Car hire is easy on Bali. Large international rental companies offer good deals, but local companies are very competitive. The most popular rental vehicle is the Jimny - a small, Suzuki Katana jeep with ample ground clearance. The Jimny has a tiny 800 cc engine, two seats in the front, and two to four bench seats in the back. The larger Toyota Kijang seats six and is very economical and lightweight. The majority of hire-cars have manual ’stick-shift’ gears as opposed to automatic transmission.
TIP - Shop around for a good rental deal. Check out the net, Bali’s local papers and Magazines for the best prices.
TIP Carefully check the condition of your car before accepting terms (especially the horn, as this is used to warn other road users of your presence).
TIP - All rental cars should have registration documents and registration plates prefixed with the letters: RC (for ‘Rental Car’). These are legal requirements for renting and without them the police could stop you and impose fines. Registration plates should also include both Balinese and Lambok licensing for use on both islands. Inform the rental company if you intend to use the vehicle on both islands and request appropriate documentation.
TIP - During the major holiday periods of Galungan and Nyepi, hire vehicles are in great demand from Balinese locals going home for the festivities, so it is advisable to book your vehicle in advance of these periods. Car Hire with Driver Known in Bali as ‘chartered transport’. Although prices vary, depending on the places you wish to visit (and the distance covered), a car with driver will run about 15,000 - 20,000 rp per day (12 hours). Negotiate with the driver before agreeing a deal and check what extra costs will have to be paid such as petrol, meals, etc. Insurance Requirements Some rental companies offer insurance for an added fee. Check the small print as the conditions of policies vary considerably.
TIP - Maximum write-off damage will require an approximate payment of US $25 variable according to the individual policy, but minor damage such as a smashed wing or headlight could result in the hirer paying the full cost of repair which can be very expensive. Licence Requirements An International Driving Permit is required in addition to your own national Driving Licence. These are obtainable from motoring organisations in your country.
WARNING - Driving in Bali without a licence can incur a fine of 2,000,000 rp. Seat Belts Seat belts are fitted to some vehicles, but there are no legal requirements to use them. If you intend to rent a motorcycle, helmets will be supplied by the hire company for the rider and passenger. It is a legal requirement to wear one and it has to be in good condition. Which Side of the Road Traffic drives on the left. Priority It is your responsibility as driver to avoid all other road users. Any vehicle has the right of way to pull out in front of you. Drivers in Bali rely on audible warnings, so use the horn regularly to let them know of your presence and in particular when overtaking. Likewise, other drivers will use their horns to let you know of their presence.
WARNING - Be extra vigilant when driving at dusk or at night in rural areas. Many bicycles and carts are not illuminated by lights and street lighting is to be found only in the larger towns. Routes Indonesia’s main roads are generally excellent surfaced highways, though overland travel may be hampered by the IMF’s insistence that the government remove price subsidies on petrol. In Badung regency especially, there are certain roads that change priority from two-way to one-way during the course of the day. Be extremely careful as road priorities can change without warning and the police will fine anybody driving in contravention of altered road priorities. Speed Limits There is a maximum speed limit of 70 kph. Petrol Expect to pay over 6000 rp a litre.