International Driving Permit Bangladesh

More than public transport is needed in a country like Bangladesh, which receives approximately 323,000 tourists annually and about 450,000 vehicles on the road. The primary method of transportation is busses and rickshaws, but for those who want to travel in the comfort and safety of their car, an IDP will be needed.

What is the difference between an International Driving Permit (IDP) and an International Driver’s License (IDL)?

An International Driving Permit is a small grey booklet marginally more significant than a passport containing a translation of your original driving license in 10 languages, including English, French, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish. It is recognized by 141 countries worldwide and is valid for one year.

In comparison, an International Driving License is not a legal document and cannot be used to drive in foreign countries or instead of an IDP.

How Does An IDP Work In Bangladesh?

People who travel to Bangladesh might have to communicate with others, including the authorities if they are familiar with Bengali. The IDP will make your driver’s license information readable to whoever you may come across, making it the best tool you have when driving.

United Nations Agreements On Road Traffic

To ensure that an IDP will be effective, the United Nations aims to keep road laws close to one another in different countries. The Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, an international treaty, is the best example. The treaty ensures international road traffic rules are up to standard and ensures that road safety can be increased.

Bangladesh is not one of the countries that have agreed to the convention, which means that the rules of the road can be governed slightly differently in the country.

It is best to check the convention agreement to ensure the country you are traveling to has agreed upon some of these standard road safety rules. However, even countries that are not signatories to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic tend to have the same basic driving laws as other countries.

Benefits Of Carrying An IDP In Bangladesh

Having an IDP will be more fruitful than you think. There are a few great benefits of having an IDP in any country.

Form of Identification

One of the main benefits is the proof of identity benefit. If you prefer to keep your passport safe in your accommodation, your IDP will serve the same purpose as your passport on the streets. It might not be as conclusive as your passport, but when you have an IDP and are requested to show your identification, the IDP should be sufficient.

Car Rental

As mentioned, the public transportation in some 3rd world countries might need to improve. Aside from being crowded or not even working, they can often be dangerous. According to the UK Government, public transport in Bangladesh is certainly not on par and might be very dangerous, making renting a car your best bet. Depending on local requirements, primary rental companies may demand an IDP for you to rent a car. You might even find these car agency requirements in countries that do not require drivers to have an IDP document to drive legally.

Communication With Authorities is Easier

Since English ranks low in spoken languages in Bangladesh, you need some way of communicating with the relevant authorities. An IDP can break the language barrier.

Many people have been detained in countries like Bangladesh due to the language barrier, leading to authorities not being able to read to verify their driving license due to it being in a different language.

Visiting Neighboring Countries Will Be Easier

Few people only travel to Bangladesh, and with India just around the corner, you should head over to this Middle Eastern hub and visit the country’s iconic landmarks. If your passport is in order, going to India from Bangladesh should be fine. You can use your IDP to drive in both India and Bangladesh.

Driving Requirements For Non-Citizens In Bangladesh

Much like any other country in the world, Bangladesh also has a few essential things to keep in mind when it comes to driving in the country.

Age Required

In Bangladesh, you must be over 18 to drive a vehicle on public roads. However, the age needed to rent a car can vary for each dealership, and you might come across dealerships requiring you to be 21.

Why IDP Is Important

You will need a valid International Drivers Permit to drive in Bangladesh; this is essential. You don’t want to be caught on a foreign country’s roads without an IDP driving a personal vehicle; the punishment could be severe and often be the country’s prerogative.

Insurance

If you rent a vehicle, you should have insurance to protect you and the dealership where you rent the car. Third-party liability seems mandatory in Bangladesh, and should you run into an accident, you will quickly find that many of the local drivers do not have insurance.

Understanding The Basic Rules Of The Road

One of the most common problems is people needing to understand and use the road rules to the best effect. You must know how your turning signals work and ensure that you use them as quickly as possible. Illegal parking is also one of the biggest problems in the capital city of Dhaka.

When Should I Get A Bangladesh Driver’s License?

One of the basic rules is that if you are permanently moving to a country, you must obtain a local driver’s license. However, your IDP will be valid in Bangladesh for one year after arrival.

