Useful Apps for Bali
Must-Have Apps
Section titled “Must-Have Apps”Download these before you fly. You’ll use them every day.
The #1 app you need. Grab is Southeast Asia’s super-app — ride-hailing, food delivery, and more.
- Rides: Cheapest way to get around (car and motorbike taxi)
- Food delivery: GrabFood works across Bali
- Data top-ups: Buy XL pulsa/data through Grab (Pulsa & Data section)
- Payments: GrabPay works at many shops and restaurants
- Download Grab →
Grab’s competitor. Same concept — rides, food delivery, payments.
- Sometimes cheaper than Grab for the same ride
- GoFood is excellent for food delivery
- Good to have both apps and compare prices
- Download Gojek →
Google Maps
Section titled “Google Maps”You already have this, but make sure to:
- Download offline maps for Bali before you arrive (in case of spotty signal)
- Use it for navigation on your scooter
- Check restaurant/attraction reviews and opening hours
The default communication method in Indonesia. Everyone uses it:
- Hotels communicate via WhatsApp
- Scooter rental shops, drivers, tour guides — all WhatsApp
- If you need to contact anyone locally, it’ll be through WhatsApp
- Most Indonesians don’t use SMS or regular phone calls
Useful to Have
Section titled “Useful to Have”If you’re using the XL Tourist eSIM (and you should be), download the myXL app to:
- Check your remaining data
- Buy data top-ups with your credit card
- View your account details
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Section titled “Wise (formerly TransferWise)”- Multi-currency account with great exchange rates
- Wise debit card works in Indonesian ATMs with low fees
- Useful if your home bank charges high foreign transaction fees
XE Currency
Section titled “XE Currency”- Quick currency converter for IDR to your home currency
- Works offline
- Helpful when negotiating or checking if a price is fair
Payment Apps
Section titled “Payment Apps”Indonesia is increasingly cashless, but Bali is still largely cash-based for tourists:
- ATMs are your best bet for cash (BCA, Mandiri, BNI — avoid standalone ATMs)
- Credit cards accepted at most restaurants and hotels in tourist areas
- GrabPay/GoPay work at many shops if you top up your wallet
- QRIS (Indonesia’s QR payment system) is everywhere — but requires an Indonesian bank account or e-wallet
Before You Fly Checklist
Section titled “Before You Fly Checklist”- Download Grab and Gojek
- Download Google Maps and save Bali offline maps
- Have WhatsApp installed and working
- Buy your BNE eSIM for landing-day data
- Buy your XL Tourist eSIM and install it (activates when you arrive)
- Download myXL app
- Save your travel insurance emergency number in contacts