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International Driver's License In Taiwan: Rent A Car and Drive Safely

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IDP is essential when driving abroad

driving abroad with idp

International Driving Permit (IDP), regulated by the United Nations, certifies that you are the holder of a valid driver's license in your country of origin.

documents needed for international driving permit

Your IDP is a valid form of identification in more than 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo and driver information in the 12 most widely spoken languages in the world.

How to get your IDP

01

Fill in the forms

Have your driver’s license and delivery address handy

02

Verify your ID

Upload pictures of your driver's license

03

Get approved

Wait for confirmation and you’re ready to go!

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Can a foreigner drive in Taiwan (ROC)?

Yes, a foreigner can drive a motor vehicle or a scooter in Taiwan’s road traffic. However, they must possess an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to support their valid driver’s license to drive in the country legally. The purpose of this document is that translates your home country driver’s license into 12 of the widely used languages worldwide. Once you order this document, your International Driving Permit will be recognized in countries such as the following:

  • Japan
  • Republic of China
  • Thailand
  • Poland
  • Philippines
  • Hungary
  • Hong Kong
  • Slovakia
  • and more.

How can I get an international driver's license for Taiwan?

You can get your international driver’s license even while in a foreign country. All you have to do is to click on the apply for IDP button that’s found on any part of this page, especially the one on the upper right corner of the page.

Once that’s done, prepare your valid driver’s license, a passport-sized photo, and credit card for the application fee for the information you need to fill out later.

Can you drive in Taiwan with Singapore license?

Any foreign driver can drive on the Taiwanese roads of Taipei and even throughout other provinces like Taiwanese drivers in the country without taking a road test. Whether you have a U.S. driver’s license or any other foreign driver’s license, it still can be considered legal to drive in the country as long as you carry your IDP.

However, if you intend to drive in the country for more than three months, you need to go to the country motor vehicles office and take a driving test or road test in the country to get your Taiwan Driver’s license.

Most Important Driving Rules

Understanding the driving rules in Taiwan is vital for anyone planning to drive in the country. The experience can be tough for many tourists and non-residents. The driving laws resemble those of other countries, but there are instances where drivers in Taiwan may disregard them.

It can pose a challenge for non-Taiwanese, especially for hesitant drivers or those who haven't driven outside their home country. Abiding by these driving rules in Taiwan could potentially save several lives yearly.

Before driving in Taiwan, you need to brace yourself to follow the road laws and regulations strictly to avoid serious fines or accidents. Foreign visitors are typically required to pay fines on the spot. Ensure to secure an International Driving License in Taiwan and familiarize yourself with the driving rules in Taiwan.

Road Rules

Generally speaking, road regulations are similar when observed in most other countries, although there are many exceptions. On the right-hand side of the lane is where the Taiwanese drive. It is not permitted in Taiwan, unlike in other countries where you must turn right at a red light. On all city highways, the maximum speed is 50mph.

Right of Way

Motor vehicles should be on the right side of the lane in Taiwan. For those younger than 13 years of age, it is restricted to sit in the passenger seat. When driving with children, those between the ages of 4 and 8 are expected to sit in the booster seat. Seatbelts should always be used, and when conversing on your phone, drivers must use hands-free models.

Accidents

Your priority, in the unavoidable event of an incident, is to alert the proper authorities. Through 110 and emergency help 119, you can contact the police. All the important details, like the type of accident, descriptions of the vehicles involved, and casualties or deaths, must be given to the police. Your insurance agency is the second call that you should take.

Taiwan Photo by Dave Weatherall

What Should You Look Forward to in Taiwan!

This country in Asia is one of the countries that many foreign tourists come and visit. That’s why if you want to know what is worth looking forward to during your visit, we’ve listed top 10 must-do activities to make your trip complete.

