Rental Guide
Car Hire in Medan: What UK, Australian and European Travellers Should Know
Car hire in Medan works a little differently from home. Driving side, insurance excess, deposits and why most visitors hire a car with a driver.
Contents
If you are used to picking up a hire car at Heathrow, Sydney or Frankfurt, car hire in Medan will feel familiar in some ways and very different in others. This guide explains the differences before you book.
Familiar: driving on the left
Indonesia drives on the left, like the UK and Australia. Cars are right-hand drive, so British and Australian drivers adapt quickly. European drivers should take the first hour slowly.
Different: most people hire a driver too
In Medan, hiring a car with a driver is normal and affordable. A driver costs Rp 150,000–300,000 per day depending on the vehicle and route, and removes the hardest parts: city traffic, motorbikes on every side, parking and unmarked mountain junctions.
Insurance and excess
Our vehicles carry All Risk insurance. With self-drive hire, an own-risk amount (excess) applies per incident:
| Vehicle class | Excess per incident |
|---|---|
| Brio, Avanza, Xpander, Innova | Rp 500,000 |
| Fortuner, Civic, Camry, Hiace | Rp 1,000,000 |
| Alphard, S-Class | Rp 2,500,000 |
When you hire with a driver, operational responsibility stays with us.
Documents for self-drive hire
- Passport
- International Driving Permit plus your home licence
- Verification before handover (we confirm identity and contact details)
Fuel and returns
Return the car with the same fuel level you received it with. Petrol stations are plentiful in towns but sparse on Samosir and mountain stretches.
Payment
Pay online in rupiah by virtual account, QRIS, e-wallet or card (where available). There is no need to bring a credit card for a deposit when you hire with a driver.
Our advice
For a first visit, hire with a driver for the mountain legs (Berastagi, Lake Toba) and consider self-drive only for simple city days. See self-drive or with driver for a full comparison.
Need help choosing?
Check available vehicles on the reservation page, or read the complete Medan car rental guide for a comparison of rates and rental requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the road do they drive on in Medan?
On the left, as in the UK and Australia. Cars are right-hand drive.
Is there an insurance excess on car hire in Medan?
Yes, for self-drive hire: from Rp 500,000 to Rp 2,500,000 per incident depending on the vehicle.
