Top 10 Most Popular and Useful Apps in Jakarta, Indonesia

To use banking apps and other software, I bought an Indonesian phone. Here are some of the apps I commonly use:

1. OVO: A payment app that is quite convenient; you can show the payment code directly at convenience stores. However, there is a maximum cash limit of 20 million rupiah, and it’s inconvenient for large transfers.
2. BRI, Bank of China: Banking apps. Indonesians say BCA is the best, but we mostly use BRI, which is also good.

For Bank of China, you need to use rupiah, and choose BI FAST for faster transfers.
3. Shopee: A popular online shopping app in Southeast Asia (many Chinese people do e-commerce in Indonesia). It has a wide variety of products, including Chinese spicy snacks and other small items.
4. Gmail: Email is very important; I use both domestic email and Gmail.

5. Google Translate: Sometimes the translation of Indonesian is not accurate, and I haven’t found a more accurate one yet.
6. Grab: For ride-hailing, food delivery, and other services. Make sure to confirm the pick-up and drop-off locations when taking a ride; pay delivery fees based on the time for food delivery; you can use Grab for deliveries within the city, and it’s popular in Southeast Asia.

7. ChatGPT: Ask AI for help when needed (if I had used it during my school days, maybe I would have taken a different path).
8. Google Maps: Use the map when you need directions.
9. WhatsApp: Essential for instant messaging; even if you return to China with an Indonesian phone, you can still use it.

10. Netflix: Paid streaming service, essential for watching shows while eating; recently watching BRIDGERTON.
11. MyTelkomsel, myIM3: Two Indonesian telecom operators; in my experience, the signal is really poor, so I got both SIM cards and switch between them after recharging data.
12. Supermarket and convenience store apps: I registered as a member because I use them frequently.

Indomaret is the largest chain of convenience stores, and Alfamart is the second-largest, offering mobile top-ups and bill payments in addition to shopping. Among supermarkets, I often go to AEON and Farmers Market; Japanese products are very popular in Indonesia.
13. Informa, ruparupa (ACE): Both belong to the same group; the former focuses on home and interior design products, and the latter on home and hardware products.

They can meet many home and daily needs (I bought a lot of disposable items because I don’t like washing dishes).
14. Sarinah: A landmark for souvenir shopping, showcasing Indonesian culture and handicrafts; it also has a dining area.
15. Ascott: When clients come on business trips, they usually book Somerset, which has a family-style design and is cost-effective.

There are some less frequently used apps that I didn’t mention. Some are available in English, and some are only in Indonesian, but it’s fine; you get used to them.