Holafly eSIM Review: Does It Actually Work in Indonesia? (Updated for 2026)
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Staying connected in Indonesia is one of those things that sounds easy until you’re actually here trying to sort it out. Between device registration rules, language barriers, and the “try again tomorrow” attitude that appears whenever the system randomly goes down, getting a physical SIM can turn into a whole afternoon of chaos.
I learned this the hard way. A few months ago, I stopped into a tiny phone shop in town to buy a local SIM. The sweetest girl behind the counter tried so hard to help me, but she didn’t speak English and I didn’t have any data to open Google Translate. We spent twenty minutes smiling awkwardly at each other while the SIM refused to register and the screen kept flashing error messages. Eventually, I gave up, walked home in the heat, connected to my villa’s WiFi, and downloaded an eSIM instead. It was one of those “okay, I’m done with this” moments.
Holafly isn’t the first eSIM I’ve tried — not even close. I’ve been through the cycle of cheap options, complicated apps, failed activations and “support will reply within 72 hours” emails more times than I want to admit. But after enough unexpected disconnections and a couple of absolute clangers of providers, I decided it was time to try something built for people who genuinely rely on their connection.
I live in a small tourist town in Indonesia, nothing like the big cities where the towers are dense and the WiFi is fast. On top of that, the power here cuts out constantly — sometimes once a week, sometimes twice in one day. When you work remotely, power cuts aren’t just inconvenient; they’re genuinely stressful. You lose WiFi, your laptop battery drains, you start sweating through your clothes, and you try to pretend everything is fine while your video call freezes.
This is where Holafly entered the picture. Their reputation for easy setup and unlimited data really appealed to me, and the idea of having something stable to fall back on felt like a relief. I was gifted this plan, but this is my honest review. I installed the eSIM and tested it properly — in my town, on the south coast, during road trips, in cafés with questionable WiFi, and especially during the inevitable blackouts.
Here’s precisely how Holafly performed in Indonesia, what the setup was like, how well the unlimited data holds up, and whether it’s worth the price for travellers, remote workers and long-term visitors who need their internet to work.
Chasing wifi across Lombok (before Holafly)
What is Holafly eSIM?
Holafly is one of the most established names in the eSIM travel space, known primarily for its unlimited data plans and wide international coverage. They’ve been around much longer than many of the small pop-up eSIM brands, and their entire product is designed for travellers who want their mobile data to work without micromanaging gigabytes or worrying about roaming fees.
Holafly eSIMs are available in over 200 destinations, including most of Asia, Europe, Latin America, New Zealand, and, of course, Indonesia, where I’ve been using mine. Unlike some eSIM apps that feel a bit “beta”, Holafly’s platform is polished, stable and surprisingly easy to navigate — and the fact that they specialise in unlimited data means you’re not constantly checking your balance or topping up mid-trip.
If you’re travelling through multiple countries, working remotely, or just want a “set it and forget it” option, Holafly is one of the major players worth considering.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a tiny piece of plastic into your phone, you download a mobile plan directly onto your device.
It takes a task that used to involve finding a local SIM shop, negotiating in another language, showing your passport, filling out forms and waiting for activation — and reduces it to a few taps on your screen.
With an eSIM, you can:
It’s a massive upgrade for travel, especially in destinations like Indonesia, where SIM registration can be a bit… unpredictable.
Most eSIM providers — including Holafly — let you manage everything in an app: install your plan, activate your mobile data, check your status, and change your destination. If you’ve ever tried to buy a SIM card overseas and found yourself stuck in a shop with an error message flashing in Bahasa Indonesia, an eSIM feels like magic.
Co-working in Bangkok
Pros of Holafly’s eSIM
1. Unlimited Data Plans (No More “How Many GB Do I Have Left?”)
Holafly’s most significant selling point is its unlimited data plans. If you’re uploading content, working remotely, using Google Maps constantly, or hotspotting your laptop, unlimited data takes so much mental load off. No tracking usage, no emergency top-ups — just ongoing access to data wherever you travel.
2. Huge Destination Coverage
Holafly offers eSIM cards in over 200 destinations, from Asia to Europe to Latin America. Whether you’re planning a multi-country trip or bouncing between islands, you’re unlikely to find yourself in a place where they don’t have a plan.
