Must-Have Apps for Indonesia & Bali
33 apps · Apps verified August 31, 2026 · Guide written April 1, 2025
Quick Answer
What apps do I need in Indonesia?
For Indonesia, most travelers should download GoPay, OVO, DANA, and Yesim before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Sources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions travelers and AI assistants ask most often.
What apps do I need in Indonesia?
For Indonesia, most travelers should download GoPay, OVO, DANA, and Yesim before arrival for transport, payments, maps, and connectivity. International cards are widely accepted, though keeping a backup payment option is still wise. Tap water is not generally safe to drink, so plan on bottled or filtered water.
Can I drink tap water in Indonesia?
No, tap water is not safe to drink in Indonesia. Never drink tap water. Always use bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in local warungs. Tourist restaurants use purified ice. Bottled water costs 3,000-5,000 IDR.
Should I tip in Indonesia?
Tipping is not mandatory but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas (Bali especially). Small tips show appreciation. Restaurants: Not expected at local warungs. 5-10% at tourist/upscale restaurants. Some add service charge.
Do I need a visa to visit Indonesia?
Many nationalities can visit Indonesia visa-free for up to 30 days. 169 countries get visa-free entry for 30 days. Bali offers special Second Home Visa (5-10 years, $130k property/funds requirement) and Digital Nomad B211A visa (60 days, extendable to 180 days, requires $5000 monthly income). Visa on arrival available for $35 (30 days, extendable once). Social/cultural visa (B211) allows 60-180 days.
What power adapter do I need for Indonesia?
Indonesia uses Type C, F power outlets at 230V, 50Hz. European-style round pins. US/UK visitors need an adapter. Most mid-range and above hotels provide universal outlets or adapters.
If you use these apps at home
How the big global apps hold up in Indonesia — and what locals use instead.
- If you use Uber
- For ride-hailing, locals in Indonesia typically use Gojek, Grab, and Bluebird.
- If you use Uber Eats
- For food delivery, locals in Indonesia typically use GoFood and GrabFood.
- If you use WhatsApp Works here
- Yes — WhatsApp works in Indonesia.
- If you use Google Maps Works here
- Yes — Google Maps works in Indonesia.
- If you use Apple Pay
- For payments, locals in Indonesia typically use GoPay and OVO.
- If you use Amazon
- For online shopping, locals in Indonesia typically use Shopee.
- If you use Netflix Works here
- Yes — Netflix works in Indonesia. Locals also use Vidio.
Finance & Payments
3 apps
eSIM & Data Plans
4 apps
Already use N26, Revolut, or Truecaller? Some bank apps now bundle travel data, so check yours first. If not, these standalone eSIMs are the best value:
Ride Hailing
4 apps
Public Transit
2 apps
Navigation
2 apps
Food Delivery
2 apps
Communication
2 apps
Shopping
2 apps
Tours & Experiences
3 apps
Health & Insurance
3 apps
Media & Entertainment
3 apps
Dining & Reservations
1 app
Border & Entry
2 apps
💳 Payment Methods in Indonesia
Tourist Accessibility
Moderate accessibility
International Cards
ATM availability: common
Accepted Payment Methods
Popular Local Payment Apps
💡 Cash still dominates especially outside major cities. GoPay and OVO can be topped up at convenience stores (Alfamart/Indomaret) making them accessible to tourists. QRIS unified QR code system growing rapidly. Cards accepted at hotels, malls, and tourist restaurants. Remote islands are cash-only - stock up before traveling.
Travel Information for Indonesia
Common Requirements
- 6 months passport validity
- return ticket
- proof of accommodation
🏧 ATM Tips
ATMs everywhere but many have low limits (1-3 million Rp). Mandiri and BCA best for foreign cards. BNI and Bank Central Asia reliable. ATM fees 15,000-50,000 Rp per withdrawal. Bring backup cards - machines often retain cards temporarily.
💱 Money Exchange Tips
Authorized money changers (look for blue sign) offer better rates than banks. Count money carefully - scams common. Avoid damaged or old USD bills. Small denominations useful for islands. Many remote islands cash-only - stock up before traveling.
Best Time to Visit
April-October (dry season). July-August peak tourist season. November-March rainy season but still manageable. Regional variations: Maluku/Papua opposite seasons. Avoid Nyepi (Balinese New Year) when everything closes.
Languages
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia), Javanese, Balinese, 300+ regional languages English: moderate
SIM Cards & Connectivity
Telkomsel best coverage for islands. XL Axiata good value. Smartfren cheap data. Registration requires passport at official stores. Buy at airport or mall, not street vendors. eSIM increasingly available.
Transportation
Domestic flights essential for island hopping (Lion Air, Garuda, AirAsia). Ferries connect major islands (Pelni for long routes, fast boats for tourist routes). Trains only on Java and Sumatra. Blue Bird trusted taxi company. Ojek (motorbike taxis) everywhere via Gojek/Grab.
Cultural Notes
- Muslim majority (87%) - dress modestly outside Bali
- Remove shoes entering homes/mosques
- Use right hand for eating/greeting
- Don't touch heads
- Haggling expected in markets
- Respect local customs - Bali is Hindu
- Friday prayers 12-1pm affect services
Safety Rating
Emergency Numbers
Tap Water
Never drink tap water. Always use bottled or filtered water. Avoid ice in local warungs. Tourist restaurants use purified ice. Bottled water costs 3,000-5,000 IDR.
Power Outlets
230V, 50Hz
European-style round pins. US/UK visitors need an adapter. Most mid-range and above hotels provide universal outlets or adapters.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but increasingly appreciated in tourist areas (Bali especially). Small tips show appreciation.
Ngurah Rai International Airport (Bali) (DPS)
Pick up from designated ride-hailing area in the parking structure. Grab and Gojek are NOT allowed in the terminal pickup area.
Prepaid fixed-rate counter inside arrivals. Choose destination, pay, get voucher. More expensive than Grab but hassle-free.
Many hotels offer airport pickup. Arrange in advance. Check if included in room rate.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Comfortable AC train. Connects to Commuter Line and MRT. Runs 4:20am-midnight.
Pick up at designated area. Jakarta traffic can be extreme — allow extra time.
Most reliable taxi company. Use Blue Bird app or official queue. Insist on meter.
Routes to various Jakarta areas. Budget option. AC buses.
⚠️ Money Changer Short-changing (Bali)
Unlicensed money changers in Kuta/Seminyak offer great rates but use sleight of hand to short-change you, folding bills or miscounting during rapid counting.
Only use authorized money changers (BMC, Central Kuta). Count money carefully yourself before leaving. ATMs give fair rates.
⚠️ Transport Mafia (Bali)
Local transport 'mafia' controls taxi access near beaches and temples, blocking Grab/Gojek drivers and forcing tourists to use expensive unofficial drivers.
Walk a few hundred meters away from tourist hotspots to get a Grab. Some areas have designated Grab pickup points. Ask your hotel for advice.
⚠️ Fake Tickets/Tour Scam
Street vendors sell fake entry tickets or book tours that don't exist, especially for popular attractions like Komodo or volcano tours.
Book through Klook, GetYourGuide, or your hotel. Buy entry tickets at official counters only.
⚠️ Motorbike Rental Damage Scam
Rental shops claim you caused pre-existing damage to the motorbike and demand payment for 'repairs'.
Take photos/video of the entire bike before renting. Only rent from reputable shops. Check reviews online.
✈️ Download Before You Go
Get these apps ready on your phone before boarding
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