21 Years 

The legal Drinking age in Bali is 21. This applies to everybody, foreigners and Indonesian citizens.

“What’s the minimum age for alcohol consumption in Bai, Indonesia?”
“At what age can someone legally buy alcohol in Bali?”
“What’s the age of majority for drinking in Indonesia?”
“Drinking age limit”
“Minimum legal drinking age (MLDA)”
“Age requirement for alcohol purchase & drinking in Bali”
“What’s the permissible age for drinking alcohol?”
“At what age is it legal to drink?”
“Age eligibility for alcohol consumption

21 Years

No

As mentioned, the legal age is 21. In Bali however you will rarely find anybody checking your age, at parties, in restaurants or if you purchase alcohol in Supermarkets and convenience stores.

Many travelers between the age of 18 and 20 come to Bali to enjoy the many parties and the vibrant nightlife not realiszing that the minimum age to purchase and consume alcohol is 21. Youngsters from  Australia are known to come to Bali for their “Spring Break” in November and hit the nightlife scene, particularly in Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu in thousands, ready to party hard and are surprised when they learn that legal drinking age is not 18 but like in the US, 21.

This does not mean it’s legal to drink, it just means, that the regulations are rarely controlled nor enforced. Yet it can indeed happen from time to time, that clubs, discos and parties are visited by a police force to check on drugs, alcohol and legal age.

Cost of Drinks & Alcohol in Bali

In Bali, the cost of alcoholic drinks varies based on where you buy them and the type of venue. Here’s a simplified explanation of what affects alcohol prices in Bali:

Average price at a “normal” bar or restaurant, not in hotels:

• Beer (Average US$3 per bottle 0.3l), while imported beers sich as San MIguel, Corona are more expensive
• Local wine (Average US$3-6 per glass)
• Imported wine (Average US$5-10 per glass), the sky is the limit
• Cocktails (Average US$6-10 per glass)
• Spirits (Average US$4-10 per glass)
• Exclusive Imported Whiskeys, Tequilas, Vodkas, Cognacs etc can cost up to USD 30 per serving 

Local vs. International Brands:

Local drinks like Bintang beer and spirits made of Arak are cheaper than imported ones. Imported alcohol costs more due to high import taxes and the complexities of customs processes and alcohol permits. After all, Bali is in Indonesia, which is a Muslim country.

Why is alcohol and wine so expensive in Bali?

Alcohol Taxes & Availability:

The Indonesian government imposes significant taxes on alcohol, making it more expensive than one might expect in such an affordable tourist destination. Due to the taxes ad sometimes limited availability, prices are marked up in order to make a profit. 
Brand Popularity: Well-known alcohol brands tend to be pricier, especially when they are in high demand or short supply on the island.

Tourist vs. Local Pricing:

There are many venues that are really fun and interesting to visit, that are dominantly visited by local guests. Those places can be found in Depnasar and somewhat in the outskirts of the main tourist areas, such as Dewi Sri Street near Kuta, on Sunset Road, or in Kerobokan and Petitenget. In these bars and restaurants, drinks are generally cheaper. 

No.

The Legal Age for driving motor scooter or car is 17 years.

In any case you would need your valid National Driving License and ALSO an International Driving License or Permit to rent drive a scooter or car. 

I don’t have an International Driving License and cannot arrange one before arriving in Bali

No problem. You can order an International Driving License here and receive a digital version within a couple of hours or even get a printed version sent you your hotel in Bali (both are accepted by the police). Purchase International Driving License Online

Legal Age for Driving in Bali / Indonesia

How old do you have to be to drive a scooter  in Bali?

How old do you need to be to drive a motor scooter or motorbike in Bali?

17 years

You can buy alcohol in most convenience stores and supermarkets in Bali. Here you will find the basics such as beers and a limited selection of wines, and some spirits at times.

There are also several shops dedicated to sell alcohol (wine, beer, spirits)  such as Bottle Avenue. Here the selection is more broad and you can find also many imported and well known brands.

The Legal Age in general in Indonesia is 18. Even though for driving it’s 17 and for drinking alcohol it’s 21 years.

Yes, in Bali, which might come as a surprise to many,  there are vinyards with a great local wine selection. Hatten Wines, which was Bali’s first, and Sababay winery. The quality of these wines have drastically increased and their produce can be found in many restaurants all across Bali. When in Bali, you definitely have to try the Bali Wine at least once. 

The local alcohol of Bali is Arak, a traditional spirit made from distilled rice or palm sap. Arak is an integral part of Balinese culture, often used in religious ceremonies and local festivities. It is a clear, potent liquor with a strong taste, commonly consumed neat, with water, or as part of a cocktail. Arak embodies the essence of Bali’s heritage, reflecting the island’s agricultural traditions and communal spirit.

Alcohol Innovation in Bali based on Arak

Balinese artisans are innovating with Arak, by venturing into the production of unique local liquors. These new beverages are crafted using Arak as a base, infused with a variety of local herbs, spices, and fruits, to create distinct flavors that reflect Bali’s rich botanical diversity. This evolution in Balinese distillery showcases a blend of traditional methods and modern craftsmanship. These Arak-based spirits represent a contemporary twist on Bali’s alcohol heritage, offering connoisseurs a taste of the island’s innovative spirit landscape. 

• Balinese Gin: Crafted from Arak, this gin is infused with local botanicals, providing a distinctively Balinese flavor to this globally popular spirit.
• Balinese Cognac: Although not a traditional cognac, this Arak-based spirit is designed to mimic the rich and complex flavors of cognac, using local aging and blending techniques.
• Arak-infused Liqueurs: These are sweet, flavored liqueurs made by infusing Arak with fruits, herbs, or spices, offering a unique taste profile that captures the essence of Balinese flora.
• Balinese Whiskey: Inspired by traditional whiskey-making, this variation uses Arak as the foundational spirit, aged in barrels to develop complex flavors and a smoother finish.
• Arak Rum: Leveraging Arak’s distillation process, local producers are crafting a type of rum with a distinctive Balinese twist, using local sugarcane and aging techniques to create rich, nuanced flavors.