Vietnam – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Vietnam?

To rent a car in Vietnam, you must be at least 21 years old. Drivers who are younger than 25 may face additional daily surcharges depending on the operator, so it pays to review the terms carefully before making a booking. Age thresholds can differ between rental providers, and it is always worth confirming the specifics with your chosen company directly.

An International Driving Permit is a legal requirement for self-drive rental, and rental agencies will not release a vehicle unless you present both your IDP and your original national driving licence. The type of IDP you hold is crucial: Vietnam only accepts permits issued in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Earlier versions are not recognised.

Even when a foreign visitor holds both a national licence and the appropriate IDP, the strictest interpretation of Vietnamese law does not regard these documents as fully sufficient for independent driving. In practice, the overwhelming majority of rental agencies — including large international operators such as Avis and Hertz — will only supply vehicles to foreign nationals accompanied by a chauffeur, making self-drive rental an uncommon arrangement for short-stay visitors.

Vietnam enforces a national seat belt law, and it is recommended that all occupants buckle up where seat belts are fitted. The law also prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while driving, although a hands-free device is permitted.

The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Vietnam is 0.00% — there is no permissible trace amount whatsoever, and both residents and visitors face penalties for any detectable level of alcohol. This is considerably more stringent than the limits that apply in many other countries. Speed limits are set at 60 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on rural roads and highways.

Always confirm the latest regulations with Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport (mt.gov.vn) or the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam before your journey, as requirements can be updated. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (vietnamtourism.gov.vn) also publishes useful guidance relevant to international visitors.

Which major car rental companies operate in Vietnam, and where can I find them?

At Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, rental desks from providers including Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Hertz are located in the arrivals areas of both the domestic and international terminals. Comparable facilities are available at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Da Nang International Airport.

Among the principal operators active in Vietnam’s car rental market are Avis Budget Group, The Hertz Corporation, Enterprise Holdings, Vinasun Corp., Mai Linh Group, and VN Rent a Car. These companies differ in the extent to which they offer self-drive versus chauffeur-driven arrangements, so it is worth getting in touch with them directly to establish what is available to foreign licence holders.

Key companies and their websites:

• Avis Vietnam — avis.com
• Hertz Vietnam — hertz.com
• Europcar Vietnam — europcar.com
• Budget Vietnam — budget.com
• Sixt Vietnam — sixt.com
• Vinasun (local company) — vinasuntaxi.com
• Mai Linh Group (local company) — mailinh.vn
• VN Rent a Car — vnrentacar.com
• Green World Car Rental (local company) — available in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An

In January 2024, Xanh SM introduced a short-term self-drive rental service under the name Xanh SM Rentals, offering electric vehicle packages that drew more than 15 million customers within just eight months of launch. This development reflects a broader shift towards electric and app-based mobility solutions across Vietnam’s major cities.

Rental agencies are concentrated in large urban centres such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where demand is greatest. For travel through central Vietnam, local and regional operators based in Da Nang, Hue, and Hoi An frequently offer competitive pricing and strong knowledge of the surrounding area. Aggregator platforms such as KAYAK and Localrent make it straightforward to compare rates across multiple providers.

How does car rental pricing work in Vietnam, and what should I watch out for?

Daily rental rates range from VND 500,000 to 10,000,000 (approximately $25–$500 as of 2025), varying according to the vehicle type and level of comfort. As a rough guide, compact cars typically cost between $30 and $70 per day, sedans between $40 and $80, and SUVs between $50 and $100. Premium and luxury models attract considerably higher rates.

For foreign visitors, the most common arrangement is a car with a driver, which generally costs between $50 and $150 per day (as of 2025). Unlike in many other destinations where a chauffeur represents an upmarket extra, in Vietnam hiring with a driver is effectively the default option for those who do not hold a recognised local licence.

