transportation

Sep

2024

International Driving Permit; An American’s Guide to Driving Abroad

Imagine cruising through scenic landscapes, discovering hidden gems, and immersing yourself in vibrant cultures – all on your own terms. An international road trip offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, but before you hit the gas, you’ll need to equip yourself with an International Driving Permit (IDP). Think of it as your passport to hassle-free driving adventures abroad.

In this guide, we’ll cut through the confusion surrounding IDPs, arm you with the essential know-how for navigating driving laws in different countries, and showcase how road trips can deepen your connection to the places you visit. Let’s get started on planning your unforgettable adventure!

IDP Essentials

What is an IDP?

Essentially, an IDP is a translation of your US driver’s license into multiple languages, making it understandable to authorities and rental agencies worldwide. Think of it as your driving license’s passport, allowing you to legally hit the road in over 150 countries.

This document marks what you’re legally licensed to drive in your home country (car, motorcycle, commercial driver’s license, etc.). Note, it does NOT mark if you have a learner’s permit – only a full license.

An IDP does NOT replace your license while driving abroad. Be sure to keep both with you for safe and legal driving abroad!

Who needs an IDP?

While your US driver’s license is recognized in some countries (like Canada and Mexico), many others require an IDP. Some car rental agencies may also insist on one, even if it’s not a legal requirement. It’s always best to check the specific rules of your destination before you travel.

Since the IDP is to translate your driver’s license, other English-speaking countries don’t require it. So, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, South Africa… no need!

Some countries or insurance policies require an IDP. If you get in an accident and don't have an IDP, you may not be eligible for coverage. Check your insurance and country laws!

Where do you get an IDP?

In the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorized issuer of IDPs. You can apply online, in person at a AAA office, or by mail. The process is simple and relatively quick, but it’s recommended to apply a few weeks before your trip to ensure you receive it in time.

An IDP only costs $20 and lasts for 1 year from the date of purchase. You will need a 2×2 inch photo (like a passport photo) that is attached to your license. Many AAA locations have the ability to take and print these photos, but call ahead to double check.

Where to get an IDP when already abroad?

You’d think there would be an easy online form to fill out since it’s almost 2025… but no. Snail mail is the only option unfortunately. You’ll have to mail an application, photo, photocopy of your license, and the fee to a AAA office, and wait the 5-7 weeks for a return.

While in Italy, we didn’t have an IDP (we didn’t even know about it!), but knew we needed to rent a car. We couldn’t wait the 5-7 weeks, so we actually found a local lawyer who spoke Italian and English, and got a legal document that translated our license, and then got that notorized… a bit of a pain in the ass, but so would a $400 ticket! There are some options, but keep it easy and just get an IDP!

Learning the Rules of the Road Abroad

Okay, now you got your International Drivering Permit, great! Now…it’s time to drive in your next destination. Learning the rules of the road isn’t always straight forward, some countries seem like they have no rules at all!

I suggest watching a few videos on driving in any destination to get some basic understanding. Some questions you should be able to answer include:

What side of the road do they drive on?
Who has right away?
What are the speed limits?
Are there any unique road signs or traffic signals?
What is the general driving style?
What should you do if you’re stopped by police?
How does refueling work?

It is amazing how different driving culture is around the world. From the zippy cars in Europe, to the school of bikes that lay on the horn in Southeast Asia, every region is completely different!

A Note on Police...

While there are many thoughts about the police agenda in America, corruption abroad is a real threat, and tourists are often a target.

Many travelers don’t go through the hoops to get an IDP (even though it’s REALLY EASY), and police have started capitalizing on this. While traveling through Southeast Asia for over a year, I heard some absolute horror stories that went something like this:

A cop pulls over a tourist, asking if they have an IDP.. the unfortunate ones did not. The cop threatens x amount of months in jail, a huge fine OR, the option to pay him a few hundred dollars on the spot. Sometimes, if the tourist says “I only have $50”, the cop may actually take them to an ATM and have them withdraw a lot….

