WhatsApp is used extensively in Indonesia, not only as a social media platform but also as one of the most common communication media.
According to goodstats.id, WhatsApp is a part of the Indonesian lifestyle, with an average usage of 26 hours and 13 minutes per month. This popularity ensures that you’ll be part of the local culture, especially if you’re an expat living in Bali.
This also makes foreigners or expats who live in Bali very aware of the usefulness of WhatsApp.
A video uploaded by @therichardsons04 showcases the positive experiences of expats in Bali. It highlights how WhatsApp has become an indispensable tool for them, making their lives easier and more connected.
@therichardsons04 In bali you use whats app for everything! Its my kind of place 🫶🏻 i ❤️ Bali Also how many times do i say whats app 😂😂😂 #bali #balitips #nhs #nhsuk #balilife ♬ original sound – The Richardsons
“In Bali, you do everything over WhatsApp,” she said.
She even pointed out that he did not need to go to the clinic if she wanted to visit a doctor; just contacted with WhatsApp and the doctor immediately replied and came to her place.
Similarly, when you want to make a reservation at a restaurant or send a delivery message,
The foreigner admitted that using WhatsApp was very convenient and compared her experience with living in the UK.
“In the UK, you can’t even get an appointment with your doctor.”
Her post went viral on TikTok and was met with thousands of comments. Some local Indonesians said that it showed the ease of living in Indonesia.
There are also Indonesians living in the UK who confirm that it is quite difficult to contact doctors.
“Yes, I’m in the UK right now, and this is what I miss from my country Indonesia. I have to heal by myself here because my illness can’t wait for the doctor here,” wrote the account @mrandmrsbucin_.
The benefits of WhatsApp in Indonesian society
WhatsApp is one of the main communication tools for Indonesians, used for everything from personal to business matters. It is widely used at various levels.
Do you need to book a table at a popular restaurant, arrange transportation, or inquire about local tours? Simply call the WhatsApp number at hand.
Here are the benefits of using WhatsApp in Indonesia for expats.
1. Contacting Health professionals
As shown in the previous video, it’s easy to contact a clinic or doctor without having to go to the hospital. You simply need to find the clinic or doctor’s WhatsApp number, send a message describing your symptoms or the reason for your visit, and wait for their response.
Although only a few doctors provide direct-to-home services, by contacting them via WhatsApp, you can also avoid queues, making your time at the clinic more efficient.
2. Order food
There are already Gojek and Grab applications that can be used to order food, but some cafes and restaurants also have WhatsApp numbers that can be contacted directly for on-site dining reservations or faster delivery services.
3. Service provider number
Whether it’s a laundry service or a car or motorcycle repair service, you can contact them all through WhatsApp.
4. Business
A lot of companies use business WhatsApp accounts, so expats working in Indonesia can easily call the number for a quick response about your business.
This can be particularly useful for expats who are navigating the local business landscape and need to communicate with local companies or service providers.
5. Sharing News
By using this WhatsApp application, you can share a wide range of information and news with all users of this application.
This could be anything from local events and promotions to important updates about the community. You can share this information by sending it through private chat messages or group chats.
