International Drivers License Information on www.idlicense.com

Before setting go to explore the island of Bali, especially when you are on your own and not with driver, it would be great if you pay attention into the following information.

Driving License
An International driving license is a must. If you do not posses it, a Tourist Driving License in Bali can be obtained at Cok Agung Tresna Street No. 14, Renon, Denpasar. The office is in the Pelayanan Samsat Building, BPKB section. Requirements: one copy of passport (photo and identification pages and entry visa page) and one copy of valid home country driving license. A car or motorcycles license will cost about Rp.75.000 each and are valid for one month. Obtain and complete the application form, pay the fee and have your photograph taken on the spot. The licenses are ready in ten minutes. Contact: 243-939, Foreign License Service.

Check Your Car
On the hand-over, please check the car e.g. the spare part wheel, vehicles's license, whether it is gasoline or diesel fule, etc.

Maps and Information
Free maps often available in most department stores for easy pick up. Buying detailed maps with information such as from Periplus is by far better.

What to do and not to do

* In many places cattles e.g. cows and dogs are often crossing the street, just speed down and be careful.
* Religious ceremonies and cultural festivals may occupy the road - if you are caught behind it, enjoy the experience and do not horn.
* As developing country, during peak hours, roads especially in the towns are quite busy, please be patient.
* It is not unusual for cars and motorbikes to swerve into your lane especially in around traffic light or where obstacles on the sides of the road exist e.g. parked cars or trolley procession.
* Drivers (often motorbike) from side streets sometimes do not look the situation when joining the main road, please be aware.
* There are several places where traffic in the left lane may turn or continue straight through while the light is red with a sign "Belok kiri jalan terus" or "Lurus Jalan terus"
* Remember to "toot" your horn when going around curves on mountainous roads as drivers sometimes drive in the middle of the road, especially when they think it is quite.
* There are a lot of one way roads in Bali (meant to help traffic flow but it has not really turned out that way). If you miss your turn off, you may have drive quite a distance before being able to turn back. This has resulted in motorbike riders riding a few hundred meters in the wrong direction, as a shortcut rather than following traffic flow. Be alert!

If you do want to visit and explore Rome using your own mode of transportation, here are a few tips that you need to remember when renting a car in the city:

Travelers' Advice:  Different Sightseeing Tours in Rome to Choose from

Whether it is your first time or n^th time to visit the city – Rome has a lot of layers that you can peel away, one delicious treat after another.

So what are the types of sightseeing tours in Rome that you can choose from? Take a look at the following list to find out:

Want to see the city of Rome illuminated at night?  You can definitely do so by booking for a private tour of the city.  There's no need for you to suffer through long lines or fall for tourist traps which are laid out through the entire city.

With a private tour, you and a group of other tourists will get to enjoy a private tour of Rome.  Some of the highlights include touring the part of the city which is known as Ancient Rome.

Whether you liked the movie "The Da Vinci Code" or not, you will definitely be amazed at the Da Vinci Code tour which is led by a private tour guide. Catholic or not, you will most certainly appreciate a tour of the papal enclave.

History buffs will have a blast visiting Nero's Golden House, Subterranean Rome, Bernini's Rome and other sights worth seeing in this living, breathing museum that is Rome.

Finally, there's a tour of Rome's famous flea markets.  When it comes to private tours like these, the possibilities of the sights that you can explore are practically endless!

1. Walking Tours of Rome

Rome is definitely a fun city to explore, even by foot. With a walking tour of Rome – you can also have a guided tour as you go through different tourist-y activities.  This includes enjoying Rome by night, joining guided tours of Rome, trekking through the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere area, or indulging in food and wine tasting tours.
 

1. Enjoying Rome through Bus Tours

Another infamous way to enjoy a tour in Rome is by getting on an open bus, where you can enjoy the feel of that distinctive Italian breeze while having an unrestricted view of the city.

