Most Useful Apps for Bali: Essential Tools for Your Vacation
Do you know there are some things you often hear about but haven’t followed up on because you weren’t sure how they could benefit you during your holiday in Bali? Here are most useful apps for Bali vacation that can really enhance your experience while you’re on the island.
Grab and Gojek Apps
When you’re in Bali, you might notice that most tourists have their own private drivers for those epic day trips. But what if you just need a quick ride to the supermarket and back to your hotel? Sure, a private driver can take you wherever you want, but it can feel a bit out of place for a short trip, and it’s hard to know how much you should pay, as most drivers usually do longer rides. That’s where Grab and Gojek Gocar come in!
These ridesharing apps are perfect for short trips. With Grab and Gojek Gocar, you’ll get a fixed price for your ride so you can hop in without worrying about haggling or surprises at the end.
They’re super convenient and a lifesaver when you just need a quick ride. Just a few taps on your phone and you’re good to go! But for longer rides or day trips, hiring a private driver is a much better choice and highly recommended.
> Grab App
> Gojek App
Bluebird App
After you have Grab and Gojek apps installed, another reliable option is Bluebird Taxi. You might have heard that using metered taxis in Bali can be a bit tricky, and that’s kind of true! Bluebird is a trusted name in the game, and with their app, ordering a ride is super easy.
You can book a Bluebird taxi from your phone without the hassle of negotiating fares. Just set your pickup location, and they’ll send a driver right to you. Their fare transparency takes all the guesswork out of the cost, making your time in Bali more efficient.
>Bluebird App
Wise Card
The next thing that’s great to have is a Wise card. It’s a game changer for travelers in Bali! By using a Wise card, you have the chance to get the best exchange rates out there, no more getting ripped off at currency exchanges. With Wise, you’ll receive the real mid-market rate, leaving you with more money for delicious meals and fun activities.
You can use the Wise card to pay for hotels, restaurants, Grab rides and Bluebird taxis through the Bluebird app.
The Wise debit card is fantastic for making purchases and withdrawing cash at ATMs. You can withdraw up to $350 each month without any fees. after that, a small fee applies. Many travelers have shared how much they’ve saved by using Wise instead of traditional banks, so it’s definitely worth having while you’re in Bali. Plus, if your card is lost or stolen, you can quickly freeze it using the app for security protection.
Just a heads up: while you can use Wise at larger restaurants and shops, cash is still king in Bali! Small warungs and local markets often only accept cash, so make sure to carry some to ensure you can transact anywhere and most importantly, to support local businesses.
Wise Official Site
Wise Card Fees
Wise Card Help & Support
Article: Is a Wise Card Really Worth it
eSIM
Last but definitely not least is the eSIM. This handy little feature lets you stay connected without the hassle of swapping out SIM cards. Just activate it and you’re good to go with fast data throughout your trip!
But before you get too excited, be sure to check if your device is compatible with eSIM. Most newer smartphones are good to go, but it’s always smart to double-check!
With an eSIM, you can navigate Bali, share your amazing moments in real-time and stay in touch with friends and family back home, all without searching for Wi-Fi!
>Saily eSIM
Quick Tips to Enhance Your Bali Experience
Tipping in Bali: Are you wondering if a $10 tip for hotel staff in Bali is appropriate? You want to show appreciation without offending anyone, right?
well, Most staff will accept tips regardless of the amount and might only say “thank you,” even if they think it’s too low. Gratitude is a genuine characteristic of the locals. There’s no standard for tipping in Bali, so you can give whatever you feel is right, no problem at all. However, You might want to ask yourself this: if there are two tour guides with different levels of experience who work for themselves and have no basic salary, their expertise can greatly influence the quality of their work. Would you tip them the same amount?
There are many locals who work for themselves, meaning they have no basic salary, no insurance, and they earn money only when they get clients or jobs. On the other hand, there are also locals who work for hotels, restaurants, or travel companies, who have a basic salary and probably some insurance. Are you going to generalize when giving tips?
No matter what your answer is, it won’t change the genuine gratitude expressed by the locals. Remember, there’s no standard for tipping in Bali, so give whatever you feel is right.
Indonesian Phrases: Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases before your Bali holiday can make a big difference in your experience. While many locals in Bali speak English, especially in tourist areas, knowing even simple greetings or polite expressions in Bahasa Indonesia can help you connect with the culture and locals on a deeper level. It shows respect for their language, and you’ll often be met with smiles and a warmer reception. Plus, learning phrases like ‘terima kasih’ (thank you) or ‘selamat pagi’ (good morning) can make everyday interactions, such as ordering food or asking for directions, much easier and more enjoyable.
When it comes to shopping or negotiating prices for tours and activities, speaking a little Bahasa Indonesia can help you secure better deals and build a more personal connection with local services. Yes, there are free apps for Indonesian phrases, or you can use Google Translate, but they require an internet connection, and not all tourists have internet access all the time. So, I’ve curated 1,000 Indonesian phrases into an ebook for you to learn. Once downloaded, you can save it to your device and refer to it whenever you need. I’ve left the price open, so you can pay whatever feels right for you. 1000 Indonesian Phrases for Travelers
Bali Travel Guide: As a local, I love seeing more and more people come to Bali, so I created a 170-page Bali Travel Guide ebook that covers the essentials. It includes must-see places, things to do, visa regulations, money and currency exchange tips, where to stay, local insights, and more. And of course, I’ve left the price open, so you can pay whatever feels right for you. A dollar or two for my coffee would be greatly appreciated. Grab your copy here
There you have it, a quick overview of the most useful apps for a Bali holiday. Whether you’re navigating the island, managing your budget, or staying connected, these apps, along with your Wise card and eSIM will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. If you have any questions related to your Bali vacation, just reach out to me on Messenger or send me an email. I’d be happy to share my insights as a local guide
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