PADANG - driving licence - motor bike

Hi. I intend to go to Padang and would like to rent a m.bike. I know that unlike in Bali, no bike will be given to u in Bintang or Batang, even if u have an international driving licence. How is the situation in Padang for a foreigner?

1. Is it possible?
2. Can it be done with an international driving licence?

And talking about Padang:

Who can give first hand info on either:
1.Hotel Nuansa
2.Hotel Batang Arau (more expensive?)

And last but not least, a notorious visa question (sooo sory). Did I understand correctly that I need a return ticket or an out of Indonesia ticket for a 30 day visa? (I am German). Thats so inconvinient since I wanted to do some Sumatra 'hopping', not knowing when to return to Singapore. But once a return flight is booked on any of those budget airlines, rebooking is usually a hassel if not impossible.

Many thanks for all advise!!!

Normally you need an driverslicense if hiring a motorbike all over Indonesia but many times the liscense is not asked which doesn't mean you don't need one. But when you come across police it is more likely they stop you if you don't wear a helmet rather then jsut a routinecheck. There are rules yes and the rules are also used very different by policemen..... this is Indonesia!

If you buy your visa upon arrival you need an onward ticket to another country but in the 20 years I visit the country I have never been asked for it. I also found out that they make difference between Europeans (westerns) and citizens from other countries like North Africa.

So resuming, both answers are not adequate but noone can give you the right one. Again, this is Indonesia, there are rules and there aren't.....

Just go with your international drivinglicense (even it is for car only) and just go with a one way ticket. Or make an (fake) electronicprint of a reservation.

Anne Mieke

I flew several times to Indonesia and I was ALWAYS asked for onward ticket when applying for visa (in advance or upon arrival) . Once I got a visa in advance and had to show it there too as usual, then I flew to Bali and when I arrived I did not have a copy of my onward ticket with me as it was a e-ticket.
The guy gave me a hard time, I told him there was no way I would have gotten the visa without a return ticket in the first place but I had to pay him cash to get into the country!
If you are not sure where to fly out from, just but the cheapest (AirAsia?)ticket and buy a new one if you change your mind, flights are inexpensive. Cheapest tickets are from Singapore by boat to palau Batam or Bintan. Get a return and get a new flight out if you end up somewhere different.