1. Planning a Trip to Rome, then Soaking in the Sights for Free!

Finally, what better way is there to explore a famous, romantic and charming city than by exploring everything by yourself – without having to follow a set schedule or going through a guided tour? When you plan a trip to Rome, you definitely have the freedom to explore the city and soak in the sights at your own pace and your own time.

Take your pick from these unique ways to explore and discover Rome – and you'll definitely have a memory of the city like you will never forget!

Driving in Tuscany Italy

Theoretically you require an International Drivers licence to rent a car in Italy, The International Driving Permit (IDP) is an official translation of your driver's license and Italy, by law, requires that you have an IDP. However, in practice you can make a rental with a standard valid driving license.

 

Car Rental: 

You will find most of the International car rental companies and many local companies. Rrent from either Europcar or Avis, Hertz does have an office in Arezzol, just not downtown near the train station. Rented from Hertz, and got a phenomenal deal online; 123 EUR for a week, for a automatic Mercedes A180. This was the perfect car for us - officially a midsize, but had enough room in the hatchback area for 4 large (29") rolling duffels plus 4 carry-ons without even impeding the view out the rear-view mirror! Had only 200 km on it when we picked it up, and was very peppy yet got almost 40 mpg... so even with $8/gallon feul, the cost per mile was less than our cars at home! Easy to park as well - just an all around great car; wish they sold it here. The key to getting that great rate (besides booking way in advance) was to book a "green midsize automatic" using the AAA discount - the Mercedes A160 or A180 is apparently the only automatic green midsize they have, and it was over three times the price if you selected it as "automatic midsize" vs. "green automatic midsize". Returning the car in Arezzo was much easier than with Avis or Europcar, as Hertz is a couple of miles out of the town center, but right off the motorway, and then they will drive you right up to the front door of the train station (we didn't even have to transfer our luggage as they used our car). Avis and Europcar are right across from the train station, but you have to deal with downtown traffic, plus since they don't really have a lot, you need to try to find a spot on the street or the sidewalk in front, then lug your luggage a few hundred yards to the train station.

International Driver's License:

Officially required in order to rent and drive a car in italy, but many car rental agencies don't check. The guy in front of us in line was turned away from his confirmed reservation at Avis because he didn't have one, and was frantic as most agencies were out of cars... Hertz didn't check ours, but that might have been because I was Hertz #1 Gold, so I didn't need to fill out paperwork... Best to be safe and get it at any AAA office or online for $15 (need a passport photo).

GPS:

Critical to have - makes driving so much easier! We brought a Garmin Nuvi 370 (comes with all of Europe pre-loaded) and the Club provided a TomTom Go 920. We tested them side-by-side a couple of times, and they always picked the same routes. Personally I liked the TomTom better in terms of the graphics, but I liked the garmin better in terms of design (i.e. the garmin just snaps in and out of the holder, automatically connecting to the power source, whereas the TomTom needs to be inserted into the holder and then also have the power cord attached.

EU citizens are in luck and spared from having to go through the whole process. As a nonresident, an EU driver’s license is valid in Spain, and vice-versa. If you are a resident, then you must alter your license. There are two options: either get your EU driver’s license “stamped” or you exchange your license for a Spanish driver’s license.

As a non-EU citizen, you have our condolences; you will need to get that Spanish driver’s license after all. Depending on your nationality, non-EU driver’s licenses may be valid for the first year after arrival in Spain. After that, you are officially required to have a Spanish driver’s license. (Some expats, however, have been known to use their home-country license for years without problems. Not recommended, but possible.)

For US drivers, bear in mind that because each state has its own rules, foreign countries make agreements with individual states! That means that your New York driver’s license is valid (for the first year) in Spain, but your Massachusetts driver’s license is not (whether the police know which states are valid is another question).

For Canadian drivers, you are currently required to have both your provincial driver’s license and an International license, which are valid for up to a year of living in Spain. If and when you get your residence, these are valid for only six additional months at that point. You can get your International driver’s license from many registry offices or CAA offices (or the provincial equivalents) by showing your valid provincial license, spending a half hour, and approximately CDN$30.

 
 

To get a Spanish driver’s license you must: join a driving school and pass a medical exam, written exam, and behind-the-wheel exam.

