Destinations / Macau
Driving in Macau as a visitor
Usually yes. Macau expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Macau expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 |
| Top speed limit | 80 km/h bridges and the Sai Van corridor |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MOP. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Strict drink-driving penalties. |
| Local practice | Narrow, congested streets. |
On the road in Macau
At the pump
Petrol stations on the peninsula and in Taipa/Coloane sell unleaded petrol and diesel and are attendant-served; fuel runs roughly MOP$12-16 per litre and cards plus the local MacauPass are widely accepted.
After a crash
Dial 999 (also 110 or 112) for police and ambulance; for any injury or disputed-fault collision leave the vehicles in place and wait for the police to attend and produce a report, which the rental company and insurer will require.
Sources: internationaldriversassociation.com · expat.com · macaulifestyle.com · idaoffice.org
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Macau?
Usually yes. Macau expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Macau accept?
Macau recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Macau ask for one?
Self-drive rental is limited; an IDP is expected where available.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.