Don’t get into this situation. Protect yourself, and just get an IDP!!

Immersing in Culture by Driving

There are so many reasons you should set yourself up to drive abroad. While it may be a bit scary, humans are so capable! Don’t let an unknown thing stop you from learning and exploring. While you can imagine all the incredible ways you can connect just by being on the road and taking control of your journey, I’m going to share a few of my favorites:

Motorcycle Drive on the Ho Chi Minh Road, Vietnam

Matt and I took a 1 week drive on the Ho Chi Minh Road in central Vietnam. This is one of the most remote parts of the country, where we drove through tiny towns of a few dozen people, eating locally, staying in people’s homes and it was incredible!! We had complete control of our schedule, which isn’t possible if you do a group tour or easy rider. We practices Vietnamese and taught some English to local kids while swimming under a waterfall, we communicated with charades, and laughed the whole week!

Italian Mountain Drives in Winter

We rented a hybrid SUV in Northern Italy, and we traversed through the Italian Dolomites for over a month! We were lucky enough to get a visit from Matt’s dad, who we took on hikes, beautiful drives, and skiing through the snow-covered mountains. We explored small mountain towns, places that are not possible with public transit!

Okinawa Jungle Adventures, Japan

During our 45 days in Okinawa Japan, we didn’t really think we could afford to rent a car! Luckily, our host had an extra he rented to us for only $300 for the entire time! Thankfully I had my IDP since Japan’s driving system is as you’d expect – clean-cut, organized, and transparent. The public bus stops half-way up the island, without any way to explore the Yanbaru Forest. With our car, we kept our free dive gear loaded, and could explore any waterfall, hike, or viewpoint without any planning or problems.

Angkor Wat Exploration on our terms, Cambodia

Everyone who goes to Cambodia makes a stop at Angkor Wat for sunrise. But, with our own motorbike, we could go off the beaten trail and see some of the best sights without any other people. Since most travelers hire a tuk-tuk driver or go with a tour, they don’t have this luxury. We spent less money, and had way more freedom to explore how we want, and it was perfect!

Summary - International Driving Permit for US travelers

Getting an International Driving Permit is easy, cheap, and every traveler should get one. Even if you don’t think you’ll be driving, you don’t want to limit your journey, and getting around is half of it!

Not only will you feel confident and comfortable knowing you have the legal protections in place, you’ll get to explore at your own pace, and meet people when and where you want. Not everyone offers taxis and public transit, so stop waiting and just get one already!

What country will you drive in next?

A woman standing in front of a Jeep vehicle with snowy mountains in the background

International Driving Permit; An American’s Guide to Driving Abroad

September 25, 2024

Beatles Ashram meditation domes in Rishikesh India

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A square fire decorated with flowers and spices at the opening ceremony at Mimamsa Yogshala

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August 28, 2024

Dec

2023

How To Get To Koh Samui

Planning your escape to the Gulf of Thailand? The first step of the journey is figuring out how to get to Koh Samui, the largest and most convenient of the archipelago, so you can hit the beach and start your tropical vacation!

In this guide, we’ll break down the different route options, cost estimates, and considerations, pros, and cons of each, so you can pick the plan that best suits you. Book your tickets directly from here and start your journey to the island paradise of Koh Samui!

Getting to Koh Samui by Plane

For those prioritizing speed and convenience, flying is the most direct route to Koh Samui. Not to mention that the Koh Samui airport is possibly the most beautiful in the world!

Direct flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok to Samui Airport (USM) take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, this convenience comes at a cost, with flight prices ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 Thai Baht.

It’s recommended to book your flight well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best deals! Learn the secrets of booking the cheapest flights!

Pros

Speed: The quickest way to reach Koh Samui so you can hit the beach ASAP!
Comfort: Direct flights provide convenience and comfort.
Airport: Koh Samui Airport is by far the most beautiful airport I’ve ever seen!

