Is Nomad Good for Bali? An Honest Review vs Telkomsel (2026)
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The 30-Second Answer
Pick Nomad if you only need data, you want a low price from a global brand, and you are visiting more countries than Indonesia.
Pick a local Telkomsel eSIM if you need an Indonesian +62 number, Grab and Gojek sign-up, SMS codes, or the best coverage outside South Bali.
The short reason: Nomad is one of the cheaper roaming eSIMs, but it still has no Indonesian number.
Written by the Balitel team in Kuta, Bali. We are an authorized Telkomsel retailer and we set up eSIMs for travelers every day. Prices checked June 2026.
Nomad vs Telkomsel at a Glance
| What matters in Bali | Nomad | Telkomsel (Balitel) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 GB price | $17 | $14 |
| Network used in Indonesia | Telkomsel or XLSmart (roaming) | Telkomsel (direct) |
| Indonesian +62 number | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Receive Indonesian SMS | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Create a new Grab or Gojek account | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Local calls | ❌ No | ✅ 30 minutes |
| IMEI registration | Not included | ✅ Done before you land |
| Works in other countries | ✅ Many countries | ❌ Indonesia only |
What Nomad Actually Is
Nomad is a global travel eSIM brand known for lower prices than Airalo. You buy data plans in an app and install by QR code.
Nomad does not own a network. In Indonesia it connects you through Telkomsel or XLSmart as a roaming guest.
Where Nomad Wins
We sell Telkomsel eSIMs, so weigh our view accordingly. Nomad is the better choice in these cases:
- It is cheap for a global brand. At $17 for 10 GB, Nomad undercuts Airalo by a few dollars.
- It often uses Telkomsel. That means better coverage than eSIMs that route through smaller networks.
- Multi-country trips. One plan can follow you across Asia. Ours works only in Indonesia.
- No paperwork. Data-only plans skip Indonesian SIM registration. We must ask for your passport by law.
Where Nomad Falls Short in Bali
1. No Indonesian number, so no new Grab or Gojek account
Grab and Gojek send sign-up codes by SMS to an Indonesian number. Nomad has no number, so those codes never arrive.
You can still use the apps if you registered at home first. If not, you are stuck once you land.
2. Roaming, not local
Even when Nomad rides on Telkomsel, you are a roaming visitor. Roaming traffic can get lower priority when a tower is busy. A local line keeps working when the network is crowded.
3. Still more expensive than local
$17 versus $14 for the same 10 GB. And our price includes a phone number, calls, and IMEI registration.
4. No SMS for Indonesian payments
GoPay, OVO, DANA, and many booking sites verify by SMS to a local number. Nomad cannot receive those.
The Network Question Most Reviews Skip
Nomad is one of the better roaming options for Bali precisely because it often uses Telkomsel. That is worth knowing.
But which network a roaming eSIM lands on can change without warning. It depends on agreements you cannot see or control. A local Telkomsel line is always Telkomsel.
See our area-by-area Bali coverage guide.
So Which One Should You Buy?
| Your situation | Better pick |
|---|---|
| Bali only, need Grab or Gojek | Telkomsel |
| Several Asian countries on one trip | Nomad |
| Want the lowest price | Telkomsel |
| Need SMS codes for payments | Telkomsel |
| Short stopover, data only | Either works |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nomad work in Bali?
Yes. Nomad works in Bali and often connects through Telkomsel or XLSmart. You get mobile data, but no Indonesian phone number.
Can Nomad receive Grab or Gojek OTP codes?
No. Nomad is data-only with no +62 number, so Indonesian SMS codes cannot reach you. You can still use the apps if your account was verified at home.
Which network does Nomad use in Indonesia?
Nomad usually routes through Telkomsel or XLSmart as a roaming partner. The exact network can vary.
Is Nomad cheaper than a local Telkomsel eSIM?
No. Nomad is about $17 for 10 GB. A Balitel Telkomsel eSIM is $14 for 10 GB and adds a local number, calls, and IMEI registration.
Can I use Nomad and a Telkomsel eSIM together?
Yes. Most phones hold several eSIMs. Some travelers keep Nomad for other countries and add a Telkomsel line in Indonesia.
Do I keep WhatsApp on my own number?
Yes, with either option. WhatsApp stays tied to your home number.
Our Honest Summary
Nomad is one of the better value roaming eSIMs, and using Telkomsel helps its coverage. If your trip covers several countries, it is a sensible buy.
For Bali alone, a local Telkomsel eSIM is cheaper and gives you the +62 number that Grab, Gojek, and payment apps require.
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