Destinations / Singapore
Driving in Singapore as a visitor
Usually yes. Singapore 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 Singapore expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Left |
| Emergency number | 999 (police), 995 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h expressways |
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 | 1949 Geneva |
| 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 SGD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) gantries charge in busy areas. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.08% alcohol limit, strictly enforced. |
| Seatbelts | Seatbelts mandatory for all occupants. |
On the road in Singapore
At the pump
Stations sell petrol grades 92/95/98 and diesel, are mostly full-service attended, and accept international cards; pump prices are high at roughly SGD 2.80-3.20 per litre for 95-octane.
After a crash
For accidents with fatalities or serious injury requiring hospitalisation, calling police on 999 is mandatory; minor accidents need not involve police but should be reported to the Traffic Police (6547 0000) and the rental firm, and you must not obstruct traffic unnecessarily.
Sources: sixt.com.sg · police.gov.sg · freshcars.sg · scdf.gov.sg
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Singapore?
Usually yes. Singapore 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 Singapore accept?
Singapore recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Singapore ask for one?
Desks request an IDP for non-English licences; ERP road pricing applies.
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.