International Driving Permit Bali - Mandatory For Foreigners hiring / driving Scooter or Moped
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Foreigners planning to drive in Bali must have a valid International Drivers Permit for Bali Indonesia. Something many are leaving out when they visit Bali. But International Driving Permits are now mandatory for all of Indonesia (that includes Bali). Get yours to avoid a fine or worst still your insurance being void if you did need to make a claim. They're super easy to get provided you already have a valid drivers licence in your home country. And they simply work alongside that to allow you to legally drive on the road in Bali.
Read on to learn fully about the rules around International Driving Permit for Indonesia Bali (IDP's), what they are?
Why you need an International Driving Permit for Bali?
How to get one?
How long do they last?
How much they cost?
And if you've left it too late and are already in Bali get one online here (this takes you further down the page to the right section)
If you haven't already, I did a quick video showing my process of obtaining my International Driving Licence for Bali. The 1949 International Driving Permit. Go check it below to see just how EASY and quick it was to get My International Driving Permit in the UK for my next visit to Indonesia. Follow my below process BEFORE you leave for your next trip to Bali to save yourself money and hassle £5 instead of £40:
If you plan to hire a bike or scooter in Bali you actually do NEED an International Driving Permit to make sure that your insurance is valid and that if you get stopped by police when driving, and are asked to shown your IDP and drivers licence. Failure to do so can result in a roadside fine (and we've seen this happen with tourists showing just their driving licence they still received the fine, many quoting that they just didn't know the IDP was even a 'thing' as many still don't).
So make sure you don't get caught out and know all about getting your IDP for your next trip to Bali.
TIP: It's wayyy cheaper to do it in your country before you fly to Bali (literally £5-£6 - BUT if you didn't know you even needed an IDP - as many I speak to here in Bali don't - it's not the end of the world and you can apply for yours online whilst you are in Bali / Indonesia. But, please note this will cost you around 10x more to do this but the full details on how to apply online for your International Driving Permit for Bali Details of how to get your International Driving Permit further down this page below. And it's still cheap enough to do this online - and very easy if you're a bit of a last minute larry. My Top Tip Though: Just apply for The 1949 International Driving Permit BEFORE you travel to save hassle and money.
The Rules on Needing an International Driving Permit to Ride a Scooter or Moped in Bali
Bali is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and incredible landscapes. One of the best ways to explore the island is by scooter or moped, allowing you to travel freely and discover hidden gems off the beaten path. However, before you hop on that bike, it’s crucial to understand the rules surrounding driving licenses and whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to legally ride in Bali.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Bali?
In short, yes, foreigners are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) if they wish to rent and ride a scooter or moped in Bali. While it might seem easy to rent a scooter with just your home country driver’s license, not having the proper documentation can lead to fines or legal issues. I'm always surprised just how many foreigners we meet in Bali that have no clue what the IDP even is. Never mind have one!
What is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your driver’s license into multiple languages, making it internationally recognised and understood by local authorities. The IDP is not a standalone license; it's an official translation of your existing driver’s license. You must carry both your home country driver’s license and your IDP when driving in Bali.
The Legal Requirements
According to Indonesian law, tourists must have an IDP or a valid local Indonesian driver’s license (SIM C) if they are driving a scooter or moped. In most cases, rental companies will ask for your IDP before handing over a scooter, as it ensures that you are legally allowed to drive. But that's only a quite recent thing and many rental places don't really care whether you have one or not. But if you don't this is on you.
Consequences of Not Having an IDP
Fines: If you are caught driving without the proper documentation, you can face fines or have your scooter rental confiscated. Police in Bali are known to conduct routine traffic stops, especially targeting tourists without proper documentation. The police are clamping down on the way tourists behave and as such are stepping up their road side stops. For foreigners! The rules seem very different for locals and foreigners, so don't get caught out. If you get stopped, you can show your drivers licence as well a the IDP shown in the above video and you will be on your way. Free to go with no fine. Failure to show the IDP can result in an on the spot fine. Payable in cash... and you won't be released to go until you've paid it. I've seen this happen, but I don't know how legal this is. Just paying cash by the roadside seems a little off. But from personal experience I have seen this happen.
