Driving on the Left in Bali: A Survival Guide for Americans & Europeans
If you’re from the US, Canada or mainland Europe, the first time you pull out of your villa in Bali your brain will try to put you on the right-hand side of the road. Indonesia drives on the left, like Australia, the UK and much of Asia. It takes most people a day or two to adjust — here’s how to make those days safe.
The basics
- Keep left. Slower traffic and scooters stay to the left edge.
- Overtake on the right. In practice, scooters filter on both sides, so check both mirrors.
- Cars are right-hand drive. If you rent a car, the gear stick and indicator stalk will feel “wrong” — many people turn on the wipers when they mean to indicate.
- Roundabouts go clockwise, and you give way to traffic already on the roundabout (coming from your right).
The danger moments
Turning right
Right turns cross oncoming traffic — the left-side equivalent of a left turn at home. Slow down, indicate early, wait for a real gap and finish the turn into the left lane of the new road.
Pulling out of a driveway or car park
This is where most “wrong side” mistakes happen: an empty road, no other traffic to follow, and autopilot kicks in. Say “left, left, left” out loud as you pull out. Seriously — it works.
Looking the wrong way
The nearest traffic comes from your right. Look right first, then left, then right again — whether you’re riding, driving or walking across the road.
Bali-specific habits to expect
- Scooters everywhere, filtering between cars and along the left shoulder.
- Short horn taps mean “I’m here” or “I’m overtaking”, not road rage.
- Bigger vehicles go first in practice — trucks and buses expect you to make space.
- Hazard lights are sometimes used to mean “I’m going straight” at junctions. Don’t rely on any signal — watch what the vehicle does.
More in our guide to Bali traffic etiquette.
Your first-day practice plan
- Morning, quiet street: 15–20 minutes of loops, stops, starts and turns — left and right.
- A short trip you know: to a café or beach a few minutes away, following other traffic.
- Avoid rush hour (roughly 7–9 am and 4–7 pm) in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and on the airport bypass for the first couple of days.
- No night rides until you feel automatic about keeping left.
New to scooters too? Read renting a scooter as a beginner.
Scooter or car?
On a scooter you’re part of the flow and adjust faster. In a car you’re also dealing with right-hand drive, narrow lanes and parking. If you’re unsure, start with a car with driver for your first day trips and ride a scooter locally — see scooter or car rental in Bali?
Paperwork reminder
Your licence must cover the vehicle you’re using, plus an International Driving Permit. US licence holders get an IDP from AAA; Canadians from CAA; Europeans from their national motoring clubs or authorities. Details in IDP for Bali.
Ready to ride?
Get a scooter delivered to your villa from the SiapPergi catalogue, or a self-drive or chauffeured car from the car catalogue. Pay when it arrives.
Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 34 areas.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bali drive on the left or right?
Bali, like all of Indonesia, drives on the left. Cars are right-hand drive.
Is it hard for Americans to drive in Bali?
Keeping left takes a day or two to get used to. Practise in quiet streets, avoid rush hour and night rides at first, and take right turns slowly.
Which way do roundabouts go in Bali?
Clockwise. Give way to traffic already on the roundabout, coming from your right.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Bali?
Yes, alongside your home licence. Make sure it covers the right category — motorcycle for scooters, car for cars.