Destinations / Vietnam
Driving in Vietnam as a visitor
Usually yes. Vietnam 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 Vietnam expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 113 (police), 115 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 120 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 | 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 VND. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Local practice | Drive on the right amid dense scooter traffic. |
|---|---|
| Helmets | Helmets mandatory for all motorbike riders. |
| Alcohol | 0.0% alcohol tolerance. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Vietnam
At the pump
Stations sell RON 95 and RON 92/E5 petrol plus diesel (dau); a litre of RON 95 ran around VND 30,000-33,000 (about USD 1.20-1.35) in early 2026. Filling is attendant-served (you stay in the car/on the bike), large Petrolimex and PVOil stations take cards but small rural pumps are cash-only.
After a crash
Stop immediately, do not move the vehicles, and call police on 113 (ambulance 115); leaving the scene of an injury crash is a serious offence. Wait for police to produce a report for your insurer/rental firm, and expect to be detained until fault is settled, especially in injury cases.
Sources: gov.uk · tollguru.com · globalpetrolprices.com · en.baochinhphu.vn
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Vietnam?
Usually yes. Vietnam 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 Vietnam accept?
Vietnam recognises the 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Vietnam ask for one?
Desks request a 1968 Vienna IDP; older 1949 permits are not accepted.
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.