As a citizen of Singapore, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to drive in another country. IDP is another form of your Singapore Driver's License written in 12 languages.

Thus, you can drive safely and comfortably in other countries because you have fulfilled the basic requirements for driving. This document applies to anyone who wants to drive abroad, whether workers, students, or travelers. How to get it is quite simple and will be explained in this article about the ins and outs of IDPs.

Includes where and how to apply for an IDP, the fees required, and the validity of the IDP for its use. You will get tips on driving in other countries with an IDP so you can drive safely even in a foreign country.

IDP is the translation of your Singapore driver's license into 12 different languages representing the languages of many countries. The SIM that you will have is official and recognized by most countries in the world. IDP allows you to drive in these countries even if your driver's license is not in the native language.

IDP is essential to minimize inconvenience to drivers in countries where English is not the primary language spoken. IDP is also essential to facilitate communication when renting a car or other interests. Note that IDP is necessary because it is the only document that has official law approved by the United Nations on Road Traffic.

IDP is necessary for Singaporeans who want to drive in another country but don't use the country's native language. Whether a student, worker, or visiting tourist, this driver's license card is mandatory when driving in another country. Make sure you meet the requirements in making a Singapore driving license card, including age limits and other requirements.

Furthermore, this IDP is used by those who want to get a car rental as an official document. IDP is also used as a precaution when unwanted events occur on the road such as accidents or traffic violations. Thus, the person involved (including the driver) can be verified based on the identity in the IDP.

Singapore has several places you can go to apply for an IDP officially. You can choose some of these places according to the distance where you live so that they are easy to reach, including:

This leading automotive association in Singapore will help you enjoy services regarding automotive as well as related authorities. AAS affiliated with The Federation Internationale de'l l'Automobile (FIA) will provide emergency roadside assistance services at various automotive outlets worldwide.

One of the Singapore government agencies under the Ministry of Trade and Companies is in charge of many things related to the tourism industry. Through this council, you can safely take care of IDPs for the benefit of traveling abroad.

Immigration authorities and checkpoints in a country do have authority over several matters regarding traffic between foreign nationals. This agency also facilitates Singaporeans who wish to apply for an IDP to be able to drive legally in other countries. The immigration authorities can also ensure that Singaporeans have fulfilled their obligations as good and law-abiding citizens.

Applying for an IDP is quite simple because you don't need to make a new driving license card but use the available data. Before going to the place to apply for an IDP, make sure to bring the following documents in full without exception.

1. Your Singapore driving license

The Singapore driving license is required as basic data for filling in data at the IDP. That way, the data will be accurately adjusted to the existing personal data. The Singapore driver's license that must be shown must also be valid and valid at the time of application.

2. A passport-sized photo

A photo with the same size and look as a passport is required to facilitate data matching. This is important because when abroad, checks are often carried out for several places, including when passing through a city.

3. A completed application form

There is an application provided and a form that you must fill in according to the format provided. You need to fill out the form to complete your data and other information needed as a citizen.

4. The application fee

In making an IDP, a fee is required for the services and cards. That way, you will get it and must pay it off.

To get an IDP, besides having to take care of it according to the procedure, you must also pay $20. This price is quite affordable, considering the unlimited use of IDP in many countries for one year.

The IDP is valid for one year from the issue date and can be used for many countries that have recognized it. Pay attention because several countries do not enforce IDPs, such as China, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

But there's no need to worry because many popular countries still require an IDP to drive, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United States, and several European Union Countries such as France, Italy, and Spain.

However, sometimes you don't even need an IDP but can use a valid Singapore Driving Licence. For example, if driving in Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Philippines, and Thailand.

Even though you already have an official driving license in the form of an IDP, you still have to be careful. Here are some tips for driving in other countries with an IDP that you can use as a guide.

1. Make sure you understand the traffic laws of the country you are visiting

Even if you can't know all the existing traffic laws, you should know some basic rules. That way, you can be vigilant if some rules differ from those in Singapore.

2. Drive defensively and obey all traffic signs and signals

Traffic signs in foreign countries may differ slightly from Singapore, for example, in terms of symbols and language. Therefore, you must know the essential general signs and must always obey them.

3. Be aware of different driving conditions in the country you are visiting

Conditions in other countries may be different from your country, so you have to look for information first. Knowing the condition makes you more alert to deal with some things that might happen suddenly.

4. If you are pulled over by the police, be polite and cooperative

Warnings from the police usually come from several reasons and are not always wrong, so don't panic immediately. Be polite, and cooperative, and ask nicely about any violations you may not be aware of. Try to stay calm so you can ask about the best solution to the problem you are experiencing.

5. Take your IDP with you whenever you drive in another country

An IDP must be carried when driving in another country, just like the obligation to carry a passport. This important document will be useful for certain situations or locations, so always have it handy.

6. Check the condition of the vehicle you are using

Only some have private vehicles in foreign countries, so many of them choose to rent vehicles. Always check the condition of the vehicle you are using, including rental vehicles that you may not understand the ins and outs of.

Getting an IDP is quite simple, but its function is significant when driving in another country. Following the tips can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience on your next international trip.

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