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Car Hire in Indonesia: What to Know Before You Drive

Once you have collected your car, use this guide for Indonesian speed limits, cashless toll roads, driving in Bali, licence requirements, monsoon conditions, mountain roads and the rules that matter on a journey through Indonesia.

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Before you leave the rental car park

Driving conditions in Indonesia range from modern toll roads to extremely busy city streets, narrow village lanes and steep mountain roads. Check the vehicle carefully before departure.

  • Confirm the fuel type: check whether the car uses petrol, diesel, electricity or another fuel.
  • Find the controls: locate the lights, indicators, wipers, hazard lights, demister, horn and parking brake.
  • Check existing damage: make sure visible damage is recorded and consider taking your own photographs.
  • Check the tyres: look for obvious damage and confirm that a spare wheel or repair kit is available.
  • Ask about toll payment: confirm which electronic toll card or other payment arrangement is supplied with the vehicle.
  • Check your documents: make sure you have the driving licence, International Driving Permit and rental documentation required for your journey.
  • Save roadside-assistance details: keep the rental provider's assistance number accessible.

Drive on the left

Traffic drives on the left in Indonesia and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

  • Keep left: stay to the left except when overtaking or where the road layout requires otherwise.
  • Roundabouts: traffic normally circulates clockwise.
  • Motorcycles: expect motorcycles and scooters to pass on either side in dense traffic.
  • Villages: be prepared for pedestrians, parked vehicles and activity close to the carriageway.
  • Check mirrors carefully before turning or changing lane.

Speed limits in Indonesia

Indonesia's national speed-limit framework provides maximum limits of:

  • Freeways and toll roads: generally up to 100 km/h.
  • Intercity roads: generally up to 80 km/h.
  • Urban areas: generally up to 50 km/h.
  • Residential areas: generally up to 30 km/h.

Individual road sections can have lower signed limits, which always take priority.

Toll-road speed limits are enforced

Indonesian traffic police reiterated in 2026 that toll-road users must observe the applicable minimum and maximum speeds rather than treating a toll road as unrestricted.

  • The general free-flow minimum on toll roads is 60 km/h.
  • The general maximum is 100 km/h.
  • A particular section can have a different signed limit.
  • Congestion, rain and poor visibility can require a much lower safe speed.

Indonesian toll roads are cashless

Indonesia has used non-cash payment across its toll-road network since 2017. Toll payments are normally made using an electronic money card.

  • Do not expect to be able to pay a toll booth with cash.
  • Ask the rental provider which electronic toll card is supplied with the vehicle.
  • Check the available card balance before a long toll-road journey.
  • Toll charges depend on the road section and vehicle category.
  • Current official toll rates are published through BPJT and individual toll-road operators.

Check the electronic toll card before departure

A rental vehicle may already have an electronic money card supplied for toll-road use. Confirm the provider's procedure before adding money or replacing the card.

  • Ask how you can check the card balance.
  • Ask where the card can be topped up if required.
  • Use the same card correctly where a toll system requires entry and exit transactions.
  • Keep enough balance available for the planned route.
  • If the card does not work at a toll gate, follow staff instructions rather than reversing from the lane.

Driving in Bali requires patience

Bali is one of Indonesia's most popular car-hire destinations, but driving can be demanding, particularly around Denpasar, Kuta, Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud.

  • Expect large numbers of motorcycles and scooters.
  • Motorcycles can appear beside the car when traffic is almost stationary.
  • Local roads can become very narrow despite being shown as normal roads by navigation software.
  • Traffic congestion can make relatively short journeys take much longer than expected.
  • Allow substantial extra time when returning a car to Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Bali Mandara Toll Road

Bali's main toll road connects the airport and southern Bali area with routes towards Nusa Dua and Benoa.

  • The road uses cashless electronic toll payment.
  • Make sure the vehicle's toll card has sufficient balance before entering.
  • Follow the signed lane for your vehicle type.
  • Traffic around the airport approaches can still be heavy even when the toll road itself is moving freely.

Driving in Indonesian cities

  • Expect motorcycles, cars, buses, minibuses and pedestrians to use the same road space.
  • Lane discipline may be less predictable than visitors are used to.
  • Leave room for vehicles entering from side roads.
  • Plan the route before entering busy central areas.
  • Avoid relying on estimated navigation times during rush hour.

Parking can be informal

  • Use hotel, shopping-centre or managed parking where practical.
  • Check local signs and instructions before leaving the car.
  • Some parking areas have attendants who collect a local parking charge.
  • Do not obstruct narrow roads, gateways or access routes.

Tropical rain can change road conditions quickly

Heavy rainfall can reduce visibility, create standing water and cause local flooding or landslides.

  • Reduce speed during heavy rain.
  • Increase following distance and allow more room for braking.
  • Do not drive into flood water where the depth or road surface is uncertain.
  • Mountain and hillside roads can be affected by landslides after prolonged rainfall.
  • Check local weather and road information before longer journeys.

Mountain and volcanic areas

  • Indonesia has extensive mountain and volcanic terrain.
  • Roads can be steep, narrow and winding.
  • Use an appropriate gear on long descents.
  • Heavy rain can reduce visibility and increase landslide risk.
  • Check current access arrangements before travelling towards an active volcano or restricted area.

Night driving

  • Street lighting varies considerably outside major urban areas.
  • Motorcycles, pedestrians and animals may be difficult to see.
  • Road markings may be less visible in heavy rain.
  • Where practical, plan unfamiliar rural journeys for daylight.

