Bali holiday tips - part 4

Accidents between motorbikes, scooters and cars in Bali aren't dealt with the same way as at home, so read on for tip 4:

HAVE YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER, DON'T DRIVE DRUNK AND BE PREPARED TO BE PAY FOR ALL REPAIRS, MEDICAL COSTS ETC

A foreigner that has a road accident with an Indonesian will have to pay to REPAIR the local’s vehicle and their own. (There may be exceptions to this rule but there are not many.)

If a foreigner is involved in an accident that results in an Indonesian being injured, they will be expected to pay MEDICAL EXPENSES for that Indonesian. This is regardless of whether the accident was their fault or not. (There may be exceptions to this rule but there are not many.)

If a foreigner is involved in an accident with an Indonesian and there is a fatality, the tourist will be expected to pay REPARATION TO THE FAMILY of the deceased. And they will face prosecution and jail time. (There are very few exceptions to this rule)

Prosecution in these circumstances will be intensified if the tourist does not have the proper documentation and if they are deemed to be operating a vehicle in Indonesia illegally.

Regardless of the circumstances, most accidents will be deemed the tourist's fault unless they can prove otherwise. They are very unlikely to receive help from local Indonesians who may have witnessed the collision. Those locals will not care, they will not have the time and they will not appear in court on their behalf.

If you ride a motorbike in Bali please wear a motorcycle helmet. Also, be aware that most motorbike helmets sold in Bali are copies. They do not meet any international safety standard.