Parking:

There is no parking where signs are present. Parking is also prohibited in all areas where the curb is painted yellow.

Parking is metered in some areas. In other areas, spaces are marked in blue. A ticket needs to be purchased to park in these spaces. In some places, there is a machine for purchasing tickets. In other areas, an attendant is present to sell the tickets. Most of these areas have a two hour limit and fines are issued.

Pay attention to parking laws when you are visiting Spain. If you leave the car too long or park in a restricted area, your car may be towed. A sticker is left on the curb telling you where the car has been taken. The fines and fees are high to get your car back. Dealing with some companies is difficult if you don't speak Spanish. 

Driving in Spain: Laws

Always carry the proper documentation when driving in Spain. You will need to have your driver's license, registration and a certificate of insurance. It's a good idea to carry your passport as well. If you don't own the vehicle, carry the agreement from the car hire company to prove you have the right to drive the car.

If you are from a country that is part of the European Union, you will need the EU driver's license. If you are from a non EU country, you will be on the safe side if you have an international driver's license. You should ask your car hire company beforehand and ask for any requirements they have. Otherwise this could lead to endless arguments at point of hire.

Carry a certificate of insurance in case you are stopped. If you have a car hire and have purchased the insurance, you should be given documentation. If you are using your home insurance, carry your certificate with you at all times. Keep in mind that this is generally only good for a stay of shorter than three months. If you are staying longer, contact your broker.
 

Spain has stricter drunk driving laws than many other countries. The legal limit is 0.05% and 0.01% for new drivers. They are serious about drunk driving and have strict penalties, such as heavy fines, loss of license and imprisonment.

Seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. No children under the age of twelve should be in the front seat. Spain also has laws requiring small children be in an approved child safety seat in the back seat. Your car hire agency can provide a seat for you, just let them know at the time you reserve the

Is that all? Yes, but going back to Fermat’s theorem, it’s not as easy as it sounds. It can be a long, treacherous road fraught with pitfalls, but as Sal says, “I am now the proud owner of a 23 centimeter long piece of tri-folded, non-laminated, pink cardboard with my photo stapled onto it.” A proud owner, indeed, but keep in mind that newer driver’s licenses are now of the plastic card variety and look similar to a DNI. 

Most of the cities and tourist areas have car rentals; depending on the company you may be able to return the car in another city. Although renting a car offers the tourist flexibility when traveling, one should take into account that car rental in Argentina tends to be costly. In Argentina you are allowed to use your regular drivers license, although it is highly recommended to get an international drivers license or international translation of driving licence. In order to drive in the country a person must be older than 18 years of age.

While driving in Argentina it is advisable not to exceed the speed limit and to obey all transit signs. Although bribing is common, if you receive a traffic ticket from a police officer, it is better not to argue and just accept the fine. Wearing a seat belt is a must, although generally people do not use them. It is prohibited to make left hand turns on main roads unless there is a left turn arrow at a stoplight indicating you to do so. In cities the maximum velocity is 40 k/h (25 mph) and 60 k/h (almost 40 mph) on main roads. On rapid highways the maximum speed permitted is 120 k/h (75 mph), while on main roads the maximum reaches up to 80 k/h (50 mph). Driving in a city like Buenos Aires can be rather chaotic, due to the quantity of vehicles and the narrowness of some streets. Drivers are typically aggressive, the streets are a mess, and there is little or no respect for pedestrians. You should drive defensively and with great care.

From  Argentina you can travel by car to neighboring countries. There are highways leading to Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and the border with Brazil. Each country has border controls where you will be asked for your passport and visa (in case you need it to enter the country) and all valid automobile documents. The continuing rural roads are not in good condition nor are they well marked with signs.
It is also worth mentioning that the expressways are privately owned, therefore you have to pay a toll from one stretch of road to another . Although there are plenty of gas stations in every city and on highways, it is wise to fill your gas tank before setting out on rural roads since gas stations are harder to find in isolated areas. In Argentina gas is called nafta.