Refuelling the rental car

  • Confirm the correct fuel type before leaving the rental branch.
  • Major towns and main roads generally have established fuel stations.
  • Fuel availability can be less predictable in remote areas.
  • Do not wait until the tank is almost empty before refuelling on a long rural journey.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if your rental terms require one.

Do not drink and drive

Indonesian road-safety guidance prohibits driving while under the influence of alcohol.

  • Do not use a supposed blood-alcohol threshold as a drinking target.
  • Alcohol rules and enforcement can differ from what visitors are accustomed to at home.
  • The safest approach when driving a rental car is not to drink alcohol beforehand.

Phones and navigation

  • Set the route before moving.
  • Mount the phone securely if it is being used for navigation.
  • Avoid handling the phone while driving.
  • Stop somewhere safe if you need to make substantial route changes.

Seat belts and passengers

  • Use fitted seat belts and make sure passengers are restrained.
  • Arrange an appropriate child restraint with the rental provider where required.
  • Check the restraint is fitted correctly before departure.
  • Do not carry more passengers than the vehicle is designed for.

Check driving-licence and IDP requirements before travelling

Foreign visitors should not assume that their domestic driving licence alone is sufficient for driving in Indonesia.

  • Current international travel guidance recommends an International Driving Permit together with the underlying national driving licence.
  • The appropriate type of IDP can depend on the country that issued your driving licence.
  • Check with your national licensing authority or the Indonesian embassy or consulate before travelling.
  • Carry your original national driving licence as well as the IDP.
  • Rental providers can impose their own minimum-age, licence-holding and documentation requirements.

Irish driving licences

Irish visitors should check International Driving Permit requirements before hiring a car in Indonesia.

  • NDLS advises that an IDP is a translation used alongside your full Irish driving licence.
  • Ireland currently issues 1949 and 1926 convention permits.
  • Because IDP recognition can differ between countries, NDLS recommends confirming acceptance with the relevant embassy or consulate before travel.
  • Confirm the rental company's documentation requirements before collection.

Check the rental agreement before taking a car between islands

Indonesia is an archipelago and some itineraries involve vehicle ferries, but a rental company's permission should never be assumed.

  • Confirm that ferry transport is permitted.
  • Check whether travel to the intended island is allowed.
  • Confirm whether insurance and roadside assistance remain valid.
  • Check whether the vehicle must be returned to its original island or rental branch.

Indonesian trips where a hire car can be particularly useful

Bali

A car provides flexibility for beaches, inland villages, temples and mountain areas, although congestion can make journey times unpredictable.

Java

Toll roads connect many major centres, while a car can also provide access to countryside and attractions away from the rail network.

Yogyakarta and Central Java

Driving can make it easier to combine temples, volcanic areas, smaller towns and rural destinations.

Sumatra

Distances can be substantial, so plan fuel stops, daylight driving and realistic daily mileage.

Lombok

A car can be useful for beaches, inland areas and longer journeys beyond the main resort zones, subject to the rental provider's permitted-use conditions.

If you are involved in an accident

  • Stop somewhere safe if possible and switch on the hazard warning lights.
  • Check whether anyone requires emergency assistance.
  • Contact the police or emergency services where necessary.
  • Contact the rental provider promptly.
  • Record relevant driver, vehicle and insurance information.
  • Photograph the scene where it is safe to do so.

Emergency numbers in Indonesia

  • Integrated emergency service where available: 112
  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 118

The 112 integrated emergency service is operated through participating local governments and its coverage continues to expand.

For an ordinary rental-car breakdown, use the roadside-assistance service specified in the rental agreement.

Before returning the hire car

  • Confirm the exact branch or airport return location.
  • Refuel or recharge according to the rental agreement.
  • Keep the final fuel receipt if required.
  • Allow substantial additional time in Bali, Jakarta and other congested urban areas.
  • Make sure any outstanding toll-card arrangements have been dealt with according to the rental terms.
  • Remove personal belongings and check the glovebox, door pockets and luggage area.
  • Consider photographing the vehicle, mileage and fuel level at return.
  • Keep the rental paperwork until the deposit or card pre-authorisation has been released.

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Frequently asked questions about driving a hire car in Indonesia

Which side of the road do you drive on in Indonesia?

Traffic drives on the left and vehicles normally overtake on the right.

What are the speed limits in Indonesia?

The national framework generally sets maximum limits of 100 km/h on freeways, 80 km/h on intercity roads, 50 km/h in urban areas and 30 km/h in residential areas. Individual roads can have lower signed limits.

Can I pay Indonesian tolls with cash?

Indonesian toll roads use cashless payment. Ask the rental provider which electronic toll card or payment arrangement is supplied and make sure sufficient balance is available.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Indonesia?

Foreign visitors should not assume their domestic licence alone is sufficient. Current international travel guidance recommends carrying an appropriate International Driving Permit together with the original national driving licence. Confirm the exact requirement before travel.

Is it difficult to drive in Bali?

Bali can be demanding because of congestion, motorcycles, narrow local roads and unpredictable journey times. Allow extra time, use mirrors frequently and drive defensively.

What emergency number should I use in Indonesia?

112 is Indonesia's integrated emergency number in participating regions. Current travel guidance also lists 110 for police and 118 for ambulance services.

Official and reliable driving information for Indonesia

Speed limits, toll arrangements, emergency-service coverage and local road conditions can change. The links below were checked when this page was reviewed.

Last reviewed: 25 September 2026.