The following additional charges commonly arise in Vietnam:

• Fuel costs: Fuel is ordinarily the renter’s responsibility, at around $1 per litre, and is typically settled in cash.
• Airport fees: Collecting or returning a vehicle at an airport will usually incur a separate airport surcharge.
• Toll roads: Vietnam operates a toll road network, and any tolls incurred during the rental period are generally the renter’s responsibility.
• Driver expenses: When hiring with a driver, it is customary to cover small additional costs such as tips or a daily meal allowance for the driver.
• Young driver surcharges: Renters under 25 may face extra daily fees as of 2025 — confirm the applicable charges with your operator before booking.
• One-way fees: Local city trips are typically cheaper than long-distance journeys between different destinations, since the driver must return to the point of origin once the rental concludes.

On signing a rental contract, expect to pay a deposit equivalent to 50–100% of the total rental cost. Unlike markets where a credit card hold covers this requirement, Vietnamese rental agencies generally expect cash payment, and some may request an upfront advance.

Before you sign anything, carry out a careful inspection of the vehicle. Examine the exterior for any scratches or dents, check the interior for damage or missing items, and photograph everything you find. Make sure all existing damage is noted in the rental agreement to prevent disputes when you return the car. This is particularly important in Vietnam, where the condition of vehicles can differ substantially from one operator to another.

The standard fuel arrangement is full-to-full: you receive the car with a full tank and are expected to bring it back the same way. Get this confirmed in writing. If you have a pricing or service dispute, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (vietnamtourism.gov.vn) offers consumer information resources for international visitors.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Vietnam?

Yes — an IDP is both a legal necessity for self-drive rental and a practical requirement when dealing with Vietnamese authorities. However, the specific type of IDP you hold is of critical importance. Vietnam only recognises permits issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which covers travellers from a wide range of countries.

IDPs issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention — the standard used by countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Malaysia — are not accepted in Vietnam and confer no legal right to drive on Vietnamese roads. This is a frequently misunderstood distinction: many visitors arrive believing their IDP will be valid, only to discover it is not recognised under Vietnamese law.

Foreign nationals driving in Vietnam must carry both a valid 1968 Convention IDP and their original home-country driving licence, unless they hold a licence from an ASEAN member state or a locally issued Vietnamese licence.

Drivers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia are permitted to drive legally in Vietnam using their national licence alone, under the ASEAN mutual recognition agreement for domestic driving licences. Even so, holders of ASEAN licences should verify current requirements with their rental company, since individual operators may impose their own documentation conditions.

Your IDP must be obtained in your home country before you travel — it cannot be issued once you are already in Vietnam. Apply through your national automobile association or the designated motoring authority well ahead of your trip. Processing generally takes between 5 and 10 days, so do not leave it to the last moment.

Driving without a fully valid licence under Vietnamese law — whether due to a missing IDP, an absent original licence, or an unrecognised IDP — will typically invalidate all travel and health insurance coverage, regardless of who is at fault in any incident. Check current requirements with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country before you leave, or consult the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam directly.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Vietnam?

Vietnam holds a road quality score of 3.3 on a scale of 1 to 7, placing it 94th out of 137 countries in terms of road infrastructure. The standard of roads varies considerably by region: the main highways linking major cities are generally well maintained, but routes in rural and mountainous areas can be considerably more demanding.

Away from city centres, the road environment changes markedly. A network of national highways connects the principal regions, but many roads in rural zones or leading to popular natural sites are narrow, with rough surfaces, steep gradients, and tight bends — reduce your speed accordingly, and exercise extra caution after rainfall.

Urban areas — especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City — are characterised by extraordinarily dense traffic. Drivers must be ready for relentless flows of motorcycles threading between lanes and cutting across unexpectedly. Streets in historic city quarters tend to be narrow, winding, and perpetually congested. This presents a very different challenge from cities where traffic moves in more predictable patterns.

Sounding the horn in Vietnam is commonly used not as an expression of frustration but simply to alert other road users to your presence — use it briefly and judiciously. On many highways outside built-up areas, headlights or daytime running lights are compulsory even in daylight hours.

The rainy season typically runs from May to October, bringing heavy downpours that can cause flash flooding and treacherous road surfaces. Hanoi also experiences mist and fog during the winter months, which can severely reduce visibility. In the central and northern highlands, certain mountain passes may be subject to seasonal closures or landslides — always check local conditions before setting out on any extended route.

In cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, compact vehicles are the most practical choice, as they are better suited to tight streets and awkward parking situations. For longer journeys on mountain roads, opt for a car with an engine of at least 1.4L — the steep, winding terrain demands adequate power.

For navigation in and around cities, running Google Maps, Waze, or Maps.me in offline mode is more dependable than relying on live data. Download offline maps before you set off — mobile coverage drops off significantly in mountainous regions.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Vietnam?

Third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement in Vietnam — it is an offence to operate a vehicle without it. As a renter, you are entitled to ask your rental provider for proof and copies of this coverage, and confirming it is a standard part of reviewing your rental contract.

You will need insurance in place to rent a car in Vietnam, though you will not necessarily need to purchase cover beyond what the rental company already provides. Standard rental packages normally include basic third-party liability protection. However, the extent of that protection can vary substantially between operators, particularly when comparing large international chains with smaller local agencies.

Optional insurance products commonly made available in Vietnam include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Reduces or removes your financial liability should the vehicle sustain damage in a collision. This is not always bundled into the base rental rate — examine the excess amount carefully before deciding.
• Theft Protection: Covers the cost of the vehicle in the event of theft. Given that vehicle theft risk is elevated in urban settings, this is worth considering.
• Roadside assistance: Some operators also offer supplementary coverage options such as roadside breakdown assistance, additional driver inclusion, or windshield protection.

Travel insurance is an important safeguard for any losses or incidents you may encounter — however, be aware that your policy will be automatically voided if you are driving without the appropriate licence documentation. This reinforces why it is essential to have your IDP and home-country licence fully in order before getting behind the wheel.

Credit card travel insurance sometimes includes rental car excess cover, but this is by no means universal in the Vietnamese context. Policy terms differ significantly between card issuers and countries of origin, and many exclude specific regions or vehicle categories. Contact your card provider directly and obtain written confirmation of what is and is not covered for Vietnam before relying on this type of protection. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (vietnamtourism.gov.vn) can offer further guidance for visitors dealing with insurance-related issues.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Vietnam?

Yes — the regulations that govern your situation depend heavily on the length of your stay. Vietnam draws a clear distinction between short-term visitors and longer-term residents with respect to driving entitlements.

If you are a tourist — defined as someone authorised to stay for fewer than three months — you may drive legally in Vietnam using your home-country licence together with a valid 1968 Convention IDP.

If you are a long-term resident — someone authorised to remain in Vietnam for more than three months — you are required to convert your foreign licence into a Vietnamese one. This is a significant departure from the approach taken in many other countries, where an IDP remains sufficient throughout an extended stay. In Vietnam, once you cross the three-month threshold, the IDP is no longer an adequate substitute for a local licence.

The licence conversion process requires the following documents, as outlined by the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam and confirmed by multiple sources:

1. A completed application form for the exchange of a motor vehicle driving licence
2. A copy of your passport; a copy of your existing national driving licence with a notarised and translated version; three passport-size photographs; a completed application form; a valid Vietnamese visa covering at least three months; and a processing fee (verify the current amount with your local Department of Transport, as figures are subject to change)
3. Evidence of residence in Vietnam (a temporary or permanent resident card)

Foreign nationals wishing to apply for a Vietnamese driving licence should contact the nearest Traffic Police Department or Commune-level Police Department for official guidance. Applications can also be submitted through the local Department of Transport (DoT) in your city of residence. To carry out the conversion, visit the Department of Transport in the province or city where you are living.

The conversion process is administratively involved, and is generally only worthwhile for individuals who intend to remain in Vietnam for an extended period. Expats in the early stages of relocation or on shorter assignments will find that renting with a driver remains the most practical and legally uncomplicated solution. Always check current requirements — including fees and processing timescales — directly with the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam or your local Department of Transport, as these details are periodically revised.

How do I rent a car in Vietnam step by step?

