Quick answer: To add credit (called pulsa), pay cash at any Indomaret, Alfamart or phone kiosk and give them your XL number. To add data, log in to the myXL app with your number and an SMS code, then buy a data package. To check your balance, dial *808# or open myXL. Our tourist plans are data-only, so you only need credit if you want to make normal phone calls or send SMS.
Credit vs data: what is the difference?
| Credit (pulsa) | Data package (kuota) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Money stored on your number | A bundle of GB with its own expiry date |
| Used for | Normal calls, SMS, and buying data packages | Internet: maps, WhatsApp, social media, video |
| Where to buy | Indomaret, Alfamart, phone kiosks, apps | myXL app, or with credit via *808# |
Your tourist plan already includes a data package for 28 days. Most visitors never need credit, because WhatsApp calls use data, not credit.
Check your balance first
Using a code (no internet needed):
- Open the Phone app and dial *808#, then press call.
- Choose 7 (Info), then 1 (Info kartu XL-ku).
- Choose the package you want to check. Your remaining data and expiry date appear on screen.
Shortcut for data: dial *808*7*1# and choose “Cek kuota” (source). Menus are in Indonesian: kuota means data, pulsa means credit, masa aktif means validity.
Using the app: install myXL from the App Store or Google Play, log in with your XL number, and enter the code sent by SMS. Your remaining data is shown on the home screen. You can also log in on the web at my.xl.co.id.
How to add data in the myXL app
- Open myXL and log in with your XL number.
- Go to the package or shop section and choose a data package that fits the rest of your trip.
- Pay using one of the methods offered. Payment options vary, so if a foreign card is not accepted, add credit at a minimarket first and pay with your credit.
- Wait for the confirmation SMS, then check your new balance.
Running low long before the end of your trip? Check the Bali data usage calculator to estimate what you need, or message us on WhatsApp (+62 851 2358 3773) and we will suggest the right add-on.
How to add credit at a minimarket
Indomaret and Alfamart are everywhere in Bali, often open 24 hours, and the easiest place to top up with cash.
- Go to the cashier and say “isi pulsa XL” (top up XL credit).
- Tell them the amount, for example “lima puluh ribu” (fifty thousand rupiah).
- Show or write down your XL number. Double-check it before they process it.
- Pay in cash and keep the receipt. A confirmation SMS usually arrives within minutes.
Small phone kiosks (look for “pulsa” or “konter” signs) do the same thing and are common in every village. Expect a small service fee on top of the credit amount.
What is my XL number?
Your number is printed on the SIM card holder. If you have an eSIM or lost the holder, check your order confirmation, or ask our pickup staff to note it for you when you collect your SIM. Save it in your phone’s contacts as “My Bali number”, since you will need it for every top-up.
Using Tri or IM3 instead of XL?
Our plans run on XL, Tri or IM3. The process is the same, but use the operator’s own app: bima+ for Tri and myIM3 for IM3. Minimarket top-ups work the same way; just say “isi pulsa Tri” or “isi pulsa IM3”.
Common problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| No SMS code when logging in to myXL | Turn Wi-Fi off, make sure the XL line is active, and try again after a minute |
| Credit added but data not working | Credit is not data. Buy a data package with the credit in myXL or via *808# |
| Top-up sent to the wrong number | Ask the store for help straight away with your receipt; it is hard to reverse later |
| Data finished before 28 days | Buy an add-on package; you do not need a new SIM card |
FAQ
Can tourists top up an XL SIM card in Bali? Yes. Pay cash for credit at Indomaret, Alfamart or a phone kiosk, or buy data in the myXL app.
How do I check my XL data balance? Dial *808#, choose 7 then 1, or log in to the myXL app.
Do I need credit to use WhatsApp? No. WhatsApp messages and calls use your data package.
Can I extend my tourist plan beyond 28 days? Yes, by buying another package before your plan expires. Ask us on WhatsApp for the best option for your trip length.
