License requirements for driving in Turkey?
Apr 13, 2013, 10:26 pm
#1
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License requirements for driving in Turkey?
I am heading to Turkey next week and will be renting a car in for a few days. I have found conflicting information about the requirements for an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Is my Canadian Licence enough to rent a car and drive in Turkey or do I need to buy a (mostly pointless) IDP before I go?
Thanks
Dr. PITUK
Thanks
Dr. PITUK
Apr 13, 2013, 10:34 pm
#2
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Since there is conflicting info, why not just get an IDP and be done with it? Even if official guidelines say you don't need it, the RAC agent may not know or care. I always carry mine with me, just in case.
Apr 13, 2013, 10:38 pm
#3
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Dr. PITUK.
Apr 14, 2013, 4:26 am
#4
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So don't pay the $50. What happens if you get pulled over and the cop doesn't read English and you only have a Canadian license? How are you going to value your time if you have spend a couple of hours in a police station dealing with the issue?
Apr 14, 2013, 7:15 am
#5
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I tried to find information from official web sites (as opposed to unofficial travel guides cobbled together by amateurs). Couldn't find anything official relating to Canadian licences, but the official information for US holders (from travel.state.gov) is as follows:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...traffic_safety
I would expect the rules to be the same for Canadian licence holders - but why don't you check with the consulate/embassy?
A valid U.S. driver’s license is accepted in Turkey for a short-term visit up to 90 days. For stays up to one year, a U.S. driver’s license is valid as long as it is accompanied by a notarized Turkish translation. An International Driving Permit is accepted but must be accompanied by your U.S. driver’s license for stays up to 90 days. For stays of up to 1 year your U.S. driver’s license and a notarized Turkish translation are required.
I would expect the rules to be the same for Canadian licence holders - but why don't you check with the consulate/embassy?
Apr 14, 2013, 7:22 am
#6
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Apr 14, 2013, 1:49 pm
#7
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The IDP is valid for 12 months, so why don't you plan a trip to somewhere else which does require an IDP, then it will be "free" for the Turkey trip
Apr 14, 2013, 2:36 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Following on from the post above about requirements for US licence holders, I can add that the AA in the UK notes that an international driving permit is "recommended" for UK licence holders. In the absence of any definitive information about Canada, if it were I, I'd get the international permit - the cost is small in relation to the cost of the trip overall, it will promote peace of mind, and it could cause an awful lot of time and trouble with officialdom in the event that something goes wrong.
Apr 14, 2013, 3:10 pm
#9
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Hi all,
Thanks for the advice. The US info above is definitely helpful. I've driven in non-English speaking countries without needing one in the past. Heck, in theory I needed one in Florida last year!
I do like the idea of planning a trip somewhere else that I'd need an IDP to help justify the cost
.
Thanks
Dr. PITUK
Thanks for the advice. The US info above is definitely helpful. I've driven in non-English speaking countries without needing one in the past. Heck, in theory I needed one in Florida last year!
I do like the idea of planning a trip somewhere else that I'd need an IDP to help justify the cost
.Thanks
Dr. PITUK
Apr 15, 2013, 7:44 am
#10
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I realize that it is not an expensive country to travel in but if you're balking at spending an extra $25 for an International Driving Permit , then maybe you should reconsider your trip to Turkey.
It's not an official source but Angloinfo has this bit:
It's not an official source but Angloinfo has this bit:
Using a Foreign Driving Licence in Turkey
Foreigners visiting Turkey as tourists for stays up to 90 days may drive in Turkey with their valid driving licence regardless of its country of issue; carrying an International Driving License/Permit (IDL/P) is optional but not obligatory unless the foreign licence does not display an identity photograph.
Foreign residents of Turkey may drive using their valid foreign licence, however, a notorised translation of the licence must be kept with it at all times. A notorised translation can be provided, for a fee, by a Turkish translation firm offering notarisation and certification services, or by the relevant consular office (or embassy) in Turkey which has certified translators available.
It is recommended to also carry an International Driving License/Permit issued by the country that issued the driving licence. This is essential if the licence does not display an identity photo.
Foreigners visiting Turkey as tourists for stays up to 90 days may drive in Turkey with their valid driving licence regardless of its country of issue; carrying an International Driving License/Permit (IDL/P) is optional but not obligatory unless the foreign licence does not display an identity photograph.
Foreign residents of Turkey may drive using their valid foreign licence, however, a notorised translation of the licence must be kept with it at all times. A notorised translation can be provided, for a fee, by a Turkish translation firm offering notarisation and certification services, or by the relevant consular office (or embassy) in Turkey which has certified translators available.
It is recommended to also carry an International Driving License/Permit issued by the country that issued the driving licence. This is essential if the licence does not display an identity photo.
Apr 16, 2013, 5:13 am
#11
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This may be a glaring statement of the obvious - in which case - forgive me.
If you're just staying in and around Istanbul there's really no need for a rental car. The transit is good and what you can't reach on transit (boat or otherwise) taxi is quite affordable.
Traffic and driving in Istanbul puts it on the "challenging" level
If you're heading out of the city - then just ignore this post!
Anyway, have a blast - it's wonderful!
If you're just staying in and around Istanbul there's really no need for a rental car. The transit is good and what you can't reach on transit (boat or otherwise) taxi is quite affordable.
Traffic and driving in Istanbul puts it on the "challenging" level
If you're heading out of the city - then just ignore this post!
Anyway, have a blast - it's wonderful!
May 20, 2013, 3:53 pm
#12
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I am heading to Turkey next week and will be renting a car in for a few days. I have found conflicting information about the requirements for an International Drivers Permit (IDP). Is my Canadian Licence enough to rent a car and drive in Turkey or do I need to buy a (mostly pointless) IDP before I go?
Thanks
Dr. PITUK
Thanks
Dr. PITUK