Can You Ride a Scooter in Bali with a Chinese Licence? The Honest Answer & Better Options
By the siappergi.com team · Published · 5 min read
Many visitors from mainland China ask whether they can rent a scooter in Bali. The honest answer: in most cases it isn't legal on a Chinese licence alone. Here's why — and how to get around Bali easily instead.
Why a Chinese licence usually isn't enough
- Foreign riders in Indonesia are expected to show a licence plus an International Driving Permit (or an Indonesian licence).
- Mainland China doesn't issue IDPs under the international road conventions.
- Riding without a recognised licence can mean fines at police checks.
- Travel insurers usually refuse claims for riders without a valid licence.
Rules can change and some travellers hold other licences. Check the latest guidance before you travel.
Better ways to get around
| Option | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Car with driver (full day) | Sightseeing, families, groups | Confirmed by the admin for your route |
| Airport transfer | Arrival and departure | Confirmed by the admin |
| Ride-hailing apps | Short trips in the south | Varies |
| Self-drive car (e.g. Honda Brio) | Only with a licence valid in Indonesia | IDR 310,000/day |
A full-day car with driver is often the best value for 3–6 people: everyone rides together, with air-conditioning and a driver who knows the roads.
Route ideas with a driver
See full-day tour route ideas, Bali car with driver prices and airport transfers.
How to book
- Message us on WhatsApp with your dates, number of people and hotel.
- Tell us your plan: transfer, full-day tour or self-drive.
- The admin confirms the price — no payment in advance.
- Pay on the day.
Related: should I rent a scooter in Bali?, car rental in Bali and SiapPergi — Bali scooter rental.
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 Chinese tourists ride a scooter in Bali?
On a mainland Chinese licence alone, usually not legally. Choose a car with driver or ride-hailing instead.
Does China issue an International Driving Permit?
Not under the international road conventions used for IDPs.
What's the best alternative to a scooter?
A full-day car with driver for sightseeing, plus airport transfers.
Do I need to pay in advance?
No. You pay on the day.
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.
