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Car hire in Vietnam
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Driving in Vietnam on an Australian licence
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
Australian International Driving Permits are not valid in Vietnam.
This is the big one. Vietnam recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit. Australia only issues the 1949 Geneva Convention permit, so an Australian IDP is not legally valid in Vietnam. In practice this means most Australians cannot legally drive or ride here, and an accident will not be covered by your travel insurance.
Drives on the rightOpposite to Australia
Minimum age 18For most hire companies
$8-$12 scooter (not recommended)Typical daily hire
IDP not recognised1968 Vienna Convention - not issued in Australia
Is hiring a car in Vietnam worth it?
Use Grab or a private driver instead - a full day with a driver is around AUD $60.
Typical daily hire runs $8-$12 scooter (not recommended).
Where to hire a car in Vietnam
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 Vietnam
- Hire shops will rent you a scooter without checking anything. That doesn't make it legal or insured.
- Grab (car and bike) is inexpensive, metered and the sensible way to get around.
- Crossing the road on foot: walk slowly and predictably, and let the traffic flow around you.
- If you're staying long-term, converting to a Vietnamese licence is possible and is the only legal path.
You cannot be legally licensed to drive here. Vietnam does not accept the permit Australia issues, so there is no paperwork that makes you a licensed driver. Every Australian travel insurance policy excludes claims arising from driving unlicensed, which means a crash is uninsured - your medical costs, the vehicle, and anyone you injure.
More Vietnam essentials
Vietnam visa and entry rules
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Flights to Vietnam
Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip.
Vietnam eSIM plans
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
Vietnam travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers.
Vietnam money and cards
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
Vietnam airport transfers
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Vietnam travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do in Vietnam
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.
Vietnam driving FAQs
Can I ride a scooter in Vietnam on my Australian licence?
No, not legally. Vietnam recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit and Australia only issues the 1949 Geneva Convention version, so Australian IDPs aren't valid here. Riding anyway means no insurance cover if you crash - use Grab or a private driver instead.
Planning Vietnam?
We will send you the Vietnam 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.