The ultimate guide to car rentals in bali

Looking to rent a car in Bali? If so, there are a few things you're going to want to know. From the cheapest place to get a rental and how much a car rental in Bali actually costs to local driving regulations and what you can expect from the entire rental process, this blog serves as a one-stop shop blog to answer ALL of your car rental questions. I've, as they say, "been there, done that" and have both the knowledge and experience to help you out as well. Let's prep you so that you can be ready and on the road in no time!

cheapest car rentals in bali

When it comes to finding the cheapest car rentals in Bali, budget-conscious travelers have several options to explore. Many local rental agencies offer affordable rates for basic car models, providing a cost-effective way for you to explore the island on your own time. Additionally, booking in advance or during off-peak seasons can often lead to discounted rates and special promotions. By prioritizing flexibility in vehicle selection and booking timing, you can enjoy the convenience of car rental while staying within their budget constraints.

Some of the car rental companies I would suggest looking at include the following local options:

While you can rent a car directly from the airport, travelers have found that airport rentals are an average of 25% more expensive so if you can taxi or walk to your rental provider outside of the airport, that would be best.

Types of car rentals available in bali

There are multiple different types of cars you can rent in Bali. From smaller compact cars that can seat up to 4 people, to larger SUVs and mini vans, you'll have multiple options to choose from depending on the amount of people you need to fit. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or planning a group excursion, you'll find the perfect vehicle to complement your travel needs and preferences.

how old do you have to be to rent a car in bali?

According to the International Drivers Association drivers in need to be at least 17 years of age to operate a vehicle. There are also different age requirements for different types of licenses. The age requirement for renting a car in Bali is 21 years old.

Do i need a license to drive in bali?

The short answer is yes. You might hear that some car rental agencies will accept your native license, but I've found that to be rare. I think it's worth a shot if you won't need an international license to rent a car or scooter anywhere else in the next year to just atleast ask your car rental agency if they'll accept your current one. If not, the cost of an International Driver's Permit is pretty cheap at about 20 USD or 31 AUD. I got mine from AAA and it lasts for an entire year. Just make sure to apply in advance so you have enough time to get it before your trip! If you go in person they can typically do it on the spot as long as you have the printed application, your passport, a valid driver's license, the $20 fee, and two original passport photos (they can take the photos there too!). If you want to do it by mail, I would do it at least a month in advance.

how much does it cost to rent a car in bali?

While the cost of renting a car in Bali depends on the type/size of car you choose and the duration you plan on renting it, on average a rental is about 36 USD or 55 AUD and up per day. You also need to pay for the cost of fuel and a one time fee for insurance if you're opting for that as well. This makes renting a car cheaper compared to in other countries, but definitely not as cheap as renting a 2-person scooter in Bali. 

how much does it cost to rent a car with a driver in bali?

After hearing the price of a daily car rental in Bali, you might be wondering to yourself: "How much is it to hire a private driver then?". And the answer to this might shock you- you only need about 30 USD or 46 AUD to hire a private driver! This means in some areas its going to be cheaper to hire a driver than rent a car and drive it yourself! With that being said, my advice to you is to check availability for both a rental car vs a private driver in your area and see which is cheaper and makes more sense to you. When my group of 6 rented a van with a private driver, we paid him about $60 a day to drive us for 10 hours a day, which came out to $10 per person including gas and everything. In our case, we felt like this was more cost effective and safer than driving a car ourselves, and we had scooters for the days or nights when we wanted to drive ourselves.

laws & Tips you should know when driving a car in bali

While the car rental process is relatively the same from country to country, the laws and regulations are one thing that every individual renting a car should research before hitting that "book now" button. Below I've composed a list of the most important laws you should know before renting a car in Indonesia: 

OTHER POPULAR TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS IN BALI

In addition to car rentals, Bali offers many other transportation options as well. Scooter rentals are a popular choice among both the locals and the tourists, and my group had an absolute BLAST with these. Even though it definitely took some time getting used to them, we quickly learned how to navigate and loved exploring rural Ubud and Canggu on scooters. If you're interested in possibly renting a scooter for a short period, click here to learn more about our experience and advice.

Another option is a chauffeured experience where you hire a driver with local expertise to bring you around the island. My group of six actually also did this because we felt nervous to drive our scooters in more popular cities and super long distances. We hired a driver our Airbnb owner knew, and he quickly became our friend and driver for the rest of the trip. If you want his contact info, feel free to contact me. He drives a larger van that can fit up to 6 people and he's located in Ubud but usually also willing to go to other areas.

The final and most cost-effective option is probably ridesharing. Apps like Grab, GoJek, and MAXIM offer quick and convenient transportation solutions for navigating Bali's streets. You can use these apps to book rides, get food delivered, and more! While I didn't experience this option first hand, one of our friends who was on the trip with us did use one of these apps to get a scooter ride home after staying out later than the rest of the group. When I go to visit Bali again I will likely use this for short distances where I don't want to drive, like to the beach.

Does Bali HAVE UBER?

Unfortunately Bali does not have Uber. They do have their own ridesharing apps though! Apps like Grab, GoJek, and MAXIM can provide you with the same services Uber would, like cost-effective rides from point A to point B and even food delivery. Just keep in mind that some of the methods of transportation are scooters, so make sure to choose the car option when picking a vehicle to ride with if you are nervous of riding on the back of a scooter.

What to Expect During the Car Rental Process

When renting a car in Bali, you can expect a relatively straightforward process with some unique considerations. Here's what to anticipate:

Get on the road & go have fun!

Ready to explore Bali at your own pace? Renting a car or a scooter offers the freedom to discover the island on your terms (which is the best way to do it if you ask me!). If you're considering choosing one, make sure to read my blog comparing the two here. Scroll below to explore more guides on driving in Bali or traveling to this stunning destination. Don't miss out on the latest updates—subscribe for exclusive tips and insights to enhance your Bali adventure!