14 Essential Apps to Use in Bali
The Essential Apps to Use in Bali for an easier trip that will save you time, money and hassle
Bali is wonderfully chaotic in the best possible way. Things move fast, plans change, and almost everything happens digitally. Having the right apps on your phone can save you time, money, and a lot of unnecessary stress.
Here’s a curated list of the most useful apps to download before (or right after) you arrive in Bali, grouped by category.
Transportation:
Grab & Gojek
These two are absolute essentials in Bali and once you arrive you’ll understand why.
Grab and Gojek are used for car and scooter taxis and are by far the most convenient way to get around. You simply enter your location, choose your ride, and a driver shows up within minutes. Prices are fixed in the app, so no bargaining or confusion. Plus you can choose to either pay cash or for less hassle - just enter your card details in the app and pay by card.
A few things to know:
Availability can be limited in remote areas like North and West Bali.
Always ask your driver for a helmet if they don’t offer one. Wearing a helmet is required by law.
Gojek and Grab are often cheaper than arranging transport on the street, especially in busy areas.
Bonus feature:
Both apps offer a pickup and delivery service. A driver can collect laundry, food, documents, or items from a shop in another town and deliver them straight to your door. It’s incredibly useful for longer stays. If someone goes out of their way for you, tipping is always appreciated.
Pro tip:
If you took a ride and you were super happy with the driver and their skills, just ask them for their WhatsApp number as next time you need a ride or transfer, you could arrange the transportation directly with them.
2. Google Maps
Google Maps is still the most reliable app for navigation in Bali and one of the best tools for organising your trip.
You can use it to:
Navigate while driving a scooter or car
Check real-time traffic conditions
Save cafés, restaurants, beaches, waterfalls, and viewpoints
Create your own custom lists for different areas of Bali
Save my Google Maps lists with over 200 tested and verified locations on the islands - available in my Bali Guide 🔗
It’s especially useful if, like me, you enjoy planning loosely and pinning places as you go. Having all your saved spots in one map makes spontaneous exploring much easier and helps you avoid unnecessary backtracking.
3. 12Go App
If you plan to leave Bali and explore nearby islands, this app is a must.
12Go is perfect for checking routes and booking ferries, boats, and combined transport. I personally use it for:
Ferry tickets to the Nusa Islands - Penida, Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, and the Gili Islands
Comparing travel options and schedules between islands
It’s reliable, easy to use, and saves you from dealing with multiple websites or ticket offices.
Communication Apps:
4. WhatsApp
If Bali had an official communication channel, this would be it.
WhatsApp is used for almost everything:
Communicating with villas and hotels
Booking drivers, tours, and activities
Scheduling massages, spa appointments, private classes
Organising airport pickups
Nearly every business uses WhatsApp, and you’ll often see QR codes at cafés, villas, and shops. Scan the code and you’re instantly connected. If you don’t have WhatsApp installed, you’ll feel lost very quickly.
5. Google Translate
Although, English is widely spoke in Balinese in the touristy areas sometimes you might end up in a situation where locals might struggle to understand you. In such cases I use Google Translate to make it easier for both sides. It’s one of those apps that proves invaluable in small, unexpected moments, especially in local warungs, markets, or more remote areas where English is limited.
You can:
Translate menus and signs using the camera feature
Download Indonesian and Balinese for offline use
Communicate basic needs when language becomes a barrier or communicate with the App when you have very specific requirements (when it comes to dietary restrictions, etc.)
6. Stay connected with an E-sim: AIRALO
This is my go-to solution for staying connected.
Instead of buying a local SIM card, I always recommend using an international e-SIM for convenience and straight away connection once you land in Bali. I personally use Airalo. You can install it before your departure and activate it as soon as you land, which means you’ll have mobile data immediately at the airport.
Why it’s great:
No physical SIM needed
No queues at the airport
Works instantly upon arriva
topping up is straightforward
you can buy e-sims for other countries, too
You can use my code KAROLI5252 to get $3 off your first purchase.
