Travelling Aussies issued driver's licence warning for often overlooked rule
Aussies travelling to one of the region's most popular destinations are being reminded to organise one simple bit of paperwork before they go, or risk getting into trouble when joining a common activity on the ground.
Authorities in Bali have long been cracking down on tourists behaving badly and flouting certain rules. And the easiest way for travellers to find themselves in trouble is when jumping on a hire scooter or motorbike commonly used to get around the island.
Most tourists are allowed to rent vehicles from local providers but police have been targeting travellers who don't comply with certain expectations and licensing laws.
One Aussie traveller, who guys by Jetlag Nathan online, sought to remind others of the dangers after being targeted recently.
"A police officer just pulled me over because he could tell I was a foreigner," he explained in an online video.
"Now an Australian licence or your passport, if you show him that it doesn't mean you can drive here. You need to get an international licence ... that is something to sort out before you come here."
After racking up more than 50,000 views this month, many others shared similar stories with many sharing how police officers sought to solicit a bribe from them.
"Found this out the hard way yesterday had to pay $100 AUD for no international license and no helmet," one person commented.
Gary, the owner of Bali Legals which provides advice and legal services for travellers and expats in Indonesia, said there are several important factors to remember when visiting Bali.
"You need a licence to ride a bike, you need an international licence, and travel insurance. That's it," he told Yahoo News recently.
Despite seeming obvious, Gary, who has lived in Bali for more than 15 years, said it was often overlooked by tourists.
"People just want to come and hop on a bike and they think it's easy," he said, but warned police do conduct "blitzes" on road rules where licences and insurance are examined.
"A lot of people" don't do these simple things, he added. "People get on the bikes and think they can ride them with no experience."
In Australia, a regular driver's licence only allows you to ride a scooter or motorbike in select states and territories. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia are the only states that allow drivers to use certain scooters. In New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and NT, you are required to undergo specific training and have a separate bike licence.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the only authorised body to sell International Driving Permits (IDP) in Australia, but they can be bought through your state's automotive club. In NSW, the NRMA is an authorised sales agent of the AAA.
You'll need a current full Australian driver's licence, a passport-style photo and a completed application form. The cost is around $50. This can be done either online or at your local branch.
The licences are used overseas for several reasons, including by local authorities to verify credentials, by car rental agencies, and insurance companies.
NRMA warns Aussies to beware of fake and fraudulent websites and use only authorised distributors.
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