Ho Chi Minh City — Saigon to everyone who lives here — operates at a frequency that takes a few days to match. For foreign travelers, the practical driving question in HCMC is usually about car rentals for day trips rather than scooter riding in the city itself. Mekong Delta day trips, the Cu Chi Tunnels route, the coastal road toward Vung Tau — these are genuine drives worth doing, and the major car rental companies at Tan Son Nhat International Airport require standard IDP documentation alongside your home licence. HCMC traffic police run document checks near the major tourist districts — the Bui Vien Walking Street area on weekends, the District 1 riverside road near Ton Duc Thang Street, and the approach roads to the airport. An IDP from a recognized international provider alongside your home licence is your correct documentation for car rentals in HCMC. Digital IDP via WhatsApp in 2 hours; physical booklet delivered before you fly.
Driving International Association (DIA) is a private independent travel documentation support platform providing International Driving Permit (IDP) assistance and multilingual translation support services. DIA is not affiliated with any government authority, RTO, DMV, or licensing agency. Travelers should verify local regulations independently and always carry a valid domestic driving license.
The Bui Vien Walking Street area in District 1 sees traffic checks on both entry points on Friday and Saturday nights. Even in a car, the slow traffic means officers approach windows. Have your IDP, home licence, and passport photocopy in the glove box. The Tan Son Nhat airport approach road also sees random vehicle checks late at night on the expressway section.