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Can I rent a car in Thailand without an International Driving Permit if I have a US or Spanish driving license?

Thailand Driving License International Driving Permit Car Rental Expat Advice Visa and Immigration Issues

Apr 23, 2024

8 months ago

Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Driving license advice please- we have US and Spanish driving license and live in Hong Kong.  We have no way of applying for legitimate International driving permits in our home countries online before moving to Thailand in July. 

Is it possible to rent a car on arrival without an IDP-if not, anyone know of a solution?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation discusses the challenges of renting a car in Thailand without an International Driving Permit (IDP) for individuals holding US and Spanish driving licenses. While some users mention it's technically possible to rent a car without an IDP, they warn that driving without one is illegal and can void insurance coverage in case of an accident. Others suggest that obtaining an IDP in Hong Kong may be feasible for foreign residents, pointing to the possibility of converting their licenses. The consensus emphasizes the risks of renting a car without proper documentation and suggests relying on alternative transportation methods like GRAB until a Thai driving license can be acquired.

Andy **********

Beware, there are websites offering IDPs. Small print says they are just a translation. But basically counterfeit. As stated, most rental won't even want to see your licence, but you will sign an agreement saying you have proper documentation, which will implicitly include having a 1968 IDP. Have a wreck, no medical cover, responsible for all 3rd party claims. It could bankrupt you.

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andy *********

thank you. I think we will rely on GRAB until we can get Thai driving licenses.

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Donna *********

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Jeffrey **********

Red Ride Rentals in Chiang mai is very helpful

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Jeffrey *********

thank you! I'll look them up.

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Donna *********

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Sue **********

I thought you need an IDP in Hongkong as well?

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks everyone. So just to be clear, driving with a USDL and officially translated to English Spanish DL is illegal? It would only be a temporary measure on arrival in Chiang Mai, while we settle in, buy a car, and apply for Thai DL.

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

We don't drive here. Public transport is amazing! I will miss it dearly

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Donna *********

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Mike *******

Yes, of course, you can rent a car in Thailand using your respective American and/or Spanish driving licenses (the fact that you currently reside in HKG is somewhat irrelevant). There are limits to how long you can rent a car in Thailand using a foreign licence once you make that country your residence, by which time you should establish yourself with a Thai licence. If you want to get an IDP, you need to do this via your respective home country’s automobile association. I’ve read in this forum that the American AAA offers an online service, and I’m guessing there may be a similar service in Spain. Good luck.

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Bennett ********

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Bennett ********

I believe as foreign residents in HK you can obtain the intl. license there. In 2019 when I lived in Hong Kong I applied with my US drivers license for a HK driver’s license, & from that was able to get the international license IN HK. This was in 2019.

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bennett *******

yes, I've looked into and you are correct that you need a HKDL to apply. Don't really want to apply for a HKDL knowing that we are leaving in 2 months. But I can look into it...

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Bennett ********

@Donna ********

Yes! I still have my US license. Also now still have the HK license 😅

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Bennett ********

@Donna ********

It was very easy, the process was quick. It may be the easiest solution for you.

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

, were you able to keep your USDL? We don't want to surrender them for the HKDL

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Donna *********

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Stephan ***********

Officially not, it's illegal to rent out to someone without a valid license. But yes... it's possible to find someone who will do...

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Donna *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stephan **********

having a USDL and Spanish DL that has been translated to English and legalized by the Thai consulate here is illegal?

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Stephan ***********

@Donna ********

Officially yes... even if the police it might accept sometimes. It's all about the combination "your license" plus IDP. What you can do is to apply for a Thai License, it's pretty simple with the documents you have.

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Stephan ***********

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Brandon ************

Is it possible? Yes it's possible. But if you're in any type of accident both the insurance for the car you are in, as well as any travel insurance you might have, will be void as you are driving illegally.

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Brandon ************

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