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Car hire in Philippines
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Driving in the Philippines on an Australian licence
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
No - your Australian licence is enough in Philippines.
Your Australian licence is accepted for up to 90 days. An IDP isn't required but is useful as a translated backup.
Drives on the rightOpposite to Australia
Minimum age 21For most hire companies
$35-$65Typical daily hire
No IDP neededAustralian licence accepted
Is hiring a car in Philippines worth it?
A car with a driver is often cheaper than the stress of Manila traffic.
Typical daily hire runs $35-$65.
Where to hire a car in Philippines
Prices are indicative, shown in AUD and refreshed from provider APIs where available. Always confirm the final price on the provider's site - it is the price that applies. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never changes what you pay. A row labelled "Featured partner" holds a paid position at the top of the table. Partners are listed before providers who pay us nothing, as our terms set out; sorting by price ignores all of that and orders on the number alone. How we make money.
What Australian drivers need to know in Philippines
- Manila traffic is among the worst in the world - allow three times the time a map suggests.
- Grab is widely available in cities and much easier than driving.
- Jeepneys and tricycles are cheap and cash-only.
- Motorcycle hire is common in Siargao and Palawan; helmets are compulsory and insurance rarely covers it without a motorcycle licence.
Your licence is enough, but the vehicle class still matters. Australian policies exclude claims from driving without a valid licence for that vehicle. A car licence does not cover a scooter or motorbike in Philippines any more than it does at home.
More Philippines essentials
Philippines visa and entry rules
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Flights to Philippines
Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip.
Philippines eSIM plans
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
Philippines travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers.
Philippines money and cards
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
Philippines airport transfers
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Philippines travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do in Philippines
Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.
Further reading: International Driving Permit: which countries Australians need one for
How these comparisons are made
Licence and permit rules come from the destination's road authority and the Australian motoring clubs that issue International Driving Permits, and each page states whether an IDP is legally required, required in practice by hire companies, or genuinely not needed - three different situations most sites blur into one. Read the full editorial policy.
Planning Philippines?
We will send you the Philippines guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.