Cons

Cost: Generally more expensive compared to other options.
No Scenery: You will miss the beauty along the way that you get with a bus, train, or ferry.
Carbon Intensity: Flying is usually the least sustainable mode of transport.

Getting to Koh Samui by Ferry

For a more scenic route, ferry travel to Koh Samui offers a more adventurous journey. The main ferry terminal on Koh Samui – Nathon Pier – is centrally located on the west coast. However, there are a few ferry ports so double-check which one you will arrive at to coordinate your arrival!

While most ferries depart the mainland from Donsak Pier, 2 other options exist that may be ideal for your travels. Other ferry options depart from Surat Thani or Chumphon on the mainland, connecting to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.

From Donsak Pier

Donsak Pier is the most common port to leave the mainland and ferry over to Koh Samui. Located in Surat Thani, 275 km northeast of Phuket, getting there may require a bus or train ride from a main city, so be sure to consider that into your cost!

The ferry ride itself takes anywhere between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours for 450-240 Baht. Typically the ferry runs 2x a day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon, so be sure to plan every leg of the journey with the other.

There are 3 main operators; Lomprayah, Donsak Raja, and Seatran. Not all of them operate year-round, and prices and speeds differ between them so be sure to check them all!

Use 12Go.Asia, or Bookaway to easily compare and find the best travel options for you!

Getting to the Pier

Since getting to the pier may require some extra travel, I will briefly go over some ways to get there! Depending on where you’re coming from, you can choose between bus, train, or flight to Surat Thani By BUS Bus is the most common way to travel on land between cities in Thailand. No reservations are required in many cases, with different options for your ride to suit your preferences (VIP, A/C, standard). The best part, is the buses will take you directly to the Surat Thani ferry terminal, unlike the train and plane options below.

Bus from Bangkok – Surat Thani: 600-900 THB / 9-16 hours
Bus from Phuket – Surat Thani: 380 THB / 6 hours
Bus from Krabi – Surat Thani: 450 THB / 4 hours

By TRAIN The train is a great way to see the countryside, with affordable options! This is great if you’re coming from Bangkok, and want to lock it in for a long ride down the coast. You can get a sleeper car for extra comfort, but be sure to book your ticket at least 5 days in advance!

Train from Bangkok – Surat Thani: 1,000 THB / 9-12 hours

By PLANE

If you don’t want to miss all the action on the ground, you can combine a flight to Surat Thani Airport and a ferry out to Koh Samui! Often, this is cheaper than flying directly to Koh Samui, although it does add some time to your travel. Consider the cost to bus from the airport to the ferry terminal + the ferry cost, to see if it outweighs flying directly to Koh Samui.

Pros

Scenery: You get to see Thailand’s beauty along the way!
Budget: Ferries are much more affordable than a flight, saving you money.
Carbon Intensity: A ferry is a more sustainable option than a flight.

Cons

Duration: Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be a much longer route.
Limited Ports: There are only 3 ports that operate between the mainland and Koh Samui, requiring a potential extra leg of travel to get there.

Transportation on Koh Samui

Upon arriving on the island, transportation options are abundant and affordable. Taxis, scooter rentals, and shared trucks, known as Songthaews, are readily available and great for exploring this tropical island.

Taxis are convenient for quick point-to-point travel, with costs ranging from 300 to 500 Thai Baht for short distances. Since flights and ferries arrive on the island at regular intervals, they are often waiting to pick up any travelers who have just arrived. Be sure to have some Thai Baht in cash on you so you’re ready to catch a ride!

Scooter rentals provide an eco-friendly and flexible means of exploration, most of which will require you to leave your passport with them. Scooter rentals are located all over the island, but you can also ask your host for some recommendations. Cars are also available, but much more expensive and less easy to navigate this mountainous island.

Songthaews offers shared rides with affordable fares. This is basically sitting on a bench in the back of a pick-up truck, but a great local experience to have, and usually very affordable!

Upon arrival on Koh Samui, be sure to ask your accommodation if transport is included for pickup from the airport or ferry terminal. Often, it is included in your stay, relatively affordable, or a great way to find a contact to have someone available to get you when you arrive!

