Can tourists actually drive in Cambodia?
It seems to be one of the worlds’ best kept secrets but Cambodia does actually accept the 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP). It has been accepted in Cambodia since 2020 but you will still find a huge amount of conflicting information online and on all of those helpful tourist forums! Trust us though, the government decree is genuine and IDPs are both issued to local citizens and accepted for use by foreign tourists.
This means if the country of your driving licence is a part of the agreement to the 1949 IDP (which is most major countries) then you can legally drive in Cambodia. Woohoo.
Do I even need a licence to drive in Cambodia?
Well, it depends on the size of the engine of the vehicle you are driving, anything that has a 125cc engine or below doesn’t require a licence in Cambodia. However, anything above does and this is where your IDP comes in handy, especially when you rent a tuktuk with us.
You will need to make sure that you have the correct category stamped in your IDP which contains the vehicle which you plan to drive. For a tuktuk, a Category B (a normal car licence) is fine to drive and rent with us.
How do I get an IDP?
We strongly recommend that you get your IDP at the official issuer in your home country before you set off on your journey.
If you are already travelling or cannot apply for the 1949 IDP in your country, there are many online companies offering IDPs and E-IDPs which we also accept to rent a tuktuk with us. If you go down this route, make sure you shop around as prices can vary and check for reviews to make sure you receive the product you’re expecting! If in doubt, just drop us a message and the team will be able to advise.
What about insurance?
Another great Cambodia question! Generally speaking, motor insurance isn’t legally required in Cambodia. This means that many locals will not have insurance. It’s not quite the wild west but it is definitely different.
Don’t worry though, with tuktukrental.com we provide full insurance in Cambodia on nearly identical terms to the insurance provided in Sri Lanka.
Should I get my IDP and book a self-driving tuktuk adventure in Cambodia?
Yes, yes, 1,000 times yes! This is an amazing country with so much untouched countryside and plenty of small villages and towns who may never have seen a tourist (definitely not one driving a tuktuk!) The pace of life here is relaxed and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings.
From the beaches of Koh Rong, to the crab market in Kep, river dolphins in Kratie, the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh and the temples of Siem Reap; this country has a little bit for everyone. Come and see it before everyone else does!
