Driving in the U.S.

[skier]

1. Can Hong Kong driver's license be used to rent cars in the U.S. or Canada?

2. If so, since there is no photo on the driving license, does one need to show them the HKID?

[jackwan]

I think you will need international drivers license and it requires a photo.

[Mike]

1. Can Hong Kong driver's license be used to rent cars in the U.S. or Canada?

2. If so, since there is no photo on the driving license, does one need to show them the HKID?

Answer to your questions (my own experience in LA two years ago):

1/. Yes, HK Driving Licence good for both countries.

2/. HKID not necessary (if asked for by the rental company, any form of identity will do).

International Driving Licence not required at all. :)

[skier]

I think you will need international drivers license and it requires a photo.

Here is something that might surprise you.

Years ago, my California Driver's License expired, and I got the International driver's license trying to rent a car in Hawaii.

To my surprise, Hertz said that they do not recognizise International license but will recognize my HK driver's license. But I did not bring my HK license :(

[Mike]

In most countires, International Diving Permit is issued by companies, such as Automobile Association, not by the Government. Whereas your HK/UK/USA driving licence is issued by the statutory authority.

So, I am surprised that rental car companies took so long to figure this out. :rolleyes:

[fish]

The international driving permit should be presented together with your HK driving license. I did explicitly ask the Hertz staff in SFO airport and he told me the international driving permit requirement was different from the states. Hk license + HKID/HKSAR passport were ok in my case. :)

[Mike]

Check the following site:

http://www.johncletheroe.org/usa_can/carhire/licence.htm

[necrosaro]

just take both in case of pull-over

[styrako]

From my own experience, HK driver's license + credit card + any photo ID are all that you need to rent a car in the States. Been doing that every year. Not sure about canada. As for being pulled over by a cop, it actually happened to me once and I showed him my HK driver's license. He looked at it for a few minutes and said "try not to speed next time" and let me go. I think he didn't how to give me a ticket.

[Mike]

I have rented cars in Canada, USA (California), Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, UK, France, Switzerland. Never ever been asked to produce an International Licence by rental car companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrisfty). They are happy with HK driving licnence.

I think the main purpose of an International Licence is to provide a translation in case the language used on your driving licence is in a language other English. Eg. Highly unlikely that the American will understand and recognise a driving licence in Punjabi. This is only my opinion, I might be wrong.