When I first started helping travelers plan their Bali trips, I thought renting a car with a driver was one of those no-brainer things. It’s convenient, affordable, and honestly, who wants to drive themselves in that kind of traffic? But over the years, I’ve seen and experienced firsthand just how many tourists fall into traps they never saw coming. That’s why knowing the common scams to avoid when hiring a car with driver in Bali is so important — it can literally make or break your trip.
You’d be surprised how many smooth talkers are out there who seem super friendly at first but have a whole bag of tricks ready. From overcharging and fake booking sites to sneaky fuel fees, the scams can get creative. I’ve personally dealt with a few, and let me tell you — it’s not fun trying to argue about “extra” parking charges in the middle of Ubud when you’ve just had the best smoothie bowl of your life.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on, how these scams work, and what you can do to make sure your Bali vacation stays chill and scam-free.
Read also: How You Can Create Your Bali Vacations Absolutely Remarkable
Why Tourists Prefer Hiring a Car with Driver in Bali
If you’ve been to Bali, you already know — the roads are chaotic. It’s a wild mix of scooters, buses, dogs, and sometimes even chickens crossing the street like it’s no big deal. Hiring a car with a driver saves you from that headache.
A local driver doesn’t just get you from point A to B; they act like your translator, your photographer, and sometimes your personal guide to local food spots that never make it to TripAdvisor. It’s not just a luxury thing either. For a full day (usually 8–10 hours), it often costs between IDR 500,000–700,000 ($30–45 USD), depending on where you’re going.
That’s the official rate most reputable services charge. But here’s where things start to go sideways. There’s no strict government regulation on tourist car hire pricing in Bali, which means anyone with a van and a smile can set up “driver services” on WhatsApp or Facebook. And this loose structure? It opens the door for scams — lots of them.
The Most Common Scams to Avoid When Hiring a Car with Driver in Bali
I’ve been on the island long enough to see patterns. Every year, the same tricks make the rounds — just repackaged for new tourists. Let’s go over some of the biggest ones you’ll likely encounter.
1. The “Too Good to Be True” Cheap Rate Trap
We’ve all seen those Facebook posts or WhatsApp messages: “Driver and car in Bali – only 300K per day!” Sounds amazing, right? Except it’s almost always bait.
Here’s what usually happens: You book, thinking you’ve scored a great deal. On the day, the driver shows up — or sometimes doesn’t. If they do, halfway through the day, they’ll claim the rate didn’t include fuel, parking, or “toll roads.” Suddenly, that cheap rate doubles or even triples.
I once helped a family from Australia who got quoted 350K IDR for a full-day trip to Uluwatu. Their driver stopped halfway and said, “That price only for car, not for fuel. You must pay more.” They ended up paying 900K by the end of the day.
Always confirm what’s included in the price before you agree. Legit drivers usually list “car + driver + fuel + parking included.” If someone avoids answering that question clearly — that’s your red flag.
2. Fake Driver Profiles on WhatsApp and Instagram
Social media is full of so-called “private drivers” in Bali, but not all are real. Many scammers steal real drivers’ photos and create fake accounts. They’ll send pictures of smiling drivers next to Toyota Avanzas, complete with reviews that look copied from Google.
You pay a deposit through PayPal or Wise, but when you arrive — surprise — no one shows up at the airport. When you message them, they’ve already blocked you.
If you want to avoid this, book through reputable platforms or get referrals from someone who has actually used the driver before. Also, look for accounts that post consistent photos, not random ones from Google. Real drivers often have WhatsApp business profiles with verified phone numbers, not just usernames like “bali_driver_cheap2023.”
3. Commission Scams with Shops and Restaurants
This one’s sneaky because it’s not technically illegal — but it’s annoying. Some drivers get commission from restaurants, souvenir shops, or coffee plantations. They’ll tell you, “I know very good local place, cheap and not touristy,” and then take you to a place where your lunch costs three times the normal price.
The driver gets a small kickback from the restaurant, usually 10–20%. It’s how they supplement their income. The problem is, it eats into your time and money.
Once, I was with a group of digital nomads from Canggu. Their driver took them to a “special” art market in Celuk that was basically a warehouse with overpriced jewelry. When they said they didn’t want to buy anything, the staff turned cold.
If your driver insists on a specific stop that’s not on your list, politely decline. Say you’ve already been there or that you have friends waiting. A good, honest driver won’t push it.
4. Airport Pickup Scams
Ngurah Rai International Airport is like a feeding ground for fake drivers. When you arrive, dozens of men holding signs approach you. Some have legitimate bookings, others don’t. Scammers usually claim to be from the same company you booked with. They’ll even show a WhatsApp screenshot (which they probably got from a public group chat).
