From Confused to Confident: Our First Time Topping Up Electricity in Bali

Throwback to two years ago—our first long-term stay in Bali. We had just signed a one-month lease, brimming with excitement… until the lights flickered off. Surprise! Electricity in many Bali rentals isn’t included, and topping it up is your responsibility.

We had zero clues, no local phone number, and definitely no app. So, off we went—sweaty, slightly confused, and holding a crumpled receipt with a mysterious 11-digit number on it. Destination? The nearest Indomaret (or Alfamart)—the mini-mart heroes of prepaid electricity.

Here’s how it worked: You hand over your 11-digit meter number, tell them how much credit you want (e.g., 100,000 IDR), and pay cash. They’ll give you a slip with a 20-digit top-up code. Head home, punch the numbers directly into your power meter, and voilà—let there be light.

Today, with a local number and a bit more experience, we top up using the Pln Mobile app or through mobile banking in seconds. But for short-term travelers or families on vacation, stopping by a local mini-mart is still the simplest, no-stress option.

Pro Tip for Newcomers: Ask your host or property manager for the meter number in advance. Take a photo of the meter too—it helps. And don’t worry, the staff at Indomaret and Alfamart are used to travelers and super helpful.

Figuring this out may seem daunting at first, but trust us—it becomes part of the Bali adventure. From confused to confident, we promise you’ll get the hang of it faster than you think!