Money & Payments 💳
7. Wise & Revolut
Having Wise and Revolut when traveling anywhere in the world is extremely smart, and Bali is no exception.
In Indonesia, Wise is widely used and very practical.
Why these apps are useful:
Hold and exchange multiple currencies
Excellent exchange rates
Easy card payments or fast bank transfers (international, too)
ATM withdrawals - some ATMs might have a small withdraw fee (IDR 50,000). For free withdraws use BCA or Mandiri Bank ATMs.
See conversions instantly in all the currencies you’ve added
They’re perfect for managing expenses without relying on cash all the time.
You can sign up for Wise using my link here and open a free account. As a welcome reward, you can choose either a free physical card or zero transfer fees on your first transfer up to BGN 1000.
8. Currency App
Currency is an offline currency converter and, without exaggeration, one of the apps I’ve used the most in my life.
It provides up-to-date exchange rates for over 160 currencies worldwide and works even without an internet connection, which makes it incredibly practical while traveling. You simply enter an amount and it instantly converts it into all the currencies you’ve pinned in the app.
When you live abroad or travel frequently, your brain starts switching between currencies all the time, and it can get surprisingly confusing. This app removes the mental math completely and lets you understand prices at a glance, whether you’re paying for a coffee or negotiating a bigger expense.
Simple, fast and free.
Accommodation & Activities:
9. Booking.com
Most of the time, I use Booking.com. For me, it’s one of the easiest platforms for booking hotels, guesthouses, and villas, especially for shorter stays or last-minute trips.
One of the biggest advantages is the customer support. Having reliable assistance when you need it adds real peace of mind while traveling. I also love that you can communicate directly with the property, ask questions, and send special requests before or after booking.
Another feature I genuinely appreciate is the Genius loyalty program. Over time, you collect points through your bookings and unlock different Genius levels. I’ve already reached Genius level, which means I benefit from:
exclusive discounts, free breakfast at selected properties, and additional perks. It’s one of those platforms that truly rewards frequent travelers.
10. Airbnb
Ideal for longer stays, private villas, and more home-style accommodations. Many villas in Bali are listed exclusively on Airbnb. We all know the pros and cons of Airbnb, so no need to explain on this one.
Having both apps gives you flexibility and more options!
11. Get Your Guide
GetYourGuide is a very convenient app for discovering and booking activities, tours, and experiences across Bali and beyond. In general, I prefer exploring independently or finding local guides and booking directly with them. But if you don’t have the time to do a research and you want to find a quick tour where you can see other peoples reviews, then this app is the right one for you.
You can use it to:
Browse tours and experiences
Book day trips, boat tours, and cultural activities
Read verified reviews before committing
Secure last-minute plans when you don’t want to organise everything yourself
The prices are clear and there would be no surprises.
Food Delivery:
12. GoJek / Grab
Beyond transport, both apps are hugely popular for food delivery.
You can:
Order food from almost any restaurant on the island and choose delivery or pick up
Reserve tables at selected restaurants
Access exclusive discounts and promotions
Whether you’re working from your villa or just don’t feel like heading out in the heat or in the evening, these apps will keep you well fed and there is plenty of choice.
Extra Peace of Mind
13. Dropbox
Phones get lost, stolen, or damaged more often than you’d expect in Bali, especially with scooters, beaches, and waterfalls involved.
Using Dropbox (or any cloud storage like Icloud) to automatically back up your photos ensures your memories stay safe, no matter what happens to your phone.
Long-Term Stay Essentials 🛒
14. Tokopedia
If you’re staying in Bali longer and start missing Amazon, Tokopedia is the closest equivalent.
You can order anything from electronics, household items to clothing and more. Just be aware that delivery can take longer, especially if items are shipped from Java. If you want faster delivery, filter or search for items shipped from Bali.
Having these apps ready will make your Bali experience smoother, more flexible, and far more enjoyable.
Bali rewards those who are prepared, and your phone is one of the best travel tools you’ll have with you!
