Every country has its own must-have apps, and Bali is no exception. Over time I've built my own list of apps that I use almost every day.
Save this article — most of these apps will come in handy from the moment you land.
🚕 Taxi & Delivery
Gojek
My main app in Bali.
With Gojek you can:
- book a taxi;
- hire a courier;
- order food;
- pay by QR code or transfer money.
You can top up your balance through [@ExchCore_bot](https://t.me/ExchCore_bot).
If you're staying in Bali for more than a couple of weeks, life without Gojek becomes much less convenient.
Important: You'll need a local phone number to register. Sometimes verification codes aren't delivered to international numbers.
Grab
Grab works throughout most of Southeast Asia.
If you've already used Grab in Thailand, Vietnam or Malaysia, the app works exactly the same in Bali.
Prices are usually a little higher than Gojek, but sometimes Grab finds a driver much faster.
Green SM
A newer ride-hailing app on the island that operates electric vehicles manufactured in Vietnam.
I've used it several times and was genuinely surprised by the prices. For example, a ride from Bukit to Ubud cost 650,000 IDR in Grab, while the exact same trip with Green SM was only 153,000 IDR.
🗺️ Navigation
Google Maps
The main navigation app for getting around Bali.
It's perfect for:
- planning routes;
- finding cafés and restaurants (don't forget to check out my recommendations in the Places section);
- reading reviews;
- saving places you'd like to visit.
Almost everyone on the island uses Google Maps.
🌊 Ocean & Surfing
Surfline
If you're planning to visit the beach or try surfing, this app is a must-have.
You can check:
- tides;
- wave forecasts;
- ocean conditions.
On some beaches, the tide can completely change the experience.
🛍️ Shopping
Shopee
Tokopedia
Indonesia's two largest online marketplaces.
Think of them as the local version of Amazon.
You can order almost anything:
- electronics;
- clothing;
- home essentials;
- cosmetics;
- everyday household items.
If you're living in Bali for a while, you'll probably end up using both.
📱 Mobile Service
You can buy a SIM card either at the airport or almost anywhere on the island at local mobile phone shops.
The main providers are:
- Telkomsel;
- XL Axiata;
- Smartfren.
We use Telkomsel, and so far it's been the most reliable network we've tried.
💱 Currency Exchange
For currency exchange and international transfers, we use ExchCore.
Through the service you can:
- exchange currencies;
- get help with international money transfers.
If you have any questions, simply message [@ExchCore_bot](https://t.me/ExchCore_bot). A manager usually replies within seconds and will guide you through the entire process.
📶 Internet from the Moment You Land
If you don't want to look for a SIM card after your flight, I recommend buying an eSIM before you travel. I usually get mine through [Trip.com](https://www.trip.com/t/3O7KLjCVnV2). It activates as soon as you set it up.
You'll have internet immediately after landing, making it easy to book a taxi, open Google Maps or message your family right from the airport.
In my experience, it sometimes even has a better signal than local SIM cards.
Officially, I'm an editor of city media around the world. But really, I'm just that traveling frog who chases adventures, connects people, and discovers new ways to make life a little more meaningful, exciting, and full of wonder every day
