Destinations / Indonesia
Driving in Indonesia as a visitor
Usually yes. Indonesia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Indonesia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 112 or 110 (police) |
| Top speed limit | 100 km/h toll roads |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in IDR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory and strictly checked. |
|---|---|
| Documents | International + home licence carried together. |
| Alcohol | 0.00% practical alcohol tolerance. |
On the road in Indonesia
At the pump
Pertamina stations are attendant-served; petrol grades are sold by octane name (Pertalite 90, Pertamax 92, Pertamax Turbo 98) and diesel as Solar/Dexlite, at roughly IDR 12,000-15,000 (about USD 0.75-0.95) per litre. Cards are accepted at most city stations but carry cash for rural ones.
After a crash
Call police on 110 (or the 112 emergency line); for any injury or dispute a police report is needed for insurance. Do not move vehicles before documenting the scene, and phone your rental company's helpline immediately as cover can be voided without correct paperwork.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · remitly.com · tyremap.com
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Indonesia?
Usually yes. Indonesia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Indonesia accept?
Indonesia recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Indonesia ask for one?
Police checks in Bali frequently ask for an IDP and home licence.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.