3. Super Easy Setup
This was genuinely refreshing. After trying several eSIMs, Holafly’s signup and installation process felt effortless. I received my QR code instantly, the app logged me in straight away, and the activation was smooth — no weird error codes or three-step verification loops.
4. Excellent for Remote Work and Hotspotting
I live in a small tourist town in Indonesia, and the power goes out all the time. When the electricity drops, so does the WiFi — which is stressful when you rely on the internet for your job. Holafly has saved me repeatedly: I switch to hotspot, jump back into my call, and keep working. Very minimal disruption.
5. Reliable in Real-World Conditions
I’ve used Holafly throughout Indonesia so far — in my town, along the south coast, and in cafés with shaky connections. Network coverage has been consistently strong for everyday tasks, video calls, uploading content, and navigation. For a country with unpredictable infrastructure, that’s a win.
6. Good for First-Day Travel Confidence
Landing in a new country and instantly having data changes everything. You can order a ride, check your hotel details, look up directions, or message someone to say you’ve arrived. Holafly gives you that “I’m sorted” feeling right away.
7. Keeps Your Original Number Active
One significant benefit of using an eSIM is that it keeps your physical SIM — and your home phone number — active. This is especially helpful for 2FA codes when logging into banking apps or other services. Some companies are slowly adopting WhatsApp verification, but many still require SMS, so keeping your original SIM running while travelling is essential.
8. No Need for a Local SIM
If you’re only in Indonesia for a short stay or don’t want to go through the SIM card registration process, Holafly lets you skip it altogether. No paperwork, no waiting, no passport photocopies, no “come back in one hour”.
Cons of Holafly’s eSIM
1. Pricing
Holafly is not the cheapest option on the market. Unlimited data is incredibly convenient, but you do pay for it. If you’re a light data user or travelling long-term on a tight budget, a local SIM or a smaller fixed-data eSIM might be more cost-effective. When you’re travelling, there are some things worth doing cheap and other things where it’s worth the splurge.
2. No Local Phone Number
Like most travel eSIMs, Holafly only provides mobile data, not calls or SMS. You can use WhatsApp, Messenger or other apps for communication, but you won’t get a local Indonesian number.
If you need to receive text messages (especially for bank login or two-factor authentication), you’ll need to keep your physical SIM active — which most people do anyway.
3. Speed Variations at Peak Times
Because plans are unlimited, speeds may occasionally dip during high-traffic periods. It’s still totally usable, but worth noting if you’re doing heavy uploads. I didn’t notice any slowdown in my speeds, but I’m not doing much uploading or downloading.
I will work anywhere with kittens
Holafly eSIM Data Plans
Holafly keeps things simple by offering unlimited data plans based on the number of days you need. Instead of choosing both data size and duration, you only select how long you want your plan to last, and the unlimited data is included automatically.
The main thing to consider is the length of your trip. Once your chosen number of days is up, the plan ends — even if you didn’t use much data. This matters if you’ll be on Wi-Fi most of the time but still want a safety net while you’re out and about. You may need a longer-term plan to ensure coverage for your entire stay.
Your other option is to purchase it as a cover plan for between the airport and when you get a local SIM. I like doing this, so I know I have connectivity while I’m in transit. As a woman who sometimes travels alone, it gives me real peace of mind.
As with all eSIMs, you’ll need Wi-Fi for the initial setup. If you’re buying Holafly as a backup, make sure you install it while you still have a stable connection. I prefer to do this at the airport so that I’m covered for my journey to my Airbnb.
Holafly’s plans work well for travellers who want something easy and reliable, but if you’re staying for a very long time, a local SIM may be more cost-effective. Always double-check prices.
Holafly eSIM Pricing
Pricing is always a significant consideration when choosing between a travel eSIM and a local SIM card. From my experience, if you’re travelling slowly or staying in one place for a long stretch, you can sometimes find cheaper options by buying a local SIM and loading it with a data package. Indonesia, in particular, has very affordable physical SIMs available at the airport and in most towns.
However, for shorter trips, stopovers, or when you want data instantly upon arrival, an eSIM is often the most convenient and hassle-free option. It saves you time, avoids registration queues, and gets you online straight away.
Holafly’s Indonesia plans start at $27.30 USD for 7 days of unlimited data. If you’re exploring multiple countries, their Asia unlimited data plan is $75.90 USD for 30 days, which can work out well if you’re moving quickly through the region. They also have worldwide plans if you’ve got some really jet-set plans.
