Please explain

Member since 30 August 2025

callaway4000MemberToday 01:13:39

I watch many youtube videos of Vloggers in Vietnam and have two questions I don't see covered. What is the situation to drive and rent a scooter? I just read for Canadians the International Drivers license is not accepted? It is in Thailand. But it said something about having a visa for 3 months. Can someone explain this in detail please.

Question #2. I don't see any safety deposit boxes in the rental apartments or condos? unless they just don't show them? if not, where do we keep our passport and money, etc. safe? That is crazy important especially if I bring more cash on me at the start of arriving? thanks

Safepeter Contributor

Member since 08 April 2018

SafepeterContributorToday 01:54:28

115

Driving in Vietnam

Foreign driver licenses, even when accompanied by an international driving permit, are not valid in Vietnam. Even though a driver's license from an ASEAN country may be recognized in certain circumstances as valid in Vietnam, it is still advised to obtain a local Vietnam driver's license if you wish to drive legally in Vietnam

How to be legal with a Vietnamese License

It is possible for non-Vietnamese to transfer their home car or motorbike license to a Vietnamese one and get like for like. It is also possible to take the driving test for motorbikes (not cars, as far as I am aware) and to get either an A1 or an A2 license. However, you will need a Temporary Residency Permit (TRC), which is only obtainable for long term visitors (anyone with a visa for more than three months) and not tourists, in order to do this.

These are two most water tight options. Transferring is not particularly difficult, but taking the driving test can be difficult to achieve.

As a long term resident (anyone with permission to stay longer than 3 months), you will need to convert your home license to a Vietnamese one.

3rd Party Insurance is Mandatory

It is illegal to drive a motorbike/car without the mandatory 3rd party insurance. As an owner of a vehicle you will need to buy this and as a renter (who, hopefully, has all the other documentation required) you can ask the rental firm to provide proof and photocopies of this document.

Vehicle Registration

It is illegal to drive a motorbike/car without the vehicles registration documents. As an owner you will need to carry this at all times and as a renter you will need to ask the rental firm to provide proof and photocopies of this documentation.