Streets and traffic culture in Bali may be quite shocking and very hectic and different compared to what you’re used to have in your own home country. If there happens to be any king of traffic regulations, people simply just won’t follow them. Despite of this small error, there seems to be three kind of rules to remember: always remember to drive on the left side of the road, use lots and lots of horn and never look back. Also avoid driving when it’s dark and never drive when you’re drunk (not only it’s illegal but very dangerous thing to do). Also while driving a motorbike, always use the helmet! Not only because of for your own safety, but also for police officers.
The other fact is that if you’re going to drive any kind of motor vehicle in Indonesia, a valid international driver’s license is required. You should always keep it with you and your registration in case they’re asked by a police officer.
Here’s a link for Finnish students where you can get your international driving license easily: http://www.autoliitto.fi/matkalla_ja_liikenteessa/matkailuasiapaperit/kansainvalinen_ajokortti/
Talking about law and police, it’s not rare to be stopped by the police for some reason (or mostly sometimes for no reason at all. The excuse good enough to make them stop you seems to be that you’re still too white and may look too much like a tourist). The best way to get out of the situations without any further problems is to smile politely and pay the police so called personal “fine”. That’s why it’s always good to have 50 000 Rupiahs with you when you’re driving a motorbike.
Sometimes, no matter how carefully you drive, accidents happen, maybe not because of your actions but because of someone else driving like a mad man. In case of an accident, make sure the person who caused it won’t leave the place of accident before the police gets there. If there’s need for any medical treatment, don’t call for ambulance but just get into the nearest car or taxi available and get to the hospital.
If something’s going to happen during your holiday, it’s most likely going to happen in traffic; too much speed, too much guts and too much alcohol! And not to mention the helmet…