As always, it’s worth comparing prices before you travel, especially if you’ll be on Wi-Fi most of the time. But remember: with Holafly, part of what you’re paying for is convenience and peace of mind — something that’s hard to put a price on when you need your mobile data to work.
Global Unlimited Data Plans
| Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $9.90 |
| 7 days | $45.90 |
| 30 days | $162.90 |
Asia Unlimited Data Plans
| Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $3.90 |
| 7 days | $27.30 |
| 30 days | $74.90 |
Thailand Unlimited Data Plans
| Validity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 day | $3.90 |
| 7 days | $27.30 |
| 30 days | $74.90 |
All prices in USD. Unlimited data on all plans.
Hotspotting With Holafly (A Lifesaver in Indonesia)
One of the biggest benefits of using Holafly in Indonesia has been the hotspot performance. Some eSIM providers either don’t allow hotspotting at all or throttle the connection so heavily that it becomes unreliable. Holafly has been the opposite for me — smooth, fast and consistent, even during long work calls or when I’m uploading files.
Where I live, the power can flicker on and off for days. When the electricity drops, the Wi-Fi goes with it, which is every remote worker’s worst nightmare. Hotspotting through Holafly has genuinely saved me. I can switch my phone’s hotspot on instantly, reconnect my laptop, and jump straight back into whatever I was doing. There’s no delay, no dramatic slowdown, and no scrambling to find a café with a generator running.
I’ve used it for video calls, Slack, email, Google Drive uploads, and all the usual digital-nomad tasks, and it’s handled everything without melting down. Even on days when the power cuts multiple times, the unlimited data and stable hotspot make it easy to keep working.
If you rely on your connection for work — or just like the reassurance of a backup — Holafly’s hotspot performance is one of the biggest reasons I’ve stuck with it.
Holafly’s Operators, Coverage and Data Speeds
Holafly partners with different local network operators in each country, so your experience will depend partly on how strong those networks are in the area you’re visiting. If you’re travelling somewhere remote or planning a long road trip, it’s worth checking the general mobile coverage for your destination first. Just because Holafly offers an unlimited data plan in Indonesia doesn’t guarantee every location will have perfect reception.
In my experience, Holafly has worked reliably across the parts of Indonesia I’ve tested so far. I’ve used it in my small tourist town, around the south coast, and while out exploring — and I haven’t had issues with coverage or speed dips.
Holafly supports a range of speeds depending on the local network, including LTE and 4G. Actual performance will always depend on your location, tower density and peak usage times. As with most travel eSIMs, Holafly doesn’t provide local calls or texts, though you can still use WhatsApp or similar apps for communication.
Kuala Lumpur Co-Working Space
Additional Features
Here are a few additional features included with Holafly’s unlimited data plans.
App Management. Since Holafly’s plans are unlimited, you don’t need to track gigabytes, but the app still lets you view your plan details, remaining days and activation status. It’s simple, clean and easy to follow — ideal if you want a quick check before heading out for the day.
Customer Support. Support is an important part of any eSIM service. I didn’t need to contact Holafly’s support team because my purchase and setup went smoothly, but the reviews I’ve seen consistently mention fast, friendly responses. That reassurance is helpful if you’re new to eSIMs or nervous about activating one before a trip.
Setup Guides. Holafly provides clear installation instructions inside the app. Even though my activation worked on the first try, I did read through their guide to double-check I’d done everything correctly. The steps are well laid out, so it’s easy to troubleshoot if something doesn’t work immediately.
Holafly FAQs
Is Holafly a good eSIM?
Yes — Holafly is one of the most reliable eSIM options I’ve used in Indonesia. The setup is smooth, unlimited data takes the stress out of tracking gigabytes, and the connection has been dependable even in areas with patchy infrastructure. It’s especially great for travellers or remote workers who want something that “just works” without fuss.
Is Holafly really unlimited?
Holafly offers unlimited data plans, which means you can use as much mobile data as you need during your plan’s validity period. Speeds may vary depending on the local network, but I’ve never hit a hard cap or been cut off — even on heavy workdays with calls, uploads and hotspotting.
Is Holafly better than Airalo?
In my opinion, yes. I’ve used both, and while Airalo is well-known and very affordable, I struggled to set up my Airalo plan correctly, and the refund process took ages. Holafly, on the other hand, was exceptionally smooth from purchase to activation, and it didn’t let me down at moments when I really needed a stable connection. For ease and reliability, Holafly won me over.