Get an International Driver's Permit before leaving your home country so you're able to rent abroad with no problem, covered by insurance, and won't be extorted for money by local law enforcement!

Transportation to Koh Phangan & Koh Tao

Your journey in the Gulf of Thailand doesn’t have to stop at Koh Samui. Continue venturing north to the other 2 islands in this archipelago; Koh Phangan & Koh Tao. Since neither of these islands has an airport, Ferry is your only option to get there!

Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, less-touristy atmosphere, and spiritual communities. My favorite destination in all of Thailand!

Koh Tao is an underwater paradise for snorkelers, scuba divers, and free divers. Although a much smaller and further island, don’t discount this little gem’s attraction!

Check out everything you can't miss with this 2 week itinerary in Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao!

Summary - Getting to Koh Samui

Getting to Koh Samui offers a variety of choices catering to different preferences. Whether opting for the swiftness of air travel or taking the scenic journey by ferry, each mode comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Once on the island, the diverse transportation options ensure that exploring Koh Samui is not only convenient but also environmentally conscious. Consideration of the environmental impact, advance ticket booking, and embracing sustainable transportation practices collectively contribute to a well-rounded travel experience on this tropical haven.

Now that you know where you're going, make sure you have everything you need with the ultimate packing list for Southeast Asia!

Assortment of tropical items laid out on a towel including a dive mask, shoes, a speaker, water bottle, reusable cutlery, shells, and sunglasses. Everything is included in a southeast asia packing list

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November 26, 2023

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Aug

2023

How To Book The Cheapest Flights

Traveling is so exciting once all of the planning is finally done. The costs can quickly add up in the process, leaving you with little to spend while you’re actually there exploring! Unlike rental cars or museums that have generally consistent costs, flights are a huge way to save if you navigate it well and do the research. This article will help you book the cheapest flights so you can save where you can, and explore more!

Check out the following resources to help you surf the web and find the best deals for you!

Anything purchased through the links on this page helps me maintain this blog going. Thanks for supporting – Learn More.

Summary

1. Check your Points

2. Discount Flights

3. Flight Search Engines

4. Airline Direct

5. Check again within 24 hours

Be ready to take these offers with the flexibility of destination and date, pack light to save on luggage costs, and travel in the shoulder seasons!

Flight Deal Sites

Flight Search Engine

Google Flights – Best to set a Baseline
Skyscanner
ITA Matrix
Momondo
KAYAK

Green Tip - If you're able to drive to your destination in less than 5 hours, look for public buses or trains instead of a flight!

Myth or Fact?

1. Flights are Cheaper on Tuesdays

Myth. However, it is in fact cheaper to fly on a Tuesday, as well as on Wednesday and Saturday. The day of the week a flight is booked is irrelevant, however, there is a difference in flight cost depending on the length of time until the scheduled flight! It’s typically best to book early (2-3 months), however, there are some unbeatable last-minute flight deals!

2. Search in Incognito Mode

Myth. While flight prices do fluctuate on the market and demand for a particular flight, your search patterns will not influence this! Flight prices are constantly changing, but your cookies have nothing to do with it! However, if you don’t search in incognito mode, be prepared for endless ads!!

3. Flying a Budget Flight is Always Less Enjoyable

Myth. While there definitely are a lot of cheap flights out there that have some pretty significant drawbacks, there are some gems you can find for a good price. Often, flights are reduced in price due to a long layover, a self-transfer between airports, limited baggage, and a lower-quality experience. Check below for the discounted flight sites where you can find insane deals without all of the extra negatives!

Before You Start

Be Flexible

The key to cheap flights is flexibility. You may find flights that have crazy long layovers in another city or better options on a different day. Maybe, you aren’t super attached to any specific destination, so you can be flexible there too!

Another big consideration is your luggage – many budget airlines have baggage limitations. Keep your options open and ready to grab by traveling light and being flexible.

The more flexible your plans are, the more options you can take advantage of!

