Driving a Rental Car in Bali on an Australian Licence: IDP, Insurance & Left-Side Driving
By the siappergi.com team · Published · 6 min read
Australia is Bali's biggest market, and many Aussie families want a car rather than four scooters. Driving on the left will feel familiar; the paperwork and the traffic mix are what's different. Here's what to bring, what to check with your insurer and how to have a car waiting when you land.
What to bring
| Document | Why | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Full Australian driver licence (car) | Your actual permit to drive | Provisional/learner licences may not be accepted by insurers — check |
| International Driving Permit | Recognised translation of your licence | From your state/territory motoring club, before departure |
| Passport | ID at handover | You keep it — nobody holds your passport |
More on permits for every country: how to get an International Driving Permit. Rules can change — check the current advice on the Australian Government's Smartraveller site before you travel.
Travel insurance
Many travel insurance policies only cover driving if you hold the right licence for the vehicle and follow local law, which usually means having an IDP. Read your policy's motor-vehicle section before you drive, and ask your insurer if anything is unclear. More in car rental deposit & insurance in Bali.
Book a car for our Bali trip on WhatsApp
Driving in Bali vs at home
- Same side, different traffic: scooters pass on both sides and filter to the front at lights. Use mirrors constantly and change lanes slowly.
- Horns are polite here — a short beep means "I'm here", not anger.
- Roads are narrower and parking tighter than you're used to; a compact car is easier in Canggu and Ubud.
- Ceremonies sometimes close a road briefly. Wait or follow the local detour.
Full guide: driving in Bali.
Car prices
| Car | Seats | Per day | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Brio | 5 | IDR 310,000 | IDR 4,010,000 |
| Toyota Calya | 7 | IDR 310,000 | IDR 3,510,000 |
| Toyota Avanza | 7 | IDR 360,000 | Ask on WhatsApp |
| Hyundai Stargazer | 7 | IDR 360,000 | IDR 6,010,000 |
| Mitsubishi Xpander | 7 | IDR 410,000 | IDR 6,510,000 |
Riding a scooter instead? The rules differ (you need a motorcycle licence) — see scooter hire on an Australian licence.
What you need
- Passport (shown at handover — you keep it, nobody holds it).
- Your home driving licence + an International Driving Permit with the car category. See how to get an IDP.
- Minimum rental 2 days (the daily rate counts per 24 hours).
- No deposit up front: you pay in full when the car is handed over, by bank transfer or e-wallet, in rupiah.
How booking works
- Tap the WhatsApp button and fill in the blanks: car, dates, hotel or villa, passengers.
- The admin replies with what's free, the exact total and the delivery time — you know the full price before you commit.
- The car is delivered to your hotel, villa or the airport. Walk around it, photograph any scratches and check the fuel level together.
- Show your passport and licence + IDP, pay, and drive off. Return is collected from the same address (or another one you agree on).
Ready to rent a scooter or car?
Fixed catalogue prices, delivered to your hotel or villa. Book on WhatsApp and pay when the vehicle arrives.
All areas & scooter models
Frequently asked questions
Can Australians drive a rental car in Bali?
Yes, with a full Australian car licence plus an International Driving Permit and your passport.
Where do I get an IDP in Australia?
Through your state or territory motoring club (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC WA, RACT or AANT). Apply before you leave.
Does Bali drive on the left like Australia?
Yes. The big difference is the number of scooters around you.
Is there a deposit?
No. You pay in full when the car is handed over, by bank transfer or e-wallet.
Will my travel insurance cover me?
It depends on your policy. Many require the correct licence and an IDP — check the motor-vehicle section before you drive.
This guide follows the SiapPergi editorial policy: facts are checked, market prices are given as ranges and mistakes are corrected. Spotted something wrong? Report a correction.
