XL Tourist eSIM: How to Buy & Activate
The Quick Version
Section titled “The Quick Version”- Go to xl.co.id/esim-tourist on your phone
- Find the Tourist eSIM package (45,000 IDR / ~$2.80)
- Pay with your credit card (yes, they accept international cards now)
- Follow the QR code instructions to install the eSIM
- Activate when you arrive in Bali
That’s it. 14 GB of data for 30 days, and your phone’s IMEI is unlocked for 90 days.
Screenshots of each step coming soon — we’re capturing the current purchase flow.
What You Get
Section titled “What You Get”| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Data | 14 GB |
| Validity | 30 days (data), 90 days (IMEI unlock) |
| Price | 45,000 IDR (~$2.80 USD / ~A$4.30) |
| Network | XL Axiata (second largest in Indonesia) |
| Speed | 4G LTE |
| Coverage | Excellent in all tourist areas — Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Dua |
| Tethering | Yes |
| Payment | Credit card (Visa/Mastercard) — this is new, previously required Indonesian payment methods |
Before You Buy
Section titled “Before You Buy”Check Your Phone Supports eSIM
Section titled “Check Your Phone Supports eSIM”Most phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM. Quick check:
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (if you see this option, you’re good)
- Android: Settings → Network → SIM → Add eSIM
- Not sure? Google “[your phone model] eSIM support”
You Can Buy Before You Arrive
Section titled “You Can Buy Before You Arrive”You can purchase the XL tourist eSIM before your flight and install it on your phone. It won’t activate until you connect to an XL tower in Indonesia. This means you can have it ready to go — just switch it on when you land.
Our recommendation: Buy a BNE eSIM as your landing-day starter (instant data, bypasses IMEI) and have XL ready as your main connection. See the Smart Play strategy →
Step-by-Step Purchase Guide
Section titled “Step-by-Step Purchase Guide”1. Visit xl.co.id/esim-tourist
Section titled “1. Visit xl.co.id/esim-tourist”Go to xl.co.id/esim-tourist on your phone’s browser. Look for the tourist/traveller eSIM section.
2. Select the Tourist eSIM Package
Section titled “2. Select the Tourist eSIM Package”Choose the 45,000 IDR package. This is the standard tourist eSIM — 14 GB, 30 days of data.
3. Enter Your Details
Section titled “3. Enter Your Details”You’ll need:
- Your name (as on your passport)
- Email address (for the QR code)
- Passport number
4. Pay with Credit Card
Section titled “4. Pay with Credit Card”XL now accepts international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard). This is a recent change — many older guides and forums say you need Indonesian payment methods. That’s no longer true.
5. Receive the QR Code
Section titled “5. Receive the QR Code”Check your email. You’ll get a QR code to install the eSIM.
6. Install the eSIM
Section titled “6. Install the eSIM”- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM → scan the QR code
- Android: Settings → Network → SIM → Add eSIM → scan the QR code
7. Activate in Bali
Section titled “7. Activate in Bali”When you arrive and your phone connects to XL’s network, the eSIM activates automatically. Your IMEI is unlocked for 90 days from this point.
Topping Up Your Data
Section titled “Topping Up Your Data”14 GB lasts most travellers a full month. But if you need more, topping up is easy:
1. myXL App (Easiest)
Section titled “1. myXL App (Easiest)”Download the myXL app from the App Store or Google Play. Buy data packages directly with your credit card. Packages start from 10,000 IDR ($0.60) for a few GB.
2. Grab App
Section titled “2. Grab App”Open Grab → Pulsa & Data → select XL → choose a package. Pay with your Grab wallet or card. Convenient if you’re already using Grab for rides.
3. Mobile Phone Shop (Toko)
Section titled “3. Mobile Phone Shop (Toko)”Walk into any small phone shop and ask them to load pulsa. Usually the easiest option — they’re everywhere and it takes 30 seconds.
4. Indomaret / Alfamart
Section titled “4. Indomaret / Alfamart”Any convenience store can top you up. Tell them your number and how much pulsa/data you want. Pay cash.
Coverage
Section titled “Coverage”XL Axiata is Indonesia’s second-largest carrier. Coverage is excellent across all major tourist areas:
- Excellent: Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Denpasar
- Good: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Amed, Lovina, Munduk
- Variable: Very remote areas, deep jungle, some mountain areas
For remote islands beyond Bali (Flores, Komodo), Telkomsel generally has better coverage. But for Bali itself, XL is more than enough for the vast majority of travellers.
Can I buy more than one XL tourist eSIM?
Section titled “Can I buy more than one XL tourist eSIM?”Yes. When your IMEI unlock expires after 90 days, buy another one. Each purchase gives you a new 90-day unlock. There’s no limit on how many times you can do this.
Can I use the eSIM for calls and texts?
Section titled “Can I use the eSIM for calls and texts?”Yes, but most travellers use WhatsApp for calls and messages. The data is what matters.
What happens when the 30-day data runs out?
Section titled “What happens when the 30-day data runs out?”Just top up. The eSIM stays active. You only need a new tourist eSIM when the 90-day IMEI period expires.
Can I use the XL eSIM alongside my home SIM?
Section titled “Can I use the XL eSIM alongside my home SIM?”Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Most modern smartphones do. Keep your home SIM for calls/texts and use XL for data in Bali.
Is xl.co.id/esim-tourist safe to enter my credit card?
Section titled “Is xl.co.id/esim-tourist safe to enter my credit card?”Yes. XL Axiata is a publicly listed company and one of Indonesia’s largest telecoms. Their payment processing is standard.