Life as a digital nomad in Bali is a unique blend of work and play. One moment you’re on a Zoom call with a client in Europe, the next you’re sipping a coconut after your surf session at Batu Bolong. Add in sunrise yoga, rice field views and the endless hum of scooters, and you’ve got the magic that keeps so many slow travelers, surfers and yogis coming back to Canggu year after year.

But let’s be honest: While Bali is inspiring, it can also be a little chaotic. Internet hiccups, traffic and the art of finding the right smoothie bowl café with enough plugs for your laptop — that’s where the right tools and apps become your secret weapon.

From the very beginning of The Elephant’s Nest journey, we’ve been curating the best tips for digital nomads — starting with the apps that make life in Bali flow. Here’s our insider guide to the 10 must-have tools for digital nomads in Bali, written with a little bit of personal flavor.

1. Grab – Your Everyday Hero 🚲

Grab is like your best friend in Bali. Whether you need a quick scooter ride to your coworking space, a safe lift back from yoga or a plate of mie goreng delivered to your apartment at midnight, Grab has you covered.
Bonus: Their drivers know all the shortcuts through Canggu’s famous shortcuts (yes, that’s a thing).


2. GoJek – The Super-App for Everything

If Grab is your buddy, GoJek is your Swiss Army knife. It’s the go-to app for many locals and expats — get food, rides, massages or even a manicure delivered to your door. For digital nomads balancing deadlines and slow travel vibes, GoJek is pure gold.


3. Wise (TransferWise) – Stress-Free Money Moves

ATM fees in Bali can add up quickly. With Wise, you can send and receive payments in multiple currencies and spend like a local without the hidden charges. If your clients are in Sydney, Berlin or New York, Wise makes sure you’re not losing money on exchange rates while enjoying your long stay in Bali.

4. Airalo – Stay Connected from the Moment You Land 🌐

There’s nothing worse than arriving in Bali after a long flight and not being able to book a ride. With Airalo, you can install an eSIM before you even land. That means you step off the plane and—boom—you’re online. Perfect for finding your driver or sharing your first Bali sunset on Instagram.


5. WhatsApp – The Bali Business Hub

In Bali, WhatsApp is life. From surf lessons and scooter rentals to apartment landlords and local events, everything happens here. Join a few Canggu community groups and suddenly you’ll know about yoga workshops, networking nights and who’s selling a second-hand surfboard.


6. Google Maps – More Than Just Directions

Sure, Google Maps will get you from Canggu to Ubud, but here it’s also your digital diary. Locals and travelers leave honest reviews about everything — vegan cafés, coworking hubs, yoga shalas. Pin your favorites and soon you’ll have your own personalized Bali map for slow travel days.

7. OVO & Local Wallets – Smooth Local Payments

Bali is still very cash-based, but apps like OVO or DANA make daily payments faster. Topping up is easy and it saves you the “sorry, no change” conversations at the warung. Handy if you’re staying long-term and want to live more like a local.


8. Zoom – Yes, Still!

It might not be glamorous, but Zoom is still the lifeline of every digital nomad. With strong Wi-Fi (like the one we make sure you always have at The Elephant’s Nest), you can balance your global clients while knowing that in 30 minutes, you’ll be catching waves at Echo Beach. That’s the magic of Bali — serious productivity wrapped in tropical freedom.


9. Notion & Trello – Organize Your Bali Flow 📌

Work deadlines, yoga classes, surf tides, full moon ceremonies — it’s a lot to keep track of. Apps like Notion or Trello help keep your Bali lifestyle balanced. Some of our guests even use Notion to track their surf progress or log their favorite cafés in Canggu.


10. Meetup & Eventbrite – Find Your Tribe

Being a digital nomad in Canggu means you’re surrounded by inspiring people. From marketing masterminds and wellness coaches to musicians and artists, Bali is full of energy. With Meetup and Eventbrite, you’ll find coworking events, sound healings and yoga festivals. And trust us: it’s often at these gatherings where the magic happens — friendships, collaborations and even love stories.


Bonus: The Real “Tool” is Community 🌞

Apps are amazing, but let’s be real: the best part of being a digital nomad in Bali isn’t technology. It’s the people. The surfer who shares tide charts with you. The yogi who invites you to a sunrise class. The fellow entrepreneur you meet over coffee who changes the way you see your business.

That’s why at The Elephant’s Nest, we don’t just offer an apartment with fast Wi-Fi. We’ve created a space where you can work, recharge and connect — whether it’s on your private balcony, at your ergonomic desk or while rolling out your yoga mat.

Because when the setup is right, everything else flows. 🌴

✨ Wherever your journey takes you, may it be full of connection, adventure and flow.
And if it brings you to Bali — we can’t wait to meet you.

With love from Canggu:

Bernadette, Herman & Juan from
The Elephant’s Nest 🐘

Published on 9/10/2025

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