Renting a Car in Bali for the First Time: 15 Things Nobody Tells You

Updated 2026-10-15

You’ve driven at home for years. How hard can Bali be? Honestly — it’s fine once you get the rhythm, but the first day can be a shock. Here are the things we wish someone had told us before our first drive on the island.

On the road

1. Bali drives on the left. If you’re from the US, Canada or most of Europe, the first roundabout and the first right turn will feel wrong. Take day one slowly.
2. Scooters are everywhere, on both sides of you. They filter, overtake on the left and the right, and pop out of side lanes. Check mirrors constantly and indicate early.
3. A short horn means “I’m here”, not “you idiot”. Use it on blind bends and when overtaking. Long blasts are still rude. More in Bali traffic etiquette.
4. Flashing headlights usually mean “I’m coming through”, not “go ahead”. When in doubt, wait.
5. Roads are narrow. In Canggu, Ubud and the Bukit, two cars often can’t pass. Someone pulls into a gap; be patient and wave thanks.
6. Google Maps loves tiny shortcuts through village lanes barely wider than your car. If a road looks like a footpath, it probably is. Stick to main roads — tips in navigating Bali with Google Maps.
7. Ceremonies close roads. If men in black-and-white checked sarongs (pecalang) stop traffic, turn off the engine and enjoy the procession.

Parking and fuel

8. Parking attendants are normal. At beaches, shops and temples, a tukang parkir waves you in and out. Pay IDR 5–10k for a car when you leave.
9. Fuel is attendant-served. At Pertamina stations, tell the attendant the grade (Pertalite or Pertamax) and amount, and check the pump starts at zero. Roughly IDR 10–14k a litre.
10. Some villas have no car access. Ask your host before you book a car.

Paperwork and police

11. You need an International Driving Permit as well as your licence. Get it before you fly. See IDP for Bali.
12. Keep the STNK in the car. It’s the registration paper, and police ask for it with your licence at checkpoints — see police checkpoints & fines.

Booking and money

13. Most rentals deliver to you. There’s rarely a desk to visit — the car comes to your villa, hotel or the airport.
14. Don’t pay before you see the car. The SiapPergi car catalogue (our sister site) takes no deposit up front — you pay in full when the car is handed over. See pay on delivery.
15. Film the car at handover. Every panel, the fuel gauge and the tyres. It settles any damage questions — checklist in Bali car rental handover.

What does it cost?

Roughly IDR 200–300k a day for a small car and IDR 250–450k for a 7-seater self-drive. Full price breakdown in car rental Bali price per day, or browse the cars on our Bali car rental page.

Still nervous?

That’s fair. Book a car with a driver for your first day or two, watch how traffic flows, then switch to self-drive. Or, if you want zero stress, keep the driver — it’s good value in Bali. See car rental with driver and self-drive car rental.

Ready to ride? Compare daily, weekly & monthly rates on our Bali scooter rental page — delivered to your hotel or villa in 24 areas.

Frequently asked questions