Latest news with #BaliLegals
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
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. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bali travel warning as common tourist problem targeted in major crackdown
There's nothing more freeing than jumping on the back of a scooter in Bali and being able to go anywhere you want. But many Aussies may not be aware that in doing so, they are breaking laws on the popular tourist island. A warning has been issued to tourists doing just this as authorities crack down on illegal scooter activity in Indonesia. Gary, owner of Bali Legals told Yahoo News "common sense" needs to be applied when getting behind the wheel of a scooter or moped in Bali. Most tourists are allowed to rent vehicles from local providers, but Bali police warned that it is ultimately the driver's responsibility to ensure they are following the rules once they are out on the road, including having the correct licensing. Officers confirmed the force conducted a raid on motorbike drivers, with 56 motorcycles from both foreign and local drivers seized for a range of offences, including driving without a licence, insurance, and breaking road rules. Officers adopted a "no mercy" approach during the three-day initiative between May 1 and 3, in popular tourist towns Uluwatu, Canggu, Legian, and Seminyak. Of the 81 driving violations recorded during the operation, 30 were by tourists. "Most of the foreigners who are [pulled over] do not wear helmets, do not have a driver's license, and carry motorcycles with the noise of the brong exhaust," Badung Police Chief AKBP M. Arif Batubara said. Gary told Yahoo News 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." 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 select scooters. In New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and NT, you are required to undergo training and have a separate bike licence. "People just want to come and hop on a bike and they think it's easy," Gary, who has lived in Bali for over 15 years, said. But he confirmed police do conduct "blitzes" on road rules where licences, helmet use, and insurance are examined. He pointed out that you need to know how to ride a bike, and hold a licence in your own country, as well as an international licence. He added not wearing a helmet will invalidate any insurance drivers hold. He said "a lot of people" don't do these simple things. "People get on the bikes and think they can ride them with no experience," he said. However, he's heard far too many examples of this ending in disaster. "I've had friends die, and one become paralysed from riding," he said. 🪖 Aussie expat slammed over 'embarrassing' move in Bali 🛵 Bali tourist's dangerous scooter act leaves locals fuming 👮♂️Major crackdown on tourists heading to Bali as new rules are announced An international driver's licence is an important document to have if you're intending to drive a car or ride a bike while travelling overseas. 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, 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. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Driver's licence warning to tourists as Bali cracks down on common mistake
There's nothing more freeing than jumping on the back of a scooter in Bali and being able to go anywhere you want. But many Aussies may not be aware that in doing so, they are breaking laws on the popular tourist island. A warning has been issued to tourists doing just this as authorities crack down on illegal scooter activity in Indonesia. Gary, owner of Bali Legals told Yahoo News "common sense" needs to be applied when getting behind the wheel of a scooter or moped in Bali. Most tourists are allowed to rent vehicles from local providers, but Bali police warned that it is ultimately the driver's responsibility to ensure they are following the rules once they are out on the road, including having the correct licensing. Officers confirmed the force conducted a raid on motorbike drivers, with 56 motorcycles from both foreign and local drivers seized for a range of offences, including driving without a licence, insurance, and breaking road rules. Officers adopted a "no mercy" approach during the three-day initiative between May 1 and 3, in popular tourist towns Uluwatu, Canggu, Legian, and Seminyak. Of the 81 driving violations recorded during the operation, 30 were by tourists. "Most of the foreigners who are [pulled over] do not wear helmets, do not have a driver's license, and carry motorcycles with the noise of the brong exhaust," Badung Police Chief AKBP M. Arif Batubara said. Gary told Yahoo News 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." 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 select scooters. In New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and NT, you are required to undergo training and have a separate bike licence. "People just want to come and hop on a bike and they think it's easy," Gary, who has lived in Bali for over 15 years, said. But he confirmed police do conduct "blitzes" on road rules where licences, helmet use, and insurance are examined. He pointed out that you need to know how to ride a bike, and hold a licence in your own country, as well as an international licence. He added not wearing a helmet will invalidate any insurance drivers hold. He said "a lot of people" don't do these simple things. "People get on the bikes and think they can ride them with no experience," he said. However, he's heard far too many examples of this ending in disaster. "I've had friends die, and one become paralysed from riding," he said. 🪖 Aussie expat slammed over 'embarrassing' move in Bali 🛵 Bali tourist's dangerous scooter act leaves locals fuming 👮♂️Major crackdown on tourists heading to Bali as new rules are announced An international driver's licence is an important document to have if you're intending to drive a car or ride a bike while travelling overseas. 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, 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. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