1. Check your IDP eligibility: Establish whether your home country issues IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention. If so, apply through your national automobile association well ahead of travel — allow 5–10 days for processing.
2. Choose your rental type: Decide whether you want a self-drive vehicle (which requires a valid 1968 IDP and an accepted licence) or a car with a driver (the option recommended for most visitors). The majority of international agencies, including Avis and Hertz, will only supply vehicles to foreign visitors together with a chauffeur.
3. Book in advance: Reserve your vehicle ahead of time, particularly during busy travel periods, to secure better rates and ensure availability. Use the rental company’s website or a comparison platform to review pricing across multiple providers.
4. Prepare your documents: Assemble your passport, home-country driving licence, 1968 Convention IDP, and any visa or residency paperwork the agency requires.
5. Inspect the vehicle: Before signing the rental contract, examine the car thoroughly — check the exterior for dents and scratches, the interior for damage or missing items, and photograph everything, recording it in the rental agreement.
6. Confirm insurance: Ask the rental company precisely what insurance is included in your package, what the excess amount is, and whether additional cover can be purchased. Make sure you leave with the full set of documents: the rental contract, insurance policy, vehicle inspection report, and emergency contact details.
7. Understand the fuel policy: The standard arrangement is full-to-full — you collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it the same way. Confirm this in writing before driving away.
8. Pay and collect: Once the rental agreement is signed, you will typically be required to pay a deposit of 50–100% of the total rental cost. Retain all receipts and a copy of the signed contract.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Vietnam

Can I rent a self-drive car in Vietnam as a foreign visitor?

Car rentals in Vietnam can be arranged either as self-drive or with a chauffeur, but foreign travellers generally need to convert their International Driving Permit into a Vietnamese licence to drive independently. In practice, most agencies strongly prefer — or outright require — foreign visitors to rent with a driver. Self-drive is more feasible for those already holding a valid Vietnamese licence or a 1968 Vienna Convention IDP, but the availability of self-drive options remains limited.

What happens if I am involved in an accident while driving a rental car in Vietnam?

Pull over immediately, avoid moving the vehicles if at all possible, and call the rental company on the emergency number listed in your contract. You should also report the incident to the local traffic police, as a police report is usually required to support any insurance claim. Travel insurance is an important safety net in the event of losses or accidents — however, coverage will be automatically invalidated if you were driving without a valid licence. Document everything: photographs, notes, and the contact details of all parties involved.

Is it legal to take a rental car across the border into Cambodia or Laos?

Cross-border travel in a self-drive rental car is generally not permitted. Hiring a car with a driver may enable travel to neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Laos, but this must always be confirmed with the rental agency before departure. More restrictive rules typically apply in relation to Vietnam’s northern border with China. Never assume cross-border travel is allowed — clarify the situation explicitly with your provider, and ensure the driver carries the appropriate cross-border documentation.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Vietnam?

As of 2025, the minimum age to rent a car in Vietnam is 21 years old. Some operators levy additional fees for drivers under 25, so always check the age policy of your chosen provider before completing your booking. Requirements can differ between international chains, local agencies, and specific vehicle categories.

What if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

The most widely used fuel policy in Vietnam is full-to-full — you receive the vehicle with a full tank and are expected to return it in the same state. If you bring the car back with less fuel, the rental company will charge you for the shortfall, frequently at a premium rate above the standard pump price. Always confirm the fuel policy in writing at the point of collection, and keep your final fuel receipt as evidence of the tank level when you return the vehicle.

Do child car seats need to be provided by the rental company?

Vietnam does not have laws mandating the use of child car seats, and many rental agencies are unable to supply them. If you are travelling with young children, it is strongly advisable to bring your own seat or to request one from the rental company well in advance and obtain written confirmation that it will be available. Do not assume a child seat will be on hand at the time of collection.

Are there toll roads in Vietnam, and who pays for them?

Vietnam operates a network of toll roads, and charges incurred during the rental period are almost always the renter’s or driver’s responsibility — they are not included in the daily rental rate. It is sensible to carry small denomination notes for tolls and parking, as change is not always provided. Clarify with your operator who is responsible for toll payments on your specific route before setting off.

How long does it take to convert a foreign driving licence to a Vietnamese one?

Once a complete application is received, the relevant authority is required to issue an appointment slip or online notification within five working days. If the application is missing any documents, the applicant must be informed within two working days so that the necessary supplementary materials can be provided. Processing times and fees differ between cities and offices — always verify the current figures directly with your local Department of Transport (DoT), as these details are periodically updated.