Guidelines for renting a car as a foreigner in Indonesia
Renting a car in a place like Bali always seems appealing: the island is full of amazing locations that are hard to reach by taxi. It also feels like a car will add comfort and improve your quality of life, especially during the rainy season. In many ways, this is true — but first, you should determine whether you really need a car and not a scooter or taxi services like Grab, Gojek, and Maxim.
Pros and cons of renting a car on the island
If you’re traveling with a large group and plan to move around together, a car is the only option.
A car is also safer: unlike a scooter, it has four wheels, and tipping over is unlikely. Most accidents won’t cause harm to you.
Weather-wise, during rain or intense heat, you’ll enjoy complete comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle while scooter riders hide from the downpour or sweat in traffic.
If you rent a car with a driver and enjoy drinking beer or even whiskey on the way — no problem.
However, a car also means higher responsibility and attention to unfamiliar traffic conditions.
If you love sharp maneuvers or speeding, you’ll likely have to forget about it to avoid hitting the many scooters weaving around. Cars here move slowly and smoothly.
Driving in tourist areas means endless traffic jams. A scooter will slip through, but a car must wait in the long queue of four-wheeled vehicles.
Naturally, fuel and rental costs are higher, and any damage will be expensive. Parking and beach access fees are also pricier.
Short-distance trips are harder without a scooter — reaching the nearest beach or shop is usually much faster on two wheels.
Parking a bike is easy almost anywhere, but finding a spot for a car on narrow Balinese streets can be challenging.
If you’re not planning frequent long-distance trips, don’t have kids or a large group, a scooter might be a better choice. But if you’ve decided on a car, let’s explore the specifics of Bali’s rental market.
First, you need to decide whether you want a car with or without a driver.
A driver also performs many useful functions: translator, guide, and adviser. If you’re new to Indonesia, you may learn a lot from a talkative driver — and Indonesians do love to talk.
Disadvantages:
More expensive
A driver isn’t available 24/7
Overtime costs extra
On long trips, you must cover their meals and accommodation
Advantages:
No stress about parking, car issues, or tiring driving. Once you arrive, you can forget about the car until the next trip.
When renting a car with a driver, clarify how many hours are included, whether fuel is included, overtime rates, long-distance trip fees, and whether you must pay for the driver’s hotel.
With a self-drive car, all responsibility and stress fall on you. If that doesn’t scare you, it’s time to choose a rental service.
Check ratings and Google reviews, a proper website, a wide car selection, and a rental license. This means the company is established, processes are streamlined, and emergencies are handled professionally.
Avoid suspiciously cheap and tiny rental companies — they may offer poorly maintained cars, hidden fees, lack of insurance, or even scams targeting tourists. Note that many cars have manual transmission; check in advance, as driving a manual in Bali’s traffic isn’t for everyone.
Your task is to ensure the car is in good technical condition. Record videos of the exterior and interior. Document any damages in the contract.
Check:
Tire condition
Brake performance
Turn signals and lights
Fuel level and required fuel type
Air conditioning — crucial in Bali
Insurance coverage
Car documents
Rental license
Tips for driving in Bali
Avoid aggressive driving — no one expects it from you, and it’ll get you into trouble.
Avoid overcrowded tourist zones unless you want to spend hours in traffic: Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, and the road to Uluwatu.
Traffic jams can appear spontaneously — always check Google Maps before the trip.
Flashing high beams is not a courtesy signal but a way to attract attention.
Hazard lights at intersections mean the driver will continue straight, not turn.
Don’t expect everyone to follow rules, especially not the ones from your home country. Stay calm and observant.
On narrow roads, smile and politely reverse if needed — “fighting” for space isn’t customary.
Scooters are everywhere — even if you don’t see them yet. Always check mirrors and use turn signals. Move as slow as the sloth from the famous cartoon when making maneuvers.