Start With What You Know

Start with what you know and search from there – there are a lot of variables to consider and some may be necessary for you to keep consistent. For example, you want to go to South America but don’t care when or which specific country. Or, maybe you have 2 weeks off in the spring and want to go anywhere during those dates. These are 2 completely different situations that require different approaches!

So, do you know the dates you want to travel? Do you know where you want to go? The cheapest flights can be purchased with the most flexible plans! Do yourself a favor and see if you can get a bit of wiggle room with both the destination and the dates.

The 24-hour Rule

Once your flight is booked, you have 24 hours to cancel (this is a federal law in the US). Since flight prices fluctuate daily, you may find that the flight you purchased went down in price just hours later! If you’re a real bargain hunter, go ahead and cancel your flight to purchase the better option.

This is also a good thing to know when you come across a good deal. Found a flight you can’t pass up? Book now and sort out the rest after, you never know how long the prices will last!

Let’s Go Through an Example of the Process:

1 Passenger with 0 bags traveling from San Francisco (SFO) to Costa Rica on October 18, 2023. The dates are slightly flexible +/- 7 days, and the airport in Costa Rica does not matter.

*These figures are researched on August 29, 2023 – <2 months before the trip.

Step 1. Fly Free With Points

For any budget traveler, getting the right credit card and cashing in on those points is essential. Not only will they help cover travel costs if things don’t go to plan, but with the right card you can accrue points that you can cash in for flights!

Especially if you’re not a frequent flyer, you’ll want to use those points whenever you can, so start here! Check your credit card’s points value, and see how much that translates to in-flight miles. Typically the points can only be used when the flight is purchased through the credit card’s website, and these aren’t typically the cheapest options. So that’s up to you to decide if the points are worth using this time around.

Find the best deal you can with your credit card points, and then continue to Step 1 and beyond to see what you’re comparing it to! You may find an awesome deal within the steps below that makes you want to save your points for something else.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

This is the best travel card for its travel benefits. Earn 5x points booked on travel through Chase, earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, get comprehensive travel insurance, and more!

Example: Chase Sapphire Preferred

I use the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card – Through the Chase app, I found a flight for $205 on October 17 – a great option to compare to after the final steps!

By booking through Chase, I can use my Rewards points to pay for the flight, making it essentially free!

Step 2. Discount Flight Sites

You have probably heard of these discount flight websites – they offer insanely low prices for select flights. This is a great place to start, especially if your plans are flexible. Let’s break down some of the most popular discount flight sites!

Going through 3rd party groups can create a complicated customer service network. Be sure all info is accurate before booking to avoid unnecessary headaches!

Going (formerly "Scott's Cheap Flights")

Going is a subscription-based search engine connecting you with discounted flight deals departing from your home airport. You choose the destination, and Going will provide alerts of insane deals that can get you there for cheaper.

Subscription tiers are either Limited ($0/year), Premium ($49/year), or Elite ($199/year), each offering increased benefits to get the best deals. The deals are found by a team of people who search for the best options. However, there are limited features showing only round-trip tickets!

Example: Going

In Going, I found 1 deal that matches a flight from SFO > Costa Rica. A round-trip Avianca flight for $350 in September-November, with more options available by changing the date!

*This is round-trip, however, the link directed me to Google Flights where the price was $150.

Travel Pirates

Travel Pirates uses a tried and trusted search engine to guarantee quality flight options – KAYAK. However, what distinguished Travel Pirates from KAYAK, is not the search feature, but the deals lists. Travel Pirates uses a team of deal hunters to put together the best deals for flight, transport, and accommodation while considering the overall value of the option (for your money & time)!

Example: Travel Pirates

In Travel Pirates, using the ‘Plan Your Own Trip’ feature, I found a flight for $135 on October 18! Within the deals section, there was a discount for $133 across LATAM – with further inspection, the $135 flight found through the specific search was the best option!

