Quick answers
- To register a scooter in your own name in Indonesia you need a residence permit (KITAS or KITAP). On a tourist visa you can't.
- A used Yamaha NMAX from 2022–2024 sells for roughly Rp24.000.000–31.000.000, and a new one costs around Rp39.000.000–47.000.000 (Jakarta prices).
- For stays up to six months, renting by the month usually costs less than buying, servicing and reselling a bike.
- For a year or more on a KITAS, buying can work out cheaper, as long as you handle servicing, tax and resale yourself.
We rent scooters by the month, so we have an interest in this question. The buying prices below come from Indonesian motoring sites, linked under Sources.
Who can buy and register a scooter in Indonesia
No law stops a foreigner from buying a scooter for personal use, but registering it in your own name is tied to residency. You need a KITAS (limited stay permit) or KITAP (permanent stay permit), your passport and proof of address. A visa on arrival or tourist visa doesn't qualify.
Some visitors register a bike in a local friend's name. The bike is then legally theirs, so if it's stolen, crashed or sold, you have no claim to it. We don't recommend it.
What buying a scooter costs
| Option | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New NMAX (current generation) | Rp39.465.000–46.945.000 | Moladin, Jakarta on-the-road price, August 2026 |
| Used NMAX 2022–2023 | Rp24.000.000–26.000.000 | Moladin, October 2026 |
| Used NMAX Neo 2024 | From Rp27.000.000 | Moladin, October 2026 |
| Annual vehicle tax, NMAX Neo | About Rp378.000–418.000 | detikOto, 2025–2026 |
On top of the price, plan for servicing every few months (oil, brakes, tyres), the yearly tax at the Samsat office, and the time it takes to sell the bike when you leave. Prices in Bali can differ from Jakarta, so check with a dealer before you decide.
What renting by the month costs
On our current monthly prices, renting costs:
| Rental length | New NMAX | New XMAX |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | Rp7.500.000 | Rp10.500.000 |
| 6 months | Rp15.000.000 | Rp21.000.000 |
| 12 months | Rp30.000.000 | Rp42.000.000 |
These are our standard monthly prices. For 6 months, a year or longer we give a long-stay discount, so the real cost is lower; message us on WhatsApp for your price. The rental includes free servicing at least every 3 months (oil and battery included), a replacement bike if something fails that you didn't cause, two helmets and delivery in Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta or the airport.
Renting vs buying side by side
| Renting by the month | Buying | |
|---|---|---|
| Visa needed | Any visa | KITAS or KITAP |
| Money up front | One month at a time | The full price of the bike |
| Servicing | Included | You arrange and pay |
| Breakdowns | Replacement bike from the rental | You find a workshop |
| Damage you cause | You pay for repairs | You pay for repairs |
| Leaving Bali | Hand the bike back | Sell it, or store it |
| Changing bikes | Swap or upgrade if one is free | Sell and buy again |
Which one makes sense for you
- Up to 3 months, any visa: rent. Buying and reselling in that time rarely pays off.
- 3 to 6 months: rent, unless you hold a KITAS and already know a trusted dealer and workshop.
- A year or more on a KITAS: buying can cost less over the year. Count servicing, tax and the price you'll get when you sell.
- A year or more without wanting the paperwork: rent by the month and ask us for a long-stay price.
Either way, bring a home licence with the motorcycle category, or an Indonesian licence if you live here. We recommend an International Driving Permit too.
FAQ
Can a tourist buy a scooter in Bali?
Not in their own name. Registering a scooter needs a KITAS or KITAP residence permit.
How much is a used NMAX in Indonesia?
Roughly Rp24.000.000–26.000.000 for a 2022–2023 model and from Rp27.000.000 for a 2024 NMAX Neo (Moladin, October 2026).
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a scooter for 6 months in Bali?
Usually to rent, once you count servicing, tax and the loss when you sell. Ask us for a long-stay price for 6 months or more.
Does a monthly rental include servicing?
With us, yes: free servicing at least every 3 months, including oil changes and the battery.
About the author
Lutfi Khamami owns motoranbali and has rented scooters to visitors and long-stay guests in Bali since 2022. More about us
