Is it worth getting an eSIM for the Gili Islands?
For most visitors, yes. A prepaid eSIM is the easiest way to stay online on the Gili Islands, installed before you fly and connected the moment you land in Bali or Lombok, with no shops or paperwork. That matters from the airport onward, when you want a boat time, a booking, or your hotel details.
Roaming on your home plan can be very expensive in Indonesia, and a local Indonesian SIM means a shop visit on the mainland. An eSIM avoids both, with affordable plans from Ubigi and Saily, all on Indonesia's networks.
For a few days of diving on Gili Trawangan, a quiet stay on Gili Meno, or a longer remote-work trip across Indonesia, an eSIM is the smarter choice for almost every traveller to the Gilis.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone that lets you activate a mobile plan without a physical card. You can install it before your flight by scanning a QR code or using a provider app, and your connection starts the moment you land.
Unlike a traditional SIM, there is nothing to swap or lose. Your data plan is stored directly on your device. Most recent phones support eSIMs, including any iPhone from XR and newer, Google Pixel 4 and later, and many Samsung and Xiaomi models.
On the Gili Islands, eSIMs connect to Indonesia's main mobile networks and deliver 4G data across the three islands, a simple way to stay online without visiting a store.
Is eSIM available in the Gili Islands?
Yes. The Gili Islands, like the rest of Indonesia, support eSIM technology for travellers. You can install a prepaid eSIM from international providers like Ubigi and Saily before you arrive, and your phone connects automatically to an Indonesian network when you land. The main carriers, Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat, cover the Gilis and the wider Lombok area.
As long as your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, you can install your plan before your flight and activate it the moment you reach the airport.
Is an eSIM or a local SIM card better for the Gili Islands?
An eSIM is usually better for the Gili Islands because it is faster to set up and works the moment you arrive. You can install it before your flight and skip the shop visit on the mainland that a local prepaid SIM involves, which matters when the Gilis themselves have no SIM shops.
A local SIM can suit a very long stay in Indonesia, but for a holiday or a shorter visit the convenience of a prepaid eSIM almost always wins. For most travellers, an eSIM is simpler, faster, and online before you leave the airport.
Both of our recommended providers, Ubigi and Saily, connect to Indonesia's networks, giving you reliable data without the hassle of a local SIM.
Mobile networks in the Gili Islands: which one matters for your trip?
The Gili Islands are served by Indonesia's main mobile networks, and coverage is good across the three islands, so the one your eSIM connects to mainly affects speeds in the busiest spots and out on the water.
Telkomsel offers the widest coverage and the most reliable signal across the Gilis and Lombok.
XL Axiata and Indosat also provide good coverage across the islands and the main areas.
Which network matters for your eSIM choice
- If your trip focuses on Gili Trawangan, the busiest island, all networks deliver solid data.
- For Gili Air and Gili Meno, coverage is good around the accommodation and main beaches.
- On the boats and out snorkelling or diving, expect patchier signal, so download offline maps and boat times in advance.
Both Ubigi and Saily connect to Indonesia’s networks for reliable data, so you get good coverage whichever you choose. You can check current plans on the Ubigi and Saily sites.
Best eSIMs for the Gili Islands in 2026
The best eSIM for the Gili Islands depends on how you travel and how much data you need. Below are our two recommended providers, Ubigi and Saily, both offering reliable coverage across the islands, easy online activation, and Indonesia-wide plans for every type of traveller.
Ubigi: Best for value and flexible plans
Ubigi is a great option if you want strong value and flexible plans, including unlimited-data options, all managed through a clean, well-designed app. It connects to Indonesia's networks and offers plans from 1GB up to 25GB, plus unlimited bundles, with quick activation and a low starting price.
Why Ubigi is good for the Gili Islands:
- One-off plans from 1GB up to 25GB, plus unlimited-data options
- Low entry price, from $4 for 1GB
- Flexible one-off, monthly, and annual plans
- Plans activate as soon as you land in Indonesia
- Indonesia-wide coverage, so the same eSIM works on Bali and Lombok too
- Discount code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase
Ubigi pricing for the Gili Islands
One-off plans start from $4 for 1GB, with 10GB for $16 and 25GB for $28, plus unlimited-data options. The full price list is in the summary table near the top of this guide.
Saily: Best for secure, flexible data plans
Saily is the pick if you want simple data plans and built-in security, all managed through a clean app. Created by the team behind NordVPN, it connects to Indonesia's networks and offers plans from 1GB up to 20GB, plus an unlimited option, with quick activation and handy security features.
