Rental cars and motor bikes are a very popular means of transport in Bali. The island is big and personal means of getting around is a necessity since public transportation is virtually non-existent.  Taking a taxi is an option, but can be costly when traveling long distances.

Everyone drives on the left-hand-side of the road, so be mindful if you come from a country that drives on the right side of the road.  It usually takes a day or two to get used to it. Traffic is a bit chaotic, common in South East Asia, so give yourself some extra time if you need to be somewhere.

I recommend for everyone who come to Bali to rent a car or a scooter.  A car is a much safer alternative to a scooter, so I highly recommend it during your stay. Plus, car rental is inexpensive and quite affordable.

Most rental services are privately owned by Balinese, but international car rental chains such as Hertz and Avis are also available. They are not so popular in Bali since they charge much more than private car rentals.

Bali car rental prices

An average price for a car rental in Bali is around $15-25 per day, or $200-350 per month. Most cars in Bali are manual transmission, but there are options for automatic if you don’t know how to drive a stick shift.  Note: Automatic transmission cars are more expensive to rent. You can also rent a car with a driver, which can typically cost $30-40 for 10 hours, not including the cost of gasoline. If the driver is also hired as a guide, the price range will go up to around $50-60.

The is not a very big selection to choose from when renting a car. The following list are the types of vehicles for rent: Toyota Avanza, Suzuki  APV, Suzuki Katana, Suzuki Karimun, Suzuki Estylo, Suzuki Splash.

The most popular car is the Toyota Avanza. A minivan which seats up to 7 passengers. The daily rate is usually $20 for manual, and $25 for automatic.

Another popular minivan in Bali is Suzuki APV. It’s slightly bigger and more comfortable than the Toyota Avanza. The daily rate is around $22 to $25 for a manual. The only difference aside from the body style is that the APV can fit at least 8 passengers.

A bit smaller version of Avanza and APV is Daihatsu Xenia but it’s a bit harder to find it. Price is slightly cheaper than for Avanza. Usually it’s around 300$ per month and 18$ per day.

If you’re on a budget, a compact car such as a Suzuki Katana (price range $12-15 a day / $170 a month), or Suzuki Karimun ($15-18 a day / $220 a month) is suggested. Its a basic, old school looking car, that offers little comfort, offering not just affordability, but maneuverability through the small streets of Bali. Just keep in mind that this car can only carry 3-4 people. If you plan on carrying 4 people with luggage, be prepared for an uncomfortable ride. Hopefully you don’t plan on traveling long distance.

A good compact option with slightly better comfort is either Suzuki Estilo for $18-20 per day, or Suzuki Splash for $20-25. The Suzuki Splash is one of the most comfortable cars in the price below 25$ a day.

Another option is a crossover Daihatsu Taruna for $20. Not all car rentals have it but it’s a good option as well.

If comfort is the most important feature in a vehicle and price is of no concern. Below are some examples of cars that may interest you. Daily rates: Honda Jazz  $30, Suzuki Swift $30, Daihatsu Terios $30, Suzuki Grand Vitara $40, Toyota Rush (like Rav4) $40, Suzuki Crossover $40, Honda CRV $50, Toyota Camry $50.

Be careful with insurance. Most Bali cars are uninsured. Renting a car is your responsibility, regardless of who is at fault. For  those rentals cars who are insured will still require you to pay minimum amount of $200 if an incident occurs. If you rent a car with insurance, you will have to pay extra. I highly suggest before renting the car, make sure you consult with the owner everything about insurance and what you are liable for.

I have often been asked about the possibility of renting child safety seats. Child safety seats are not required by law and are often not used in Bali. I have seen online prices of around $20-25 per day. Equivalent to the price of a car!

Petrol price is 0.7$ per litre /$2.6 per US gallon

Car rental rules

Although you are officially required to have an international drivers license in Bali, car rental agencies do not require proof.

But if you are stopped by the police, you are supposed to show proof. If you are unable to provide a license pay the “unofficial fine” of $5 after a long bargain. Yes, that’s perfectly fine in Bali. Don’t forget to bargain otherwise you end up being asked for $20.

There are no special requirement about age and no limits for mileage. Just bring the car in a good shape back and that’s it.

Cars for surftrips.

If you plan to surf in Bali and travel around the island for waves, your choice should be Toyota Avanza, or Suzuki APV.

These cars are big enough to carry long boards inside and have space for passengers. Roof surf racks aren’t popular in Bali, we use special ropes that can be puchased from any big surf store. I don’t remember exact price, but I believe it is around $40.

The Karimun, or Katana can fit short boards perfectly inside, but will be a little tight on space.

Where to rent a car in Bali:

Below are recommended private car rentals, that I have used pesonally, with their contact information. They are very trustworthy agencies who are very helpful. The first on the list Ketut has helped me with many car, or motor bike rentals. Many of my friends who come for their holidays have used this particular agency and were happy with their expereince. Ketut is simply the best!

Ketut: +62 812 3965111, +62 361 8555328, e-mail: ketutmarta@hotmail.com (manual Toyota Avanza, 19$ a day, 350$ a month)

Nyoman: +62 812 382 8994 or kusuma_dex@yahoo.com(Avanza, Karimun, Splash; manual cars & automatic)

Made: +62 361 787 4006 (Avanza, Katana, Terios; manual or automatic)

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