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.
Driving in Cambodia: License Requirements
Tuk Tuk:
- A self-driven tuk tuk (often legally classed as a light motor vehicle) also requires a valid car license from your home country and a valid 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) with the Category B (car) endorsement.
Car:
- Tourists wishing to drive a car must have a valid car license from their home country and a valid 1949 International Driving Permit (IDP) with the Category B (car) endorsement. Cambodia officially recognizes the 1949 IDP since 2020.
Motorbikes and Scooters:
- This advice is crucial. While local law might not require a license for a ≤125cc scooter, most international travel insurance policies will not cover you if you are involved in an accident and do not hold the appropriate motorcycle license from your home country. Riding without a license in an accident can lead to full personal liability for medical and legal costs.
- For motorbikes >125cc, you absolutely need a valid motorcycle license from your home country AND the 1949 IDP with the Category A (motorcycle) endorsement. If you are a long-term resident, you are expected to obtain a Cambodian motorcycle license (Type A). The key distinction is the IDP: it must be the 1949 version.
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.
Driver’s licence tip: Make sure your IDP and home-country licence are valid and up to date. Police in Cambodia may check, and having the correct documents ensures you are covered by your insurance.
How much does it cost to drive a tuktuk in Cambodia?
Rental prices typically start from around $22–$14 per day for a tuktuk. Fuel is inexpensive: a full 20L LPG tank costs around $0.45 per liter and can drive up to 200 km, Getting an IDP through us costs just $5 when you book your tuktuk, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have one yet. Full vehicle insurance is included in the rental price, so there are no hidden costs.
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 don’t have an IDP yet, don’t worry. You can get an International Driving Permit from many online providers, which usually costs around $25. Alternatively, you can order an IDP directly through us while booking your tuktuk for just $5. Our team will prepare it so you’re ready to drive legally in Cambodia.
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.
While we provide vehicle insurance, we strongly recommend that you check your travel insurance to confirm that you’re covered for driving a tuktuk in Cambodia. Every insurance policy is different, so it’s essential to confirm that the activity is included and whether your policy has specific requirements, such as having an IDP. Make sure you’re fully covered so you can enjoy your adventure worry-free!
Insurance tip: Always check if your travel insurance specifically covers self drive tuktuk adventures in Cambodia. Some policies may have additional requirements like holding an IDP.
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!