  1. Eat Healthy and Fresh Food!
    In the country, there are so many healthy arrays of foods that are on the go. Knowing how busy the lifestyles of most Taiwanese are, they are made fresh and handy. Other than that, they even come in cheap too!
  2. Soak in the Hot Springs
    Because of the ongoing volcanic activity in the area, Taipei's own Beitou Hot Springs attracts many visitors and locals who come to soak in the therapeutic waters. The hot springs are a cheap option for those in need of relaxation, starting at only 40 NT ($1.30 USD) per person.
  3. Visit the Old Taiwan
    The Kinmen Archipelago consists of two groupings of islands off the west coast of Taiwan, only a few miles from mainland China, and they represent traditional Taiwan at its finest. Traditional buildings can be viewed here, and there are also informative museums that explain the history of conflict between the People's Republic and Taiwan.
  4. Sip in Some Tea at a Taiwanese Teahouse
    The country has some of the best teas ever made. That is why there are many variations on how you‘d want your tea prepared. Whether you like it served cold or hot, it’s all up to you. The Taiwanese brews some of the finest teas in the world.
  5. Discover the Green Mountains!
    Rent a scooter and explore the island's five mountain ranges, which are covered in lush vegetation. You can get some exercise and see the dawn from the top of Jade Mountain, the highest mountain in Taiwan, which at about 4,000 meters makes it the fourth-highest island in the world.
  6. Stop by Hehuan Mountain's Wuling Peak
    Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain is another fantastic hike for those wanting to spend more time in nature; at about 3,275 meters above sea level, it will satisfy your need for elevation. What makes this spot truly exceptional, though, is the fact that from the pinnacle you can see nothing but a bottomless cloud field below.
  7. Hike in Taroko National Park
    Looking forward to another city trip. Hikers in this national park get the opportunity to explore rugged mountain landscapes and canyons, and cool off in rushing mountain streams. It is one of the country’s nine national parks and spans little under 100,000 acres. The park is easily accessible both independently and as part of a comprehensive day trip from Taipei. You are not required to pay any fee to enter the Taroko National Park
  8. Go to the Fo Guang Shan Temple
    In Kaohsiung, if you have access to a car, I highly recommend going to Fo Guang Shan Monastery to show respect to the residing monks. This is a public ultra-Zen monastery, and it's huge and beautiful, with a wide walkway called the Great Path of Buddhahood lined with eight identical pagodas.
    You can stop at each on your approach to the Big Buddha, the tallest seated bronze Buddha in the world. I've gone to a lot of churches and monasteries, but this one is the most impressive.
  9. Stop by an Indigenous Community
    Numerous local guides are well-versed in the indigenous culture and can give you an in-depth introduction. The Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village on Sun Moon Lake is where most tourists go to learn about the island's aboriginal population, although it's far from the only option.
  10. Participate in the Pingxi Lantern Festival
    At the Taiwan Pingxi Lantern Festival, crimson lanterns dangle from the ceiling.
    Pingxi Lantern Festival is one of the most exciting festivals in Taiwan since it involves the release of hundreds of paper lanterns into the night sky. (This deeply important custom is also adopted by many couples celebrating their nuptials.) You can avoid the throng by buying a lantern and setting it up on any of Taiwan's beaches.
    Paper lanterns that biodegrade without leaving a charred mess are a good choice, as Taiwanese people place a high value on protecting the environment.

10 Facts About Taiwan

Here are some 10 facts you must know before you travel to the country:

  1. Despite being only slightly smaller than Belgium, Taiwan is home to 23 million people.
  2. The national dish is stinky tofu, which is quite unappetizing.
  3. Wearing the color white is associated with mourning and funerals.
  4. Taiwan has been under Chinese, Japanese, and temporary Dutch sovereignty.
  5. Chinese culture has had a significant impact on many facets of Taiwanese life.
  6. The Republic of China is the official name for Taiwan (RoC).
  7. Taipei 101, held the record for the tallest building in the world from 2004 until 2007 when the Burj Khalifa was completed.
  8. Gay marriage is legal in the country.
  9. Mandarin Chinese is the official language in Taiwan.
  10. The Chinese culture has had a significant impact on many facets of Taiwanese life.

Ready to check if an IDP is accepted in your destination?

Use the form and find out in seconds whether you need an international permit. Documents vary, based on the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic.

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