Whether you’re from the friendly Balkans in Europe, the solitary land of Japan, the adventurous American ground, or any other place in the world, one thing is common when it comes to trips to Bali.
Everyone’s concerned with how they’ll keep in touch with those at home, slash roaming fees, and ensure 24/24, unfaultable, fast-as-lighting internet connection to stay safe at all costs (hopefully, lower costs). And this wariness isn’t even to be judged.
When was the last time you visited a foreign destination and did just fine without an internet connection? Or when was the last time you felt safe and secure roaming around without these online perks?
If you’re a Zoomer, you’re likely having difficulty recalling what it was like relying only on strangers’ kindness to help you with directions, lend you their phone to make an urgent call, or save you in emergencies.
A reliable mobile plan is a must when traveling and mainly during emergencies, having the potential to make all the difference in a critical situation. Bali makes no exception from the rule, so let’s see how you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing you’re always online and connected, even in the wild and less touristy parts of the second-best destination worldwide.
Accommodation’s internet
Some time ago, Bali’s tourism was mainly about off-grid traveling and backpacking, surfing and escapism-seeking, and Aussie holidaymakers. As this living postcard’s sublime spots and waters were unearthed, an increasingly strong industry started to take shape, giving way to the upscale coastline beach clubs, world-class hotels, and high-end touristy resorts where luxe meets fantasy. Immersing yourself in the wealth of such luxe sanctuaries can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but more can be said about exploring the wilder sides.
Examples are boundless, including mountain towns like Munduk, the Silver crafting villages where you can observe locals’ authentic lifestyles, and the pristine shores of Yeh Leh Beach, to name a few. However, until you leave for those spots, which should be close to your hotel or resort if your trip to Bali involves exploring the wealthy side of the island, you’ll need internet before stepping out of the door. Some unique establishments in Bali include Capella Ubud, The Ritz-Carlton, The Anvaya Beach Resort, Meliá Bali, and Bvlgari Resort, with varying prices.
Hotels and resort accommodations in Bali offer all the amenities you may need, including fast internet connection even in more hidden spots like parking lots or outside the resorts’ yards. Most such establishments offer free WiFi access for guests, too.
The dependability, security, and speed of the internet differ greatly depending on the building, but you should be fine if you don’t care about the quality of your video call. For faster and better internet, we recommend looking into the following method.
eSIM cards
Most Bali visitors rely on eSIM cards for hassle-free travel with internet everywhere, including in the lowkey incognito nooks of the island, like the countryside, waterfalls, pristine beaches, mountain peaks, and even the bushy fields encounterable that you’ll need to cross to reach your off-the-beaten-track destinations. While you can generally activate your SIM cellular plan at one of the four airports, it can be time-consuming.
After an hours-long trip, the last thing you want is to wait in interminable queues to reach a goal that would otherwise take you a few seconds were you to download and activate your eSIM Bali on your own. Doing it is a breeze even for the least fond of technology.
You’ll have to scan the QR code and turn your data plan on to enjoy cheap and reliable connections everywhere. And yes, you’ll save some cash on your data roaming fees, because you won’t need this service anymore!
These cellular plans are highly customizable, crafting a scheme depending on the days you stay in Bali. This way, you won’t have to pay for two months if your stay lasts 33 days. Moreover, you won’t have problems using this service, as the various mobile carriers nationwide support these plans.
The comfort and dependability of this unlimited data service are why many experts deem eSIMs the future of connectivity. If you go with Holafly out of the few eSIM providers, you can choose options that span the whole Asian continent.
Usable on both Android and iOS devices, you’ll be covered no matter if you bring a disposable gadget to not stress over damaging it in the sand, during hikes, and so on, or your high-end iPhone. Can you afford not to enjoy these perks when the effort is this little?
Alternatives
Suppose you’d like to know if anything else would back you up if the alternatives above were non-existent. Then you’ll learn that there is. You can enter your app store and download all sorts of usable applications offline, such as maps and travel guides. This works in areas where the internet is off the table.
You can contact your network supplier to grasp their international roaming fee calculations and the travel-centric packages they provide. Or you can take your portable WiFi with you and do away with hotspots and the afferent security risks involved.
You’ll develop your own mobile hotspot to fuel any additional device you have, sharing the data allowance. This is great when traveling in large groups, with touristic agencies, or when you expect extensive data usage. Some of the best portable WiFi gear this year belongs to big names like T-Mobile, Unlocked, Verizon, and AT&T, but other providers can be just as fine. The prices should generally range between $150 and $600 depending on the device’s quality you go for.
Connection is non-negotiable, so how will you nail it?
An island with natural and luxurious seascapes and landscapes abounding in rich culture, history, and all the other particularities, making Bali the unique travel destination means you’ll need an incredibly reliable internet connection.
How is this? You’ll want to take instant snaps of a funny-looking monkey on a Banyan tree, find a shortcut to your destination outside the resort towns, and so on. Please make the wisest choice, and you’ll thank us from the Land of the Gods. That is, evidently, if you’ll have a hearty internet connection!
Image: An exotic Bali setting (supplied)