Traveling Outside US? International License Info.

[SacramentoMike]

This might be important. I've heard about this license or permit and decided to look into it. It's only offered a couple of places, and AAA is one--most any office. While I've read and been told that both Germany and Italy require it, I've also heard that it's not often asked for. But I'll play it safe. I just called and they can do it in about 15 minutes. $15 application fee and two passport-sized piccies, which you can pick up cheap at places like Walgreens or CVS photo dept. Like a lot of things, I suppose, "better to have it and not need it . . . "

By the way, let your bank know you'll be traveling outside the country so they don't freeze your credit cards, too.

 

[DennisJ]

Make sure they include your Motorcycle Endorsement if you have one.

 

[ALDAWG]

In Mexico all you need is $

 

[beemerdons]

This might be important. I've heard about this license or permit and decided to look into it. It's only offered a couple of places, and AAA is one--most any office. While I've read and been told that both Germany and Italy require it, I've also heard that it's not often asked for. But I'll play it safe. I just called and they can do it in about 15 minutes. $15 application fee and two passport-sized piccies, which you can pick up cheap at places like Walgreens or CVS photo dept. Like a lot of things, I suppose, "better to have it and not need it . . . "

By the way, let your bank know you'll be traveling outside the country so they don't freeze your credit cards, too.

Hi Don,

An International Driving License is not required for the Alps tour. New Zealand does require one but you are okay in the Alps.

Thanks,

Tracy

On 07/23/2012 01:39 PM, Don Stanley wrote:

Is an International Driver's License Required for our Alps Extreme Tour? I have not needed it before for the High Alpine, Andalucia and Pyrenees Tour!

Mike D. of our group seems to believe that we need an International Driver's License for our Alps Tour, but I don't think so. Did need it for New Zealand!

 

[Fairlaner]

The Blind leading the blind.........when you get lost DON'T call me......

R

 

[ULEWZ]

Just got back from Italy. Rented a scooter in Rome, no international license, no problem. Got stopped by an undercover officer at the Vatican, did not ask for international license. I am not saying don't get one, it is just that I forgot and had no problems.

Tips, get money only from an ATM using an ATM card. Leave your credit card at home. This has the best return. Take a GSM capable phone and get a $15 Euro sim card good for 30 days in Italy. I used Wind, but TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile) and Vodafone are also good.

If you are going to rent a scooter, LEARN the weird street signs before driving there! If the street all of a sudden turns into wall to wall people, you should have turned!

 

[maddad]

Never had any problems in New Zealand with a regular drivers licenses. Bike Rental location never mentioned a thing nor did the popo.

 

[SacramentoMike]

I think where I went wrong was when I asked the people who sell International Driving Permits if I needed an International Driving Permit. . .

O well, got it now. Can't hurt, can it? (I'm hoping not to find out if the popo care, one way or the other.)

 

[drjfjr]

several years ago at the Swiss border into Italy was asked by the Italians for the international license and was told to always carry it in Italy. Car rentals and such do not require it. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Euro zone countries generally don't need the international license, but much of Asia and the old East Bloc countries do.

btw - For those who typically buy most everything with plastic, including breakfasts, lunches, Starbucks, McDonald's, etc:

Be aware that EVERY individual charge WILL come back with international service charges added and the banks have realized how much they can increase the charges. Don't be surprised to see that simple EU$3 coffee in your VISA statement show up as 2 lines. The first will be the US$ equivalent. The second will be an additional service charge of typically $3-$9, making that one VERY expensive cup of coffee. Especially when you do it every day for a week or two.

The answer is to hit a bank (not hotel) ATM and take out three or four hundred Euros for pocket money, so you take the hit only once. Split it up amongst your bags in case you get pick pocketed.