Car Rental at Juanda International Airport (SUB)

You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your US license. Indonesian law requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP (1949 Geneva Convention model), and rental companies consistently request it. Your US license alone won't suffice at checkpoints or in accident scenarios. Apply for an IDP through AAA before departure—it takes about 15 minutes in person and costs around $20. Keep both documents on you at all times while driving.

It's a significant adjustment that catches many first-time visitors off guard. Indonesia uses left-hand traffic with right-hand drive vehicles (steering wheel on the right). Key adjustments: stay calm on highways where muscle memory tells you to drift left—force yourself to stay in the left lane; take turns extra carefully, especially at intersections; and when overtaking, do so on the right. Start on quieter streets before tackling busy Surabaya highways. Fatal accidents are statistically higher for drivers unaccustomed to this system.

Toll roads are prevalent on Java, including the Surabaya-Jakarta route (approximately 800 km, 8-10 hours). Payments use the e-money system—either an E-Toll card loaded with credit or cash at booth lanes. If you're renting, ask if the car has a pre-installed E-Toll device; many rentals include one. Renting an E-Toll card typically costs Rp 30,000-50,000 (~$2-3) plus top-up amount. For highway-heavy itineraries, it's definitely worth it—you avoid fumbling for cash and potential lane-change penalties. Toll costs from Surabaya to Jakarta run approximately Rp 600,000-700,000 (~$38-45).

Yes, drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge in Indonesia, usually ranging from Rp 100,000-150,000 per day (~$6-10). Some companies flat-out refuse to rent to under-21s, while others set the minimum at 21 with higher surcharges for those under 25. At 23, you'll likely face the surcharge but have broader vehicle selection. Book through international agencies like Sixt or Hertz if you want consistent policies—local companies vary widely in enforcement and transparency. Budget an extra $5-10 daily for this fee.

Indonesian fuel types are Pertalite (RON 90, most common), Pertamax (RON 92), and Pertamax Turbo (RON 98). Most rental cars run on Pertalite or Pertamax—both widely available. Gas stations are plentiful along major highways and in cities; however, outside Java's main corridors (like remote East Java highlands), stations thin out considerably. The 'full-to-full' policy is standard: receive the car with a full tank and return it full. In remote areas like Mount Bromo, fuel availability is limited—top up before departing Surabaya or any major town. Current prices (2024): Pertalite approximately Rp 10,000/liter (~$0.65).