I will be driving in Eastern Europe and am told I will definitely need a IDP there. I live in the Caribbean where there is no agency such as AAA that issues IDPs. AAA will only issue on presentation of a domestic (US) license; same with CAA, RAC, etc. Where can I obtain a IDP?

Wow. What a unique question. <BR> <BR>The closest thing to helpful advice that I can offer is to re-post this, mentioning your nationality - - Be very explicit - - "How/where can a xxxxxxx-ian national obtain an International Drivers License for driving in Eastern Europe?" <BR> <BR>I think that a number of visitors to this site have little or no interest in the subject of an International Driver's License (most think they are largely worthless), so this is decreasing the number of people who would pay any attention to this header. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Rex-- that was a bit harsh besides being totally misleading. Sorry, I usually find you most informative, but I have to call this one as I see it. <BR> <BR>Cleve might be an American resident in the British Virgin Islands (hundreds of American med students, environmental scientists, etc....) or he may be a resident of Puerto Rico (American citizens since the Jones Act of 1915?), so you may have made some assumptions that are somewhat outrageous. <BR> <BR>I have used IDP's in Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, and Spain. In all of those countries, but Germany and the Czech Rep, we had to used it. We have never been told that it's mandatory, but we have been strongly advised to carry one. I am glad we had one when we were stopped going the wrong way in Paris, routine check in a remote road in Southern Spain, and in the Dolomites during another spot check. We handed over the IDP and no questions were asked. I don't believe they are mandatory, but for $10 and a 2 x 2 picture they are worth it, in my opinion. <BR> <BR>Log into the AAA site and /or the rental car company and ask.

Harsh? I'm sorry, Maira. I certainly had no intention of insulting Cleve. I saw his post sinking fast, well off the "front page", and I figured that he needed to be advised to do something to catch the eye of someone who might know. Cleve DID imply that he holds no valid domestic driver's license, so I did make the assumption that he is not a U.S. citizen. <BR> <BR>Anyhow, Cleve, I apologize if I offended you in anyway. Between my post, Maira's reply and this follow-up, your message here will have had three new shots "at the top". <BR> <BR>Re-post with the new more specific header, and I hope someone will help you with specific personal experience to help you. <BR>

Wow, some of you people really do hate Rex, don't you? I have reread his post three times trying to find even the slightest thing that could possibly be construed as "harsh" and I simply can't find it. Sorry, I don't have an answer for Cleve either, and I have no further help than what Rex offered, so I guess my answer will be considered even worse than harsh. <BR>Cleve, I do agree with Rex. I almost didn't look at this thread because I assumed it was another one simply about whether or not to get an IDP. You have a unique problem, and I would second Rex's suggestion as to how to post so that it might receive more attention and a more positive solution.

Patrick--- WOW, hate Rex? Talk about exageration! You are way blowing things out of proportion, Patrick. You are referring to one person that has actually defended Rex (who BTW, does not need defending...) in more than one occasion. What I perceived as harsh was the slight use of sarcasm at the beggining of the post to drive the point of redundancy on the topic. I still think that may be a bit unnecessary when responding to what appears to be, a new poster. <BR> <BR>Cleve, let us know how you are doing on your search. If I find anything new, I'll post it.

Okay, now I see it. I had no clue what was harsh. This is that age old problem of our inability to convey verbal tone in plain vanilla text. <BR> <BR>Let me rephrase: <BR> <BR>Wow! How cool! What a really unique and fascinating question! <BR> <BR>That was what I meant. <BR> <BR>And Patrick, I know that Maira doesn't hate me - - she was one of my earliest "fans" - - nearly fawning over me with appreciation - - back when I was an "unknown". <BR> <BR>So - - now - - where is Cleve? <BR>

Cleve, <BR>You pose a challenge! First question that comes to mind: Do you have a valid license issued by your present country of residence? If so, have you checked with that licensing agency to determine if it issues international licenses? Have you checked with a major tourist agency in your city or town to determine if it can secure a license for you or advise you how to attain one?

OK, Maira, I guess I see what you were talking about, but I really think you were wrong. I felt that Rex really did mean it was a unique question, as it certainly was. Now if the question were "can someone recommend a hotel in Paris?" and Rex said "Wow, what a unique question," then I could certainly see how it would be taken as sarcasm.

Wow. What an interesting micro-dissection of one sentence. <BR> <BR>This IS sarcasm. <BR>

Well, I am obviously on the losing side of this one, so I'll keep my sensitivities to myself from now on <BR> <BR>Sincerely, Rex you are the best. Patrick, is all good, Wes, excellent suggestion, Cleve, best of luck.

I think you can order them over the internet. Search for international drivers license or permit on the web. I thought about getting one a while back and since I don't live in the US either, that's what I came up with. Sorry, I don't still have the URL. The company I found was in Houston, TX. Did you search this site? I may have posted the URL here.

Here's the URL: http://www.fastidl.com/ <BR>