Bali barely has traditional metered taxis anymore. Instead, everyone uses two apps: Grab and Gojek. You see the fixed price before you book, pay by card in the app or in cash, and the driver navigates straight to you. For short rides, food and groceries this is by far the cheapest and easiest option. Here's how to set them up and use them smartly.
What are Grab and Gojek?
Both are 'super-apps': ride services that also deliver food, groceries and parcels. Grab is from Singapore and works across Southeast Asia; Gojek is Indonesian and originally the motorbike-taxi app. In practice they do the same thing on Bali. You can choose:
- Car (GrabCar / GoCar) — air-conditioned, great in the rain, for luggage or four people.
- Scooter taxi (GrabBike / GoRide) — you ride pillion; cheap and fast through traffic, helmet included.
- Food (GrabFood / GoFood) — delivery from thousands of restaurants.
- Groceries & parcels (GrabMart / GoMart, GoSend).
Tip: install both apps. Prices vary by the minute and sometimes one app has no driver free — then you just use the other.
Why are they so handy?
- Fixed price up front — you see the fare before booking, so no haggling or 'broken meter'.
- Much cheaper than flagging down a driver on the street.
- Cashless or cash — pay by card/GoPay in the app, or choose cash.
- In English and map-based: set your pickup on the map; chat with the driver with auto-translation.
- Safe — the ride, driver and plate are logged; you can share your trip live.
Install them before you arrive
Do this at home so you can book a ride the moment you land:
- Download Grab and Gojek from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register with your phone number (you'll get an SMS code — do this while you still have your own SIM).
- Optionally add a credit card for cashless payment (you can also do this later, or just pick 'cash').
To use the apps on the ground you need internet. Arrange an eSIM for Bali and activate it before departure, so you have data the moment you land. Without internet, Grab and Gojek won't work.
How to book a ride
- Open the app and choose Car or Bike.
- Set your pickup point accurately on the map and enter your destination.
- You'll see the fixed price and pick a payment method (cash or card).
- Confirm; watch the driver come to you. Call or chat if they can't find you.
On a scooter taxi you get a helmet. Got luggage, or is it raining? Take a car instead.
Getting food & groceries delivered
GrabFood and GoFood are hugely popular in Bali. Order to your hotel or villa from hundreds of restaurants — often within 20–40 minutes and dirt cheap. Perfect after a long travel day or when travelling with kids. Use GrabMart / GoMart for water, snacks and groceries, and GoSend to send a parcel across town.
Watch out: the 'ojek zones'
In some areas — parts of Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, and near markets or beaches — local transport groups don't allow Grab/Gojek drivers to pick up on their turf. You'll notice this when a driver asks you to walk a little to a meeting point, or asks you not to photograph their branded jacket. It's normal and usually not dangerous. Tips:
- Walk a short way onto the main road before you book.
- Not working? Take the local driver (agree a fixed price) or use a private driver for the day.
From the airport (DPS)
At Denpasar airport Grab and Gojek can't pick up everywhere. There's a designated online-taxi pickup point (on the parking level / just outside the grounds). Book the ride, walk to that point, and you'll save a lot compared with the fixed airport taxis at the exit. See also our guide to getting around Bali.
What does it cost?
As a rough guide (2026, varies with demand and distance):
- Short scooter taxi (2–4 km): ± Rp 10,000–25,000
- Car within Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu: ± Rp 40,000–90,000
- Airport → Seminyak/Canggu (car): ± Rp 120,000–200,000
- Food delivery fee: often ± Rp 10,000–20,000
Pay in the app or keep small cash handy. Tipping is optional but appreciated — a small amount in cash. More on paying in money & ATMs in Bali.
Grab/Gojek or a private driver?
For short one-off rides and food delivery, Grab and Gojek are unbeatable. For a day trip with several stops (temples, waterfalls, rice fields), a private driver for the day is usually better value and more comfortable: they wait at each stop and know the route. Add your spots to the trip planner and decide per day what suits best.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both Grab and Gojek?
It's smart to install both. Prices differ from moment to moment and sometimes one app has no driver free. Gojek is often strong for food delivery, Grab has wide coverage — with both you're always covered.
Does Grab/Gojek work at Bali airport?
Yes, but not everywhere: there's a special pickup point for online taxis (on the parking level / just outside). Book the ride and walk there; it's much cheaper than the fixed taxis at the exit.
Can I pay cash?
Yes. When booking you choose 'cash' or a card/wallet. For cash, keep small notes handy.
Why does my driver ask me to walk a little?
In some 'ojek zones' Grab/Gojek drivers aren't allowed to pick up by local transport groups. Walk a short way onto the main road and the pickup will work.
Do I need internet?
Yes, the apps only work with a data connection. Arrange an eSIM for Bali before you leave, so you have internet as soon as you land.
Plan your trip