Staying Connected: A Simple Guide to SIM Cards, ATMs, and Wi-Fi on Nusa Lembongan
One of the best parts of a holiday on Nusa Lembongan is the feeling of escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life. But let’s be realistic—sometimes you still need to check your map, send a message to family back home, or look up the best spot for dinner. Balancing that “unplugged” feeling with the need to stay connected is key to a stress-free trip.
This guide is full of practical Nusa Lembongan travel tips to help you easily manage your money, phone, and internet access on the island. Here’s everything you need to know for 2025.
Getting Cash: A Quick Guide to ATMs
While the island life is laid-back, it largely runs on cash. Many of the smaller, charming warungs, local shops, and market stalls will only accept Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
- Are there ATMs on Nusa Lembongan? Yes! You will find several ATMs on the island, located primarily in the main hubs of Jungutbatu and Mushroom Bay.
- Pro Tip: It’s a smart idea to bring a good amount of cash with you from the mainland (Bali). Island ATMs can occasionally run out of money or go offline, especially during busy periods. Having a backup stash will save you any potential hassle.
- Card Payments: Most larger restaurants, dive shops, and hotels (including Gecko Bungalows) will accept credit or debit cards, but always have some cash on hand for daily expenses.
Getting Online: Wi-Fi on the Island
You’ll be happy to know that staying online is quite easy on Lembongan. Most cafes, restaurants, and accommodations offer Wi-Fi to their customers and guests. The connection speed is generally good enough for checking emails, using social media, and Browse the web. Just remember, you are on a small island, so speeds might be a bit more “relaxed” than what you’re used to back home!
Reliable Wi-Fi at Your Home Base
At Gecko Bungalows, we understand the importance of a good connection. We offer reliable, free Wi-Fi to all our guests, accessible throughout our property. It’s perfect for planning your next day’s adventure, looking up the fast boat schedule, booking a snorkeling tour, or uploading your favorite photos from the day to make everyone at home jealous!
Your Personal Connection: Getting a Local SIM Card
For the ultimate convenience and constant connectivity, a local SIM card is your best bet. This is especially useful for using Google Maps for getting around Lembongan on your scooter or for calling a local restaurant to make a dinner reservation.
- Where to Buy: The easiest and most affordable place to buy a tourist SIM card is on the mainland in Bali, right after you land at the airport or in a phone shop in Sanur before you board the fast boat.
- Which Provider to Choose: Telkomsel and XL Axiata are two of the biggest providers in Indonesia and generally offer the best and most reliable coverage across the Nusa islands.
- What You’ll Need: You will need your passport to register the SIM card, so have it handy. The staff at the official kiosks are very helpful and will usually install and activate the card for you.
With these simple tips, you can navigate Lembongan with ease, knowing you have access to cash and connectivity whenever you need it. Now, you can get back to the important things—like deciding which beach to visit next.