExpressVPN/NordVPN work best)
– Keep yourย physical SIM from homeย active for SMS verification
โ
ย For Streaming Services:
– Switch toย local WiFiย (Netflix Bali has different shows than Netflix Australia!)
– Use aย Indonesian eSIMย (like Telkomsel) for local content
โก๏ธย For Indonesian Apps (Gojek/PeduliLindungi):
– Combine eSIM with a local Telkomsel SIMย for SMS verification
– Turn OFF roamingย in app settings
Pro Bali Tip:
Digital nomads: Carryย two phonesโone with your home SIM for banking, and a local Bali eSIM for everything else.
๐ง Read: Bali Luggage Storage From Hey Bali – Only IDR 25K /Bag/Day
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FAQ: “Why Won’t My Bali eSIM Work Properly? (Top 5 Fixes for Tourists)
The Fix:
Manually selectย Telkomsel 4G/LTEย in network settings
Avoidย XL Axiataย in rural areas (often defaults to 3G)
Disableย “Auto Network Search”ย โ Baliโs towers confuse foreign eSIMs
Why?
Some international eSIMsย only partner with Java-based carriers.
Solution:
Get aย Bali-specific eSIMย (Hey Baliโs picks all use Telkomsel)
Top upย local XL Axiataย as backup for Nusa Penida/Lovina
Baliโs Data Drainers:
Google Mapsย (offline maps save 1GB/day)
Instagram Storiesย (disable auto-play)
Gojek/Grabย (constantly refreshing driver locations)
Pro Tip:
Set apps toย “Restrict Background Data”ย in Android/iOS settings.
Survival Guide:
Avoid providers without 24/7 chatย (like Airaloโs email-only)
Buy fromย kiosks with physical storesย in Bali (like GraPARI for Telkomsel)
Hey Baliโs emergency tip:ย Tweet @ the provider โ public shaming works!
Technicallyย yes, but you’ll face:
โย Roaming chargesย ($10-$15/day!)
โย Throttled speedsย (often unusable for video calls)
โย No local numberย = Can’t register for Gojek/Grab
โย Network priority issuesย (local SIMs get better signal)
Better solution:
โ Get aย Bali-based eSIMย (Telkomsel network) for:
Local rates (~$5 for 10GB vs $50 roaming)
Indonesian number for app verifications
Full-speed data without throttling
(P.S. Most travelers burn through their home eSIM data in 2 days โ
๐ง Read: Bali Massage Home Services From Hey Bali
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ย “Congrats! Youโre Now a Bali eSIM Whisperer ๐งโโ๏ธ”
And there you have itโ10 ways your Bali eSIM will try to ruin your vacation, and exactly how to fight back.
You couldโve:
โ Spentย 3 hours arguingย with a Telkomsel clerk who insists your phone is “broken” (itโs not).
โ Paidย $50 for airport “unlimited” dataย that dies after one Instagram story (classic).
โ Accepted your fate andย gone full digital detoxย (โฆbut letโs be real, you need that Gojek fix).
Instead? Youโre now the smug traveler sipping a coconut while your eSIM obediently connects. Mic drop.
Stranded with a Dead Telkomsel eSIM?
Hereโs the Hey Bali Promiseโข:
Even if you:
โ Bought your eSIM from “that shady airport kiosk”
โ Got scammed by a “unlimited data” Instagram ad
โ Donโt even remember WHERE you bought it
DM us at +62 811-281-407ย โ weโll troubleshoot your Bali eSIM disasterย for free. Why? Because:
- Weย hate telco scamsย more than traffic on Jl. Raya Canggu
- Weโve been theย “clueless tourist”ย too
- 72% of people who we helpย end up buying from us later anywayย (shhhโฆ thatโs just good karma)
No strings attachedโฆ but if we save your vacation, the warung coffee you โforgetโ to buy us will haunt your karma.
“An eSIM in Bali is like a grumpy warung owner โ it works on its own terms, but once you learn the secret code (and buy it a coffee), it’ll treat you like family.”- Giostanovlatto
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Meet the Digital Nomad Whisperer
Giostanovlatto โ Baliโs eSIM Gandalf, waving away buffering curses and data-roaming Balinese demons.
By day: Professional scam-slayer, dismantling airport SIM rackets and warung WiFi scams with the precision of a Gojek driver weaving through Canggu traffic.
By night: Satirical connectivity shaman, turning “No Service” dead zones into meme-worthy content (usually while sipping an iced latte at a “co-working space” thatโs just three stools and a coconut).