Am I supposed to exchange my 1949 international driving permit for a local driving license for a short stay in Vietnam?
Am I (French citizen with US and 1949 international driving licenses) supposed to exchange my 1949 international driving permit for a local driving license for a short stay (1 to 3 weeks) to drive a car in Vietnam?
In the list of countries in international driving permits currently issued by American Automobile Association (AAA) in the United States (2019-10-14) it says I have to exchange my 1949 international driving permit for a local driving license:
However, on https://www.vietnam-immigration.org.vn/news/view/how-to-convert-driver-license-for-foreigner-living-in-vietnam-part-1.html (mirror) it says that an international driving permit for a local driving license for foreigners who stay in "Vietnam from 3 months and above":
1.1. Foreigners who reside, work or study in Vietnam or foreigners drive registered abroad that enter Vietnam from 3 months and above, with international or national driver license (issued abroad) are also valid for use, if they wish to drive registered abroad in Vietnam, they have to apply for changing correlative Vietnamese driver license.
Best Answer
No, not unless your visa is for a duration longer than three months.
To convert your current driving license or an International Driving Permit into a Vietnamese driving license, the applicant must first hold a valid Vietnam permit of at least three month's validity and a current driving license or a valid International Driving Permit.
Another source states this clearly
g) Foreigners residing, working and studying in Vietnam for at least 03 months, having Diplomatic or Official Identity Card, Permanent Residence Card, Temporary Residence Card, stay permits and unexpired native driving licenses may apply for renewal with corresponding driving licenses of Vietnam if they wish to drive in Vietnam;
enter Vietnam from 3 months and above
I believe that is a mistake in translation. For makes much more sense there
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What is a 1949 international driving permit?
The 1949 Geneva Convention states that an IDP remains valid for one year from the date of issue, with a grace period of six months. There is a European Agreement supplementing the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, in addition to the 1949 Protocol on Road Signs and Signals, concluded in Geneva on 16 September 1950.Does Vietnam accept international driving permit?
Foreign driver licenses, even when accompanied by an international driving permit, are not valid in Vietnam.How long is an international driving permit valid for?
IDPs are valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the type of IDP required for your destination country. A 1968 IDP is valid for 3 years or until the expiry of your driving licence, whichever is sooner. Whilst your IDP is valid it can be used in as many countries as you wish providing you have the correct version.How long is a 1949 IDP valid for?
The 1949 convention IDP is valid for 12 months.International Drivers Permit: 2021 Guide
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