Destinations / Taiwan
Driving in Taiwan as a visitor
Usually yes. Taiwan 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 Taiwan expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 110 (police), 119 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 110 km/h freeways |
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 TWD. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Scooters are everywhere — watch waiting zones at lights. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 0.03% alcohol limit. |
| Tolls | Electronic (eTag) freeway tolls. |
On the road in Taiwan
At the pump
CPC and Formosa stations sell 92, 95 and 98 unleaded petrol and diesel, are typically full-service attended, and accept cards; petrol runs roughly TWD 28-32 per litre.
After a crash
Stop, photograph the vehicles and scene, and call 110 for police (or 119 for fire/ambulance if injuries); obtain the police accident report and notify the rental agency, as the report is required for insurance.
Sources: ait.org.tw · internationaldriversassociation.com · en.wikipedia.org · taiwannews.com.tw
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Taiwan?
Usually yes. Taiwan 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 Taiwan accept?
Taiwan recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Taiwan ask for one?
Desks request an IDP; longer stays may need motor-vehicle office registration.
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.