To rent a scooter in Bali, find a rental ("sewa motor"), agree a daily rate (usually Rp 50,000–80,000/day), photograph any existing damage, and keep your passport — pay a cash deposit instead of surrendering it. You legally need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the motorcycle category, plus your home licence; police do check, and your travel insurance won't pay out without it. Always wear the helmet (helm) and drive on the left.
A scooter is the cheapest, most flexible way to get around Bali — but rent smart. Agree the rate clearly: "Berapa sewa per hari?" (how much per day?), and ask for a weekly or monthly rate if you're staying longer (often far cheaper). Most rentals are automatic 110–160cc.
The licence question (read this). Legally you need an International Driving Permit that explicitly covers motorcycles, carried with your home licence. Many tourists ride without one, but Bali police run checkpoints and fine foreigners; more importantly, travel/medical insurance routinely refuses claims if you crashed without the correct licence — and scooter accidents are the #1 cause of tourist injury in Bali. Get the IDP before you travel.
Before you ride: photograph and video the whole bike (existing scratches), test the rem (brakes) and lampu (lights), check the tyres, and confirm there's a helmet that fits. Pay a cash deposit; never hand over your passport as security.
Fuel: fill up at a Pertamina station, or buy bensin eceran (roadside petrol sold in bottles) for a quick top-up. Say "Isi bensin, penuh" (fill it up).
"Berapa sewa per hari? Kalau seminggu?"
"How much per day? And for a week?"
"Saya foto dulu, ya." (photograph the damage)
"Let me take photos first."
"Rem-nya bagus? Ada helm?"
"Are the brakes good? Is there a helmet?"
"Saya kasih deposit, paspor saya bawa."
"I'll leave a cash deposit; I keep my passport."
"Isi bensin, penuh." (at the Pertamina station)
"Fill it up, please."
Bali traffic is dense and fast, roads can be rough, and rain makes them slick. Always wear the helmet (it's the law and police fine you without it), drive on the left, and go pelan-pelan (slowly) until you're used to it. Avoid riding at night on unlit roads and never ride after drinking.
Make sure your travel insurance covers motorbikes — many policies only do if you hold the correct licence (IDP + motorcycle class) and wear a helmet. A small premium and an IDP are far cheaper than an uninsured hospital bill.
Do I really need a license to rent a scooter in Bali?+
Legally yes — an International Driving Permit covering motorcycles plus your home licence. Rentals often don't ask, but police checkpoints fine foreigners, and insurance usually won't cover an accident without it.
How much does it cost?+
Typically Rp 50,000–80,000 per day, much less per week or month. Petrol is cheap. Always agree the rate and deposit up front.
Should I leave my passport as a deposit?+
No. Pay a cash deposit and keep your passport. Photograph the bike's existing damage before riding so you aren't charged for it on return.
Is it safe to ride a scooter in Bali?+
It can be, with care — but scooter accidents are the leading cause of tourist injury. Wear a helmet, drive on the left, go slowly, avoid night/rain riding, and never ride after drinking.
Where do I get petrol?+
Pertamina stations for a full tank, or roadside "bensin eceran" (petrol in bottles) for a quick top-up. Say "isi bensin, penuh" to fill up.
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