Insurance Issues: Many travel insurance policies will not cover you if you are involved in an accident while driving without a valid license or IDP. This could leave you with significant medical or repair bills. Road accidents are very common in Bali and medical fee's are hefty. Be safe. Be prepared. The IDP costs £5, $4 USD to buy in your own country so it's a no brainer to just have it. If you haven't got one, you can also apply online below.
Legal Problems: In the worst-case scenario, driving without an IDP could result in legal consequences, including court cases or deportation, depending on the severity of the violation. I don't have experience of this and so can't say for sure, but rules are rules and if the Indonesian Government decide a certain way, then being at the end of this can be no fun.
How to Obtain an International Driving Permit
If you don’t already have an IDP, you can easily obtain one in your home country before traveling to Bali. Easily is the word. Most countries allow you to apply for an IDP through automobile associations, such as AAA (in the United States), but in the UK we got ours from a Post Office that had PayPoint.
Be sure to apply for your IDP well in advance of your trip, as processing times may vary for different countries. In the UK we went to the Post Office and got ours instantly there and then. The whole thing took around 5 minutes as the cashier lady filled out the relevant bits, popped a passport photo in and stamped the booklet. It cost £5 to do and we were on our way. The IDP typically lasts for one year, so it’s a good idea to get it ahead of your Bali trip, even if you’re just planning on using it for a short time. Ours last for 2 years as stamped on our actual IDP copy even though the website says 1 year.
Left it late and already in Bali? Apply for your International Drivers Permit for Bali Indonesia Online
You can apply for your IDP online at The International Drivers Association website. It takes around 8 mins to do at the Official IDA site here:
Alternatives to the International Driving Permit
While an IDP is the safest option to avoid legal issues, some rental shops in Bali might not ask for it, instead accepting a home country driver’s license. In fact from my own experience of driving in Bali, most rental shops don't ask for it. And some don't even ask for your actual drivers licence. Such is the laid back way of island life. But laws do still apply and laws are being enforced here, especially for foreigners. Personally I don't see much in the way of locals being stopped for driving without helmets and such, where it's just a no go for a foregigner to drive without a helmet (and now that you know the IDP). However, doing so is at your own risk and relying on this practice may cause trouble if you are stopped by the police. It's always better to follow the law and carry the proper documentation.
Tips for Riding a Scooter in Bali
Wear a Helmet: It’s mandatory to wear a helmet in Bali, and it’s also essential for your safety. Police may stop you if you're not wearing one, and it’s best to avoid any fines or unsafe situations. You will see many locals not wearing helmets. But as a Foreigner, it's important to remember that you are not local and respect the local laws and rules. Always.
Follow Local Traffic Laws: Bali’s traffic is chaotic, so it’s important to stay alert, obey traffic rules, and be mindful of the local driving culture. Lane discipline isn’t strict, indicating is on an 'as and when' situation and there are bikes to the left and right of you when on the road, mostly overtaking, so ALWAYS be cautious. It's so chaotic that it's funny!
Be Aware of the Roads: Many roads in Bali, particularly in rural areas, can be bumpy or poorly maintained, expect pot holes, expect stones, boulders and hazards aroudn every corner. Expect oncoming traffic and large trucks to come over to your side on bends. The rural roads are bendy and skinny. Most end up being one way or too small to fit 2x cars so expect reversing and congestion. Then of course bikes overtaking at all directions. Make sure you’re comfortable riding a scooter or moped before venturing too far from the city centre.
Insurance: Make sure the rental company provides adequate insurance in case of an accident. Review the terms to ensure you’re fully covered in the event of any mishap.
Conclusion
Driving a scooter or moped in Bali is an incredible way to experience the island. In some areas it's the only way, but it’s essential to follow the local laws to ensure your safety and avoid legal troubles. My advice would be to to just get the International Driving Permit to avoid any hassles. You want to enjoy your time in beautiful Bali and respect the local rules and laws for good karma. Be sure to obtain an International Driving Permit before your trip, then when out and about carry both your IDP and home country driver’s license, and ride responsibly.
By doing so, you can enjoy your Bali adventure with peace of mind, knowing you’re good to go.
If your a tourist planning your next trip to Bali, I hope that you found this Bali Driving Permit post and video helpful. Let me know in the comments if you have any q's about getting your International Driving Permit. In the meantime don't forget to subscribe to the blog and keep up to date with our daily updates on the socials below.
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