🚗 Want to estimate Gojek fares? Click here

Bottom Line: Download and register with your Taiwanese phone number before departure (to avoid getting stuck without OTP verification upon arrival). Once in Bali, linking a credit card makes ride-hailing easiest. Both apps function almost identically—Grab offers better international card support and a Chinese interface; Gojek is a local Indonesian brand, and if card payments fail, you can top up GoPay at Alfamart convenience stores. Below is a complete step-by-step guide with visuals.
How to Use Gojek / Grab
When traveling in Bali, Gojek and Grab are two essential “national apps.” Their features and interfaces are remarkably similar, like two different brand versions of Uber.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started quickly:
Step 1: Register Before Departure (Crucial!)
Both apps require an SMS verification code (OTP) to complete registration.
- Recommendation: Download and register with your Taiwanese phone number before departure (while still in Taiwan).
- Benefit: Avoid getting stuck in Bali due to local SIM cards not receiving SMS or unstable networks.
Step 2: Link a Credit Card (Cashless)
While cash is accepted, it’s highly recommended to link a credit card to avoid the hassle of fumbling for small Indonesian rupiah coins.
- Grab: User-friendly interface with strong international card support, even offering a Chinese interface.
- Gojek: A local Indonesian brand; if card payments fail, consider topping up GoPay at local convenience stores like Alfamart.
Step 3: Booking Process (Step-by-Step)
No matter which app you use, the booking process is essentially the same:
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Choose Your Service:
- Bike: Best for solo travelers, in a hurry (especially in traffic), or short distances. On Gojek, select GoRide; on Grab, select GrabBike.
- Car: Ideal for groups, those with luggage, or anyone wanting air conditioning. On Gojek, select GoCar; on Grab, select GrabCar.
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Set Your Destination (Where to): Enter the location name or drop a pin directly on the map.
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Confirm Your Pick-up Point: The system will auto-detect your location, but it’s a good idea to double-check manually to ensure the driver can find you.
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Check the Price: The app will display a fixed total fare (transparent pricing, no meter or haggling).
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Tap Order/Book: The system will match you with a driver, and the screen will show the driver’s name, license plate, and location.
Step 4: Communicating with Your Driver

- In-App Chat: Both apps have built-in chat rooms where you can send messages or photos to share your exact location.
- Translation Feature: Grab has built-in auto-translation, so messages from the driver in Indonesian will automatically convert to English or Chinese. With Gojek, you may need to use simple English.
- Common Pick-up Location Phrases:
- At the main gate: Di pintu utama
- At XX convenient store: Di mini mart XX
- At XX store: Di toko XX
- Pick me up at number XX: jemput saya di nomor XX
Step 5: Arrival and Rating
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After getting off, if you’ve linked a credit card, you can simply exit the vehicle.
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Tipping: If you feel the driver provided excellent service (e.g., helped with heavy luggage or navigated through heavy traffic), you can show your appreciation with a small tip of 5,000–10,000 IDR through the app.
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下車後,若已綁定信用卡,直接下車即可。
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小費: 若覺得司機服務很好(例如幫忙搬重物或繞過嚴重塞車),可以在 App 上給予 5,000–10,000 IDR 的小額小費以表心意。
Usage Restrictions
In certain areas of Bali, signs still oppose ride-hailing apps, primarily to protect the livelihoods of local taxi and private drivers.
To help you quickly understand, here’s a summary of the relevant information:
📍 Key Restricted Areas and Situations
· Common restricted spots: Tourist hotspots like Kuta, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, and parts of Kintamani have been reported with such bans since 2022. · Flashpoint: Around Lake Batur and Songan Village, ride-hailing apps have been accused of undercutting local drivers’ rates, sparking strong opposition from the local tourism transport association. · Recent policy: According to early 2025 reports, Bali authorities have introduced new rules requiring ride-hailing drivers to hold a Balinese ID card (KTP) and use local license plates, aiming to protect local drivers’ interests.
🚗 Practical Impact and Tips for Travelers
Restrictions do exist, but their overall impact on travelers is limited. You can navigate smoothly with these tips:

- Still usable in major areas: At the airport, most hotels, and regular streets, you can still use Grab and Gojek apps as usual. They offer transparent pricing and are convenient for short trips.
- Avoid marked spots: If you see signs like ‘No Online Taxi Pickup/Drop-off’ near tourist attractions, temples, or restaurant entrances, avoid ordering or boarding there (see image above).
- Smart workaround: In such cases, walk about 5–10 minutes away from the area to a nearby main road or alley before using the app to book a ride. This usually works smoothly and often gets you a better price.
- Alternative: For full-day cross-region sightseeing (e.g., from the south to Ubud or the volcano), booking a private car is a more common, comfortable, and hassle-free option, with drivers often doubling as guides.
Quick reference: 【Bali Private Car Hire Guide】
⚠️ Important Reminder
快速參考:【峇里島包車須知懶人包】
⚠️ 重要提醒
· Respect the rules: Always follow posted signs and regulations. Boarding in restricted areas may lead to disputes with local drivers. · Safety first: If hailing a taxi on the street, choose the reputable Bluebird Taxi and ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fixed price to avoid being overcharged.
In summary, ride-hailing apps remain a useful tool in most parts of Bali—just avoid popular spots with clear restrictions. Planning your transportation in advance will make your trip much smoother.
More About Private Car Hire
- Gojek & GoPay in Indonesia/Bali: Registration, Usage & Top-Up Guide
- Bali Mandarin-Speaking Drivers, Guides & Car Hire Tours
- Bali Private Car Hire Guide: Costs, Booking Tips & Benefits
- Find Your Perfect Bali Driver: Real Traveler Reviews
- Nusa Penida Transport Guide: Taxi, Gojek, Car Hire & Scooter
- Motorbike vs. Private Car in Bali: Which Should You Choose?
- Arriving in Bali: Airport Transfer Options & Day-1 Tips
- Complete Gojek & Grab Ride-Hailing Guide with Screenshots
👈 Back to the Ultimate Bali Travel Guide
Want to see the complete beginner’s guide? Click here to read the ‘2026 Bali Ultimate Travel Guide’ to get everything sorted before you go.