Can I drive in the Philippines with an Australian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. Smartraveller says: “You can use a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) for up to 90 days after you arrive.” (Smartraveller advice for the Philippines, checked on 17 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Smartraveller advice for the Philippines: “Local travel” › “Driving permit”
You can use a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) for up to 90 days after you arrive. After that, you need to get a Philippines licence.
Source: Smartraveller: Philippines, page updated 24 September 2026, “still current at” 18 October 2026 (Australian time), checked on 17 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
Smartraveller says (in its advice for Vietnam):
Fraudulent websites may claim to issue valid IDPs.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.
Source: Smartraveller: Vietnam, checked on 17 October 2026.
Hire a car in the Philippines
Hiring a car in the Philippines? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Compare car hire in the Philippines
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Other licences in the Philippines
| Licence | In Philippines | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | It depends | 28 October 2026 |
| Canadian licence | Recommended | 28 October 2026 |
Before you travel to the Philippines
- British passport: Philippines entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Philippines
- Australian passport: Philippines
- Italian citizens: Filippine
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for the Philippines with an Australian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay. Smartraveller says: “You can use a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) for up to 90 days after you arrive.” (Smartraveller advice for the Philippines, checked on 17 October 2026).
Can I drive in the Philippines with my Australian licence?
Smartraveller says: “You can use a current Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted) for up to 90 days after you arrive.”
Which international driving permit do I need for the Philippines?
The Smartraveller advice for the Philippines does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Australia?
Smartraveller says: “The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and its member clubs are the only authorised distributors of IDPs for Australian licence holders.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of Smartraveller, read on 17 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
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