Renewing Your IDP or Original Driver’s License while In Bangladesh

Renewing Your International Driving Permit

Since there are no laws barring you from renewing your IDP in Bangladesh, you will eventually need to do this when visiting the country for more than one year. The process is often simple, and you can easily do this online through our website. You will need your valid national driving license and all the correct information, and the process could take less than 20 minutes.

Renewing Your Original Driver’s License

Since you cannot apply for an IDP without an original driver’s license, you must ensure your original driving license is up to date. The best way to do this would be to visit the online site of your local government. It can vary significantly from country to country, and some countries might require eye tests or even retake a test.

Car Rental In Bangladesh

Requirements For Car Rental

Car rental in Bangladesh has been said to be hit or miss for many individuals. To rent a car in Bangladesh, you need to have an IDP and a valid local driver’s license from your country. The age for car rental varies from dealership to dealership, and you need to be over 21 to rent a vehicle.

Deposit And Costs

Car rentals in Bangladesh are less secure and articulate than those in Europe, the US, or the UK. The prices vary significantly from one dealership to the next. Additionally, the driver’s responsibilities will also vary depending on the dealership. However, you must pay a rental deposit that could vary depending on your chosen model. The 2002-2010 models could be around 3,500 BDT per day.

Since the laws are only sometimes applied in countries like Bangladesh, you can negotiate for better deals depending on where you are.

Car Insurance

Car insurance is mandatory in the country of Bangladesh. Without it, certain fines and possibly even jail time can result from not having insurance. According to the 2021 revised laws, the penalties can be as high as 50,000 BDT or around six months in jail.

Travel Insurance

Crime is high in certain parts of the country, making travel insurance especially necessary. Travel insurance will ensure that you are protected from things like theft and any medical expenses that could potentially arise. We recommend looking for a plan that offers unlimited medical costs and a stay in the hospital. Additionally, rental car excess in an accident is helpful to cover certain damages not covered by your insurance.

Driving And Safety In Bangladesh

Bangladesh Road Rule Handbook

The rules for driving in Bangladesh can easily be found online. However, driving schools should give you the best advice, including understanding how locals drive.

Turning And Overtaking In Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, you will be driving on the left-hand side of the road and overtaking on the right. The first person to arrive at an intersection will have the right of way.

Speed Limits In Bangladesh

The speed limits in Bangladesh are relatively low, but with the high traffic congestion, you might never get to the speed limit. In towns, the speed limit can be as low as 25km/h and around 30km/h in rural areas. However, the speed limit outside of town and on freeways is 80km/h.

Drinking And Driving

Alcohol is prohibited in Bangladesh, and while you can get a permit to consume alcohol, it is completely banned. Any beverage with an alcohol content level of 0.5% is considered an alcoholic beverage in the country.

Top 3 Destinations To Visit In Bangladesh

Dhaka

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and home to more than 17 million people in Bangladesh. The Buriganga River, various churches, and temples make it an iconic area for Muslim culture. There are numerous bazaars for one to visit, and you have a wide array of street foods that you can buy at an affordable price.

Srimangal

Srimangal is the tea-growing capital of Bangladesh. The area is famous for the rains that will help the tea grow, and there are various plantations in the area’s highlands. Hiking is a popular endeavor for many people visiting, but you must take some time to see a tea plant and have some fresh tea.

Rangamati

Rangamati is one of the particular areas set among the Chittagong tracts. The area has a serene feeling and is known for the blue and green waters surrounding it. Numerous colorful boats welcome tourists for an excursion on the open waters. You will also find excellent hiking trails and wildlife that you can enjoy.

FAQ

Do I have to have an IDP to drive in Bangladesh?

Yes, you are required to have an IDP if you plan to drive during your visit to Bangladesh.

How old do I need to be to drive in Bangladesh?

The local legal driving age is 18, and even if you can get your driver’s license at 16, like in the US, you will be required to wait until you are at the legal driving age of 18.

Is Bangladesh a safe country to drive in?

Unfortunately, many vehicles in Bangladesh are not road-worthy, and officials only sometimes check this. Corruption is also rife in certain parts, so traffic incidents are high. Fortunately, these incidents are rarely fatal.