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, airport scams targeting foreign travelers have increased by nearly 18% since 2022, mainly involving fake transfers and unlicensed drivers.
Always double-check the driver’s name and plate number before getting in the car. The real driver will usually contact you directly once you land. Never hand your luggage to someone unless you’re 100% sure they’re the one you booked.
5. “Broken Air Conditioner” or “Car Upgrade” Scam
A classic one. You book a regular car, but when the driver picks you up, they tell you the car’s air conditioning is broken. Then they “offer” you a different car — a bigger one — at a higher rate.
Sometimes they’ll say, “Only car available now is SUV, price little more.” By the time you’re halfway to Seminyak, you realize you’ve been tricked into paying more for something you didn’t request.
It’s rare with established companies, but common with freelance drivers found through Facebook or WhatsApp. Always ask for a photo of the car and license plate in advance, and confirm the make and model in writing.
6. Hidden Fees for Parking, Tolls, and “Waiting Time”
This one gets a lot of people who are too polite to argue. The driver agrees on a daily rate, but at the end of the day, they hand you a receipt for extra “waiting time” or parking fees.
Some even charge for things like “temple entry for driver” or “photo service.” While it’s true that parking and tolls cost money, they’re usually included in a full-day hire.
I remember one couple from Germany told me their driver charged them 200K extra for “sunset waiting time” at Tanah Lot. Seriously — that’s not a thing.
Always clarify: “Does this price include everything — fuel, parking, waiting, tolls, and driver’s meal?” If they hesitate, find another driver.
7. Fake “Official” Driver Licenses or Company Badges
Some scammers wear fake badges or shirts with made-up company logos. They try to look official so tourists trust them instantly. But Bali doesn’t have a single unified “official” driver company.
I once saw a guy at the airport with a badge that said “Bali Transport Authority.” Looked legit — until I noticed the logo was printed on regular paper and laminated.
Real companies will have registered business names, websites, and reviews on Google Maps. Don’t rely on uniforms alone.
8. Drivers Switching Midway
This one’s weird but happens a lot. You book with one driver online, but on the day, someone else shows up. They’ll say, “Oh, he’s my cousin,” or “My brother is driving today.”
Sometimes it’s fine, but often, the substitute driver doesn’t speak English or know your route. I once had a reader tell me their replacement driver didn’t even know how to get to Mount Batur and kept using the wrong road.
Always confirm that the driver in your WhatsApp chat is the same person picking you up. Ask for a photo in advance. If they send someone else, it’s your right to refuse.
9. Fake “Police Checkpoint” or “Traffic Fine” Scam
This one shocked me the first time I heard about it. A couple of tourists told me they were stopped by a “traffic officer” while their driver waited in the car. The officer said they had to pay a fine for not wearing seatbelts in the back seat — cash only, on the spot.
Turns out, the “officer” was fake, and the driver was in on it. They split the money later.
According to Kompas News, these fake checkpoint scams have been reported multiple times, especially around tourist routes near Uluwatu and Kintamani.
If something like this happens, stay calm. Ask for identification and insist on going to the nearest police station (kantor polisi). Real police in Bali don’t take fines in cash on the road.
10. Fake Booking Websites and Overpayment Traps
There are dozens of slick-looking websites claiming to offer “private car and driver hire in Bali.” Some even copy the design and photos from legit companies.
Here’s how it goes: you pay a deposit or even full amount online, get a confirmation email, and think everything’s set. Then, the company disappears. Domain names like “bali-private-driver.co” or “balidriver-cheap.net” pop up, run for a few months, scam people, and vanish.
If you must book online, use verified platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor experiences. They vet the drivers and protect your payment.
How to Avoid Car Rental Scams in Bali (and Still Enjoy Your Trip)
Alright, let’s get practical. You can’t completely avoid every shady situation, but you can make yourself a much harder target.
1. Always Book Through Verified Sources
Either book through your hotel, villa manager, or a platform like Klook or Traveloka. They have partnerships with vetted drivers.
If you’re booking through WhatsApp or Instagram, ask for:
- Driver’s full name
- Car license plate number
- Copy of their KTP (Indonesian ID) or SIM A (driver’s license)
- References from past clients (screenshots or reviews)
Good drivers won’t hesitate to share these. If they get defensive, you’ve got your answer.
2. Confirm Everything in Writing
Even if it’s a friendly driver recommended by a friend, confirm the total cost in writing — through WhatsApp messages or email. Write down exactly what’s included:
- Duration of service (e.g., 10 hours or full-day)
- What’s covered (fuel, parking, tolls)
- Extra hours rate (if any)
This way, if they try to change terms later, you’ve got proof.
Trust me, screenshots have saved many travelers from paying double.
3. Avoid Paying in Full Before Service
Never pay 100% upfront. A small deposit (maybe 10–20%) is fine if you’re booking in advance, but the rest should be after the trip.