Why Saily is good for the Gili Islands:
- Per-GB plans from 1GB up to 20GB, plus an unlimited option
- Low entry price, from $4.79 for 1GB
- Built-in security features from the NordVPN team
- Plans activate as soon as you land in Indonesia
- Indonesia-wide coverage, so the same eSIM works on Bali and Lombok too
- Discount code NOMADWISE10 for 10% off
Saily pricing for the Gili Islands
Plans start from $4.79 for 1GB, with 5GB for $13.99 and 10GB for $21.99, up to an unlimited 15-day plan for $48.99. The full price list is in the summary table above.
Both providers are reliable choices for the Gili Islands, easy to install, and designed for travellers. The right pick mainly depends on whether you prefer Ubigi’s flexible value and unlimited options or Saily’s simple plans and built-in security. If you would like to see more options, visit our Indonesia eSIM directory for a full list of providers.
Customer support and ease of use
Good support helps when you are getting set up in a new place. Ubigi manages everything through a clean app, with easy top-ups and a help centre for setup questions. Saily offers a simple app with in-app support and built-in security tools. Both install in just a few minutes, from purchase to connection, which is ideal before you head out to the islands.
eSIM coverage across the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands have good mobile coverage across the three islands, with patchier signal only out on the water. Both Ubigi and Saily perform well in the destinations below.
Gili Trawangan
The busiest of the three, with reliable data across the accommodation, bars, and dive shops, a dependable base for bookings and remote work.
Gili Air
Good coverage around the cafes, beaches, and guesthouses, handy for a quieter stay with plenty of connectivity.
Gili Meno
Reliable data around the main accommodation on the quietest island, useful for staying in touch while you switch off.
Boats and the crossing
Signal can dip on the fast boats and out snorkelling, so download offline maps and your boat schedule before you set off from Bali or Lombok.
How to choose the right eSIM for the Gili Islands
Choosing the right eSIM for the Gili Islands depends on how you travel and how you use your data. Start by checking that your phone supports eSIMs, then look at plans based on data, duration, and support.
Here is what to consider before buying your Gili Islands eSIM:
- Phone compatibility: Most iPhones from XR and newer, Google Pixel 4 and later, and many Samsung and Xiaomi models support eSIMs.
- Trip type: A short island stay suits a small Ubigi or Saily plan; a longer Indonesia trip suits a larger bundle or an unlimited plan.
- Data usage: Light users can stay connected with a few GB, while remote workers or heavy streamers may prefer a bigger or unlimited plan.
- Wider Indonesia travel: Both providers' Indonesia plans cover the whole country, so the same eSIM works on Bali, Lombok, and beyond.
- Support options: Both offer support; pick whichever plan and price fits your trip best.
How to set up your eSIM for the Gili Islands
Setting up an eSIM for the Gili Islands is quick and can be done entirely online. You can install it before your flight and activate the plan as soon as you land in Bali or Lombok.
Step by step eSIM setup guide:
- Check compatibility: Make sure your phone supports eSIMs and is unlocked. Most recent iPhones, Google Pixel, and Samsung models are compatible.
- Choose a provider: Pick a trusted option that fits your data needs, such as Ubigi or Saily.
- Buy your plan before you fly: Select your Indonesia data package online and complete the purchase so you are ready to connect on arrival.
- Install your eSIM: You will receive a QR code or app link. Scan it or follow the in-app setup instructions.
- Activate your plan: Turn on mobile data and select the new eSIM as your active plan once you land in Indonesia.
- Test your connection: Open a browser or map app to confirm you are online before you head to the boat.
Most travellers complete the process in under five minutes. If anything goes wrong, both Ubigi and Saily offer support to help you get connected.
Travel tip for the Gili Islands
Staying connected is just one part of a smooth trip. If you are planning diving, snorkelling, or a longer stay across Indonesia, make sure you are covered with reliable travel insurance too. See our guide to the best travel insurance for digital nomads for coverage details.
Final recommendation: which eSIM is best for the Gili Islands?
Both Ubigi and Saily are reliable choices for staying connected across the Gili Islands and the rest of Indonesia. The best option depends on your travel style and data needs.
Choose Ubigi if you want flexible value and unlimited options on Indonesia’s networks. Use code NOMADWISE for 10% off your first purchase.
Go for Saily if you want simple data plans with built-in security. Use code NOMADWISE10 for 10% off.
If you are still unsure, both options work reliably across Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, so you can be confident with either.
