International visitors can usually rent a car for a day or a week to get around in the country they are visiting. Usually an International Drivers License and proof of insurance is all that’s required.
However, I recommend you hire a car and driver in Vietnam. The traffic rules in Vietnam are different from what western visitors expect. Here’s what I mean.
Traffic rules are different in Vietnam
Driving rules are different. Let’s just say that speeding through a red light after dark without any lights whatsoever is in the minority. In London, I looked both ways but because I was an American, I was used to looking on one side of the road. It took me a moment to realized that the traffic was going away from me as I stepped off the curb. I nearly got killed!
Looking “both ways” is completely inadequate for the traffic conditions in Vietnam.
The vehicles at traffic circles go through the center, making the intersection a default four-way-stop – without the signs. A better way would be to take the outside lane as much as possible. It’s faster and makes the lane-changes and turns easier. Besides, motorbikes and people make way for a vehicle that is going faster.
When making a right-hand turn while traffic is coming, Vietnamese will turn anyway. They will drive along between the parked cars and the lane of traffic until the find a break in the traffic. At which point they switch to the right side of the road. Along the way the cars and motorbikes going the “right way” have to dodge this vehicle or vice versa.
How Do You Get Around in Vietnam?
The main transportation in Vietnam are airplane, train, bus/van, ferry, boat, taxi and motorbike. The best part about these is the price. The service is very good and mostly it is very cheap (for a ticket/ride). Visitors don’t need to worry about spending very much money on travel in Vietnam.
Can Foreigners Rent a Car in Vietnam?
International driving licenses are usually not accepted in Vietnam. To rent a car in Vietnam, you must have a Vietnamese driving license. I will say that again. The only way to rent a car in Vietnam is with a Driving License from Vietnam. You can obtain a Vietnamese driving license by converting your old one to a Vietnamese license. If you old one has expired, you can apply for a new Vietnamese driving license.
Rent a Car in Vietnam
There are several better ways to get around in Vietnam without renting a car. I recommend that you hire a car and driver. You will have a Vietnamese who can help you ask questions and drive you around. Vietnam Private Car is a good place to start.
The Cost for Renting a Car in Vietnam
The cost for renting just the car in Vietnam can range from VND560,000 per day VND2,600,000 per day (approximately $25-100). The amount will depend upon the type of car and its luxury. You have many cars to choose from. The most common cars are 4-seats and 7-seats.
Can I Rent a Car and Drive in Vietnam?
Several agencies in Vietnam do provide cars for rent without drivers. To qualify for driving a car independently in Vietnam, you must have a Vietnamese Drivers License. All international travelers must convert their International Driving Permit into a Vietnam Driver’s license. Something most travelers will not want to do.
Can You Self Drive in Vietnam?
You can rent a car with a driver, or rent just the car car. However, I strongly advise against renting a car in Vietnam unless absolutely necessary. Partly because the laws are different and partly because roads in Vietnam are extremely unsuitable. The main cities are super crowded with motorbikes and scooters leaving barely any space for cars. The country roads have fewer motorbikes but many other problems.
Car Rental Agencies
There are several car rental agencies. These are Vietnam Drive car rental, Da Nang Car Rental, JM Da Nang Car Rental, Da Nang City Car. That said. I do not recommend you rent a car in Vietnam.
Are Taxis Cheap in Vietnam?
Vietnam some of the cheapest taxi fares. Vietnam is on par with regional neighbors like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Vietnam is one of top 10 countries in the world with the lowest taxi fares.
How Much is it to Rent a Scooter in Vietnam?
There are a few rules you should follow to make the process easier. It costs around 100,000 – 150,000 VND per day to rent a scooter ($4,50-$6 USD). Usually the rent for a scooter should be around 1,000,000 VND per month. That was before COVID. You can probably negotiate a better price, especially if you want to rent the scooter for a longer term.
Do you Need a License to Ride a Scooter in Vietnam?
Vietnam does not require a license to drive a 50cc motorbike (scooter). However, you should check if your home country does. While you may be legal in Vietnam you may not be legal (policy wise, should there be an accident and you need insurance coverage) in your home country. If your home country requires a license for a scooter and you don’t have one, you may be denied coverage for any injuries.
Can I Rent a Bike in Vietnam?
You’ll often find that your apartment landlord or landlady can offer you a motorbike rental in Vietnam. This can be as little as 116,000 VND (5 USD) per day. This is a good option for you if you’re just looking to get around town without walking.
Can I transfer My Current License?
Yes. Go to your insurance and get an international drivers license. It’s best to do this before traveling! If you plan on staying in Vietnam, you can get it transferred once you get your TRC (Temporary Resident Card). Make sure you have plenty of years left on your current drivers license.
Be very careful about the rental company, and check out the car thoroughly. When you’re driving a car here it’s just good to know the left lane is for you. Left is for cars and right lanes are for motorbikes and bicycles. Stay out of the motorbike lane when you can and everything will work out well.
Getting a Car Without a Driver
Car rental companies won’t rent you a vehicle unless you have a valid Vietnamese driving licence. Yes you can drive here with a foreign license and an International Driver Permit but the rental companies aren’t obliged to rent a car to you on that basis. And, you can have serious problems if you have an accident.