Does Holafly have a daily limit?
No — Holafly’s unlimited plans don’t include a daily data limit. You can use as much data as you like each day, which is ideal for streaming, uploading, navigation, or working online. Speeds can vary based on local tower conditions, but there’s no fixed daily cap.
Does Holafly allow hotspot?
Yes, and this is honestly what sold me on Holafly. The hotspot performance has been excellent — smooth, fast, and incredibly reliable. When the power cuts (which happens a lot where I live), I can switch from Wi-Fi to Holafly’s mobile data and jump straight back into a call without missing a beat. For remote workers, this feature alone is a game-changer
Coffee doesn’t make the wi-fi faster
eSIM Competitor Comparison
Airalo
Airalo is still the most widely recognised eSIM provider, and it’s the one that comes up constantly in travel groups and forums. They offer very competitive pricing and an enormous range of regional and country-specific SIM cards, which is why so many people recommend them as a starting point. I’ve had an installation fail on me once, so I don’t use it anymore, but plenty of travellers swear by it and have had great experiences.
Saily
Saily sits in the middle ground: not the cheapest, not the fastest, but consistently simple to use. The interface is clean and the activation process is quick, which is why I still recommend it for travellers who want something low-stress. For destinations like Indonesia — where SIM registration rules can be unpredictable — Saily removes a lot of friction.
Nomad
I haven’t used Nomad personally, but I hear about it often from long-term travellers. It’s regularly praised for strong speeds and dependable network coverage, especially in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. If you’re the type who likes to try several apps to find the perfect fit, Nomad is one that many frequent travellers trust.
MossRoam
MossRoam was one I genuinely hoped would work for me, but the performance just wasn’t there. The pricing is higher than some of the bigger providers, and I experienced inconsistent speeds and dropouts that made it hard to rely on. I ended up switching away mid-trip once it became clear it wasn’t suitable for everyday use.
JetPack
My JetPack experience was a complete miss. The eSIM wouldn’t activate even when I was already in the destination country, and the support team didn’t manage to resolve the issue. After several attempts, I abandoned it altogether — a reminder of why having more than one eSIM app installed is always a smart move.
Holafly
Holafly is best for travellers who want unlimited data without constantly checking usage or topping up. The plans cost more, but the convenience is hard to beat, especially if you work remotely or move around a lot. Speeds can dip a little during peak times, but overall it’s the most hands-off option I’ve used, and the unlimited data makes day-to-day travel far easier.
A Quick Note: A VPN Will Save Your Sanity in Southeast Asia
If you’re travelling for more than a couple of weeks, a VPN quietly becomes one of your most useful tools.
It keeps your banking apps working, protects you on airport WiFi (which is… chaotic), and stops Netflix from switching you to the random local catalogue just because you opened the app in a Thai café.
I use NordVPN. It’s the only one that hasn’t let me down in Indonesia.
Summary
For me, an eSIM isn’t about being modern or “digital nomad-y”. It’s about feeling confident and grounded the moment I arrive somewhere unfamiliar. As a woman who sometimes travels alone, that first hour in a new country really matters — finding the right exit, booking a safe ride, loading up directions, and letting someone know I’ve landed safely. Having an eSIM already installed removes so much uncertainty from those moments.
One of the biggest reasons I’ve stuck with Holafly in Indonesia is how reliable the hotspotting has been. When the power flickers on and off — which happens more often than I’d like — the Wi-Fi disappears instantly. Being able to switch my phone’s hotspot on and jump straight back into a video call or upload work files has genuinely saved me. The connection has been smooth, fast and steady, even on days when the electricity is more off than on.
It also makes stopovers and short trips far smoother. There’s no scrambling to find a kiosk, no language barrier to navigate, and no awkward back-and-forth when a local SIM refuses to register. You step off the plane, switch on mobile data, and you’re ready to go.
In Indonesia, especially, where getting a physical SIM can involve IMEI checks, passport scans, or simply queues that test your patience, having an eSIM prepared gives you immediate breathing room. You can get to your accommodation, get settled, get water, get food — without trying to solve admin while jet-lagged.
Holafly has been one of the most dependable options I’ve used, especially with its unlimited data and reliable hotspotting during power cuts. If you value ease, safety, and a smooth first hour in a new place, an eSIM like Holafly is absolutely worth having in your toolkit.
