Bali travel vacation is at the top of the world travelers’ destination list. The island that’s located in Indonesia has a complete package of beauty. The beaches and breathtaking, the mountains are fresh with challenging treks, the culture is exotic, and the clubs are fun for partying. No wonder this island of Gods has become a strong tourist attraction.
Exploring this Island is something special with renting a car. By doing that, travelers have the freedom to arrange itineraries. The challenge is that you have to understand that this island is located in Indonesia.
The regulations for driving vehicles on the road might be different from where you are from. Some rules might be similar, but still, foreigners must provide different documents. Furthermore, the parking habits, the driving habits on the road, and many local things are different.
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Driving in Bali for Foreigners Must Bring These Documents
Foreigners must provide documents to be allowed to drive on the Indonesian road. You have to provide an International Driving Permit. Valid IDP is required for no foreigner is allowed to drive without it.
You also need to bring your regular driving license. Without these two important documents, the government could punish the driver with four months in prison. Another option is the government could fine the traffic violators a sum of money.
To get this permit, make sure the applicants are already 18 years old. Principally, IDP is the international version of your national one. Every personal information is the same. Although you will live in Indonesia for a while, the address of your IDP is similar to your domestic license. The time needed to issue an IDP varies. It could be more than a week, in exactly one week, or minutes.
When driving, both a domestic license and IDP have to be carried. It is usually valid for one year. You can renew that document. However, the renewal is not like the conventional one but rather like reapplying and getting a new one. The point is, if in the previous travel, there was no problem, you can always reapply.
To get an IDP, you should possess a real domestic license first. If you just have an interim one, you can’t apply. So, when you plan to drive, you have to consider the time. Get the license long before you go, get the international one, and then you can book a Bali travel vacation along with booking the stylish car you want.
One important thing that you must highlight is IDP does not have power. If you bring only it, you can be punished. It is just the translation of your local license. It will be valid if you bring both. The things you should provide to get IDP depend on the country where you are from, but the general requirements usually: 2 photos, a photocopy of the main driving license, and paying administration fee.
The Rules
Driving in Indonesia could be different from the country where you are from. Pay attention to the rules carefully for driving in Bali for foreigners.
Driving Direction
In Bali (and in Indonesia in general), you have to drive on the left side of the road. It is popular with left-hand traffic terms. If you are from a country with the same rules, this is not a problem. But if it’s not, you need to adapt because this one thing that’s often underestimated can be really stressful.
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The driver’s seat or steering wheel is on the right. The driver needs to see the median (the line in the middle of the road) clearly to avoid a crash with any vehicle from the opposite direction. That is why the driver seat and the driving direction are always opposite (right steering wheel for left-hand traffic, and vice versa). Remember, while having your Bali travel vacation, drive on the left side of the road and use the right lane to overtake.
Speed Limits
The general rule gives a limit of 50 kilometers per hour. It runs for the crowded areas like towns or cities that need carefulness. In the smaller road like in residential areas, you are allowed to drive up to 30 kilometers per hour.
In toll roads, you are not allowed to drive too slowly with 60 kilometers per hour (minimum) and 100 kilometers per hour for the maximum speed. However, it depends on the area of the toll. Some allow 120 kilometers per hour for the maximum speed, some other only allows 80 kilometers per hour.
Road Signs
Some signs are universal and easily understood by foreigners. Signs like no parking, no stopping and no U-turning are examples of universal road signs (not just those three, but there are many more). However, particular road signs vary in each country. Therefore, it is best to learn seriously about it. Besides learning textually, you should get used to it so that when you drive and see the sign, your reflex is trained to respond quickly.
Smart Tips
To avoid any problem that might happen, you have to choose a trusted car rental company. Check the vehicle and the legal documents. Non-proper vehicles will cause trouble with the police. Bali package tour usually offers a rental service.
Always bring your IDP and your domestic license. Save important phone numbers like embassy, police, ambulance, and mechanic for emergencies. Although the travel agency will help with that, saving those significant numbers yourself is better. It will help when the travel agency number is unreachable.
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Where to Get the Best Car
After you get everything you need for driving, now it’s time to find a trusted car rental company. Bali Travel Vacation is a travel partner to reveal the true beauty of this island of Gods. We are supported by local staff who already know everything about Bali.
The good news is we also provide car rental service with well-maintained cars. For luxury drive, we have Toyota Alphard. For small families or a small group of people, we have Suzuki APV, Toyota Inova Reborn, Toyota Rush and Toyota All New Avanza. For more than 10 passengers, we have Isuzu Elf and Toyota Hiace. Book our Bali package tour and have a memorable vacation.
