khunwilko

I think this quote is needed to sort out the IDP/IDL thing - read the last sentence if nothing else......


"What Is an International Driving Permit?
The International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that grants someone the privilege of driving a motor vehicle legally while abroad. It does not replace your government-issued driver’s license.

Essentially, an IDP serves as a basic translation of your driver's license. It is translated in 10 languages and features your:

Photo.
Full name.
Relevant driver information.
The following requirements and restrictions apply:

You must carry both your IDP and your driver’s license when driving abroad.
You must obtain your IDP in the same country that issued your driver’s license.
You can never use your IDP to drive in the country in which it was issued.
It is valid for up to 1 year (provided your driver’s license is valid for the full year).
International Driver’s License vs. International Driving Permit


You may hear the term “international driver’s license” or “IDL” used; however, this is an incorrect reference to the international driving permit."

http://www.dmv.org/international-dri...riving-Permit-

khunwilko

you CAN drive in Thailand on some foreign licences....


"To drive or lease a car in Thailand as a tourist or visitor it is necessary to have either a Thai driving licence or a valid foreign driving licence with a photograph.

The foreign licence must either be in English, or be accompanied by an official translation into English or Thai. The licence needs to have been issued by a country that has a treaty with the Thai government allowing the mutual acceptance of driving licences. Most countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA have this agreement with Thailand under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic
"

You will also find that after 3 months a foreign licence may invalidate your insurance.

khunwilko

for Lao the situation is a little different...

Foreign drivers who hold international driving licences can drive in Laos without permission from police and relevant sectors.

The government has signed bilateral agreements with Thailand, Vietnam, China and Cambodia that allowed drivers from those countries to drive freely in Laos as long as their licences are officially translated into English.

As Laos is a signatory to the United Nations' Road Traffic Convention, Lao drivers who obtain international licences will be able to drive overseas in other countries that have signed the convention.

Some police will wave you through if showing a national (non-Lao) driving license, however this is fully up to the discretion of the police force. By Lao law it’s not possible to use the national (non-Lao) driving license.
Most important for Expats to know is that some Lao insurance provider to not cover claims should the driver (Expat) use a national (non-Lao) driving license.


You'll need your international driver's license or a Lao license which costs 90,000 kip without taking a test if you have a valid driver’s license from your home country.

however I'm still left wondering whether or not Lao has signed the 1949 or 1968 road conventions on traffic - this would mean your own national licence should be accepted.