Hiring Private Drivers in Bali [Their Secrets Revealed]

When visiting Bali, you'll quickly find that group tours are uncommon and public transportation options are limited. This makes hiring a private driver the preferred choice for most travellers.

If you're curious about the costs and logistics of hiring a private driver in Bali, you're in the right place. We’ve used many drivers throughout our travels in Bali and Indonesia. In this guide, we’ll share some tips and tricks for hiring a private driver and reveal some of the secrets they aren't telling you.

In a rush? Get straight to it and hire a private driver using this booking form.

Is It Worth Getting A Private Driver in Bali?

Yes, hiring a private driver is the most common method for visitors to get around in Bali. It's a safe and convenient way to visit multiple destinations around the island, without needing to hire your own scooter or car.

Some of the benefits of hiring a private driver are:

• Stress-free - With a driver, you won't have to deal with Bali's infamous roads and traffic on your own, letting you enjoy a stress-free trip. The drivers are super friendly and a great source of local knowledge - both when planning the trip and during the day.
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• No wasted time - Your driver will always be waiting for you at each stop, minimizing the time spent waiting for taxis.
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• Fast and efficient - Local drivers know all the best shortcuts and the quickest routes to get around the island.
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• Value for money - Hiring a driver can work out cheaper than getting multiple taxis between each stop, especially for larger groups.
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• No haggling - You won't have to haggle with the street taxi mafia who are notorious for their inflated prices.
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• More flexible - A private driver offers greater flexibility than pre-organised tours with set itineraries.
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• Hands-free - You can leave any bags, luggage, or souvenirs in your driver's car while inside attractions.ㅤ

How To Hire A Private Driver

When hiring a private driver, it's best to only book licensed drivers with good reviews. Here are some reputable sources you can use to find a driver in Bali:

How To Contact Your Private Driver

Drivers always use WhatsApp to communicate with guests. If you’ve booked through Klook as we recommend, you’ll receive your driver's contact number a few days before your booking.

It’s good to ensure that you have mobile data during the trip so you can communicate with your driver. It's useful if you ever get lost trying to find them or want to let them know when you’re ready to return to the car and move on to the next stop.

Can I Plan My Own Itinerary?

Yes, 100%. Unlike an organised tour, hiring a private driver means you have complete freedom to plan your own itinerary. In fact, we'd highly recommend you do so (for reasons we'll explain in the final section).

However, it is best to confirm your itinerary with your driver in advance.

Your driver can use their experience and knowledge of the island to ensure your planned itinerary is feasible in the time you have and that you won't be too rushed. They can also recommend extra attractions or activities nearby that you might have missed.

If you need some inspiration, we have some pre-planned day trip itineraries that you can give to your driver:

• East Bali Day Trip Itinerary

• Ubud Day Trip Itinerary

• Kintamani Day Trip Itinerary

Can I Get Dropped Off In A Different Location?

Yes, it's usually possible to be picked up and dropped off in different locations. This is helpful when changing accommodation on the same day as a trip.

Make sure you inform your driver in advance and send them photos of how much luggage you have. They can then confirm that the vehicle is big enough for all passengers and the luggage.

How Much Does A Private Driver Cost Per Day?

The current going rate for a private driver in Bali is roughly between 600,000 - 1,000,000 IDR ⓘ for a full day. The price should be per car, not per passenger.

Actual prices can depend on numerous factors:

• Number of hours - 10 to 12 hours per day is most common, but some drivers also offer half-day rates.
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• Number of days - If you plan on using the same driver for multiple days of your trip, you may be able to negotiate a better price. However, if the driver needs to stay in an area with you overnight during a multi-day trip, this will be added to their fee.
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• Itinerary - Where exactly do you want to visit? The further across the island you travel, the more you'll have to pay due to the increased fuel usage.
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• Vehicle size - Most standard cars seat four passengers. If you're a bigger group than this, you'll need a larger car which will cost you more.
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• Driver demand - Drivers with good reviews and testimonials can usually charge higher prices. Just remember, you get what you pay for.
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• Seasonal demand - Driver prices increase during busier peak seasons when there's more demand. December, July, and August are some of the busiest months in Bali.
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What’s Included In The Price?

The cost will include the driver and all fuel for the day. Many drivers also bring free bottled water in their cars for guests. But the price doesn’t include any entrance fees, activities, or lunch.

Some drivers may ask you to pay for parking and toll roads too. These are never more than 5,000 IDR ⓘ. Ensure you have some small notes or coins to hand.

Should I Pay Upfront?

This is a hotly debated topic with valid reasoning on both sides.

If a driver is blocking out a whole day (or multiple days) in their calendar, it's only fair that they want some kind of guarantee that you won’t cancel at the last minute, especially during peak travel periods.

However, as a traveller, you'll want to be cautious about sending money to unfamiliar businesses overseas.

This is why we recommend using third parties such as Klook. You’ll pay the full amount upfront, but they won’t release payment to the driver until after the trip.

If you are booking directly with a driver, a fair compromise is to pay a small deposit. Ensure you check their reviews on Trip Advisor or Google first and only ever agree to a proportion of the total amount (usually 20-30%).

Can I Pay A Private Driver By Card?

No, most private drivers will only accept cash. Some have started accepting Paypal/Wise payments but this is rare. But if you book online via Klook, you'll be able to pay by card.

How Much To Tip A Private Driver?

Tipping is not expected in Bali, but if your driver went above and beyond to ensure you had a good day, it’s always nice to show your appreciation with a tip.

Depending on how many hours you were with them, a tip between 50,000 - 100,000 IDR [currency conversion min_value="50000" max_value="100000"] per day will be appreciated (per driver, not per passenger).

How Far In Advance Should I Book A Private Driver?

If you want a specific driver, it’s good to book as soon as you can to ensure their availability. However, you don’t typically need to book more than a few days to a week ahead.

At a push, it’s possible to book a driver the day before you need them. But it’s good courtesy to provide more notice than this, especially if they are required to wake up early.

Secrets Revealed: What They Aren’t Telling You!

One thing we’ve learned from hiring private drivers across Bali (and wider Indonesia) is that you should work collaboratively with drivers to plan your day and not blindly trust their recommendations.

Many attractions, shops, and restaurants across the island offer commissions or incentives to drivers who bring them business. This can influence a driver’s decision on what to recommend and, unfortunately, they will rarely disclose these agreements to you.

A common example is Luwak coffee plantations. Many drivers will try to take you to a “free” plantation or agrotourism centre. This is often because the driver gets paid for each guest they bring. The venue benefits by upselling you overpriced (and generally unethical) Luwak coffee beans.

Don’t let this put you off taking their advice as the drivers know the island well. But always do additional research and check reviews to confirm their recommendations. Don’t be afraid to push back if they suggest something that isn’t to your taste.