The Dollar Flight Club

The Dollar Flight Club works similarly to Going – where you input your home airport, ideal destinations, and date range and the platform will provide alerts when there is a low price. There is a free option, with the upgraded subscription available for $ /year.

One major drawback is you cannot specify whether it is a one-way or round trip, providing skewed results. The results direct you back to either Skyscanner or Google Flights to further investigate. So if you know where you want to go, just go straight to Skyscanner / Google Flights and skip this step, however this is a great place to take advantage of deals found for random destinations around the world!

Example:

In The Dollar Flight Club, I found the applicable flight through Avianca listed online for $135, however, with further inspection the price was actually $150 as I was directed to Skyscanner and Google Flights.

Step 3. Flight Search Engines

If you didn’t find any killer deals from step 1, then we move to a broader search with these flight search engines. These are technically an Online Travel Agency (OTA), which have their own added fees and discounts applicable. So, even if all of the search engines you use pull up the same flight options, you may see different prices! That’s why it is best to use them all and compare!

Protect your flight costs with the best Travel Insurance.

Google Flights

Google Flights is many travelers’ starting point when looking for flights. This is a user-friendly platform that provides a great baseline for what to expect in regard to price. Google Flights considers both major & budget airlines, offering a wide range of options! It also has some helpful features including:

‘Explore Everywhere’ feature
Low price alert
Calendar price view to show cheaper dates
Extensive filters

Example: Google Flights

Using Google Flights, I found the same $150 flight with Avianca that many of the Discount Flights found. However, it also showed that if I changed the date from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20, the price would go down to $81!

Since that’s only 2 days and a very reasonable flight schedule, that is the best option so far!

Skyscanner

While no flight-searching platform is consistently the cheapest, Skyscanner would definitely be a top contender. This platform is reliable and has a well-supportive customer service department.

Often has the best prices!
Explore Everywhere Feature
Low Price Alert

Example: Skyscanner

Using Skyscanner, the best flight is $150 through Avianca. This is the same search result as the Dollar Flight Club above!

ITA Matrix

Owned by Google, the ITA Matrix is a common tool amongst travelers, that compares the prices of major airlines. This is another great way to get a baseline, but it often doesn’t boast the best prices. ITA Matrix has a unique UX compared to many of the other sites, which, is preferred by many users due to its expansive filter options.

Low price alert
Calendar Price View
Does not include budget airlines
You must use the exact destination airport code

Example: ITA Matrix

Considering the ideal date of October 18, ITA Matrix provided a JetBlue flight option for $205. However, their calendar view showed a cheaper option for only $81 on October 20.

Since 2 days is worth a $124 savings, the $86 flight with Frontier is a better option.

Momondo

Momondo is a part of the Booking Holdings Corporation, which owns KAYAK, Expedia, Booking.com, and more. However, this site has a fun style and quality options! One of the best features is the Flight Insights view to see historical changes and the best times to go!

‘Search Anywhere’ feature
Low price alerts

Example: Momondo

Using Momondo, the cheapest flight on October 18 is $150 with Avianca, as reported above by other sources.

Kayak

If you open KAYAK after Momondo, you’ll notice they are extremely similar, and so far I can’t see any difference!

Flight price alerts
‘Explore Everywhere’ feature
Date Range filter

Example: KAYAK

KAYAK shows a $150 flight from Avianca

Step 3. Straight To The Source

Once you find the best flight at the lowest price, you may want to check out and be done. However, it’s worth it to go straight to the airline site and see if they offer the flight any cheaper. Sometimes, they even have discounts and deals on their website to encourage you to purchase through them rather than a 3rd party agency. Call customer service and see if you can lock in anything cheaper!

Example Decision: San Francisco to Costa Rica

So far, the cheapest flight from San Francisco > Costa Rica is $81 from Frontier as seen on Google Flights & the ITA Matrix.

However, this flight is for October 13 or October 20, and if flying on a Friday doesn’t work, then the best option is $150 through Avianca on the 18th.

Let’s move forward with Frontier!

