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Avis · Indonesia

Does Avis require an IDP in Indonesia?

Daniel MercerWritten by Daniel MercerUpdated July 2026
Yes, bring one
Many rental companies and local authorities in Indonesia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter.
Avis in Indonesia
Avis IDP policyBring an IDP (foreign drivers)
Avis footprintGlobal
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

Avis in Indonesia: the policy in plain terms

Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one. Long-established global brand operating in 165+ countries.

An IDP is commonly requested to drive or ride in Indonesia, including Bali.

In Indonesia specifically, many rental companies and local authorities in Indonesia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Police checks in Bali frequently ask for an IDP and home licence.

Avis runs a global network; at its Indonesia desks, foreign renters are asked for an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format alongside the original licence. Indonesia drives on the left, uses the IDR, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.

What to bring to the Avis counter in Indonesia

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the IDR deposit; Indonesia drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Indonesia Avis renters should know

  • Drive/ride on the left.
  • Helmets mandatory and strictly checked.
  • International + home licence carried together.
  • 0.00% practical alcohol tolerance.

Avis's rental terms that affect your IDP booking

Minimum age & young-driver surcharge

Avis's standard minimum rental age is 25, though it rents to drivers as young as 21 in most US states/provinces (some locations require 25 by local law); renters aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $25 per day in the US (about $35/day in Canada).

Deposit & accepted cards

Avis requires an Avis-honored credit or charge card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and places an authorization hold covering the estimated charges plus a security amount; Visa/Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most US locations but are subject to stricter checks, and the card must be in the renter's name.

Additional drivers

Additional drivers must be at least 25 (or meet the underage rules) with a valid licence and typically cost about $13 per day, capped near $65 per rental; in California the fee is waived for a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the renter. Avis requires a valid driver's licence held for the entire rental period that is not suspended, expired, revoked, cancelled or surrendered; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the US, though some international locations require the licence to have been held for 1-2 years.

Cross-border & one-way

Avis generally permits US-to-Canada travel if the renting location is notified in advance, but driving into Mexico is restricted (typically corporate accounts only, no one-way, and Mexican insurance purchased through Avis from border states); one-way rentals are offered with a drop-off charge that may apply on certain rates.

IDP & foreign-licence rule

Avis states that "International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit is not acceptable by itself." Foreign licences are accepted if the issuing country participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the US; non-Roman-alphabet licences effectively require an IDP, and renters with a foreign licence may need to present a passport.

Once you collect the keys in Indonesia

Tolls & road charges

Indonesia's intercity toll roads (jalan tol) are cashless and require an e-money tap card (e-Toll, Mandiri e-Money, Flazz, BRIZZI) held against the gate reader; physical cash is no longer accepted, so buy and top up a card at a minimart before driving.

Parking in town

Most urban parking is informal, attended by 'juru parkir' wardens who charge a few thousand rupiah in cash and help you reverse out; malls and offices use ticketed barrier parking, and illegally parked cars in Jakarta can be wheel-clamped or towed.

Fines & camera enforcement

Speeding, no-seatbelt and phone-use fines are issued on the spot, and unofficial cash 'damai' settlements with traffic police are common but technically bribery; rental firms pass any e-toll or camera charges to your card. Always insist on an official tilang ticket.

If you have an accident

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.

Full driving guide for Indonesia

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from Avis in Indonesia?
Many rental companies and local authorities in Indonesia ask foreign drivers to present a translation of their licence alongside the original, so Avis will typically ask for it at the counter. Avis states that "International Driver's Permits are valid only if presented with the original local license. An International Driver's Permit is not acceptable by itself." Foreign licences are accepted if the issuing country participated in the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or has a reciprocal agreement with the US; non-Roman-alphabet licences effectively require an IDP, and renters with a foreign licence may need to present a passport.
02
What documents should I bring to the Avis desk in Indonesia?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Indonesia drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is the minimum age to rent from Avis in Indonesia?
Avis's standard minimum rental age is 25, though it rents to drivers as young as 21 in most US states/provinces (some locations require 25 by local law); renters aged 21-24 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly $25 per day in the US (about $35/day in Canada). Locally, Indonesia sets a minimum driving age of 18 and most desks add a young-driver surcharge under 25.
04
What deposit and card does Avis require?
Avis requires an Avis-honored credit or charge card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.) and places an authorization hold covering the estimated charges plus a security amount; Visa/Mastercard debit cards are accepted at most US locations but are subject to stricter checks, and the card must be in the renter's name.
05
Can I take a Avis rental across the border or drop it one-way?
Avis generally permits US-to-Canada travel if the renting location is notified in advance, but driving into Mexico is restricted (typically corporate accounts only, no one-way, and Mexican insurance purchased through Avis from border states); one-way rentals are offered with a drop-off charge that may apply on certain rates.
06
Does Avis charge for an additional driver?
Additional drivers must be at least 25 (or meet the underage rules) with a valid licence and typically cost about $13 per day, capped near $65 per rental; in California the fee is waived for a spouse, parent, sibling or child of the renter. Avis requires a valid driver's licence held for the entire rental period that is not suspended, expired, revoked, cancelled or surrendered; it does not publish a fixed minimum holding period in the US, though some international locations require the licence to have been held for 1-2 years.
07
How do tolls work for a rental car in Indonesia?
Indonesia's intercity toll roads (jalan tol) are cashless and require an e-money tap card (e-Toll, Mandiri e-Money, Flazz, BRIZZI) held against the gate reader; physical cash is no longer accepted, so buy and top up a card at a minimart before driving.
08
What happens if I get a traffic fine driving a Avis car in Indonesia?
Speeding, no-seatbelt and phone-use fines are issued on the spot, and unofficial cash 'damai' settlements with traffic police are common but technically bribery; rental firms pass any e-toll or camera charges to your card. Always insist on an official tilang ticket.
09
What is Avis's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Asks for a licence translation where the national licence is not in the Roman alphabet or where local rules call for one. Avis is one of the largest global rental brands with about 5,500+ locations across roughly 165 countries and a strong airport presence, anchored by its Avis Preferred loyalty program.
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