On the Ground in Bali: What Police Patrols and Tourism Numbers Show

Your complete guide to On the Ground in Bali: What Police Patrols and Tourism Numbers Show, featuring essential background.

Q1: Is Bali safe for solo female travelers in 2026?

A1: Yes, Bali remains broadly manageable for solo women, provided strict basic precautions are followed. Stay in well-lit accommodations with verified locking hardware, use ride-hailing applications like Grab or Gojek rather than unmarked street taxis at night, and avoid walking through dark, deserted rural shortcuts alone after midnight.

Q2: What is the most common crime tourists encounter in Bali?

A2: Petty theft and drive-by bag snatching represent the bulk of recorded criminal complaints. Thieves on motorbikes target tourists holding smartphones loosely while walking along the shoulder or riding passenger on scooters in busy tourist areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta.

Q3: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a scooter legally?

A3: Yes. Indonesian traffic law requires foreign visitors to carry both their home motorcycle license and a valid International Driving Permit endorsed for two-wheelers. Police checkpoints actively issue fines to riders lacking documentation, and driving without a valid motorcycle endorsement instantly voids most travel insurance policies.