The website does have a discount offer for members of the ‘Den’, however, this is a membership service costing $60/year and $40 enrollment. Definitely not worth buying into that unless you fly Frontier often!

So with some time and research, you found a flight for only $81 to Costa Rica using Google Flights.. time to pack your bags and get to planning!

Now that your flight is booked, get ready with everything you need to know about an International Phone Plan!

Summary - How To Book The Cheapest Flights

There are dozens if not hundreds of flight-searching options out there. You could spend your life finding deals and saving the most, but your time should also be valued in this process!

The more flexibility you can have in your travel plans, the easier it is to find flight prices you feel good about. Some major ways to save include traveling with only a carry-on, traveling mid-week, and going during the shoulder seasons.

There is no perfect answer when it comes to finding the best flight, so start with some ideas about what you want to prioritize so your primary needs are met, and the rest will fall into place!

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Apr

2023

Transportation In Bali – Everything You Need To Know

Bali is an Indonesian Island filled with beautiful temples, palm trees, and friendly people. However, getting around to seeing it all may seem like an impossible task once you see the chaotic driving system that exists here. This will cover everything you need to know regarding transportation in Bali.

Although Bali is only 95 miles (153 km) at its longest point from East to West, this island takes a deceivingly long time to navigate. The topography is made of dense jungle, steep mountains, and ravines, making driving here a bit less navigable than initially assumed.

That’s why there are so many options to get around this tropical paradise, check out which ones feel best for you!

Anything purchased through the links on this page helps me maintain this blog going. Thanks for supporting – Learn More.

Traffic Conditions in Bali

Driving in Bali is no joke. While some urban areas have some organization, the rest of the island can be described as “organized chaos“. There are very few stop signs, stop lights, lines on the road, and strict rules that we are often used to.

However, that doesn’t mean the system here doesn’t work. Driving in Bali flows like a school of fish, you merge in and move with the crowd. You park where you can, and you have patience with everyone else on the road, and they have patience with you. You fit whatever feels comfortable for you – for many locals that may be a family of 4, their dog, a ladder, and a few chickens attached on the back!

Drivers are not aggressive, which is why this system works! Everyone on the road gives and takes a little bit. When someone is merging in, you give them space and others do the same for you. There are plenty of ways to navigate this tropical paradise, with options for everyone’s level of comfort and budget.

Transport Upon Arrival [Airport Pickup]

Hotel Shuttle

A majority of the time, your accommodation will arrange for airport pickup in Denpasar. Whether this is a hotel-owned shuttle & driver, or a local who is trusted and contracted by the host, you’ll have a friendly local waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it.

If it is a contracted local, be sure to grab their WhatsApp number in case you need a personal driver later!

Taxi

If your accommodation does not provide transport, you’ll need to use a taxi. In the Denpasar airport, there is a booth for Bluebird Taxi (read more below and get the app), the most reputable company. Here, you will provide your destination address, and soon a driver will find you and take you on your way.

This is a pre-determined fare based on distance, so you don’t need to haggle for a good price, or worry about being ripped off!

Rideshare Apps

If you’re on a budget and don’t like the price of a personal driver or taxi, then you may want to do a ride-share with Gojek or Grab. But this isn’t as easy, as these companies are banned from picking up at the airport. If you’re in an extreme budget mode (I get it), then you can walk a ways away from the airport to a main street and grab one from there!

Hit the ground running with this 2-Week Ultimate Bali Itinerary.

1. Rideshare Apps

Transportation apps have been a huge part of transportation in Bali, but you won’t find Uber or Lyft! Here, Gojek and GRAB are the ride-share rulers – be sure to plan ahead and download the apps that are used in Bali so you can travel around without any issues or delays.

Even if you plan to rent a motorbike, have these apps handy. You never know when you’re going break down somewhere, need a lift after a few drinks, or just want to cut out the hassle of driving in traffic!

