SIM Internasional (International Driving License)

[El_Goretto]

Hi everyone,

I made a SIM Internasional some years ago when I was still on KITAP. Due to personal circumstances, I am now on KITAS.

My SIM Internasional has already expired so I need to make a new one for an upcoming trip.

I was delighted to see that the procedure is now done online, however the requirement for foreigners is to have a KITAP.

Has anyone successfully applied with a KITAS only?

 

[serious_fun]

Strange requirement since the SIM would the same regardless of your visa, yes?

 

[flavus]

Strange requirement since the SIM would the same regardless of your visa, yes?

Strange but unfortunately not unique. In the US many states do something similar, tying driver license expiration to when your legal stay expires, so it's brutal for those on work visas (3yr) or conditional permanent residency (2yr). While in Europe, Germany is happy to give non-expiring DL to anyone.

What is odd in the Indonesian context is SIM is not a valid ID - KTP is - so what's the big deal letting KITAS holders apply indeed?

 

[Helpful Herbert]

Not sure what a SIM internasional is - I have used my Indonesian SIM to rent cars in Europe with no problem.

 

[flavus]

Not sure what a SIM internasional is - I have used my Indonesian SIM to rent cars in Europe with no problem.

It serves as a legal translation, and in some countries are indeed not necessary provided the driver license meets some requirements.

I've used mine abroad without issues too, though it's always useful to check.

And interestingly - Indonesia is sort of not really part of the international treaty governing driving abroad, but China is definitely out. If you want to drive there you must have a Chinese license.

 

[centurion]

It serves as a legal translation, and in some countries are indeed not necessary provided the driver license meets some requirements.

I've used mine abroad without issues too, though it's always useful to check.

And interestingly - Indonesia is sort of not really part of the international treaty governing driving abroad, but China is definitely out. If you want to drive there you must have a Chinese license.

Indonesia signed the Convention on Road and Traffic in 1968, and the form of SIM Internasional is in accordance with the International Driving License. It is valid in countries where you do not have residence, and that are part of the Convention.

 

[snpark]

SIM indonesian driving licence kitas or kitap

International driving licence is different. That is what you use in Europe etc. You get a 1 year passport style book in Indonesia using your licence here to prove you can drive and they give you a permit to let you drive overseas

 

[El_Goretto]

So indeed, it's clear that there is no way to get one while still under KITAS.

It's ok, no big deal, I'll manage.

Thank you for your help.

 

[H29062024]

Just got my Indonesian IDP using the online application process with Polri. Very smooth and received it in about three weeks via tracked Pos Indonesia delivery. I'm on a Kitap, so was able to apply. The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, though unfortunately my SIM expires in late 2024 so I won't be able to take advantage if the renewal SIM has a different number. One issue to note is that it's not possible to get both the SIM A and SIM C endorsements in one book/application. You need to go through the procedure twice (and pay twice) unlike in other countries where one book holds all your vehicle endorsements.

 

[harryopal1]

Just got my Indonesian IDP using the online application process with Polri. Very smooth and received it in about three weeks via tracked Pos Indonesia delivery. I'm on a Kitap, so was able to apply. The permit is valid for three years from the date of issue, though unfortunately my SIM expires in late 2024 so I won't be able to take advantage if the renewal SIM has a different number. One issue to note is that it's not possible to get both the SIM A and SIM C endorsements in one book/application. You need to go through the procedure twice (and pay twice) unlike in other countries where one book holds all your vehicle endorsements.

What was the cost?

 

[H29062024]

What was the cost?

Rp. 250.000 for the permit, plus Rp. 51.700 for express, tracked delivery to Bali. If one is in Jakarta, the permit can be collected directly from Polri and thereby avoid the delivery charges. All info is here: https://siminternasional.korlantas.polri.go.id/

 

[H29062024]

So indeed, it's clear that there is no way to get one while still under KITAS.

It's ok, no big deal, I'll manage.

Thank you for your help.

Last resort would be to WA the Polri customer service line for SIM Internasional at 0819-0150-0669 and ask directly.

 

[serious_fun]

Now I want to see Javanese drivers on overseas roads!

 

[ilovered]

@serious_fun , we saw one carrying a bed frame. Like a queen size bed frame.

 

[AhhSamboi]

Sorry to bump an old thread but I can't seem to find an answer when googling or even contacting the correct offices (here in Malaysia or back in Bandung)

I've got my Malaysian license for both car and bike(I'm American), but I'm not sure if I need an IDP because the SEA agreements from the 1980s.

Like I don't want to go through all the hassle of waiting 6 -7 hours in the JPJ(like the DMV but all the counter workers are Police) here and pay almost a 1juta for an international driving permit I may not even need. (It's supposed to cost around IDR500k but they charge foreigners double for anything to do with vehicles or licenses)

So simply put, does anyone know if I need to get an IDP if I have a license in Malaysia as per the ASEAN agreements from 1985? Like I found the document but it's paywalled for members only.

You are being redirected...

 

[El_Goretto]

Where do you want to drive with your IDP? In Indonesia? To do so, you will need to have a local driver's license, not an IDP. And moreover, they would only issue an IDP to you if you already have a local license.

Whether you can get a local license depends on your visa. Are you on KITAS/P?

 

[Balifrog]

Where do you want to drive with your IDP? In Indonesia? To do so, you will need to have a local driver's license, not an IDP. And moreover, they would only issue an IDP to you if you already have a local license.

Whether you can get a local license depends on your visa. Are you on KITAS/P?

He lives in Malaysia and has the Malaysian D.L., which theoritically is valid in any ASEAN country.
His question is "can I use the Malaysian (ASEAN) D.L. or should I apply (in Malaysia) for an I.D.L."

Bon, me not native English speaker so maybe me wrong....

 

[AhhSamboi]

He lives in Malaysia and has the Malaysian D.L., which theoritically is valid in any ASEAN country.
His question is "can I use the Malaysian (ASEAN) D.L. or should I apply (in Malaysia) for an I.D.L."

Bon, me not native English speaker so maybe me wrong....

You're completely right. I want to know because I'm applying for my Kitap next month or early February. So I want to be able to make sure I drive while I'm waiting.

My Kitas took almost 4 months and although I enjoy the exercise and Gojek I'd rather drive myself

 

[Balifrog]

You're completely right. I want to know because I'm applying for my Kitap next month or early February. So I want to be able to make sure I drive while I'm waiting.

My Kitas took almost 4 months and although I enjoy the exercise and Gojek I'd rather drive myself

Interesting question about the ASEAN D.L. being accepted or not, let's see if somebody has a CONFIRMED experience with this.
Interested to know as my ex and my eldest son have an ASEAN D.L. (Thailand)

Would be indeed easier than applying for I.D.L. which has become a hassle since a few years.

 

[Ruserious]

Malaysian licence and 100k note works