driving tips & etiquette in bali

How to Drive a Scooter or Car in Bali

tips & Tricks for driving a scooter or car in bali

If it's your first time visiting Bali and you're considering renting a scooter or a car, you're probably also wondering about the rules and driving etiquette (and if you aren't, you definitely should be!). When my friend group and I arrived in Bali with three scooter rentals and no clue how to use them, we had to talk with a few locals and our accommodation hosts about how to drive them, what to expect, and how to navigate the unique road conditions. In this guide, I'll provide you with valuable insights and practical tips for a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Bali, drawing from both local knowledge and our own adventures on the island.

How old do you have to be to drive in bali?

In Indonesia, you must be atleast 17 years old to drive a scooter or a car. All Indonesian citizens must pass both a theory and practical driving test in order to obtain their license. If you are a tourist visiting Bali, then you must be atleast 17 years old and, according to the Indonesian National Police, you must have an international's drivers license. If you don't have one, don't worry! You can obtain this license by clicking here and visiting the AAA website. The fee is only $20.

what side of the road do they drive on in bali?

Drivers in Bali drive on the left-hand side of the road, similar to Australia and the UK, with the driver's seat and steering wheel on the right. This means that if you're coming to visit from anywhere in the US, like we were, you will have some adjusting to do!

do i need a license or permit to drive in bali?

Yes, if you are a tourist visiting Bali then you do need an international driver's license in order to legally rent and drive a scooter or a car rental. These licenses can be obtained by visiting the AAA website and paying a fee of $20. Each license is good for one year, and is accepted as a valid form of ID in 150 countries.

is driving in bali dangerous?

While I wouldn't call driving in Bali "dangerous", I would say that it's pretty chaotic. Though there are road signs similar to when you are driving in any other country, there aren't too many stop lights. At a stop sign, there were countless instances when I went where a bunch of scooters would be jumbled in one area and just very slowly inching to the direction where they wanted to go until the road became less cluttered. There didn't seem to be a system where each driver make a single file line and took turns going; instead, many people seem to just drive in the middle of the road. In addition, the roads can also be pretty narrow and unpaved in some areas of Bali, like rural parts of Ubud, which can be tough for new scooter drivers to navigate.

Driving tips for tourists renting a car or scooter in bali

One very important tip we learned from a Bali local and friend we made during our travels to Bali is that drivers should courteously beep when coming around a corner. Though this may not seem like a big deal or something that you need to remember, I can promise you, it is. Here in America and various other parts of the world beeping is typically seen as aggressive and signals to other drivers "move out of the way" or "go, its your turn". In Bali, beeping is actually a very polite thing to do, almost like telling other drivers "hey, I'm coming from the other side of this turn!" that way you aren't surprised to see (or almost hit) another motorcycle coming from the other side.


Additional tips for tourists renting a scooter or car in Bali include:

Be cautious at night. Not all roads are lit, so proceed with caution when driving in the dark, especially in rural areas. 

Try to avoid driving in the rain. Roads can get very slippery in the rain and are not great for driving a scooter (especially if you are riding one for the first time). Note that Bali's wet season is from October to April, so you can expect more rain and less ideal driving conditions during this time. 

Practice before heading on the main road. My friends and I had never ridden a scooter before coming to Bali, which means we knew pretty much nothing about it. Thankfully, our accommodation was in Ubud near some rice terraces so we got to practice riding slowly on an empty road before heading onto busier streets in Canggu. I would advise that you also take the time to learn somewhere less crowded before going out onto local streets.

Start by driving on the scooter solo before adding another person. Driving a scooter can be a little tough if you've never done it before, so now picture trying to turn with someone on the back! Additional weight can make navigating a challenge, especially if that person is not evenly distributing their weight. Try driving on your own first and then when you're comfortable, take it to the next level and see hwo you do with someone on the back. 

Stick to fueling up at larger gas stations. Smaller, locally-owned gas stations may not display their fuel prices and may try to get a few more Indonesian Rupiah out of you than they would from another local. Fill up your car or scooter rental at major stations where you can see the pricing clearly displayed and where pricing is standardized. 

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Navigating Bali's roads can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you'll find it to be a rewarding way to explore Bali like the locals do. For more Bali insights and travel guides, don't forget to hit that subscribe button. You can also take a look at my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Bali blog by clicking here. Enjoy your time on the road and stay tuned for more Bali content!

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You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it safe to drive in Bali if I've never ridden a scooter or motorcycle before?

    While it's possible for newcomers to try riding a scooter in Bali, it's crucial to have a backup plan for renting a car if you find it challenging. Consider practicing on less busy streets in Bali to gauge your comfort level before committing to scooter rental.

  • What should I do if I get pulled over by the police in Bali?

    Stay calm and respectful. Be prepared to show your driver's license, vehicle registration, and international driver's permit (if applicable). Avoid any discussions of fines and ask for an official ticket if necessary.

  • Can I use my phone while driving in Bali?

    Using a phone while driving is illegal in Bali. It's important to pull over safely if you need to use your phone. Hands-free devices are recommended for navigation.

  • How do you navigate roundabouts in Bali?

    Approach roundabouts with caution and yield to traffic already in the circle. Many locals use the horn as a friendly signal, so don't be alarmed if you hear honking.

  • Are there any specific rules for driving in Bali during the rainy season?

    Rain can make road conditions slippery. Drive at a safe speed, keep a safe following distance, and use headlights when visibility is reduced. Be cautious of flooding on some roads, especially in low-lying areas.

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