Gojek

You will spot Gojek drivers as soon as you arrive. They wear bright green jackets and helmets, and are there to give you a lift! Gojek is your all-in-one delivery app. Whether you want food delivered to your beach bungalow, you need some medicine from the pharmacy to soothe your Bali Belly, or you want to be delivered somewhere, Gojek does it all, and for a great price!

Download from the app store for iOS and Google.

GRAB

Grab is your all-in-one delivery app. Whether you want food delivered to your beach bungalow, you need some medicine from the pharmacy to soothe your Bali Belly, or you want to be delivered somewhere, Grab does it all.

You may think it sounds a lot like Gojek, and you’d be right! They are direct competitors. However, similar to Uber and Lyft, there will be different availability of drivers and costs. So download both and enjoy!

Download from the app store for iOS and Google.

Some areas restrict the use of Gojek & Grab to create more opportunities for freelance drivers. Even in the areas where Gojek & Grab don't operate, you can still use the apps as a guide for how much a trip should cost. Use this to get the best price when talking with a taxi driver!

2. Motorbike Rental

Best For...

People staying for a longer duration
Travelers with a limited budget
Travelers looking to travel a lot locally
Risk takers and people that feel comfortable on a bike
People traveling in groups of 2 (split the cost!)
People wanting a more raw experience

How it Works

Motorbikes are the most common form of transportation in Bali for good reason. The roads are small, parking is limited, and many areas were created without cars in mind. Motorbikes make it easy to navigate these small paths, and open up doors for you to explore further than you could with a car!

There are 3 common options you will find across Bali, all with different handling, power, weight, and style. The daily and monthly rates listed below are estimations, but this is a guide to make sure you’re not paying more than you need to! Many places will see a tourist who comes up asking the price and take that as an opportunity to take advantage of you. Know the value and trust yourself.

If you’re in Ubud, hit up Gusti! He helped us with our rental and provided the best price we could find!
Text him on WhatsApp: +62 812-3771-1271

Honda Scoopy

Lightweight, cute, and easy to drive. This is the best bike for new motorbike drivers! Comfortable seat with storage this bike fits 2 people easily. May have less power for long-range drives.

Weekly Rate: Rp 60.000/day

Monthly Rate: Rp. 800.000

Honda Vario

Mid-sized, fast, and nimble. This is a great mid-level bike for comfortable drivers. Great for long-range drives, with plenty of power to get through some off-road drives.

Weekly Rate: Rp 75.000/day

Monthly Rate: Rp 1.300.000

Yamaha NMAX

Heavy duty and sturdy, the NMAX has a lot of weight and can be trickier to maneuver for new drivers. This bike has a larger fuel tank, and more power making it the best option for long-range bikes through the island.

Weekly Rate: Rp 95.000/day

Monthly Rate: Rp 2.000.000

Where To Find

When you arrive in Bali, it’s best to get a ride to your accommodation since traveling on a bike with luggage isn’t the best (especially after long travel)! Once you arrive wherever you’re staying, you’ll see plenty of signs around for ‘Bike Rental’ and ‘Bike Hire’, and your host could also help you find a bike!

Watch Out For

As a traveler, you become a target for jacked-up prices and rip-offs. Know a bike’s value before committing to something! Most rental places will offer extra discounts for long-term rentals (1 month+), so practice your haggling skills to get a price you both feel comfortable with.

Additionally, with your own vehicle, you will need to sort out petrol refuel. You will see stands on the side of the road with water bottles filled with gasoline, but this is much more expensive! Petrol stations will typically have a line, as it is the most affordable.

It is required by law to have an International Driver’s Permit while operating a motorized vehicle in Indonesia. This permit must be obtained in person in your home country and is valid for 1 year. It is possible to get this permit while abroad, but it takes 5-7 weeks!

You are subject to a potential fine in Indonesia if you are found without an IDP of up to 1 month in prison and/or Rp 1.000.000. Indonesian police are known to be corrupt and may initiate a ‘cash donation’ to settle this quietly. Know your rights and requirements while driving in any foreign country.

Explore everything you need to know about having an International Driving Permit before you go!