Useful apps for Indonesia: transport, maps, translation

Set up the two ride-hailing apps before you fly, because they need a phone number for verification and a payment method that works abroad. Grab and Gojek both run cars, motorbike taxis (ojek), food delivery and parcel couriers, and both accept cash in many areas, which is the simplest fallback if your card is declined. Fares are quoted in the app in rupiah, so you know the price before you accept.

Google Maps is the default for navigation and public transport in the big cities, and it handles walking routes and warung listings well. Coverage thins on smaller islands and in national parks, so download offline maps for the regions you plan to visit. For long-distance trains, use the official KAI Access app or the KAI website to check schedules and buy tickets; for buses and ferries between islands, schedules are often only available locally or through travel agents.

For money, keep your bank or card app installed with travel notifications switched on, and check whether your wallet supports QRIS, Indonesia's national QR standard, before relying on it. A currency converter is handy for rupiah amounts, and a translation app with offline Indonesian helps outside tourist areas. If you plan to stay connected, a local SIM or eSIM from Telkomsel, XL or Indosat is usually cheaper than roaming.