Bali scooter rental glossary
A short dictionary of the terms you will meet when renting a scooter in Bali: license documents (IDP, SIM, STNK), fuel (Pertalite, Pertamax), bike types (CVT, manual, ABS) and rental words (deposit, grace period).
International Driving Permit (IDP)
A document, issued in your home country, that translates your driving license and lists the vehicle categories it covers. For a scooter in Bali it should include the motorcycle category.
SIM
The Indonesian driving license (Surat Izin Mengemudi). SIM C is the motorcycle license.
STNK
The vehicle registration paper (Surat Tanda Nomor Kendaraan). It should be kept with the bike, and police may ask for it.
Pertalite
A common Indonesian fuel (RON 90) sold at Pertamina stations. Many scooters run on it.
Pertamax
A higher-octane Indonesian fuel (RON 92), usually used for newer and larger bikes. Ask your rental shop which fuel your bike needs.
Pertamina
The national fuel company. Its stations are the most reliable place to buy fuel.
Roadside fuel bottles
Fuel sold in bottles at small stalls. The quality varies, so use a station when you can.
Automatic (CVT)
A scooter transmission with no clutch or gears to change. You turn the throttle and the bike adjusts. Most scooters in Bali are automatic.
Manual
A bike with a clutch and gears. Trail bikes and sport bikes are usually manual and need experience.
ABS
Anti-lock braking system, which helps prevent the wheels locking when you brake hard, especially on wet roads.
Pillion
The passenger seat on a motorbike, or a passenger riding on it.
Deposit
An amount you leave at the start of the rental. It is returned when the bike comes back in the agreed condition.
Grace period
A short time after the agreed return time during which no extra charge applies. Ours is four hours.
Wet season and dry season
Bali's wet season runs roughly from November to March, and the dry season from April to October.