You wonder, how to stay connected in Lombok while visiting this island? let us tell you then where to buy sim card in Lombok and what options do you have during your holiday.

From navigating quiet coastal roads to sharing moments from remote beaches or working online between trips, staying connected in Lombok makes travel easier and more flexible.

Whether you’re visiting Kuta Mandalika, exploring the north of the island, or heading out to the Gilis, having a reliable mobile connection helps with maps, bookings, communication, and everyday logistics.

In Lombok, peoples generally choose between local prepaid SIM cards, digital eSIMs, or international roaming through their home provider. Each option works differently depending on your budget, phone compatibility, and length of stay.

We will breaks down the options, explains where to buy SIM cards in Lombok, and helps you decide which provider suits your travel style best.

Your Options for Mobile Internet in Lombok

There are three main ways to stay connected while travelling in Lombok: you can choose, Local prepaid SIM cards, eSIM (digital SIM) plans, or International roaming with your home SIM.

these option, comes with different costs, coverage levels, and setup requirements. if you need some quick comparison, here it is, for if you consider Best value and coverage choose, Local prepaid SIM. but if you choose the most convenient, go with eSIM. either way, if you are chill person and the easiest for short stays, just take the International roaming.

Local Prepaid SIM Cards in Lombok

For most of the people who are in Lombok, a local prepaid SIM card offers the best balance of price, speed, and coverage.

These are physical SIM cards purchased in Indonesia, usually with a preloaded data package. You’ll need to temporarily remove your home SIM card, so keep it somewhere safe.

Why travellers choose prepaid SIMs

• Affordable data: Local plans are significantly cheaper than roaming
• Better signal: Direct access to Indonesian networks improves coverage, especially outside towns
• Easy to find: Available at Lombok International Airport, official telco stores, and local phone shops

Things to consider

• New phone number: You’ll receive an Indonesian number
• Passport registration: Required for activation
• Validity limits: Most tourist SIMs last around 30 days

To avoid issues, it’s best to buy SIM cards from official provider stores or airport counters, rather than informal street stalls.

Which SIM Card Providers Work Best in Lombok?

Lombok is well covered by Indonesia’s main mobile networks, but signal strength, data speed, and reliability can vary depending on where you travel on the island. Coastal towns, urban areas, and southern Lombok generally have stable connections, while more remote regions benefit from providers with wider national coverage.

The most commonly used SIM card providers in Lombok are Telkomsel, XL Axiata, Indosat Ooredoo, Smartfren, AXIS, and TRI (3). All offer prepaid options suitable for travellers, with different strengths depending on your priorities.

Here are some option for a closer look at each provider and what they’re best suited for you

Telkomsel — Widest and most reliable coverage

Telkomsel is widely considered the most reliable mobile network in Lombok. It offers strong 4G and growing 5G coverage across the island, including areas where other providers can struggle — such as northern Lombok, parts of East Lombok, and less-developed coastal regions.

For travellers planning to explore outside main tourist hubs or rely heavily on mobile data for navigation and work, Telkomsel is often the safest choice. Both physical SIM cards and eSIM options are available for visitors.

Best for: Travelling beyond towns, remote beaches, and rural areas

XL Axiata — Fast speeds in urban and southern Lombok

XL Axiata is a popular alternative to Telkomsel, offering competitive data packages and fast internet speeds in southern Lombok and built-up areas. Coverage is generally stable in towns and along major roads, though it can be less consistent in remote or mountainous regions.

One advantage of XL Axiata is its user-friendly myXL app, which makes it easy to monitor data usage, check balances, and top up credit without visiting a store. XL Axiata provides both physical SIM cards and eSIM plans for travellers.

Best for: Staying mainly in Kuta Mandalika, Mataram, or Senggigi

AXIS — Budget option under the XL network

AXIS operates under the XL Axiata network and is known for its affordable prepaid packages. Data prices are generally lower, but coverage mirrors XL’s strengths and weaknesses — good in towns and southern Lombok, less reliable in remote areas.

AXIS is commonly used by locals and long-stay travellers who prioritise price over wide coverage.

Best for: Cheap data in towns and populated areas

Indosat Ooredoo — Affordable and easy for short stays

Indosat Ooredoo is a solid option for travellers looking for budget-friendly data plans. Its prepaid packages are often cheaper than Telkomsel and XL, making it suitable for short visits or travellers who mainly use mobile data for messaging, maps, and occasional browsing.

While 5G coverage is still limited in Lombok, Indosat’s 4G network is available across most populated areas. Additional data can be added through booster packages if needed.

Best for: Short trips and light internet use

Smartfren — Practical eSIM-focused plans

Smartfren stands out for its tourist-friendly eSIM offerings. Many of its plans include generous data allowances, limited local call minutes, and dedicated WhatsApp data, which suits travellers who rely heavily on the app for communication.

Coverage is strongest in towns and urban areas, and plans can usually be extended for longer stays. Smartfren is a good option if you prefer a digital setup without swapping physical SIM cards.

Best for: eSIM users and WhatsApp-based communication

TRI (3) — Simple and low-cost data plans

TRI (3) offers straightforward, low-cost data plans and is popular among younger users and backpackers. Coverage is adequate in towns and tourist areas, but can be inconsistent outside main routes.

For travellers staying mostly in one place — such as Kuta Mandalika or Mataram — TRI can be a cost-effective option, especially for short stays.

Best for: Budget travellers staying in urban areas

Where to Buy a SIM Card in Lombok

You can purchase a SIM card at several locations around the island:

1. Lombok International Airport (LOP)
   The easiest option after arrival. SIM counters are available past immigration, though prices are usually slightly higher.
2. Official telco stores
   Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat outlets offer the most reliable service and proper registration support.
3. Local phone shops
   Common in Kuta Mandalika, Mataram, and Senggigi. Staff often assist with setup and activation.
4. Street vendors
   Cheaper, but higher risk. Only recommended if you understand the registration process and verify activation on the spot.

How to Top Up Your SIM Card in Lombok

Once your data runs out, topping up is straightforward:

• Visit an official provider store
• Use the provider’s mobile app
• Purchase credit at minimarts or kiosks

Most staff are familiar with helping travellers and can assist in English.

Practical Tips for Using SIM Cards in Lombok

• Make sure your phone is unlocked before arrival
• Register your SIM immediately after purchase
• Choose providers with wider coverage if travelling beyond tourist hubs
• Monitor data usage through official apps
• Select data packages based on length of stay, not just price.