Driving in Philippines
International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians.
No — your Australian licence is enough in Philippines.
Your Australian licence is accepted for up to 90 days. An IDP isn't required but is useful as a translated backup.
Drives on the rightOpposite to Australia
Minimum age 21For most hire companies
$35 – $65Typical daily hire
No IDP neededAustralian licence accepted
What Australian drivers need to know
- Manila traffic is among the worst in the world — allow three times the time a map suggests.
- Grab is widely available in cities and much easier than driving.
- Jeepneys and tricycles are cheap and cash-only.
- Motorcycle hire is common in Siargao and Palawan; helmets are compulsory and insurance rarely covers it without a motorcycle licence.
Insurance warning. Australian travel insurance policies exclude claims from driving or riding without a valid licence for that vehicle in that country. A car licence does not cover a scooter — hiring one in Philippines without a motorcycle class on your Australian licence means an accident is entirely uninsured.
More Philippines essentials
Entry requirements
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Connectivity
Instant data, no physical SIM required.
Travel insurance
Medical, cancellation and luggage cover from Australian insurers.
Money & payments
Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers.
Airport transfer
Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared.
Travel essentials
Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.
Things to do
Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.
Trip checklist
Tick off every essential before you fly.
Watching Philippines?
We'll email you when entry rules or prices change for Australians travelling to Philippines.