‘Tinder tourists’: Indonesian sex workers turn to online dating apps for safety and to set their own rules
- With over 5 million international tourists visiting Bali every year, dating apps like Tinder bring good business for local sex workers
- Instead of looking for clients at nightclubs or on the streets, sex workers can work for themselves from the safety of their home
Dewi’s phone is constantly buzzing. “Another Tinder match,” she says, waving her phone, giggling. Like most people in her twenties, Dewi is no stranger to dating apps.
“I have five dating apps on my phone. Tinder, Badoo, WeChat, Michat, Bigo. But my favourite is Tinder,” says the 22-year-old.
Unlike other users, however, she is not there to look for a partner. Not even for a casual hookup. Living on the holiday island of Bali, Dewi means business when she swipes right on the app, trawling for “Tinder tourists”.
Dating apps have increasingly become an essential part of the travelling experience, connecting solo travellers seeking casual holiday flings. The demand is such that Tinder has a dedicated feature called “Tinder Passport”, which allows travellers to conveniently scout for dates in their chosen holiday destination before they even land in the country.
With over 5 million international tourists visiting Bali every year, dating apps like Tinder bring good business right to Dewi and other sex workers’ fingertips.