I once met a couple in Canggu who paid their driver in full before arriving. He ghosted them two days before pickup. They ended up scrambling to find a replacement the night before their wedding shoot in Ubud.
Pay in cash after the service — it’s safer and gives you leverage.
4. Use Google Maps or Waze During the Trip
Keep your navigation app open even if you’re not driving. It helps you see if the driver is taking weird detours or unnecessary “stops.”
Most honest drivers will ask if they can take shortcuts or scenic routes. If yours doesn’t explain why they’re turning off the main road, ask casually.
Something like, “Is this the faster route?” works without sounding suspicious. Sometimes, drivers take side roads for genuine reasons (traffic, ceremonies, etc.), but sometimes it’s a detour to a “partner” souvenir shop.
5. Learn a Few Key Phrases in Bahasa Indonesia
A few words go a long way in showing you’re not an easy target.
Try learning these:
- “Sudah termasuk bensin?” (Does it include fuel?)
- “Harga total berapa?” (What’s the total price?)
- “Saya tidak mau ke tempat lain.” (I don’t want to go anywhere else.)
- Locals appreciate when you try. It shows respect — and scammers tend to back off faster.
6. Check Car Condition Before the Trip
Before you start, check the basics: air conditioning, seatbelts, tires, and fuel gauge. Some drivers rent older cars to cut costs. If you notice anything off, say something early.
A friend of mine once rode in a van that broke down on the way to Sidemen because the driver hadn’t checked oil levels in weeks. The driver still tried charging for “full-day service.” Don’t be afraid to refuse or reschedule if the car’s in bad shape.
7. Ask for Local Recommendations — But Wisely
Good drivers love sharing their island knowledge. If they suggest a waterfall or restaurant, ask if they get commission. Most will be honest if you ask directly.
The genuine ones will say, “No commission, just good food.” Those are the keepers.
I’ve met some amazing drivers that way — people who genuinely wanted to show the beauty of Bali, not make an extra buck.
8. Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Save the number for your accommodation, your country’s embassy, and local police (+62 361 224111). Most issues resolve peacefully, but it’s good to be prepared.
Real-Life Stories from Travelers in Bali
I’ve gathered some personal experiences from friends, blog readers, and even my own time on the island. These stories really show how easy it is to get caught off guard.
“The Non-Stop Souvenir Tour”
My friend Sarah from Canada thought she’d found a sweet deal: 400K for a full-day trip from Seminyak to Ubud. The driver seemed super friendly at first, telling stories about Balinese culture.
But then the detours started — first a silver shop, then a coffee plantation, then an art gallery. Each time, the driver waited outside, and every time Sarah bought something, he got a little smirkier.
By 4 p.m., she still hadn’t seen the rice terraces she wanted to visit. When she complained, he said, “Next time you book luxury driver.” That’s when she realized the “cheap” rate was a setup.
“The Missing Airport Transfer”
Another traveler, Matt from the UK, booked his airport transfer through Instagram. The page had hundreds of followers and photos of happy tourists. He paid 500K IDR upfront.
When he landed, he couldn’t find the driver anywhere. Messages went unread. Turns out, the account had been deleted that morning. He ended up paying another 400K to a taxi just to get to Uluwatu.
Now, he always uses verified platforms, even if it costs a bit more.
“The Overfriendly Driver”
One couple I met in Ubud told me about a driver who was overly friendly — like, too friendly. He kept joining them for meals, insisting on taking selfies, and even asked for tips halfway through the day.
They felt awkward saying no, but later realized he’d overcharged them by “accident.” Always keep a friendly distance. A good driver will respect your space.
Honest Drivers in Bali — They Do Exist
After reading all this, you might think every driver in Bali is out to scam tourists, but that’s not true. There are plenty of kind, hardworking locals who just want to earn an honest living.
I’ve met drivers who’ve gone out of their way to help — like one man in Sanur who waited two hours while my friend dealt with a lost passport issue, refusing extra payment.
These are the people you want to support. They usually have great reviews on Google Maps, clear communication, and a genuine smile that doesn’t feel forced.
One small tip: after your trip, leave a positive review with their full name. It helps them get more honest work — and makes it harder for scammers to impersonate them.
Final Word on Staying Safe When Hiring a Car with Driver in Bali
Bali is magical — from sunrise at Mount Batur to sunset at Tanah Lot, there’s nothing quite like it. But like any popular tourist destination, scams are part of the game. The key is to stay alert, ask questions, and trust your gut.
If something feels off — it probably is.
When you understand the common scams to avoid when hiring a car with driver in Bali, you take back control of your travel experience. You spend less time arguing about “hidden fees” and more time enjoying nasi goreng by the beach.



